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The Senate yesterday approved the nomination of Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa for a second four-year term as the Managing Director/CEO of the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC).

The Senate’s resolution followed its consideration and adoption of the report of the Committee on Power which screened the nominee.

Committee Chairman Enyinnaya Abaribe said the committee found the nominee suitable for reappointment during his screening.

In their contributions, the senators supported the reappointment of Yelwa by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

They voted overwhelmingly to approve the nomination of Yelwa for a second term in office when Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the matter to a voice vote.

Afrobeats singer Tiwa Savage has opened up on feeling unhappy about her African heritage while growing up in London to embracing it with pride due to the global impact of Afrobeats.

Speaking at the Unstoppable Africans event, she attributed the genre’s success to its ability to showcase the continent’s positive image.

According to Savage, Afrobeats is the fastest-growing genre in the world, achieving remarkable success despite lacking support and infrastructure.

‘Afrobeats is the fastest growing genre in the world. We kind of created it with nothing; no support, no infrastructure, no real belief even from our own people initially.

‘I remember growing up in London and I was not happy being African. But now I’m so proud because of how big Afrobeats is growing,’ she said.

She dismissed claims that Afrobeats is declining, pointing to its increasing presence on charts and sold-out stadium performances.

Savage emphasised the genre’s unstoppable momentum, noting that one in every four black persons is either Nigerian or African, which underscores its potential for continued growth.

‘There was a conversation at one point that Afrobeats is going to have its 15 minutes of fame and then fades away. But we are still here. We are not slowing down. In fact, we are filling out stadiums, and we are getting the biggest songs on the charts right now.

‘I don’t know how true this is, but apparently one in every four black persons is a Nigerian or an African.

‘So, we are not going anywhere. As much as they are trying to quiet us down, the music is not going anywhere. We are Africans and we are unstoppable,’ she remarked.

Paris St Germain posted record revenue in the 2024-2025 season of 837 million euros ($976.11 million), the Champions League winners announced in their financial results.

PSG, third in the Deloitte Football Money League in January, beat their previous revenue high of 806 million euros.

The Ligue 1 club generated 367 million euros of commercial revenues and 175 million euros from matchday income, with the Parc des Princes sold out for 170 consecutive matches.

The 2024-2025 season was one for the history books as PSG won their first Champions League title plus the Ligue 1 crown, French Cup and Trophee des Champions before losing in the Club World Cup final.

‘This performance shows the maturity of the project since the arrival of its main shareholder QSI, and confirms the solidity of the club’s economic model, now among the most successful in the world’, PSG said in a statement.

Qatar Sports Investments took over the club in 2011.

Revenue from the Club World Cup up to the quarter-finals was included in this season’s financial report, while the latter stages will be reflected in next year’s results.

Despite record revenue, PSG registered an annual loss although the club did not disclose the deficit. Last season, PSG reported a loss of approximately 60 million euros.

Stakeholders in the education sector have urged teachers in the country to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) for future-ready education system.

They made the call during the Train the Trainer-Teacher’s summit 2025 at the weekend in Abuja.

Speaking at the summit, gender advocate, Hansatu Adegbite, underscored the need for teachers to integrate technology into their teaching practices to maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

She noted that the future of education depended on how effectively educators adapt to technological advancements and leverage them to enhance learning outcomes.

The keynote speaker noted that AI tools can help teachers personalise instruction, automate administrative tasks, and foster creativity among students, thereby creating a more engaging and efficient learning environment.

Adegbite, who is also the Executive Director, Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), urged teachers to view AI not as a threat but as an enabler that can empower them to deliver better results.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Deconstruct the old, define the new’, the gender advocate challenged educators to rethink traditional teaching methods and embrace innovative strategies that align with the realities of the digital age.

She highlighted the critical role of AI and technology in the future of education and the need for teachers to learn and adapt to these changes.

She noted that deconstructing old models of education does not mean discarding foundational values but rather reimagining how those values can be expressed through modern tools and approaches.

