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Arsenal pair William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli have been ruled out of today’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Brighton.

Defender Saliba was forced off at half-time of Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League win over Crystal Palace, while forward Martinelli limped down the tunnel after coming on as a second-half substitute.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, who confirmed Riccardo Calafiori, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka will be available to face the Seagulls, is unsure how long the duo will remain sidelined.

Asked about Saliba, Arteta replied: ‘He’s out. We are assessing him but he won’t be involved in this match.’

Speaking of Martinelli, the Spaniard said: ‘It looks as well he’s going to be out.

‘We have to do some more tests and see the extent of the injury but this game is going to be too early for him.’

The loss of Martinelli adds to Arsenal’s attacking issues, with Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus already unavailable due to injuries.

‘In the front line, that’s where we have more difficulties with Noni out, with Kai out, with Gabi Jesus out, with Gabi Martinelli out as well,’ Arteta, who plans to rotate his squad, said. ‘That’s the area where we have to be more careful, more conscious, because we don’t have that many options.

‘We are going to try to manage the load as good as possible, to make sure that the players are fresh, they can compete really well, and the team can maintain the level that it is showing.’

Victory over London rivals Palace left Arsenal four points clear at the top of the Premier League, with seven wins, a draw and one defeat from nine fixtures.

Arteta is embracing the optimism around the club.

‘That’s what we want,’ he said. ‘When our people are excited and you see that the team is competing at the level consistently, they are the right reasons to believe.

‘If you want to win big trophies, you certainly have to install that feeling amongst the team, the club, and around it.

‘We are in a really good position at the moment but we know how early it is and how difficult every game is.’

English League Cup Fixtures

Arsenal vs. Brighton

Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace

Swansea versus Man City

Wolves vs. Chelsea

Newcastle United vs. Tottenham

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned night club operators and fun seekers that organising, hosting and attending drug parties is illegal under Nigerian law.

The agency’s warning comes on the heels of a raid carried out by its operatives at a drug party, which held last Saturday night into the early hours of Sunday at Proxy Night Club on 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Over 100 attendees were arrested along with the owner of the facility, Mike Eze Nwalie Nwogu alias Pretty Mike and his manager Joachin Millary.

Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, said: ‘Any gathering organised for the purpose of consuming, distributing, or abusing illicit substances is an act of criminality. These ‘drug parties’ contravene the explicit provisions of the NDLEA Act and will be treated as serious narcotic offences. In the case of the drug party at Proxy night club, organisers went above board and had the audacity to produce and circulate flyers inviting fun seekers to come together to commit crime, an act that not only constitutes an incitement to commit crime but equally an affront to the law enforcement capabilities of the country if condoned.

‘Nigeria is currently grappling with a very high prevalence rate of drug abuse, particularly among our youths. These illicit drug parties do not only fuel the drug scourge but equally serve as hubs for new recruitment into drug addiction and actively undermine our current national efforts to safeguard public health and security.

‘In the recent case, the NDLEA was meticulous and professional throughout the processes leading to the raid and during the operation. Following intelligence on the party, our undercover agents conducted surveillance on the facility, made pre-purchases of illicit drugs from within the club and for four hours between 11pm on Saturday and 3am on Sunday during the party, our operatives observed and recorded drug transactions and abuse going on before we eventually disrupted the brazen public display of illegality and made arrests.

‘All attendees initially arrested were later profiled, addressed, counselled and released within hours in custody, in line with best global practices while the two principal suspects: Pretty Mike and his manager, Joachin Millary remain in custody following the seizure of 384.882 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis and other substances from the club’s store.

‘While the agency will intensify surveillance and apply the full force of the law against perpetrators, owners of properties, hotels, and event centres found to be knowingly hosting such illegal activities risk the confiscation and forfeiture of their assets to the Federal Government. Those held in custody in the ongoing case will face prosecution while we will file for forfeiture of the property, Proxy Night Club, in which the drugs were found.’

It urged all patriotic Nigerians, parents, religious and community leaders, as well as concerned citizens to be vigilant, report such activities, and partner with the NDLEA in combating this threat to national well-being.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal (AVM)Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has said air power pressure would be on terrorists such that they won’t have the time to plan attacks.

Aneke said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) under his watch would keep the insurgents running without time to think or plan, assuring that he would lead a versatile, disciplined, and lethal service.

‘I use the word lethal in a professional sense because a man running from you will not have the time to plan to hurt you,’ he said.

A statement Wednesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the CAS gave the assurances during his confirmation before the National Assembly.

