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President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a letter to the Senate seeking the confirmation of Dr Bernard Mohammed Doro from Plateau State as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The nomination follows the elevation of Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who previously served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, to the position of National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in July.

Dr Doro, born on January 23, 1969, in Kwall, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, brings more than two decades of diverse experience spanning clinical practice, pharmaceutical management, strategic leadership, and community engagement across the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

A highly qualified professional, he holds degrees in Pharmacy and Law, an MBA with a focus on IT-driven business strategy, and a Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice.

He currently serves as an Independent Prescriber and Advanced Clinical Practitioner with the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, with frontline experience in urgent care, walk-in centres, general practice, and hospital services.

Beyond his medical career, Dr Doro has championed youth mentorship and social impact initiatives both in the Nigerian diaspora and local communities.

Nollywood actor Shawn Faqua and his bride, Sharon Ifunanya Maduekwe, has made history by hosting Nigeria’s first wedding on a moving train.

The ceremony which took place on Sunday, happened along the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Railway. The NRC also celebrated this historic moment, commending the couple for their creativity.

‘From lovebirds to locomotives, we’re keeping things on track. History made the first-ever wedding on a moving train in Nigeria. Proof that the journey can be just as beautiful as the destination,’ they wrote.

The memorable event was attended by family, friends and colleagues of the couple.

Burna Boy’s sister, Ronami Ogulu, has shed light on why the Grammy-winning artist spends more time on the road than in the studio, a decision deeply rooted in family tradition and artistic philosophy.

According to her, what their mother, Bose Ogulu, built over the years was not just a management structure but a legacy grounded in live performance and authenticity. She credited their uncle, fondly called Uncle Tee, as being instrumental in assembling Burna Boy’s original live band.

‘My mum’s younger brother literally scouted everyone from his church,’ she revealed.

Ronami explained that this deliberate foundation shaped Burna Boy’s entire artistry.

‘All of that contributed to the intention of what started today. The goal has always been live music, not just studio recording,’ she said.

She added that this is why Burna Boy’s creative process and public presence often confuse fans who expect a more traditional studio-focused artist.

‘I think that’s why many people are always confused, asking, ‘Why are you always on tour? Why are you guys always on the road?’ The intention has never really been about going to a studio in LA and sitting there for months,’ she said.

The Federal High Court in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has cancelled the local government elections held in July 2024.

The elections had produced chairmen and councillors across the 13 local government areas of the state.

Justice H.I.O. Oshomah, who delivered the judgment on Tuesday, ruled that the elections did not follow the guidelines of the Electoral Act, 2022.

The court declared the entire election exercise and its results invalid. It also ordered the Ebonyi State Independent National Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) and the state government not to organize any future local government elections unless they comply fully with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

The case was filed by Samuel Udeogu and Chief Mudi Erhenede, represented by their lawyers Hamilton Ogbodo and Mudi Erhenede, respectively. The court granted most of the reliefs they requested.

Speaking after the judgment, Ogbodo praised the court’s decision.

‘The local government election conducted in July 2024 no longer exists it has been cancelled by the court,’ he said. ‘If the government wants to act according to the law, they must return to the position before the election and obey the court order.’

He added that the local government chairmen have been removed from office following the judgment and urged the state government to comply while noting that the period to appeal the ruling is still open.

‘We expect them to obey the court order,’ Ogbodo said. ‘The court has done exactly what the law requires.’

Burna Boy’s sister and business executive, Ronami Ogulu, has opened up about her unexpected transition from finance to the music industry, revealing that her dream was once to become the President of the World Bank.

Speaking in a recent interview on the Martell Afrobeats Conversation Series, Ronami shared that her background was deeply rooted in finance, not entertainment. ‘I was trained as a finance person. I was trained as an investment banker. My dream was to be the President of the World Bank and I was gunning for it,’ she said.

