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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved new appointments in the nation’s security hierarchy, naming Major-General W. Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff.

The announcement, contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare on Friday, also revealed that General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding General Christopher Musa.

Other appointments include Air Vice Marshall S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, while Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his role as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

The president expressed appreciation to the outgoing service chiefs for their patriotic service and leadership, urging the newly appointed officers to sustain professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces.

According to the statement, all appointments take immediate effect.

The statement reads, ‘President Bola Tinubu has made changes in the hierarchy of the Service Chiefs in furtherance of the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthen the national security architecture.

‘The President appointed General Olufemi Oluyede to replace General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff. The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu. Air Vice Marshall S.K Aneke is Chief of Air Staff while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff.

‘Chief of Defence Intelligence Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye retains his position.

‘The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expresses most profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and the other Service Chiefs for their patriotic service, and dedicated leadership.

‘The President charges the newly appointed Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

‘All appointments take immediate effect.’

The government of Oyo State on Thursday rebutted claims by the Federal Government about the ownership of some choice properties located within the state, declaring that the said properties had been revoked and taken over by the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funlayo, who made the position known at a press conference on Thursday, said that the state government reserves the right to repossess any unutilised land within its borders, adding that the Federal Government should either develop any landed property owned by it within the state or risk forfeiture.

He said that the properties being claimed by the Federal Government had since been revoked by the state government; therefore, they were no longer owned by the federal authorities.

The commissioner further stated that under the Land Use Act of 1978, all land in the state has been vested in the governor.

His statement was in reaction to a recent notice by the Federal Government, which cautioned individuals and organisations against encroaching on certain federally owned lands in the state.

A publication by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, titled ‘Caveat Emptor,’ contained in the October 22 edition of Nigerian Tribune, had warned individuals and organisations from encroaching on the federal properties located within Oyo State.

The publication, signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Shuaib M. L. Belgore, on behalf of the Honourable Minister, listed the said properties to include the African Regional Centre for Engineering Manufacturing (ARCEDEM), Ibadan; Federal Low Cost Housing Estate, Idi-Ayunre; Federal Housing Scheme, Saki, Oyo State; the National Strategic Grain Reserve and Silos, Ibadan; Radio Nigeria’s land located within the premises of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS); and the National Horticultural Research Institute, Ibadan.

But the commissioner, who spoke for the government of Oyo State, stated that the publication by the Federal Government misrepresented the facts as they relate to the properties.

He said that the state government was compelled to clarify the situation, adding that its actions were ‘lawful, transparent and guided by the Land Use Act of 1978,’ which, he said, vests authority over all lands in a state in the hands of the governor.

He said: ‘Our action is not a hostile one; rather, it is a necessary measure to protect the state’s assets, restore investor confidence, and ensure that public land is utilised for the benefit of our people.’

He explained that the six listed sites had either been abandoned or left undeveloped for decades by the federal agencies, thus creating security risks and hindering urban growth.

‘Under the Land Use Act of 1978, the authority over all land in the state is vested in the state government. Federal agencies are tenants on the land. When they fail to use it for the public good, or when they abandon it for decades, it becomes our duty as custodians of the lives and property of our citizens to reclaim and reallocate it,’ the commissioner said.

While speaking on the ARCEDEM site located along Iwo Road, Ibadan, Akin-Funlayo stated that the land was allocated as far back as 1983, but had become derelict.

He added: ‘That parcel of land became a jungle, harbouring criminals and posing a security threat to nearby residents. Following several complaints and security reports, we issued a notice of intent to revoke its Certificate of Occupancy in September 2020 and formally reclaimed it the following month.

‘It is, therefore, a great embarrassment that the federal ministry would now attempt to lay claim to land that was legally revoked five years ago and is already being put to better use.’

He said that the temporary allocation of the property originally allocated to the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) and the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) had long expired, adding that: ‘The land meant for broadcasting purposes has been misused and neglected, with parts converted into entertainment and hospitality ventures.’

He added: ‘The court has dismissed a related case, affirming the state’s right to reclaim it. The Certificate of Occupancy has been revoked, and the land lawfully reallocated.’

He also accused some federal agencies of acting above the law and violating state planning regulations by erecting buildings without obtaining state planning approval, while assuming that their federal status exempts them from state laws.