Ejodame said the Air Chief stressed that his leadership would be anchored on training, technology, safety, and strategic innovation, emphasising that ‘true military power is not measured by brute force but by superior intellect and adaptability.’

‘The new CAS vowed to build an Air Force that responds swiftly, strikes precisely, and acts intelligently across all spectrums of military operations, a force defined not only by strength, but by precision, professionalism, and purpose,’ said the DOPRI.

Aneke’s confirmation followed his nomination by President Bola Tinubu in accordance with Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.With this confirmation, he legally succeeds Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, joining other Service Chiefs as a member of the Armed Forces Council.

Lawmakers at the confirmation session praised AVM Aneke’s depth of experience, operational leadership, and intellectual grounding.

They particularly commended his tenure as Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, where he improved strategic airlift capability, strengthened joint operations, and enhanced the

NAF’s responsiveness in complex security environments. His leadership in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations was also lauded for its critical role in shaping Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts and internal security outcomes.

Beyond the individual merit of his appointment, AVM Aneke’s confirmation carries constitutional and strategic significance. Constitutionally, it reinforces the principle of civilian oversight in military leadership and underscores the National Assembly’s role in ensuring transparency and democratic accountability within the Armed Forces. Strategically, it marks continuity and confidence in a leadership transition aimed at consolidating NAF’s modernisation drive, expanding airpower projection, and deepening civil-military trust.

A scholar and strategist, AVM Aneke is a graduate of the United States Air War College, Montgomery, Alabama, and holds multiple advanced degrees, including Master’s degrees in Strategic Studies, International Affairs and Diplomacy, and Political Economy and Development Studies. With more than 4,300 flight hours across several aircraft types, he stands among Nigeria’s most accomplished pilots and forward-looking airpower professionals.

The confirmation session was witnessed by key dignitaries, including the Honourable Minister of Defence, Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado. As he assumes office, AVM Aneke’s message to Nigerians is clear: the Nigerian Air Force under his command will be swift in action, precise in strike, and intelligent in execution, a force built not merely for power, but for purpose, protection, and progress.

Reigning champions Rivers Hoopers launched their 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League Final Eight Playoffs campaign with a commanding 73-50 victory over Hoops and Read, thanks to an explosive first-quarter performance which helped the KingsMen lead from start to finish.

The defending champions started hot, opening up a 12-0 lead inside the first four minutes, thanks to four consecutive shots from deep courtesy of Mustapha Oyebanji and Isaiah Williams. That twelve-point lead grew to eighteen at the end of the first quarter as the score stood at 29-11.

Speaking after the game, Rivers Hoopers Head Coach Ogoh Odaudu said his team’s strong start was crucial in determining the outcome of the game.

‘We started off really strong, and I think that determined the direction that the game was going to go. Even though the guys took their foot off the pedal at some point in the game and almost let the opponents come back. It’s something I’m going to have to address going forward.’

Hoops and Read tried to find a way back into the game but could only reduce the deficit by two points at halftime, as the hosts took a 41-25 lead into the break.

Both teams seemed to have gone cold following the break, as they could only manage ten points apiece in a combative third quarter, before the KingsMen wrapped up the win with an improved fourth-quarter showing.

Despite the twenty-three-point demolition of their opponents, for coach Odaudu, picking up a vital win to start the playoffs was what really mattered.

‘For us, it doesn’t matter the number of points we win by; just a win is good for us. We’ll take a one-point lead; we’ll take a half-point lead; a win is a win. ‘We’re happy with how it ended,’ he emphasised.

Overall, it was an all-round team performance from the defending champions, as ten out of the eleven KingsMen who made the matchday roster scored points, with thirty-five (35) points coming from the bench.

Captain Victor Anthony Koko alongside Oyebanji led the KingsMen with eleven (11) points apiece, while the energetic Victor Sunday dropped ten (10) points along with five rebounds and five steals. Isaiah Williams scored nine (9) points on his Rivers Hoopers debut, as Peter Olisemeka recorded a game-high twelve (12) rebounds.

Kelvin Amayo, who was named the Most Valuable Player at the 2024 NBPL Finals, scored nine (9) points on his return to basketball in Nigeria and relished the support of the Port Harcourt crowd, which cheered on the team to victory.

‘To be honest, playing in PH (Port Harcourt) is always the best to me. The fans always do a great job; they love watching us play. I’m just happy to be here and be able to showcase what we’ve been working [on] throughout the season and off-season, to come here and give them a show,’ he revealed.

Rivers Hoopers will next be in action this evening , 28th October, as they take on Kano Pillars in a matchday two encounter.