She credited her upbringing for shaping her discipline and drive. ‘A bit of it is how I was brought up. For my mum, she’s trained as a linguist; she speaks six languages and has managed Burna Boy by herself for all these years, and they achieved so much,’ Ronami noted.

The younger Ogulu recounted how her journey into music began unexpectedly while she was serving in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and working in corporate banking. ‘I remember saying I was going to take three months off to help my mum. So, she started sending me emails one a day, then two, then three. And one day she said, ‘We’re going on tour.’ I was like, ‘With who?’ It was a rude awakening,’ she said, laughing.

That tour would eventually change the course of her life. ‘After the tour, I never went back to corporate banking,’ she confessed. ‘That was how I became the Chief Operating Officer.’

A 36-year-old mother, Gbemisola Akayinode, has been arrested and charged with murder after her nine-year-old daughter, Oluwasikemi, died in a hot car in Houston, Texas.

According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Gbemisola left her daughter inside a parked car for more than eight hours while she went to work at a manufacturing plant in Galena Park on July 1, a day when temperatures soared to 99°F (37°C).

Authorities said the child’s death was ruled a homicide caused by hyperthermia, an extreme form of heat stroke.

In court documents obtained by local media, Gbemisola told investigators she had left Oluwasikemi in the back seat of her car with food, a rechargeable fan, ice cubes, water, and the windows rolled halfway down. She also admitted giving the girl melatonin to help her sleep before heading into work around 5:45 a.m.

She reportedly did not check on her daughter until her shift ended around 1:53 p.m. by which time the little girl was unresponsive and turning blue.

‘I screamed for help,’ she told officers, insisting she had no one else to watch her child.

But investigators discovered that her foreman had been paying for her daycare, contradicting her claim that she couldn’t afford one until her next paycheck.

The Harris County Sheriff, Ed Gonzalez, confirmed the arrest on Friday, saying the mother now faces murder charges following the official autopsy report.

‘This is one of the hardest cases we’ve handled this year,’ Gonzalez said. ‘The child suffered for hours in unbearable heat.’

Court records show Gbemisola had previously taken her daughter to work with her on several occasions including the day before the tragedy.

She is expected to appear in court on Monday to face formal arraignment.

At least 30 children have died in hot cars so far in 2025, according to KidsAndCars.org, a U.S. nonprofit tracking such incidents. Since 1990, the number has surpassed 1,160 deaths nationwide.

The Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT) has urged its members across the country to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and refrain from joining any protest allegedly organised by activist Omoyele Sowore and his associates.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the National Coordinator of ASNAT, Comrade Adeshina Akinyemi, said the association would not support any politically motivated demonstration disguised as a fight for freedom.

He described such actions as attempts to destabilise the country and disrupt the livelihoods of hardworking Nigerians.

Reacting to reports of a failed mass protest purportedly aimed at securing the release of the proscribed IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Akinyemi said while Nigerians have the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, that right must not infringe on others’ freedom to conduct their daily businesses without fear or obstruction.

He reminded members of the vital role artisans and technicians play in sustaining the nation’s economy, urging them to focus on their trades and ignore calls for unrest by ‘misguided politicians seeking chaos under the cloak of activism.’

While expressing sympathy for Nnamdi Kanu and his family, Akinyemi maintained that the matter remains before a competent court, and the rule of law must prevail.

He reiterated ASNAT’s commitment to peace, stability, and national development, cautioning that no genuine national cause is advanced through violence or disorder.

‘We call on all our members nationwide to stay calm, law-abiding, and continue contributing to Nigeria’s progress. ASNAT will not be part of any politically driven attempt to destabilise our country,’ he stated.

Akinyemi also recalled the devastating impact of the #EndSARS protests, which he said inflicted pain and losses on artisans and technicians nationwide.

He appealed to members to avoid any form of participation, whether through physical presence or online mobilisation.

For Victor Okorie, a 400m hurdles silver medallist at the 2003 African Games, every season in Nigerian athletics is a new race – one that starts long before the starter’s gun goes off.