‘This is a clear violation of Oyo State laws. Even the Federal Secretariat complex and construction near the railway station have raised concerns about compliance with safety standards,’ he noted.

He said that the state would not allow a disregard of the law by institutions and individuals, adding that the state government will not step back or allow the excesses of some agencies to continue to the disadvantage of the people.

Akin-Funlayo stated further that the said revocations followed due process, as according to him, notices of intention were served and public announcements made.

‘Every Certificate of Occupancy clearly states that if the land is not developed within a specified time, usually two years, the holder risks losing it. Many of these allocations date back to the 1980s and have remained untouched.

‘Our actions are not punitive; they are corrective and protective. We act to prevent potential dangers, reclaim abandoned spaces, and promote sustainable urban growth,’ he stated.

The commissioner assured investors not to panic, adding that the government would fully support legitimate investors who are committed to developing the state.

Preliminary findings by the European Commission on Friday show that Facebook, Instagram and TikTok violate European Union rules, which could lead to hefty fines.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, and TikTok, now have the opportunity to defend itself against the allegations or make adjustments to its platforms in order to avoid financial penalties.

According to the Commission, the three platforms do not provide researchers with sufficient access to their data as required under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA).

Such publicly accessible data sets should enable scientists to investigate, for example, the effects of content glorifying violence against children.

Additionally, the Commission has alleged that Meta does not offer simple ways to report illegal content or to challenge content moderation decisions.

Should the Commission ultimately decide that the companies have violated EU law, it can impose a fine of up to 6 per cent of their total worldwide annual turnover.

‘Our democracies depend on trust. That means platforms must empower users, respect their rights and open their systems to scrutiny,’ said European Commission Vice-President Henna Virkkunen.

The preliminary findings ‘are making sure platforms are accountable for their services, as ensured by EU law, towards users and society,’ she said.

The assessments presented on Friday are part of a broader probe into the three platforms that has been ongoing since 2024.

Meta is also under investigation over suspicions that the US company may be violating rules on the protection of minors by failing to safeguard children sufficiently from addictive algorithms.

Officials in Brussels had recently expressed frustration at Meta’s lack of cooperation.

The publication of the preliminary findings is therefore likely to be used as leverage in the deadlocked discussions with the US company.

The findings could, however, further increase tensions with US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly described EU legislation as anti-competitive.

Facebook founder and Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg, meanwhile, has moved closer to Trump’s political camp.

The Niger State Police Command has successfully rearrested an inmate barely One year after his jail break from the Suleja Correctional Center in 2024 during the jail break and 13 other suspects for various offences.

In a bulletin issued and made available to Journalists in Minna by the Command’s Spokesman, SP Wasiu Abiodun on Thursday said security personnel intercepted the fleeing inmate after his involvement in another criminal activities.

According to him, ‘Earlier on October 15, 2025 at about 8.30pm, Police surveillance team attached ‘B’ Div Suleja, while on routine patrol along Suleja-Madalla road, intercepted one Jemilu Ibrahim of Timber-shed area, Kwata Madalla with a container containing some illicit substances and other suspected stolen items such as ATM cards, and Phones’

The statement added that , investigation revealed that the suspect was allegedly involved in a robbery case with firearms, and prosecuted and remanded at the Suleja Correctional Center.

‘He was discovered to be among Prison inmates that escaped in 2024 as a result of the wall collapse at Suleja Correctional Center during a heavy downpour’

SP Wasiu Abiodun said the inmate has been transferred to SCID,Minna for onward transfer to the Correctional Center.

In a related incident, two suspected armed robbers and ten others found in possession of dangerous weapons, illicit drugs were also nabbed.

The Spokesman of the State Police Command,SP Wasiu Abiodun stressed that the effort of the Command is in continuation of the Niger State Police Command’s efforts to combat crimes and criminality in the State.

He explained further that the ATM cards, Sim cards and the I.D cards were found in a bag and other illicit substances found in the possession of Stephen who owns both shops.

He was said to have failed to give a satisfactory account of these items found in his possession, and claimed that the bag belonged to one alleged soldier known only as ‘Daddy’ who left the bag in his shop as collateral due to failure to pay for services rendered for over nine months.

The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has significantly boosted its capacity to deliver high-quality and affordable healthcare, following the successful refilling of its Liquid Oxygen (LOX) tank.

