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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed Saturday, October 24th, as the new date for the CAF Champions League second preliminary round second leg encounter between Rivers United of Nigeria and Mozambique’s Associação Black Bulls.

The highly anticipated fixture will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 p.m. local time (5:00 p.m. Mozambique time).

Meanwhile, CAF has also appointed Ivorian referee Kouassi Frederic Francois Biro to officiate the decisive match. He will be assisted by compatriots Prosper Adiouman (Assistant Referee 1) and Eba Médard Wenceslas Ettien (Assistant Referee 2), while Patrick Tanguy Jean Philippe Vlei will act as the fourth official.

Ghana’s Munkaila Nassam Adam has been designated as the match commissioner for the encounter.

LEAP Africa has called on eligible voters in Anambra State to turn out in large numbers on November 8 to elect the state’s next governor.

Speaking at a press briefing in Onitsha, the organisation’s Programmes and Policy Coordinator, Haruna Godiya, decried the rising incidence of voter apathy, particularly among youths in the state. He attributed the trend to a trust deficit, insecurity, and other prevailing challenges.

The press briefing and stakeholders’ forum were held under the organisation’s Campaign Against Voter Apathy (CAVA) project, themed ‘Strengthening Citizens’ Participation in the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election.’ The initiative is being implemented in partnership with Catch Them Young Community Initiative (CATYCOI).

Godiya warned that voter apathy poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic foundation and undermines the efforts of the nation’s founding fathers.

‘People like the late Nnamdi Azikiwe (Zik), the late Alex Ekwueme, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, and the late Dora Akunyili made immense contributions to politics and national development,’ he said.

‘If we want Anambra to progress, one way to sustain the legacies of these great leaders is by ensuring good governance through active participation in the electoral process. When you don’t vote, you give someone else an advantage. This election presents another opportunity for Anambra voters to engage meaningfully.’

Earlier, Nonso Orakwe, Executive Director of CATYCOI, said the campaign aims to rekindle citizens’ confidence in the electoral process and empower eligible voters to exercise their rights.

‘As we approach the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election, we must remember that democracy thrives not merely through elections, but through the active participation, trust, and confidence of the people,’ Orakwe stated.

Also speaking, Edwin Okadigbo, Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), assured residents of the Corps’ readiness to protect citizens before, during, and after the election.

He urged voters to turn out en masse to vote for their preferred candidates and cautioned youths against being exploited by desperate politicians to disrupt the electoral process.

In his remarks, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), disclosed that no fewer than 1,000 of the association’s members would participate in the election.

‘We’ll use our numbers to make a political statement during the election so that we can press our demands afterwards,’ he said.

Other stakeholders present at the meeting included representatives of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said 18 higher institutions, including the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), are beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s N110 billion national intervention for expanding medical training facilities.

He said the initiative was meant to produce more healthcare professionals for national service.

President Tinubu spoke yesterday at the 40th convocation ceremonies of UNILORIN, the Kwara State capital.

Represented by the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Temidayo Oladiji, the president urged tertiary unions to always embrace dialogue.

‘I am confident that constructive engagement with unions will continue to prevent future industrial disruptions. I urge all staff unions to sustain the spirit of dialogue and cooperation.

‘Similarly, we are resolute in ensuring uninterrupted academic calendars across our universities. The Federal Government has paid earned allowances and part of the previously withheld salaries of academic and non-teaching staff.

‘The loan scheme for tertiary institutions’ workers has also been designed to assist them in meeting present economic challenges. It is a genuine empowerment initiative, not a burden.

‘Our decision to temporarily suspend the creation of new federal tertiary institutions stems from our conviction that we must consolidate and strengthen existing ones.

‘We prioritise quality over quantity. Adequate resources will therefore be channelled to existing institutions to enhance their capacity and impact.

‘To further deepen your impact, I am pleased to announce that the University of Ilorin has been selected to host one of the National Universities Commission’s Digital Innovation Hubs.

