Spyro urges Nigerians to fight against foreign interference

Singer Spyro has issued a fervent call to action, urging Nigerians, including celebrities and influencers, to stand up against foreign interference, external threats and demand accountability from the government.

In a statement on Instagram, Spyro warned that foreign countries are not coming to save Nigeria but to destroy.

He emphasised that now is not the time for silence, and that individuals with platforms have a responsibility to speak out against these threats.

The ‘Who’s Your Guy’ hit maker urged celebrities and influencers to use their platforms to demand action from the government to prevent the country from descending into chaos.

The singer also cautioned against the idea that external forces have Nigeria’s best interests at heart, warning that ‘the Devil always disguises as an angel of light.’

He stressed that the ultimate goal of these external forces is to ‘steal, kill, and destroy,’ and that Nigerians must be vigilant and proactive in defending their country.

He hammered the importance of using one’s platform to make a positive impact, noting that ‘without the people, no platform/influence’ exists.

As such, he urged individuals to use their platforms to demand action from the government and to protect the country from harm.

He wrote: ‘This is a very critical moment in this country and it’s not a time for anyone with platform to keep quiet. There is no need to be forming now.

‘WAR in a country threatens everyone. Guess what superstar, every surviving person will be too busy looking for what to eat and no one will have time to listen to music, watch movies/ contents,go to Church/ Mosque, talkless do business.

‘So Mr and Mrs Celeb, Pastor, lmam, Business owner, Content Creator, now is the time to use your platform to demand accountability from the government, WHAT ARE THEY DOING ABOUT THE CURRENT SITUATION ???

‘No one is coming to save US, they are only coming to KILL, STEAL AND DESTROY.

‘Remember war takes the people and without the people, no platform/ influence, so use the PLATFORM now while it counts’.

He added: ‘I know it looks like a savior is coming but the Devil always disguises as an angel of light. His actual aim is to STEAL, KILL and DESTROY o. What better time to use our platforms than now to demand that the government do the necessary to avoid this danger looming.’

PowerChina/I²-ESS, Katar Communications partner to boost renewable energy in Nigeria

PowerChina/I²-ESS and Katar Communications have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in the deployment of renewable energy solutions across Northern Nigeria, with a special focus on Kano State.

The agreement was formalised between the Global Director of PowerChina/I²-ESS, Sammi Zhou, and the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Katar Communications, Ambassador Mohammed Salisu Ibrahim, during the recently concluded Nigeria Energy Exhibition and Conference in Lagos.

The partnership aims to accelerate access to clean and reliable electricity in underserved communities, leveraging PowerChina’s engineering expertise and Katar Communications’ extensive market presence in Northern Nigeria.

According to Zhou, the collaboration represents a strategic milestone in PowerChina I²-ESS’ efforts to deepen its footprint in Nigeria while promoting sustainable development through credible local partnerships.

Zhou said, ‘Working with trusted firms like Katar Communications allows us to achieve our mandate, especially in Kano State and other parts of Northern Nigeria.’

She emphasised that PowerChina I²-ESS’ approach extends beyond product delivery to include after-sales support, technology transfer, and local engineer training, ensuring long-term sustainability and skill development.

‘We have been present in Nigeria for more than 10 years and have established after-sales centres that double as training hubs for local engineers. This ensures ongoing technology transfer and guarantees that our partners continue to receive quality assurance at all levels,’ Zhou added.

She emphasised that her firm’s long-term strategy is to empower local industries, train Nigerian engineers and expand renewable infrastructure across Africa, starting with Northern Nigeria as a focal point for scalable deployment.

‘Our goal is not just to build projects but to build people and local capacity. Kano and the wider northern region are key to this vision,’ she said.

On his part, Ambassador Ibrahim, explained that Katar Communications’ decision to partner with PowerChina was influenced by the latter’s global certification standards and long-standing reputation for quality.

‘We are into renewable energy and we chose this pathway because of the quality and certification of PowerChina’s products. As a Rural Electrification Agency (REA)-certified company, any product we deploy must meet globally certified standards and PowerChina fits perfectly into that requirement,’ he explained.

