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Nigeria’s referees have once again been left out as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the official list of match officials invited for the AFCON 2025 preparatory training camp in Egypt.

CAF unveiled the list yesterday, naming 33 referees, 36 assistant referees, and 11 video assistant referees (VARs) for the intensive program scheduled to hold in Cairo this December.

Conspicuously, no Nigerian referee or assistant referee made the cut, a development that has raised eyebrows among football stakeholders given the country’s long-standing record of producing reputable match officials for continental and international assignments.

The training camp serves as part of CAF’s preparations to ensure top officiating standards ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday approved major changes in the leadership of the Armed Forces, appointing new Service Chiefs in a decisive move aimed at strengthening national security architecture.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare, the President named former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.

Here are the new Service Chiefs

1. Chief of Defence Staff: Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede

2. Chief of Army Staff: Major-General W. Shaibu

3. Chief of Air Staff: Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke

4. Chief of Naval Staff: Rear Admiral I. Abbas

5. Chief of Defence Intelligence: Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye (retains position)

The Muslim Lecturers Association (MLA), Nigeria, will hold its 2nd National Research Conference in Kano State.

The conference, in collaboration with Northwest University, Kano, is scheduled to hold between November 3 and 6.

MLA President, Prof. Ahmed Adedeji, in a statement, said the theme is ‘Leveraging Research and Collaboration for Sustainable Economic Diversification and Social Transformation.’

Prof Adedeji said the gathering is designed to bridge the critical gap between academic research and national policy, positioning scholarly insights as a core driver for Nigeria’s development agenda.

According to him, the conference will be chaired by former Deputy Governor of Kano State and a recent MLA Fellowship Awardee, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar.

He added that the event will also celebrate academic excellence, drawing from the association’s prestigious roster of Fellowship and Award of Excellence honourees, who include renowned scholars and policy actors like the Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum, former INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega and JAMB Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede.

Adedeji, the Professor of Pharmacology said: ‘Our nation stands at a crossroads, grappling with the urgent need for economic diversification and profound social change. This conference is not merely an academic exercise; it is a platform for actionable intelligence. We are convening Nigeria’s brightest minds to generate evidence-based solutions that can directly inform and transform policy in key sectors-from agriculture and engineering to governance, law and education.

‘The conference theme is deliberately hooked into current national policy debates, addressing issues such as sustainable infrastructure, food security, clean energy, social protection, and the role of religious values in societal transformation. It aims to provide a robust, research-backed toolkit for policymakers, government agencies, and development partners.’

MLA Vice President cum Chairman, Organising Committee, Prof. Khadijah Idowu, while outlining the conference’s structured approach, said: ‘We have organised our sub-themes into critical clusters-Law, Engineering, Agriculture, Social and Management Sciences, Media and Communication as well as the Humanities-to ensure targeted and deep deliberations. Our goal is to produce a compendium of policy briefs that will be actively presented to relevant ministries, the National Assembly, and state governments. We are engaging policy players not just as attendees, but as partners in implementing our findings.’

Lagos State government has restated its commitment to position the state as the global centre for creative industry.

Commissioner for Tourism, Art and Culture, Lagos State, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, who spoke with reporters to announce the kick-off this year’s Design Week Lagos (DWL), Africa’s festival of design, innovation, and culture, said the state will use the platform of the six-day programme to strengthen its push to become a global destination for the creative industry.

According to her, the DWL event aligned with the state government’s resolve to position the state as a global destination for the creative industry.

‘Design week is one of the things Nigeria should look at as a nation because it is the celebration of the hard work of young Nigerians doing great things,’ she said.

Also speaking on the occasion, the Founder, DWL, Titi Ogufere, said the programme is which began yesterday will end on October 28, 2025.

She said DWL will transform Lagos into a city-wide celebration of creativity under the theme ‘Made in Africa: Shaping Industries, Shaping Futures.’

Ogufere stated that DWL, now in its seventh year, has evolved into a global platform that spotlights African design excellence and connects creativity with commerce.

Since its debut in 2019, DWL has hosted hundreds of designers, brands, and thinkers from across Africa and the diaspora.