The Convener, Train the Trainer Teachers Summit, Dr Onyekachi Onwudike-Jumbo noted the collective responsibility of teachers, parents, and schools in educating children.

She emphasised the importance of a standardised education system that provides equal opportunities for all students.

Onwudike-Jumbo encouraged participants to take action and collaborate to improve the educational system.

Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba underscored the need for educators to leave a lasting impact and celebrates the ongoing efforts to improve education.

Represented by the Director, Social Mobilisation, UBEC, Dr. Ossom Ossom, the executive secretary highlighted ongoing reforms introduced by the commission, including sharing best practices, and empowering teachers to improve learning outcomes.

She announced plans to train 875,000 teachers and introduce digital pedagogy in learning environments.

‘This initiative aims to equip teachers with the necessary skills to enhance classroom learning and ensure they can add value to the educational process,’ the executive secretary added.

AHMED: Good day, my name is Ahmed. I retired from NIWA in 2007, my complains are I haven’t received any of the arrears paid to some of the pensioners ranging from the 24 per cent and the N32,000 arrears. I was told my name fell on the second batch since August 2024. Kindly help me out

PTAD: Dear Mr. Ahmed, please send your verification slip to our email [email protected] to enable us to investigate and respond further. Thank you.

ANONYMOUS: I have no other option than to continue to complain of deduction of my pension allowance sum of #9000, since September last year. Please use your office to rescue me from this situation l have written several times for correction to no avail why?

PTAD: Dear PTAD pensioner, please send your verification slip to our email [email protected] to enable us to investigate and respond further. However, note that PTAD obtained a directive for the re-implementation of the CPA based on grade level in line with the clarification from the NSIWC before implementing the new 20 per cent and 28per cent increment as applicable. The CPA which was as a result of the minimum wage approval in April 2019 was implemented in May 2021 based on pay-band application with subsequent payment of 24 months arrears covering from April 2019 to April 2021. It is, therefore, instructive to mention that arrears reconciliation arising from the re-implementation of the CPA based on grade level is set aside pending further directive.

The clarification from the NSIWC which revised the implementation of the CPA to Grade level was taken into cogni NAICOM, FRSC, NHIA Partner on Road Safety, NIIRA 2025 sance and accordingly implemented on the payroll before the application of the new pension increment of 20-28per cent as applicable which will take effect from September 2024.

Further to the above, the Executive Secretary gave directive to pay the 20per cent / 28per cent pension increment arrears to only the pensioners whose monthly pension have been correctly computed and implemented as per the August payroll. In line with the directive of the Executive Secretary, the Department reviewed the August 2024 pension payroll to ascertain that only pensioners who are on their correctly computed monthly pension are paid the 20 – 28per cent pension increment arrears and thereafter identified and excluded the following categories of pensioners:

Pensioners on the payroll with inherited monthly pension and whose monthly pension entitlement is yet to be computed to date;

Pensioners on the payroll with inherited monthly pension but whose monthly pension entitlement have been computed but not yet implemented;

Pensioners on the payroll with monthly pension figure that appears to be higher than the maximum monthly pension for their Grade Level.

Thank you.

The Service Chiefs-designate yesterday met with Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru and National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu ahead of their screening today by the Senate.

Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede led Chief of Army Staff Maj.- Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Idi Abbas and Chief of Air Staff Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke on the visits.

There was no statement from the NSA’s after the visit, but spokesman of the Defence Minister Mati Ali in statement said the visit underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to building cohesive defence leadership anchored on trust, collaboration and shared purpose.

On Monday, 72 hours after they were named, the Service Chiefs met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced yesterday in plenary after reading the correspondence for the President, that the Service Chiefs will be screened for confirmation today.

President Tinubu’s letter urged the Senate to give ‘expeditious consideration’ to his request for clearance of the new security chiefs.

The Senate President referred the letter to the Committee of the Whole, which he chairs.

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.