‘This flagship project is designed to harness the ingenuity, creativity, and entrepreneurial potential of our youths not only within this university but also across neighbouring institutions in Kwara State and beyond.

‘It will serve as a catalyst for research, digital skills development, and enterprise incubation, positioning Ilorin as a leading centre for innovation in Nigeria’s knowledge economy.

‘Our nation is undergoing profound economic reforms designed to restore stability, unlock productivity, and secure a prosperous future,’ the President said.

He added: ‘I acknowledge the temporary hardships Nigerians face today, but I assure you these challenges are short-lived.

‘The foundation we are laying will yield a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive economy. I appeal for continued understanding and patience.

‘The future of Nigeria depends on the choices we make today. My administration remains committed to pragmatic policies and programmes that will lead us to sustainable recovery and national greatness.

‘To achieve this, states and local governments must complement Federal efforts, especially now that they receive increased revenues.

‘While government remains committed to increased investment in education, I call on individuals, alumni, and the private sector to complement these efforts. Education is too important to be left solely to government.

‘The partnership of all stakeholders is vital in building a prosperous and knowledge-driven nation.’

SIR: Behind the façade of activism lies a business model built on foreign sympathy. Omoyele Sowore knows exactly what he’s doing – not out of conviction or genuine ideological drive, but as a calculated effort to sustain the image he has carefully built over the years. He understands that the stream of funding from certain international organizations and advocacy groups depends on his ability to remain visible and loud in Nigeria’s political space. Having positioned himself as a champion of democracy and human rights, he continues to draw attention – and by extension, financial support – from institutions that thrive on narratives of state repression and civic struggle in Africa.

Organizations that typically fund such ventures include press freedom groups, democracy and governance foundations, and human rights watchdogs based in North America and Europe. These bodies often provide grants for activities framed as civic enlightenment, media independence, or grassroots mobilization. Sowore has mastered the art of speaking the language that resonates with them – words like resistance, liberation, and citizen awakening. Yet behind the slogans, his activism increasingly resembles a performance designed to justify the inflow of donor funds rather than a sincere crusade for reform.

Over the years, Sowore has been associated with or has helped organize protests such as the #RevolutionNow movement, the End Bad Governance campaign, and several other demonstrations calling for ‘Days of Rage.’ Each episode garners headlines, sparks fleeting social media fervour, and reinforces his standing as a dissident figure – the kind that international funders like to identify with. But beyond the noise, there is little in terms of structured engagement or measurable transformation.

What emerges, sadly, is a brand of activism that has become a livelihood. It thrives on outrage and spectacle rather than on disciplined organization or lasting policy influence. His theatrics may keep him in the headlines and his accounts credited, but they do little to move Nigeria closer to the ideals he claims to defend. The real heroes of reform are those who work quietly, without foreign sponsorship or self-promotion – Nigerians who labour daily for change without needing to perform it.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) yesterday expelled its former National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, and National Youth Leader, Mr. Ogbonna Chukwuma Uchechukwu, over alleged misconduct, financial irregularities, and abuse of office.

The party’s decision reportedly followed several investigations and disciplinary proceedings culminating in the adoption of a White Paper submitted by the NWC at its closed-door meeting in Abuja

Addressing reporters at the party’s national secretariat, the SDP National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, said the expulsion was based on the recommendations of the disciplinary committee, which investigated the allegations.

He recalled that the NWC had, on June 24, suspended Gabam, Uchechukwu, and the National Auditor, Mr. Clarkson Nnadi, over a prima facie case of misconduct and financial impropriety.

To ensure due process, Aiyenigba said the party constituted an independent disciplinary committee on July 4, which conducted a two-week investigation and submitted its report on July 18.

The NWC, he said, reviewed and adopted the White Paper on August 15, paving the way for yesterday’s final decision.