Its signature initiatives, including the Made by Design documentary on Netflix, The Made by Design Showcase, and the Design Innovation Exhibition, have reshaped global perceptions of African creativity.

Ogufere said DWL continues to position Lagos as Africa’s creative capital where design drives industry, tourism, and transformation.

According to her, the festival has evolved into a platform where innovation meets opportunity, spotlighting design as both a creative and economic force.

‘Design Week Lagos exists to champion the ingenuity and ambition of Africa’s creative community.

‘Each edition reaffirms our belief that design is a powerful language, one that tells our stories, shapes our economies, and connects Lagos to the global conversation on creativity and innovation,’ Ogufere said.

She said over six days, Lagos will pulse with exhibitions, installations, talks, and creative activations spread across its design districts.

The DWL Founder added that from the Made by Design Show and Design Innovation Exhibition to student showcases, and partner programmes, the festival will engage professionals, students, and the general public.

She further said the programme anchored by the Lagos State government and supported by the Federal Ministry of Tourism underscores the growing momentum of design tourism in West Africa where creative excellence fuels new industries, education, and global visibility.

Giving more details, Ogufere said this year’s programme features over 100 activations, 20,000 visitors, and more than 250 million media impressions, spanning exhibitions, talks, installations, studio tours, and partner events across all 20 local government areas of Lagos State.

It will also feature more than 100 showrooms and partner activations across Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki, and Yaba, including Roots and Resilience (Federal Palace Hotel), Design Intersect 2025 (Soto Gallery), and the launch of the Institute of Professional Interior Designers and Product Inventors (IPIDPI) at Alliance Française.

Among the activities lined up for the week-long programme are Design Innovation Exhibition; Made by Design Show, Nigeria’s largest interiors trade exhibition returns with over 100 premium brands including Woodstyles, Esorae Homes, ACTIU, Mimz Interiors, and IO Furniture, reaffirming Lagos as the continent’s hub for interior innovation.

Others are DWL Talks and Dialogue in Design and Development, a two event of panels and keynotes bringing together architects, developers, manufacturers, and policymakers.

Featured speakers include Bibi Seck, Victoria Adesanmi, Myles Igwebuike, Yew Kee Cheong (President, AIA), and Astrid Hébert (3C Awards).

There is also Student Design Competition, which is organised in partnership with Caverton Marine. This year’s competition challenges young designers to rethink maritime mobility, with renowned designer Kurt Merki Jnr as lead judge.

Also speaking, the General Manager/CEO of Wole Soyinka Centre (formerly National Theatre), Tola Akerele, said DWL gets better each year because it keeps showing Nigerian designers pushing boundaries in terms of the materials they are using.

She commended the organiser for sustaining the platform that showcases Nigerian architects, interior designers and product designers and their products.

There are lives that flicker briefly like candles and others that burn steadily like lamps. And then there are lives that are rare and luminous, that shine across generations – lives that inspire. Dr Christopher Olusola Kolade, who died on October 8, aged 92, belonged to that rare class. He lived not one, but three lifetimes in one body – as a broadcaster of repute, a corporate titan of uncommon integrity, and a diplomat who carried Nigeria’s moral dignity on his shoulders.

Kolade’s education at Government College, Ibadan, and Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone definitely shaped his disciplined intellect and moral resolve. He belonged to a generation of Nigerians who saw excellence as duty – men and women for whom success did not make sense without integrity.

Kolade’s first lifetime was in broadcasting – a profession that, in his hands, became both art and ministry. As Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), he stood for truth in an era when propaganda could easily have been the order of the day. To him, the airwaves were a sacred trust, and every word transmitted carried moral weight.

Under his leadership, NBC became more than a news outlet; it became an institution that, even as a young person, I could identify with. He was meticulous about ethics, insisting on balance, accuracy, and fairness, thereby earning the listener’s trust. I remember that back then, we never doubted news we heard on NBC. Some of us would understand what I mean by this. For those who do not, it suffices to say that there was a time in this country when we saw government news agencies as mere propaganda outfits. Kolade was not loud or flamboyant, yet we all knew him. He had a quiet presence, and for him, apparently, broadcasting was not just a job; it was his calling.