Here’s the new full list of those granted clemency by President Tinubu:

Pardons:

1. Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia

2. Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar

3. Ayinla Saadu Alanamu

4. Hon. Farouk M. Lawan

5. Herbert Macaulay

6. Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa

7. Ken Saro Wiwa

8. Saturday Dobee

9. Nordu Eawo

10. Daniel Gbooko

11. Paul Levera

12. Felix Nuale

13. Baribor Bera

14. Barinem Kiobel

15. John Kpuine

List of individuals whose death sentences have been commuted to life imprisonment:

1. Emmanuel Baba

2. Abubakar Usman

3. Khalifa Umar

4. Mohammed Umar

The list of those granted clemency:

1. Oroka Michael Chibueze

2. Adesanya Olufemi Paul

3. Daniel Bodunwa

4. Hamza Abubakar

5. Buhari Sani

6. Mohammed Musa

7. Muharazu Abubakar

8. Ibrahim Yusuf

9. Saad Ahmed Madaki

10. Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa

11. Richard Ayuba

12. Adam Abubakar

13. Emmanuel Yusuf

14. Chinedu Stanley

15. Johnny Ntheru Udor

Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has said the state government would continue to encourage the Edo Queens Football Club for greater successes.

Idahosa spoke in Benin City when he received the team in Benin City after their impressive third-place finish at the maiden Governor Douye Diri Women’s Preseason Football Tournament in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The Edo Deputy Governor, who received the team’s third-place trophy, praised the players for their determination and exceptional performance throughout the week long football fiesta.

He said: ‘We are here as a government to always encourage you, and we appreciate this cup you have presented to me on behalf of my principal.

‘The Edo Queens FC have made us proud again. On behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo, I congratulate you all. You are great ambassadors of our state,’ he added.

The Deputy Governor also lauded Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Desmond Amadin Enabulele and Head Coach, Moses Aduku, for guiding both Edo Queens and Bendel Insurance FC to prominence.

He expressed optimism that the Bendel Insurance would achieve greater achievements in the current season.

In his remarks, Enabulele said the Bayelsa pre-season tournament served as a valuable testing ground to assess and strengthen the squad ahead of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) season.

‘Team Edo did very well. We were the only side that did not concede a goal throughout the tournament,’ he noted.

Coca-Cola Nigeria has reignited its Share-A-Coke campaign, with a launch in Lagos .

The event, welcomed media professionals, content creators, and fans as well as customers to celebrate the values of sharing, personalisation, and community that have made Share-A-Coke a cultural phenomenon around the world.

The launch brought the campaign’s essence to life through interactive installations, creative personalisation zones, and performances by artists like Wande Coal, Odumodublvk, Falz, Shody, D.J Shawn, and Rybeena. Guests located and personalise Coca-Cola bottles to bear their names or those of loved ones, creating moments of joy and connection captured in photos and videos.

Mariam Kaham, general manager, said the launch was return of a most endearing campaigns, but with a focus on Gen Zs.

‘Today marks the comeback of the world’s most loved campaign, in Nigeria. Nigerians have done this in the past and now it is bigger, better, bolder, here for you. So, we have crafted this for the Gen Zs,’ she said.

She noted that the campaign is more than just names on bottles, but about creating real connections.

‘When you hand someone a Coke with their name on it, you are giving them something deeply personal: their identity, their moment, and their story and that’s what makes Share A Coke so special,’ Kaham said.

The event also featured an engaging digital activation where attendees scanned QR codes on specially marked bottles to generate personalised ‘Share-A-Coke Memory’ digital keepsakes. The experience seamlessly blended nostalgia with innovation, showcasing Coca-Cola’s ability to evolve with its audience while preserving the emotional connection that defines the brand.

Yusuf Murtala, Senior Director and Head of Marketing at Coca-Cola Nigeria, highlighted the campaign’s strategic relevance in reconnecting the brand with younger audiences.

‘We’re reintroducing a campaign with global heritage and giving it a modern Nigerian pulse. By combining personalization, digital interactivity, and community storytelling, we’re creating experiences that people want to share, not just products they want to buy,’ he said.