Those affected include: Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam – former National Chairman (dismissed and expelled), Mr. Ogbonna Chukwuma Uchechukwu – former National Youth Leader (dismissed and expelled), Mr. Clarkson Nnadi – former National Auditor (relieved of duties following voluntary resignation)

Others expelled include eight members – Adamu Abubakar Modibbo, Abubakar Dogara, Nuraddeen Bisalla, Solsuema Osaro, Ambo Ekpeyong, Eluwa Ifeanyi Henry, Humphrey Unwukaeze, and Judith Israel Shuaibu – for alleged disloyalty and unauthorised entry into the party’s national secretariat on July 28.

Aiyenigba said the decision was taken to restore discipline and integrity within the party, adding that additional administrative reforms recommended in the White Paper would be implemented to strengthen internal governance.

‘The actions take immediate effect from Thursday, October 23, 2025,’ he said.

The SDP spokesman stressed that the decisions were unanimously adopted by members of the NWC.

He said the party’s NWC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to the party’s constitution in all its operations.

IKI Leads Limited, a player in Nigeria’s alcoholic beverage industry, has said it will produce high quality products for the Nigerian market that are accessible and affordable.

Managing Director, Innocent Onwunali, noted: ”We’re building brands-classy, accessible, and proudly made”.

He spoke at the launch of the company’s newest collection, Doncoco, at Capital Club in Lagos. With this unveiling, IKI Leads strengthens its offerings, joining a portfolio that features Pasa Bitters Premium Liquor, PoloClub Chocolate Vodka, Meridian Club Cream, and Riverine Aromatic Schnapps.

The Doncoco line includes: Doncoco Vodka, Doncoco Vodka with Orange, Doncoco Tequila Reposado, Doncoco Whisky and Cola, Doncoco Single Malt Whiskey.

Onwunali said: ‘This is a dream come true. It’s taken almost a year of research and consultations to bring Doncoco to life. We’re proud to add this premium, yet affordable, product to our lineup’.

‘Doncoco was born from a simple idea: ‘What if we created a liquor that wasn’t just poured, but remembered?’ Each variant of Doncoco tells a story-crafted for different moods, personalities, and experiences.’

Onwunali said IKI Leads is also mindful of the economic challenges.

‘If inflation affects prices, our customers are informed. . We’re working on custom bottle designs for Doncoco,’ he added.

The unveiling was done by Nollywood act, Kanayo O. Kanayo. Actor, Zubby Michael Egwu, brand ambassador, was present. He lauded the brand and its leadership.

‘We’ve worked with Onwunali for nearly a decade. His humility is unmatched. Doncoco is a fantastic product. IKI is setting the pace for future of spirits in Nigeria,’ he said.

Others present included actors, Nosa Rex, Fanta Amonaline (Liberian content creator and actress), Dukori Patience (award-winning Nollywood star), and Catherine Onoja.

The launch solidifies IKI’s ambition to dominate the spirits market with quality, innovation, and cultural relevance. With eight distinctive products and a strong distribution network, the firm positions itself as a powerhouse in the sector.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) has partnered with Renewvia Solar Nigeria to deploy renewable energy solutions across 25 UBA branches in five Nigerian states.

The initiative was formalised at the official Ribbon Cutting ceremony held at the UBA Oba Akran 2 branch, Ikeja, Lagos . The official oppening ceremony was by the Nordic Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Svein Bæra which followed a walkthrough of the Inverter/Battery Room and Operations by Renewvia Team.

According to the bank, this initiative reflected a growing commitment to sustainable investment and innovation, a key message emphasised by UBA Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, during the recent Norway-Africa Business Summit held in Oslo, where he urged global partners to view Africa not as an aid destination, but as a continent of opportunity and enterprise.

‘Africa needs partners, not charity,’ Elumelu stated in Oslo, calling for deeper collaboration built on mutual respect, entrepreneurship, and investment.

The partnership between UBA and Renewvia embodies that call, channelling Nordic investment and African innovation into tangible, long-term impact.