This achievement was recorded under the leadership of the Chief Medical Director (CMD) Prof. Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu on Friday, October 24th, 2025, marking a pivotal milestone for the institution.

The initiative was carried out with the support of the Global Fund (GF).

The exercise was supervised by Mr. Ibeke E. Francis, an official from the Federal Ministry of Health’s Oxygen Desk, alongside representatives from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and APEX Gas.

Their collaborative efforts ensured the seamless delivery of 10 tons of medical-grade liquid oxygen to UBTH, fortifying the hospital’s resources for critical medical procedures and patient care.

Speaking on the development, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UBTH commended the Federal Government and its partners for their continued commitment to delivering quality healthcare.

She described the intervention as a major boost to the hospital’s oxygen supply capacity and a timely contribution to patient care excellence.

According to her, the 10-ton oxygen supply, equivalent to about 700 large oxygen cylinders, marks the first of three scheduled supplies under the project.

She noted that after the completion of these phases, UBTH will collaborate directly with the project partners to ensure sustainability, guaranteeing uninterrupted oxygen availability in the hospital.

The CMD further explained that, although UBTH already operates two functional oxygen gas plants, this additional LOX system will further strengthen supply reliability, reduce operational costs, and enhance service efficiency, enabling the hospital to continue delivering quality and affordable healthcare to all patients.

She emphasized that the project’s successful execution reflects UBTH’s unwavering commitment to innovation, service excellence, and patient-centered care, reaffirming the hospital’s reputation as a trailblazer among Nigeria’s tertiary health institutions.

Also present at the event were the CMAC, Prof. Stanley Okugbo and the DCMAC Clinicals, Dr Osho Philip.

This timely provision of liquid oxygen is an integral component of the Federal Government’s Global Fund-supported project, aimed at bolstering oxygen availability within federal tertiary hospitals nationwide.

By ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of medical-grade oxygen, the government is actively strengthening the healthcare infrastructure and improving patient outcomes across the country.

UBTH’s successful LOX tank refilling stands as a testament to the effectiveness of this initiative and its potential to transform healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

ISLAMIC scholars have stated that the proper implementation of Sharia in Nigeria would promote the collective welfare of both Muslims and non-Muslims while strengthening moral and social harmony across the country.

They argued that there is no basis for the persistent opposition to its implementation in Nigeria.

Speaking at the Annual State Lecture of The Muslim Congress (TMC), Kwara State chapter, held in Ilorin, and themed ‘Sharia in a Pluralistic Society: Prospects, Challenges and Strategies for Effective Implementation’, the Chief Executive Officer of Vanguard Academy, Ogun State, Ustadh Zanfaran Adeniyi, described Sharia and Islam as inseparable.

Adeniyi said Muslims are disadvantaged without the system, which, when properly understood, is designed to promote justice, welfare and accountability in society.

‘Sharia is Islam and Islam is Sharia. We are shortchanged without it, so Muslims must work towards having it reflected in our establishments and schools,’ he said.

He noted that implementing Sharia in a pluralistic society like Nigeria is both practicable and possible, citing examples from countries such as Malaysia and the United Kingdom, where it operates successfully within their legal frameworks.

According to him, Sharia is not compulsory for non-Muslims, adding that there is no justification for the hostility often expressed against its practice in Nigeria.

‘Being a plural society is natural, as Allah has acknowledged in Qur’an 49:13. Sharia is not against diversity but works within it. In countries like Malaysia and the UK, Muslims practise Sharia peacefully while others follow their respective systems. Nigeria can do the same,’ he said.

Adeniyi attributed much of the resistance to Sharia in Nigeria to propaganda, misconception and unfounded fear of Islam.

He explained that a proper understanding of the concept would reveal that it benefits everyone by promoting moral discipline, justice and social stability.

‘There are many benefits for non-Muslims in the implementation of Sharia. For instance, non-Muslims in Nigeria already benefit from Islamic financial instruments like Sukuk, which fund major road projects that serve everyone.

The same applies to other national initiatives linked to our membership of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Sharia protects the rights, religions and even the places of worship of non-Muslims,’ he added.

The first lecturer, public affairs analyst and author, Abdullateef Ishowo, examined Nigeria’s political and social challenges from the perspective of global diplomacy and national values.

He said the country’s internal contradictions, such as corruption, insecurity and poverty, continue to weaken its international standing.