Now, who could have imagined that after leaving his footprints on the sands of broadcasting, a new lifetime in corporate governance would unfold? Kolade’s second lifetime unfolded in the corporate world. When he joined Cadbury Nigeria Plc, he became the first indigenous managing director/chief executive of the company. He brought with him the moral clarity and candour that had defined his broadcasting career. As a testimony to his qualitative leadership qualities, he ended up becoming the chairman of the company, transforming it into a model organisation.

In an age when success often came at the cost of character, Kolade proved that integrity and efficiency could coexist. His life, a living example, resonates with that of men like Akintola Williams, Nigeria’s first chartered accountant and lifelong ambassador of honesty in business. He reminds us of the disciplined entrepreneurship of Chief Subomi Balogun, founder of FCMB.

Apparently, in his worldview, leadership was stewardship, not privilege. To lead was to serve and to uplift, and to leave behind an ethical footprint. He saw business as a moral enterprise.

Yet again, when one would have thought that there was nothing more to achieve, Kolade’s third lifetime took him beyond boardrooms to the corridors of diplomacy. He was appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and carried with him the moral authority that Nigeria desperately needed.

This was at a time when the country’s international image was tarnished by corruption and cynicism. Kolade’s presence at diplomatic gatherings was itself a sermon. He did not need to raise his voice or wield influence; his mere comportment spoke of honesty, grace, and competence. He was Nigeria’s moral ambassador long before his official posting. He had a quiet dignity, spoke authoritatively, and represented the nation’s best values. For him, diplomacy was an extension of moral duty rather than political manoeuvres.

He was the kind of envoy who reminded the world that Nigeria’s soul was not lost, and that beneath the noise and failures of politics, there are still decent men and women.

Who are these men and women I am talking about? I am looking at men like Deacon Gamaliel Onosode, the boardroom guru – Mr Integrity himself; Justice Kayode Eso and Justice Chukwudifu Oputa – whose judgements combined jurisprudence with conscience; Prof. Dora Akunyili, who risked her life to save millions from counterfeit drugs; Cardinal Anthony Okogie and Bishop Matthew Kukah, whose prophetic voices speak truth to power. Kolade’s life, like theirs, reproaches cynicism, reminding us that goodness, though often silent, would never go out of fashion.

To speak of Kolade is to speak of a vanishing breed of men and women who believe that honour is not negotiable. These are people who embody a standard of conduct that has become painfully rare – the quiet courage to do what is right even when no one is watching.

Kolade was one man who led with conscience, and treated power as responsibility; a man who held authority without arrogance, achieved success without scandal, and earned respect without force.

When I heard of Dr Kolade’s passing, I felt a personal loss – not because I knew him one-on-one, but because he had shaped my understanding of what it means to live with integrity. I saw him only once, and that was as an impressionable secondary school student, and it was not as if I interacted directly with him. It was a matter of a star-struck secondary school student seeing a larger-than-life character in flesh and blood – at least, that is how it seemed to me. I never forgot, and yet, that brief encounter left a mark that time could not erase.

Along with men like Gamaliel Onosode, he taught me – without words – that true greatness is quiet, disciplined, and deeply moral. Their bearing, their speech, their restraint – all spoke of a different Nigeria, one that measured men not by noise but by integrity.

In a world now dominated by corruption, flamboyance and self-aggrandisement, Christopher Olusola Kolade stood tall amid the razzmatazz. He was the bridge between ethics and excellence, humility and high achievement. He did not merely live three lifetimes – he enriched ours. He was, in every sense, an exemplar of what it means to be human.

Kolade’s life reminds us that greatness is not in the noise of achievement but in the quiet dignity of purpose. My impression of him is that, in every sense of the word, he was a quintessential man.

The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Aderemi Oseni, has said Oyo State people were yearning for a change in 2027.

He said the change the people wanted was return of All Progressive Congress (APC) to power in the state.

Speaking in Ibadan at the first anniversary and endorsement rally organised by Remi Oseni Committee of Friends (ROCOF) progressive workers and traders group, Oseni affirmed commitment towards building a progressive state where workers, traders, youths and women could thrive with dignity and hope.