Supported by Empower New Energy, a leading Norway-based renewable investment company, and Incremental Energy Solutions (IES), the project will deliver the first phase of 152,000 kWh of clean energy monthly, reducing UBA’s carbon footprint by over 89,000 kilograms of CO2 each month.

Under a 10-year Power-as-a-Service agreement, Renewvia will deploy advanced solar and battery hybrid systems across UBA’s branches, ensuring superior power reliability, operational efficiency, and an enhanced customer experience.

Upon full rollout, the project will cover 50 locations across 18 states, representing 3 MWp of solar capacity and 7 MWh of energy storage.

UBA’s Deputy Managing Director, Muyiwa Akinyemi, said: ‘At UBA, we believe sustainability is not just a responsibility but a key part of building Africa’s future. This project demonstrates how innovation and partnership can deliver lasting impact in terms of growth and advancement as well as reducing our carbon footprint, improving operational efficiency, and contributing to a cleaner environment. Continuing, he said, ‘We are proud to work with Renewvia Solar Nigeria, Incremental Energy Solutions, and Empower New Energy to make this vision a reality.’

On his part, the Managing Director, Renewvia Solar Nigeria Limited, Adebowale Dosunmu, said, ‘This partnership with UBA marks a major milestone in our mission to deliver reliable, clean energy to commercial and industrial clients across Nigeria. We are proud to support UBA’s leadership in sustainability and operational excellence.

The CEO, Incremental Energy Solutions (IES) Ltd, Oladipupo Omodara, who also spoke on the project, said: ‘We appreciate the cooperation and proactiveness of the UBA management team, whose support helped bring this remarkable project and partnership to life. We at IES are particularly pleased that this success reinforces our commitment to helping Africa claim its rightful place in global energy investment and technology deployment.’

Giving his remarks, CEO, Empower New Energy, Terje Osmundsen, stated that Empower New Energy is proud to be the financing partner for landmark project with Renewvia Solar Nigeria, supporting UBA’s commitment to cleaner and more reliable energy. ‘This partnership reflects our mission to enable African businesses access sustainable power through innovative financing. It also demonstrates the strength of Nordic-African cooperation in accelerating the transition to renewable energy,’ Osmundsen explained.

Earlier, in his goodwill message, the Ambassador of Norway to Nigeria, Mr Svein Bæra, noted that the partnership is a shining example of what can be achieved when African ambition meets Nordic investment and innovative practices. ‘It also represents not just an energy milestone, but a strong statement of shared commitment to sustainable growth and climate responsibility,’.

This collaboration underscores UBA’s position as a bank at the forefront of sustainability, integrating renewable energy to power its operations and reduce emissions. It also highlights the crucial role of Nordic investment through Empower New Energy in accelerating Nigeria’s transition toward cleaner, more reliable energy systems.

Most importantly in terms of Africa’s rapid growth and advancement, it also aligns with Tony Elumelu’s broader vision of transforming Africa through entrepreneurship, private sector leadership, and strategic global alliances, partnerships that build capacity, create jobs, and unlock long-term value for both continents.

Rapper Erigga has faulted the rise of tech gurus and influencers for the decline of music quality in the industry.

Speaking in an interview, the ace rapper said the replacement of traditional A and R experts with tech gurus has led to a focus on trendy artists and numbers, rather than talented artists and quality music.

‘Everything begin spoil when the Tech Bros enter music come replace actual A and Rs wey know talents, wey know how to nurture and groom talents.

‘Tech guys don’t care about the music, what they care about is numbers and the metric with which to get these numbers. They can’t actually scout talents. So, what they do is scout momentum. It’s not like they really care about the artist, they care about the momentum. So, when the momentum drops, they go to the next person,’ he said.

Erigga explained that tech gurus prioritise metrics and numbers over actual talent, scouting for momentum rather than talent, and abandoning artists when their popularity drops.

‘With the entrance of tech gurus, people no longer chase talents anymore, but numbers,’ the rapper expressed.