Ishowo lamented that Nigeria has lost touch with its cultural and moral foundations, unlike countries such as China that project their values into the global system.

He urged Nigerians to elect leaders of integrity, accountability and vision rather than those chosen for political convenience.

‘As followers, we must be conscious of the kind of leaders we elect, not necessarily based on their parties but on their character and capacity. Our leaders must make corruption difficult to thrive by strengthening institutions and ensuring transparency,’ he said.

He also urged Muslims to let Islamic principles guide their interactions with others, noting that Nigeria is home to Christians, traditionalists and atheists who must all coexist peacefully.

Also speaking at the event, the chairman of the occasion and chairman of the Guild of Public Commentators, Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulkadir Shola Muse, urged Muslim faithful to remain steadfast and hold their leaders accountable.

In an interview, Dr Wahab Zakari of the Department of Religion, University of Ilorin, called for enlightenment and the gradual implementation of Sharia in Nigeria.

He expressed disappointment over the negative portrayal of Sharia by some people, saying it is meant to bring peace, not pain.

The waali (coordinator) of The Muslim Congress in Kwara State, Malam AbdulHakeem Idris, said the lecture was organised to mark Nigeria’s independence anniversary and to encourage reflection on the nation’s moral and historical path.

He urged participants to learn from history to build a future of peace and unity.

The event was attended by several Islamic scholars, academics, representatives of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) and students from various schools across the state.

The Niger State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the official Flag-Off Ceremony for its campaign ahead of the November 1, 2025, Local Government elections.

In a statement released by Musa Labaran SK, the Publicity Secretary of the APC Niger State Chapter, the party is calling upon leaders, stakeholders, members, and supporters of the party to come together for this significant occasion.

Scheduled for Saturday, 25th October 2025, the event will take place at the Trade Fair Complex in Minna, starting promptly at 11:00 AM.

The ceremony will be graced by the state governor, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, who is expected to perform the official flag-off.

He said, ‘All members of the party’s campaign committees, candidates, political appointees, and executives at various levels are encouraged to attend.

The event aims to galvanise support and unity as the APC prepares for a decisive electoral battle on 1st November 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the party’s journey towards achieving victory in the forthcoming elections.

The European Union (EU) has announced it’s taken concrete steps to deepen its partnership with Nigeria in areas of digital transformation, research, and innovation, marking a new phase in their bilateral cooperation aimed at driving sustainable and inclusive development.

Speaking at the University of Lagos’ 18th Annual Research Conference, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, emphasised that the collaboration seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s research and innovation ecosystem with particular focus on digitalisation, climate resilience, and green growth.

According to him, the EU’s engagement with Nigeria is guided by shared priorities that empower scientists, innovators, and young researchers to transform knowledge into practical solutions across critical sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, and health.

‘Science is most efficient when it is universal, not when it bumps into borders,’ Ambassador Mignot said. ‘The European Union and its Member States are investing in research that advances the same green, digital and inclusive transition we are pursuing in Europe, and we are proud to work with Nigeria to achieve this.’

As part of efforts to further institutionalize cooperation, Ambassador Mignot revealed that the European Commission has proposed opening negotiations with Nigeria on a Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Agreement.

The proposed accord, he explained, will create new opportunities for joint research projects, academic exchanges, and investments in technology infrastructure.

‘This agreement will help bring our researchers, innovators and universities even closer together,’ he said. ‘It will strengthen Nigeria’s role in the global innovation landscape and open more opportunities for young researchers and entrepreneurs.’

Highlighting ongoing initiatives, the Ambassador pointed to the EU’s flagship Horizon Europe programme; a nearly pound 100 billion funding mechanism that supports global research and innovation collaborations.

He stressed that Nigerian researchers are eligible to participate under the framework.

‘Horizon Europe is open to Nigerian researchers because the pursuit of knowledge belongs to all humankind,’ Mignot noted. ‘When science connects people, it builds a stronger, fairer and more sustainable world.’

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, lauded the EU’s growing support, describing the partnership as a milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward strengthening its research capacity and leveraging innovation for development.

‘Africa must embrace innovation that responds to our realities,’ Professor Ogunsola said. ‘Partnerships like this enable us to translate research into practical solutions, from sustainable energy to health and AI, that improve lives and empower communities.’