He noted that the collaboration between both firms is not new, as they have jointly implemented various renewable energy projects, including a 250kW installation and ongoing mini-grid developments for rural communities in Northern Nigeria.

Ambassador Ibrahim further hinted that his firm’s strong customer base in Kano State provides a solid platform for the partnership’s expansion efforts.

‘We have a huge market covering the entire Kano State and its population. Our flexible payment system allows customers to spread payments over time, making renewable energy solutions more affordable,’ he said.

He was emphatic that after-sales service and customer satisfaction are central to the company’s operations, supported by a team of experienced local engineers trained under PowerChina I²-ESS’ supervision.

‘We’ve built a solid reputation since 2007 in telecommunications and we’re sustaining that integrity in the renewable energy space. With PowerChina I²-ESS as our OEM and EPC partner, we are confident of delivering durable, certified and high-performance systems,’ Ibrahim affirmed.

Both companies reiterated their shared commitment to promoting quality, sustainability, and capacity building in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.

The PowerChina-Katar Communications partnership is expected to play a vital role in advancing Nigeria’s clean energy transition and bridging the electricity access gap across the northern corridor through reliable, affordable and locally supported solar solutions.

Imo Assembly lauds Uzodimma for establishing new university

The Imo House of Assembly has commended the Governor, Hope Uzodimma, for the establishment of Imo University of Science, Innovation and Technology, Omuma

The House said this following a motion by the Chief Whip, Mr Chigozie Nwaneri (APC-Oru East), during a plenary session on Thursday in Owerri.

Nwaneri, while presenting the motion, described university as the best legacy by any government to secure the future of its teeming children as well as the ‘fulcrum of children’s foundation in life.’

He commended the ‘selfless determination and singular efforts of Uzodimma to reposition the education sector with not only the provision of basic education infrastructure and other facilities but establishment new tertiary institutions.’

He said that the university that had been approved by the National Universities Commission (UNC) was the new route for development worldwide.

He added that the institution would push the state to the pinnacle of science, innovation, and technology and provide opportunities for research, training, and development globally.

He urged the House to name Uzodimma as the most education friendly governor in Nigeria for securing the necessary approval and recognition by the NUC.

Mr Uba Esile, (APC-Onuimo), described education as the bedrock for development and commended Uzodimma for his efforts to improve the education sector.

The Majority Leader, Mr Kanayo Onyemaechi (Owerri West) and Mr Chisom Ojikwu, (APC-Nkwere) said the recently established university would help the state greatly.

He also called for an award to be presented to the governor to encourage other state governors.

The Deputy Speaker, Mr Amarachi Iwuanyanwu (Nwangele), who presided, directed the Clerk to convey the resolution of the House to the Office of the Governor.

Youths protest poor roads, infrastructure in Ondo Governor’s office

Aggrieved youths from the Irekari Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State have stormed the Governor’s office in Akure to protest the deplorable condition of roads and lack of social amenities in their communities.

The protesters, who came in their numbers, lamented the absence of hospitals, electricity, and other basic infrastructure in the four towns that make up the LCDA – Afo, Imeri, Idogun, and Idoani.

Armed with placards bearing inscriptions such as ‘Mr Governor, We Are Suffering,’ ‘Irekari is Part of Ondo State,’; ‘No Road, No Bank, No Light,’ and ‘No Hospital, No Court, No Road,’ the youths decried years of neglect and marginalisation of the community by the state government.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr. Adewumi Adekola expressed concerns over the worsening condition of roads linking the communities, noting that many residents have died due to the delay in accessing medical facilities in Owo.

He cited a recent incident involving a reverend father who reportedly died while being transported to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, through a road that should ordinarily take less than 30 minutes but now takes about two hours.

Adekola, who read a protest letter signed by himself, Ade Akingbade, and Femi Agbaje condemned the exclusion of Irekari LCDA from the emergency road intervention projects recently approved by the state government.