Valerie Odubogun, Director of Frontline Marketing at Coca-Cola Nigeria, emphasised the importance of authentic engagement in every aspect of the campaign.

‘Our goal is to ensure that Share-A-Coke resonates at every touchpoint, from retail shelves to social spaces. It’s about sparking conversations, creating smiles, and celebrating the joy that comes from sharing a Coke with someone you care about,’ she noted.

Originally launched globally more than a decade ago, Share A Coke became a defining marketing movement by replacing the iconic Coca-Cola logo with popular first names on bottles and cans. In Nigeria, the campaign has enjoyed enormous success, strengthening emotional ties to the brand and inspiring a culture of connection among young people. Its return in 2025 marks a renewed commitment by Coca-Cola Nigeria to celebrate individuality while fostering a sense of togetherness across communities.

Following the Lagos launch, Share-A-Coke will roll out nationwide with personalised bottle drops, interactive pop-up stations in major cities, and a series of influencer-led digital activations under the hashtag #ShareACokeNG.

There are over 1,000 names on the bottles, while gifts items would be won during the campaign season that runs till the end of December.

The campaign will continue to spotlight everyday stories of friendship, love, and celebration, reminding Nigerians that a simple act of sharing can create moments that last.

‘As we relaunch this iconic campaign, we’re not just reintroducing a product experience; we’re reviving a movement,’ Kaham concluded. ‘Share A Coke is about joy, connection, and community. We want every bottle shared to represent a story, a smile, and a moment that brings people closer together.’

‘share a coke isn’t about the can or your bottle. It is about the personalized connections, you make, it’s about having your dinner party with all your friends with personalised names on the table, or you like to go to the big parties and you get the baddies with the besties. So, I invite all of you to go out there, try your favorite Coca-Cola products in the can in the bottle. Look for the names that vibe with you, whether it’s the name, whether it’s the mood, whatever energy you want.

She thanked her company’s various partners, including Nigerian Bottling Company, for working tirelessly to bring the campaign back to life.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Zamfara Chapter, says it remains unshaken in spite of defections from the party to All Progressives Congress (APC).

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Gusau by Mr Halliru Andi, the Publicity Secretary of the party.

While the PDP is the ruling party in the state, APC holds sway at the federal level.

The party was reacting to the defection of Maharazu Faru, representing Maradun II constituency in the State House of Assembly.

Faru, who joined the APC together with PDP executives in the five wards among others, hinged his defection on Gov. Dauda Lawal’s inability to meet his campaign promises.

‘Dauda failed to address challenges ranging from insecurity which is the main reason people voted for him,’ the lawmaker said.

However, the PDP said it was not perturbed by Faru’s excuses for his action.

‘The PDP under the able leadership of Dr Jamil Jibo Magayaki has noted the defection of Hon. Marahazu Faru, member representing Maradun II Constituency in the State House of Assembly, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

‘While we respect his personal choice, we are not surprised.

‘History has shown that those who put personal interest above the collective will of the people often find themselves on the wrong side of history.

‘The PDP remains the only party with genuine commitment to the rescue and rebuilding of Zamfara State,’ he said.

He said Gov. Dauda Lawal’s leadership was steadily restoring hope, rebuilding institutions, and securing the lives and livelihoods of the Zamfara people.

‘The ongoing reforms and development initiatives are clear proof that the PDP is the party of progress and compassion.

‘We are confident that Hon. Faru will soon regret his decision, as the people of Zamfara have already made up their minds to stand firmly with the PDP.

‘Come the next elections, our party will win overwhelmingly at all levels -from the wards to the national stage because the PDP remains the true party of the masses.

‘We call on our members and supporters to remain steadfast and proud. No defection can shake our foundation or stop the will of the people.

‘The PDP remains strong, united, and deeply rooted in the hearts of Zamfara people,’ the statement said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PDP still maintains majority with 14 members while the APC now has 10 lawmakers in the State House of Assembly.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)