DAY 2 -28TH OCTOBER:

11:00am: Kwara Falcons vs. Lagos Legends

1:00pm: Nigeria Customs vs. Gboko City Chiefs

3:00pm: Nile University vs. Hoops and Read

5:00pm: Kano Pillars vs. Rivers Hoopers

All games will be played at the Basketball Stadium, #59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt, and Rivers State.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday asked the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to direct the Bank of Agriculture, the Bank of Industry (BoI) and other relevant financial institutions to provide easy access to short-term loans in favour of cassava farmers in the country.

The House also asked the government to immediately reconstitute the defunct Presidential Committee on the Cassava Initiative Programme, known as ‘Composite Cassava Flour of 2002’ to improve the welfare of cassava peasant farmers in the country.

In a resolution following a motion sponsored by Canice Moore Chukwuugozie Nwachhukwu, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to embark on massive value chain training of peasant farmers on cassava production, processing and packaging.

Moving the motion, Nwachhukwu said cassava production in Nigeria is developing as an organised agricultural crop with locally established processing techniques for food products and livestock feeds.

He informed cassava is produced in almost all the 36 States of the Federation, including the FCT, while the peels have a high level of Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN), particularly in bitter cassava varieties, which are common in Nigeria and used as an energy supplement in cattle, which can partly replace 30% of total Dry Matter Intake (DMI) energy concentrates, with no influence on the intake, digestibility, microbial efficiency and nitrogen retention and act as an antidote to many cattle diseases.

He stated that there are four planting seasons across the country’s six geopolitical zones and is therefore available all year round.

According to him, this will give the farmers access to a better market share with good selling prices, which will ultimately increase their income while contributing their quota in feeding the nation and increase Gross Domestic Product (GDP), adding that diversification of the Nigerian economy could be achieved by using cassava as an alternative to crude oil to earn substantial amounts of foreign exchange through massive cultivation both for local consumption and export.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the appointment of Mazi Dr. Ezenwa Onyirimba as leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda in Enugu State, with a strategic focus on the 2027 general elections.

According to Dr. Onyirimba, the appointment was ratified through the office of the party’s National Youth Leader, Hon. Dr. Dayo Israel.

The new assignment mandates Onyirimba to mobilise grassroots support for the APC and advance the national development agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Party sources described Onyirimba as a seasoned mobiliser with a strong record of political strategy and youth engagement.

Before his latest appointment, Onyirimba served as Director-General of the APC Youth and Student Council and was a key member of the Stakeholders Relations Directorate under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu in the Presidential Campaign Council.

In his new capacity, Onyirimba is expected to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda deep into the grassroots of Enugu State and consolidate the party’s presence across local communities.

The party expressed confidence that his experience in political organisation and stakeholder engagement would help galvanise support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid both in Enugu State and across the country.

Africa is home to some of the world’s most seasoned political leaders, individuals who have not only stood the test of time but have also helped shape the destiny of their nations over decades.

1. Paul Biya (Cameroon) – 92 Years Old*: Born on February 13, 1933, Paul Biya has been the President of Cameroon since November 6, 1982, making him the world’s oldest serving president and the longest-ruling non-royal national leader.

2. Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové (Togo) – 86 Years Old*: Born on May 7, 1939, Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové became President of Togo on May 3, 2025, making him the oldest person ever to assume the presidency in Togo.

3. Alassane Ouattara (Ivory Coast) – 83 Years Old*: Born on January 1, 1942, Alassane Ouattara has been President of Ivory Coast since 2010, navigating his country through periods of political instability and economic recovery.

4. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (Equatorial Guinea) – 83 Years Old*: Born on June 5, 1942, Teodoro Obiang has been President of Equatorial Guinea since 1979, making him Africa’s longest-serving president.

5. Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe) – 82 Years Old*: Born on September 15, 1942, Emmerson Mnangagwa has been President of Zimbabwe since 2017, facing challenges such as economic mismanagement and human rights concerns.

6. Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) – 81 Years Old*: Born on September 15, 1944, Yoweri Museveni has been President of Uganda since 1986, leading his country through progress and political challenges.

7. Denis Sassou Nguesso (Republic of Congo) – 81 Years Old*: Born on November 23, 1943, Denis Sassou Nguesso has been President of the Republic of Congo since 1979, with a brief interruption, focusing on maintaining national stability.

8. Abdelmadjid Tebboune (Algeria) – 79 Years Old*: Born on November 17, 1945, Abdelmadjid Tebboune has been President of Algeria since 2019, facing pressure to implement democratic reforms and diversify the economy.