She disclosed that the University is investing in a Human-Centred AI Research Hub that prioritizes ethical and inclusive innovation. ‘AI offers Africa not just a chance to catch up but to lead in shaping the future,’ she said.

Adding a student perspective, Salami Mayowa Michael, a PhD candidate in Estate Management at the University of Lagos, expressed optimism about the expanding collaboration. ‘AI is changing everything about how we learn and research,’ he said.

‘We can now access data, collaborate across continents and even conduct property evaluations with drones.

‘The EU’s support will give us the opportunity to leverage these tools more effectively and transform the way we teach, learn and innovate.’

Through this renewed partnership, the European Union and Nigeria are positioning research and innovation as vital engines for sustainable progress, fostering a relationship that bridges continents and drives a future built on knowledge, technology, and shared prosperity.

Niger State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Isah Mokwa, a postgraduate student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBUL), Lapai, who is also known for his frequent criticism of the state government.

Mokwa was reportedly picked up from his residence in Lapai on Wednesday night and transferred to the Police Headquarters in Dutsen Kura Hausa, Minna, following allegations of cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and other cybercrime-related offences against the Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago.

According to sources, the arrest came after Mokwa allegedly referred to the governor as ‘Governor Amunike’ in a series of social media posts criticizing government policies.

The nickname ‘Governor Amunike’ – drawn from the name of former Super Eagles footballer Emmanuel Amunike – has become a social media slang used mockingly to describe politicians perceived as boastful or underperforming.

Mokwa, before his arrest, had shared a post expressing concern over unusual police movement around his residence. In one of his last public statements, he wrote:

‘Two officers from the Lapai division came looking for me. I wasn’t around, but they met my roommate. If anything happens to me, they know the policemen who came. I only stand for the truth and will never back down.’

The student had also recently posted several critical commentaries on social media, accusing the state government of neglecting key issues such as banditry, flood response, unpaid pensions, and underfunding of public institutions.

He particularly urged Governor Bago to focus on ‘real problems affecting ordinary people’ instead of ‘public relations appearances on national television.’

Attempts by reporters to get an official response from the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Wasiu Abiodun, initially proved unsuccessful.

However, in a statement later made available to Saturday Tribune on Friday, Abiodun confirmed the arrest.

‘The Niger State Police Command received a criminal complaint bordering on cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and other cybercrime-related offences against one Abubakar Isah Mokwa, 29, a postgraduate student of IBBUL,’ the statement read.

‘Consequently, the suspect was invited and arrested by the Lapai Division on October 23, 2025, around 11:00 p.m., and transferred to the State Police Command Headquarters, Minna, for further investigation.’

The police spokesperson assured that the matter is under investigation and that further updates will be made public.

Nigerian-born but United Kingdom-based artiste, Dapo Aiyegbusi, who is better known as Daayuur, having been usually quiet for some time, has eventually come out of hiatus to break the silence that appeared to have pervaded his music career.

Daayuur, an Afropop artiste, readily comes handy as one of Nigeria’s exports to foreign land, that is, on the heel of his craft, music, which has been a major part of what he does as he represents the green and white flag in the diaspora.

Breaking the silence, he admitted his silent mood but assured his silence is not out of being careless about his craft and his fans but a move in the interest of his craft and his teeming fans. Daayuur dismissed all kinds of meaning that have been adduced to his temporary absence.

The Afropop singer, during a recent chat, revealed he’s been in and doing so in order to improve on his craft to serve his fans better. He added that he’s been working on new projects, which have seen him make trips to different destinations and work with various music experts to achieve perfection with the project at hand.

‘It’s true that I have been quiet for some time, but all is for good. I have actually been working on a new project. I have a few singles that are being cooked, and the making has made me travel to different places as well as work with a number of great hands. Daayuur said.

He added that he would still want to keep information about the project under wraps but said the public will be kept updated even as the end of the year and the Christmas and New Year period are fast approaching.

It was also understood in the course of the chat that Daayuur might have some other things up his sleeves for the festive period; all these, he hinted, time will reveal.

A model, entrepreneur, and musician, Daayuur has for a couple of years been among the top artists in the United Kingdom who thrill music lovers with nice tunes at major events, particularly in the Black communities. Some of the songs to his credit include ‘She Carry’, ‘You Bad’, ‘Obi’, and ‘African Woman’, among others.