He described the event as a movement driven by passion to rebuild and reposition Oyo State and Nigeria on the platform of Renewed Hope Agenda.

The lawmaker noted that the party would not rest until its members’ names appeared on the ballot papers in 2027 as agents of good governance reform and transformation.

He said his group, ROCOF, would mobilise at least one million votes across Oyo State to ensure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

Oseni described the President as a visionary reformer, whose Renewed Hope Agenda was laying a solid foundation for a prosperous Nigeria.

He said ROCOF structure, built from the grassroots, had become a veritable platform to support Tinubu’s developmental agenda and advance progressive governance in Oyo State.

Owing to the campaign on net zero emission, Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Effurun has in collaboration with relevant agencies embarked on researches on renewable energy.

But the institute warned that despite the fierce campaign for energy transition, Africa not to abandon its 125 billion barrels crude oil reserves and 600 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) in a hurry.

According to the Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Onoji, the continent should rather work harder in researches that will lead to the development of local technologies for the exploitation of crude oil in a sustainable way.

His words: ‘With an estimated 125 billion barrels of crude oil reserves and over 600tcf of natural gas reserves in Africa, it is our considered opinion that Africa should not hasten to abandon fossil fuel but should strive.

to deepen research and development of local technologies that enable the exploitation and utilization of our oil and gas endowment in a more environmentally friendly manner as the reality of global demand for fossil fuel is expected to linger for the next 50 years.’

Onoji spoke yesterday in the world press conference on the 4th Biannual International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (I CHAT) in Abuja.

He revealed that PTI is reducing the carbon footprint in different ways, despite the fact that net zero emission as mirage.

According to him, emission of carbon is always reduced in the production of natural gas with a paltry 7 per cent flared.

He added that the Research and Development Directorate of the PTI is also developing a technology to assist in the reduction of carbon emission.

He said one of the measures for de-carbornisation of the hydrocarbon is through the Carbon Credit Mechanism that the institute is adopting.

Onoji said, ‘When you are talking about emissions, you are talking about natural gas. Of course, we you produce oil, you also produce natural gas.

‘And part of this natural gas is used in the field, part of it is refined in the Liquefied natural gas. So, it has actually reduced to about less than 7% of natural gas being flared.

‘Of course, in the research and development directorate of the Petroleum Training Institute is also developing technology that will help to reduce this emission.

‘And one of that ways is the carbon credit mechanism that we are also putting in place.’

Although the Research and Development Director, Dr. Tina Isichie noted that it is a mirage to think of net zero in 2060, PTI is conscious of balancing growth, environment and governance.

She said the institute is focusing on the production of crude oil in a manner that is not harmful to the environment.

She said carbon capture utilization and storage is now the global topical conversation.

According to her, the measure is still a pilot scheme in the laboratory while upscaling it requires a huge amount of money.

Isichie said PTI is partnering with other relevant agencies to reduce carbon footprint.

She said taking cognizance of energy transition, the institute is conducting a research on renewable energy.

Insisting that petroleum cannot be abandoned, she said there are other products from the hydrocarbon aside from fuels.

On her stand of net zero emission, she said, ‘The issue of fossil fuel being put aside by 2050 or 2060 is a mirage. And I say that because fossil fuel has come to stay.

‘We also realized that petrochemicals and other things used for other industries do come from the crude. So, it is not just from the crude. So, it is not just about fuel, whether aviation fuel or gasoline or kerosene, there are other aspects that come from crude oil. Even our pharmaceuticals. So you cannot completely abandon them.’

On the conference, Onoji said the essence of the conference is to pull together scientists, subject matter experts, researchers, government agencies, academia, students community and top players in the oil, gas and energy industry to examine topical issues with a view to presenting cutting-edge research, sharing field experiences and discussing policies that will shape the future of hydrocarbon in a fast-changing world.

He also said, ‘The theme of this year’s conference ‘Transforming Africa’s Hydrocarbon sector; Balancing Growth, Environment and Governance, according to him, is apt as it aims to provide a holistic future of the oil and gas industry with a view to guiding critical stakeholders towards embracing opportunities, addressing challenges and fostering sustainable development in the ever-dynamic industry.’