9. Ismail Omar Guelleh (Djibouti) – 77 Years Old: Born on November 27, 1946, Ismail Omar Guelleh has been President of Djibouti since 1999, making him one of the longest-serving leaders on the continent.

10. Bola Tinubu (Nigeria) – 73 Years Old*: Born on March 29, 1952, Bola Tinubu became Nigeria’s 16th president in 2023, known for his strategic coalition-building and significant force in Nigerian politics.

These leaders set an outstanding remarks in leading their countries going forward and also, gaining supports round the world for a sustainable Nation.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed instruments of clemency and pardon, completing the formal process of exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy to grant relief to selected individuals convicted of various offences.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the move follows consultations with the Council of State and wide public opinion on the subject.

However, the President ordered a comprehensive review of the earlier approved list, invoking his discretionary powers under Section 175 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The review led to the deletion of persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession or dealing in firearms.

Others, previously listed for full pardon, had their sentences reduced or commuted.

‘The decision was guided by the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to respect the rights and feelings of victims, boost the morale of law enforcement agencies, and uphold Nigeria’s bilateral obligations,’ the statement said.

It added that the principle of justice as a ‘three-way traffic’ – balancing the rights of the accused, the victim, and society – also informed the President’s careful approach.

The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with the duly signed instruments of release.

In a structural reform accompanying the exercise, President Tinubu ordered the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.

He further directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for future exercises, mandating compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies to ensure that only deserving persons benefit.

Tinubu appreciated public engagement on the matter and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to comprehensive judicial reforms and improved administration of justice in Nigeria.

Genesis Energy said it is finalizing plans to issue a N500 billion local bond to expand clean energy projects across the country, building on the success of its N13 billion bond issued in 2019.

Chairman, Genesis Energy Group, Akinwole Omoboriowo II, who disclosed this while speaking with reporters on the sidelines of the Nigeria Energy Conference in Lagos, also commended the Federal Government for enacting the Electricity Act 2023. He described it as a game-changer that has fixed long-standing regulatory bottlenecks and opened the sector to broader participation.

‘Every kobo of that ?500 billion will go into power infrastructure – gas, solar, hydro, and hybrid projects in different states. In Port Harcourt, we’re scaling an 84 Mw gas plant in partnership with NNPC to 200MW, while Katsina will get 100MW of solar capacity,’ he said.

He noted that the Electricity Act 2023 has created an enabling environment for aggregation and economies of scale, making energy investment more viable and affordable.

‘Fixing the regulatory framework is key. When you aggregate power, you achieve economies of scale that lower investment costs and lead to competitive energy prices,’ he said.

He highlighted three major impacts of the Act to include the empowerment of subnational, private sector participation in transmission, and market-driven tariffs and forex stability

Omoboriowo II noted that the law allowed state governments to generate, distribute, and manage power within their territories.

‘Nigeria’s 36 states can now take charge of lighting up their communities. Katsina, for example, powers its hospital and school complex with solar, saving over ?3 billion. That’s real impact,’ Omoboriowo explained.

He said the Act democratises investment opportunities across the value chain-generation, distribution, and now transmission-making it possible for both small and large investors to participate.

He praised the government’s courage in introducing market-reflective tariffs and unifying foreign exchange platforms, which he said are crucial for investor confidence. ‘Before now, it was impossible to recover investments in the power sector. These reforms have restored credibility,’ he added.

Omoboriowo 11 dismissed concerns about defects in the new Electricity Act, saying it represents a significant improvement over the 2005 reform law. He, however, noted that the law will evolve with time.

On why he remained passionate about the energy sector, he said: ‘Energy is life, and life is energy; without energy, there can be no life. My mission is to give life to energy.’

Popular comedienne Anita Asuoha popularly known as Warri Pikin has warned individuals constantly inquiring about her delivery due date.

Warri Pikin shared a lighthearted video clip of herself on Instagram, playfully slapping her daughter after the young one asked about her mother’s expected delivery date.

In the post, Warri Pikin cautioned those persistently asking her about her pregnancy timeline, stating, ‘When people can’t stop asking you, ‘When are you giving birth?’ This na general warning to all of una. Wey dey always ask me. Real warri pikin ‘When you dey born nau’? You go collect wetin nor good’.

This warning comes amid growing excitement over her upcoming arrival, following her Father’s Day announcement of expecting her third child with her husband.

The comedienne recently revealed the baby’s gender, a girl, through a private gender reveal video shared on her Instagram page.