He also lamented the Magistrate and Customary Courts in the area were relocated due to the bad state of the roads, making it difficult for residents to access legal services.

The protest letter partly read: ‘Our communities – Idoani, Afo, Imeri, and Idogun – have been cut off from the rest of the state for years. We are deprived of basic infrastructure such as good roads, electricity, and access to justice.

‘The deplorable condition of the Ipele-Idoani, Ifira-Isua, and Oba-Ikun-Afo-Idoani roads has made life unbearable for our people. This situation has also heightened security challenges in our area.

‘We appeal to Mr. Governor to urgently rehabilitate the Afo-Idoani road, overhaul Idoani General Hospital, and restore the relocated courts. We also demand improved power supply, renovation of Irekari Comprehensive Grammar School, and strengthened security architecture.’

Addressing the protesters, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Smart Omodunbi Jr., assured them that their grievances would be addressed promptly.

He said: ‘I want to assure you that your letter will be delivered to the governor, who is already aware of your presence here. He has directed that relevant officials visit your communities and take immediate action.

‘I commend you for your peaceful conduct. The governor is passionate about youth-related issues and will ensure your demands receive prompt attention.’

University of Uyo Don emerges president of University French teachers in Nigeria

A University of Uyo Don in the Department of Foreign Languages, Prof. Richard Ajah, has been elected President of the University French Teachers’ Association of Nigeria (UFTAN).

His election took place during the 26th Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association held in Awka, Anambra State.

At the conference, UFTAN expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for re-enlisting the Nigeria French Language Village (NFLV), Badagry, among its beneficiary institutions.

The association also commended the French Embassy in Nigeria for its ongoing support through the French Embassy Fund (FEF) Project and the proposed establishment of French Resource Centres in several departments and units of French across tertiary institutions in the country.

However, the French teachers decried the listing of French Language as an optional subject in primary and secondary schools under the Federal Ministry of Education’s National Education Sector Reform Initiatives (NESRI).

They urged the Federal Government to review the policy, noting that Nigeria’s geographical location and the importance of French in West Africa and the global community make the language a vital tool for national development.

The conference, held at Chariot Guest House, Awka, had the theme ‘French Language and Employability.’ The keynote address was delivered by Professor (Mrs.) Eugenia Mbanefo of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the University of Uyo management, Mr. Henry Feyi of the French Embassy in Nigeria, the Director of the Nigeria French Language Village (NFLV), Professor Oladipo Samuel Kolawole, and other distinguished guests.

Other elected executive members of UFTAN include: Vice President, Professor Busari Lasisi; Secretary, Dr. Gracious Ojiebun; Public Relations Officer, Dr. Terry Osawaru; Financial Secretary, Dr. Esther Michael; Treasurer, Dr. Shola Oguntola; Editor, Professor Ngozi Iloh; and Ex-Officio, Professor Mufutau Tijani (Immediate Past President).

Iheanacho’s Celtic hammered 3-1 by Midtjylland

Celtic’s resurgence under Martin O’Neill suffered a heavy setback in Jutland as they were hammered 3-1 by FC Midtjylland.

The Hoops’ hopes of extending their Europa League campaign into the knockout stages took a major hit as the Danish side struck three times in a frantic eight-minute spell in the first half.

Teenage substitute Callum Osmand won a late penalty, which Reo Hatate converted, but the 19-year-old was soon carried off on a stretcher in tears with what appeared to be a hamstring injury, capping a night to forget for the Scottish champions.

O’Neill, 73, had already witnessed Midtjylland’s threat firsthand last month when they defeated Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest, before stepping back into the Celtic hot seat following Brendan Rodgers’ shock resignation.

They had travelled to the Danish city of Herning with a sense of optimism too.

Back in the Hoops dug-out after 20 years, O’Neill had already led them to a morale-boosting 4-0 league win over Falkirk followed by Sunday’s rousing victory over Old Firm rivals Rangers to reach the Premier Sports Cup final.