He expressed concerns over the divided attention span in the music industry, citing social media influencers’ activities, which distract from music and shift focus from nurturing talent to chasing numbers and trends.

‘Back then, an artist’s competition used to be his fellow musicians. But right now, you fit just drop one hot track like this, next thing – GehGeh and VeryDarkMan don dey fight and the public attention will move from your song to their saga,’ he lamented

The Grace for All Men Ministry has held its 2025 72-Hour Intercession with a call on believers to remember and rekindle their identity as God’s living tabernacle.

It particularly emphasised on rediscovering the depth of the Church’s spiritual heritage.

Convener of the ministry, Prophet Adebayo Abraham, said the intercession programme was born out of a divine prompting for the Cherubim and Seraphim Church. The Lord, he said, spoke clearly at the closing of last year’s event that 2025 would be marked by the theme ‘Behold the Tabernacle of God’.

Drawing from Exodus 25:8, Prophet Abraham said: ‘The tabernacle goes beyond the building, it is the body of every believer, the place where God desires to dwell. When God said, ‘Let them build Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them,’ He was pointing to His intention to live within us.’

The cleric further connected the theme to John 1:14, where ‘the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,’ and to Revelation 21:3, which said ‘the tabernacle of God is with men.’ According to him, these scriptures together reveal a divine pattern: God’s ultimate desire is not merely visitation but habitation.

Prophet Abraham noted that this year’s gathering symbolised ‘a time when heaven meets earth; when God no longer feels distant but is manifestly present among His people’. ‘It is the season of transformation, schooled in discipleship, where men and women would become living representations of Christ in every area of life,’ he added.

Guest Minster Prophet Jesse Jangfa, in his remark, said: ‘This is a season of restoration. We are redeeming the old ways-the ways of sound doctrine, of holiness, of true communion with God. Once again, the Church must become the place where God’s presence dwells without measure.’

The event featured spontaneous worship, prophetic songs, and fervent cries of intercession. Many attendees testified to renewed spiritual hunger and fresh encounters with the Holy Spirit.

Prophet Abraham, in his closing remarks, reminded the congregation that the conclusion of the 72-hour intercession does not mark the end but the beginning of a continuous walk with God.

‘We are not leaving this fire behind. The true evidence that we have beheld the tabernacle of God is that His presence now abides in us. Every believer must go back to their place of assignment as a carrier of His glory,’ he added.

The cleric urged participants to maintain the atmosphere of prayer and holiness, noting that ‘the next move of God will not just happen in church buildings but through believers who have become living tabernacles of His presence.’

Grace for All Men Ministry is a faith-based movement committed to raising men and women who embody the life and presence of Christ in every area of society. Through intercession, teaching, and discipleship, the ministry seeks to reveal the grace of God to all people and nations.

Rapper Erigga has stated that the ongoing feud between colleagues Odumodublvck and Blaqbonez is detrimental to the hip-hop scene.

In an interview on Yanga FM, Erigga claimed the beef is creating tension and forcing other rappers and fans to take sides.

According to Erigga, fans are partly to blame, as they ‘like it when rappers fight.’

He argued the feud is giving hip-hop a bad image and allowing outsiders to criticise the culture.

He added that the focus should be on celebrating hip-hop achievements, rather than fueling conflicts.

‘Nigerian fans like it when rappers fight. The ongoing beef between Odumodublvck and Blaqbonez is bad for the culture because it enables people who don’t love our culture to bring in their crazy opinions.

‘Beef isn’t really good for the music business, especially for hip-hop. It brings traction but it doesn’t help the culture. Blaqbonez and Odumodublvck are beefing, they’re both my close colleagues so the room now is a bit tensed.

‘People are hyping their beef not because they love hip-hop but because they love to see artists fight. When last did you see them celebrating hip-hop achievements? They only come around when the culture is heated. This their fight is beyond rap beef.’

Erigga acknowledged that rap battles are part of hip-hop, but thinks the current beef is causing more harm than good.