He said the conference will feature key note addresses from both Honorable Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil/Gas), Chief Executive Officers from sister agencies, panel sessions, exhibitions from partners and sponsors, as well as technical paper presentations.

Adele Ajosun Family of Lagos has urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the alleged unlawful capping of a ‘Baale’ on Igbologun Island.

It said the appointment is illegal, irregular and an assault on the legacy of the island.

In a statement by Moroof Adele, chair, and Okanlawon Adele, secretary, it said the action by Oba Maroof Oluwa, Olu of Iwa and Apapa, violated traditions.

The statement said: ‘Our family opposes this and will challenge same. The history of Igbologun does not support the illegalities of September 6.

‘Igbologun Island belongs to Oba Ologunkutere (fourth oba of Lagos), who put his son, then prince, and later Oba Adele Ajosun (fifth oba) as custodian of the island-forest when he was called upon to be capped as king of Lagos.”

Adele Ajosun also left Igbologun Island to succeed his father, Oba Ologunkutere, as the fifth Oba of Lagos, and he subsequently installed his son, Prince Iworu Amore, to be in charge of Igbologun Island as ‘Baale’.’

The royal family alleged that the capping involved a surveying expedition conducted by Olu of Iwa and Apapa, in collusion with one of Oba Ologunkutere’s customary tenants, the Olaleye family.

Condemning the exercise, the family said members had been prevailed on to remain calm and peaceful, while pursuing legal avenues to assert their historical rights over the island.

‘Apart from the historical inadequacy of this illegality, we also view this as an injustice that must be fought and defeated, no matter the costs. Nevertheless, as a law-abiding royal family, we have prevailed on all members of our family to be calm and peaceful, as we run this marathon to formally establish our family’s interest,’ the statement added.

Beiersdorf, through its global social-mission, NIVEA Connect, has partnered SOS Children’s Villages to combat the challenge of social isolation and loneliness, especially among the vulnerable and young people.

As part of this partnership, Nivea presented N96.686 million to SOS, a foremost NGO that has championed the cause of family, trust, and togetherness for over 50 years.

Dele Adeyole, Country manager of Beiersdorf, reaffirmed the brand’s heritage of care and dedication to addressing social issues that affect well-being.

‘This partnership is part of our global social mission, in more than 60 countries. It’s important that we fight social isolation and loneliness, a silent epidemic today.’

The collaboration highlights Beiersdorf’s belief that care extends beyond skin to include bonds and support.

Choosing SOS reflects its commitment to creating safe, stable, and nurturing environments for children, in line with Nivea’s mission to promote inclusion and belonging.

Celebrated Nigerian actress Linda Ejiofor Suleiman has been nominated for Best Leading Actress at the upcoming Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) for her riveting performance in the critically acclaimed film Serpent’s Gift.

The nomination marks a major milestone in her career and a triumphant return to the big screen after years of being best known as a leading face on the iconic Nigerian soap opera, ‘Tinsel’.

Her portrayal in Serpent’s Gift has been praised by critics for its emotional depth, subtlety, and powerful screen presence.

‘Linda fully came prepared for the role, and she deserves her flowers,’ a viewer says. ‘Serpent’s Gift had a packed cast, and it was wonderful to see Linda shine through.’

Serpent’s Gift, directed by Kayode Kasum, explores themes of grief, resilience, and family legacy, with Linda playing the lead role of Ijeoma, a young widow navigating the murky line between tradition and truth.

Ejiofor Suleiman first captured hearts with her long-running role as Bimpe on Tinsel, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated television series. Her transition from TV staple to big-screen heavyweight has been years in the making, and this AMAA nomination is widely seen as a deserved recognition of her range and growth as an actress.

The 2025 AMAA Awards will be held in Lagos on November 8, celebrating outstanding achievements in African cinema.

Linda’s nomination puts her in the running alongside some of the continent’s most respected and dynamic performers.

Linda Ejiofor Suleiman is a Nigerian actress known for her breakout role in Tinsel and films like The Meeting and A Soldier’s Story. With over a decade in the industry, she has built a reputation for versatile, heartfelt performances across both television and film.