But good vibes and a retro tracksuit can only take you so far and Celtic were ruthlessly taken apart at the MCH Arena as Midtjylland made it four wins out of four to stay top of the 36-team league.

Celtic actually had the first shot on goal after just 25 seconds, with Johnny Kenny firing straight at home keeper Elias Rafn Olafsson.

It was the Hoops only effort on target for the next 80 minutes. They were quickly under the pump, first when Callum McGregor was robbed in midfield and Dario Osorio fired narrowly over.

Auston Trusty then had to make a last-ditch block from Osorio, with Franculino Dju blasting the rebound over.

Former Rangers right-back Kevin Mbabu was denied twice by Kasper Schmeichel and Mads Bech Sorensen, the ex-Brentford defender, guided Osorio’s free-kick over the crossbar.

The hosts came even closer when former Bournemouth midfielder Philip Billing dummied a low cross for Cho Gue-sung, who forced a point-blank save from Schmeichel, with Anthony Ralston taking the rebound right in the face.

Schmeichel, back on home soil a day after his 39th birthday, was at full stretch to tip a 20-yard volley from Pedro Bravo wide.

But he could only hold back the tide for so long and the dam finally burst following the resulting corner.

Celtic cleared the initial cross, but Mikel Gogorza reached the byline again and his chip across goal was nodded in by Croatian defender Martin Erlic.

Less than two minutes later Midtjylland doubled their lead when Arne Engels and Ralston let Gogorza squirm in between them and whip a low drive past Schmeichel.

It was three by half-time from a Sorensen long throw, exciting Guinea-Bissau forward Dju collecting the second ball and curling his 18th goal of the season inside the far post.

Schmeichel protested that he had been unsighted by offside Midtjylland players but a quick VAR check concluded otherwise.

O’Neill threw on Osmand at half-time and the 19-year-old earned his side a penalty when he was brought down by Erlic.

But Hatate’s spot-kick could not mask what was a chastening evening for Celtic, while Osmand’s late injury dampened the mood even further.

TikToker Peller gifts mother brand-new car

TikToker Peller has gifted his mother a brand-new Hyundai Santa Fe, worth millions.

Peller posted the news on Instagram to share the joyous moment, congratulating his mother and expressing his happiness.

Peller wrote: ‘This is one of my biggest dream, and it has happen today congratulations Iya Habeeb. She used to carry me, now I’m the one carrying her – blessed’.

The post has garnered a flood of congratulatory messages from fans and fellow influencers, all praising Peller’s thoughtful gesture.

Regina Daniels’ parents reunite to secure brother’s release

Actress Regina Daniels has expressed gratitude to her parents for unwavering support and efforts to secure her brother Sammy West’s release after his alleged arrest.

In an Instagram post, Regina commended them for putting aside their differences and working together for the sake of their children’s happiness and well-being.

She revealed that her parents are in Abuja actively working to secure Sammy’s release.

Regina expressed frustration at the prolonged detention, stating that it was taking too long but was confident that they would get her brother out.

The mother of two, also took the opportunity to praise her parents’ dedication to their children, describing her father as a seasoned lawyer who would have achieved more if not for challenges.

She also referred to her mother as a ‘powerhouse’ who would do anything for her children.

‘Two concluded sworn enemies reuniting with no negative ulterior motive other than their daughter’s happiness. And I dare question God for putting me in this situation? They are currently in Abuja. Sammy’s detainment is taking. Way too long, but we will get him out, or rather, I will march there myself and create a storm! Since they want me!

‘My father is a lawyer. Actually, one of the biggest back in the day, but Nigeria happened. I’ll tell you more about my father later, and my mother? She’s a powerhouse ! . They would do anything for their children. I love you, Mom and Dad! This is all I actually ever wanted,’ she wrote.

Court rules on Sule Lamido’s prayer seeking to stop PDP convention

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, fixed Nov. 11 for ruling on an application filed by former Gov. Sule Lamido of Jigawa, seeking to restrain the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its National Convention.

Justice Peter Lifu fixed the date for ruling after the defence lawyers adopted their affidavits to show cause why the interim order should not be granted and the plaintiff’s counsel adopted his counter affidavit and argued his case.

Lamido, in the motion ex-parte moved by his lawyer, Jeph Njikonye, SAN, on Oct. 31, had prayed the court to make the interim order, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed alongside.

The ex-governor said if the PDP was not restrained by the court, the party would be violating its constitution, and by implication denying him the opportunity to contest for the position of the national chairman of the party of which he is eminently qualified to contest.

Justice Lifu, in a ruling, had declined to grant the motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025.

The judge, rather ordered the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that are 1st and 2nd defendants in the suit to come and show cause why the ex-governor’s reliefs should not be granted.

Justice Lifu, who gave the defendants within 72 hours from the date they were served to respond, adjourned the matter until Nov. 6 for hearing.

At the resumed hearing, Njikonye, who appeared for Lamido, recalled that on Oct. 31, the court ordered PDP and INEC to show cause why their application should not be granted.

Omokayode Dada, SAN, who represented PDP and Adamu Bello, who appeared for INEC told the judge that their separate affidavits to show cause had been filed and served to parties.

Joseph Daudu, SAN, however, announced appearance for parties seeking to be joined in the suit.

The parties seeking to be joined are Hon Austine Nwachukwu, Imo PDP Chairman; Hon Amah Abraham Nnanna, Abia PDP Chairman and Hon Turnah George, who was said to be PDP Secretary, South-South Geo-Political Zone.

Daudu said their application was dated and filed on Nov. 5.

He said the parties seeking to be joined were the plaintiffs in the judgment that was delivered by Justice James Omotosho on Oct. 31, restraining INEC from monitoring or recognising the scheduled Nov. 15 and Nov. 16 of the PDP’s national convention.

He told the court that the certified true copy of the judgment was attached with their motion as exhibit.

The senior lawyer said they sought an order joining the applicants as necessary parties and a consequential order of amendment to all the processes filed in the suit.

Justice Lifu granted the prayers after the parties did not oppose the request.

Adopting their processes, PDP lawyer, Dada, said the affidavit to show cause was filed on Nov. 4.

He said contrary to Lamido’s submission, he was not denied the purchase of the nomination form.

In the affidavit, the PDP said the days fixed by the National working Committee (NWC) for the purchase of nomination form for all the aspirants for national elective positions in the forthcoming convention had since expired before Oct. 27 when Lamido arrived at the party’s National Headquarters.

It said the party’s leadership had earlier approved the timetable and schedule of activity for the year 2025 elective national convention.

It said the timetable and schedule of activity was between Sept. 3 and Sept. 30.

It said the party and its members are bound by it constitution, guidelines, notices and it decisions.

The PDP said it had not violated any of the provisions of the its constitution and guidelines or violates any aspirant’s Right.

Dada, in his argument, said the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case which, he said, fell within the internal affairs of the party.

He urged the court to dismiss the application.

INEC’s lawyer, Bello, in the same vein, prayed the court to refuse Lamido’s prayers.

He said the commission, in response to the order of the court, filed a 13-paragraph affidavit to show cause on Nov. 4.

‘I adopt the application for the court to refuse the application in the interest of justice,’ the lawyer said.

Bello said the reliefs sought against the commission in the motion ex-parte were in substance the same as prayers in Lamido’s originating summons pending before the court.

He argued that granting the interim or interlocutory injunction sought would amount to prejudging the substantive issues in the suit.

Besides, he said the plaintiffs application is in substance an invitation to the court to delve into issues of internal/domestic affairs of PDP, a political party.

INEC, in the affidavit, said that a court of record should not dabble into a political question which remains the exclusive preserve of political parties which should be allowed to do their things.

Responding, Lamido’s lawyer disagrees with the submission of PDP and INEC.

He said in response to their averments, separate counter affidavits were filed.

Njikonye urged the court to take judicial notice of Exhibit D, in the application for joinder filed by Daudu which is the judgment delivered by Justice Omotosho.

The lawyer, who prayed the court to refuse PDP application, also urged the court to discountenance INEC’s argument.

‘The question is who is the 2nd defendant (INEC)? My lord, the 2nd defendant is INEC.

‘INEC, a national body, who is supposed to be unbiased,’ he said.

According to him, INEC cannot cry more than the bereaved.

‘The 2nd defendant should be independent and said whatever your lordship decides will be implemented.

‘Is should be an umpire in conduct,’ he said, adding that INEC cannot take itself to be a political party.

Njikonye made reference to a Supreme Court decision regarding how INEC should conduct itself.

‘It is therefore within the purview of your lordship to make the right or appropriate order in this regard,’ he said.

Also speaking, Daudu said the essence of the order is purely preservative.

He said this would help the court to have something to decide on.

Justice Lifu consequently adjourned the matter until Nov. 11 for ruling and further proceedings.

15% of road crashes in Lagos in 2024 due to distractions – FRSC

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos Sector Command says over 15 per cent of Road Traffic Crashes (RTC) recorded in Lagos State in 2024 were due to distractions.

The State Sector Commander, Kehinde Hamzat, disclosed this at the 2025 Ember Months Public Enlightenment and Sensitisation Campaign held on Thursday in Lagos.

The sensitisation campaign in collaboration with Guinness Nigeria Ltd., had the theme, ‘Take Responsibility for your Safety – Stop Distracted Driving’.

Hamzat listed some of the distractions prevalent in the year despite existing laws and continuous censorship to include mobile phone use while driving and gaming.

‘Today’s events, therefore, is a call to action, a call to every driver, commuter, pedestrian, police operators, and enforcement agencies to take personal responsibility for safety.

‘Road safety is not the sole duty of the federal system, or law enforcement entity, it is a shared responsibility,’ he said.

He pointed out that what FRSC was actually looking for was hinged on the five pillars of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety, even when a crash happens, it would result in zero fatality.

‘Some of the pillars, government have a role to play, drivers, and even pedestrians.

‘Road safety management is one of the pillars, in this situation legislation should be in place and one that will establish a traffic agency.

‘Second is safer roads plus mobility, this ensures the kind of road built takes care of the motorist, pedestrian, as Lagos State is trying to do so in some of their roads.

‘The third is safer vehicles, and the fourth is the safer road users, which has to do with how knowledgeable one was as a road user, a driver, pedestrian,’ he said.

Hamzat said putting all these precautions in place, there was the need to put a post crash care to ensure that people are close to medical facilities, so that when there was a crash, the golden hour must be reflected.

The Zonal Commanding Officer, FRSC comprising Lagos and Ogun States, Assistant Corps Marshal Ann Oladayo, said FRSC always embarked on Ember months campaign to bring safety consciousness to the public.

Oladayo, represented by Corps Commander Anthony Daudu, noted that during this period, people tend to rush, trying to conclude activities, landmark projects that they had embarked on.

He added that in trying to put all these complex things together and in haste, most times confusion arose and this leads to accidents.

‘In this period, FRSC is ensuring that the public knows what they are doing, the issue of patience, doing things right and taking things easy is of essence.

‘Doing things on the bottomline of drunkenness is dangerous and not acceptable, take things easy, life has no duplicate,’ she said.

Earlier, Mr Rotimi Odusola, Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc., noted that the organisation had consistently advocated that their consumers and the general public take responsibility for their safety by not drinking while driving.

According to Odusola, combining alcohol with driving is a form of distraction, it is indeed a criminal offence.

‘Any form of distraction is a recipe for disaster, so we encourage everyone to avoid such while driving, if you choose to drink, do not drive,’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sensitisation campaign had in attendance Special Marshals, National Union of Road Traffic Workers, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, National Emergency Management Agency, Lagos office.

Also in attendance are chiefs from Ojodu land and Isheri Kingdom, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Nigerian Police, Truck and Cargo Operators.