As a board member and Performance Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Okorie’s mission is clear: to see Nigerian athletes thrive on home soil and beyond.

In a recent chat, the U.S.-based former hurdler spoke passionately about what lies ahead for the country’s track and field stars – and the bright prospects surrounding the 2026 Enugu National Sports Festival.

‘Athletes should prepare for an eventful year,’ Okorie said with a confident smile.

‘The AFN board has been working around the clock to ensure that next season’s calendar comes out early. We want to give athletes enough time to prepare properly – mentally, physically, and emotionally.’

A BUSY YEAR AHEAD

Next year will be nothing short of a marathon for Nigeria’s sports community.

With the:

? National Sports Festival

? Confederation of African Athletics Championships

? Confederation of African Athletics Region Championship

? World Relay Championship

? Commonwealth Games

? AFN National Trials

? 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships

? World Athletics U-20 Championships

? Youth Olympics Games

A packed athletics programme all lined up, Okorie believes the stage is set for one of the busiest and most exciting years in recent memory.

To ensure athletes are well-equipped, the AFN is seeking partnerships with reputable sportswear brands. Okorie said discussions are ongoing with several companies willing to provide high-quality, performance-driven kits.

‘We want our athletes to feel proud in what they wear,’ he explained. ‘The right partnership will not just be about appearance, but also motivation, comfort, and pride in representing Nigeria.’

SPORTS AS BUSINESS, NOT JUST COMPETITION

Okorie praised the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its continued support but also made a passionate appeal to private and corporate investors to step into the arena.

To him, sports should be seen as serious business – one capable of driving economic growth and empowering youth across the country.

‘Athletics can be more than medals,’ he said thoughtfully. ‘It can build brands, create jobs, and inspire communities. That’s the direction we need to take.’

ENUGU 2026 – NOT JUST A FESTIVAL

As one of the organizers of the upcoming Enugu 2026 National Sports Festival, Okorie’s excitement is palpable. To him, the event isn’t just about winning medals; it’s about celebrating people, culture, and opportunity.

‘Hosting the festival will open doors for Enugu,’ he said. ‘It will attract business, enhance tourism, and strengthen relationships across states. It’s truly a win-win moment.’

Okorie revealed that Enugu athletes will compete in all 36 sporting events, adding that the state aims to rank among the top three on the medals table – or even clinch the overall title.

He is confident that with world-class facilities, increased allowances, and the state’s renewed energy, Enugu has all it takes to challenge long-standing powerhouses like Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, and Bayelsa.

‘We’re ready,’ he said with conviction. ‘Enugu has the athletes, the heart, and the hunger to succeed. We’re not just hosting the games – we’re competing to win.’

COMMENDS NSC, SEEK FOR MORE CORPORATE SUPPORT

Victor Okorie, lauded the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its continued support and funding of the federation’s programmes.

Okorie described the NSC’s intervention as a vital boost to the growth of athletics in the country, noting that the commission’s commitment has kept the sport alive despite financial challenges.

He, however, called on corporate organizations and public institutions to complement the government’s efforts by investing in athletics development across Nigeria.

According to him, such partnerships would not only enhance talent discovery and training but also help Nigeria compete favorably with leading athletics nations around the world.

Okorie emphasized that with increased sponsorship and better facilities, Nigerian athletes have the potential to dominate the global athletics stage once again.

A VISION BEYOND THE FINISH LINE

Victor Okorie, firmly believes that the true beauty of athletics lies not only in competition but in the connections it builds – between people, states, and dreams.

As Enugu 2026 approaches, his words echo a deeper vision for Nigerian sports – one that blunges ambition, unity, and business growth.

‘Sports can transform lives,’ the 44 year old multi talented former athlete concluded. ‘If we nurture it right, it will reward us all – athletes, fans, and the nation.’

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, says governors, senators, and other high-profile politicians are rushing to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) because of the wide-reaching reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Governor Sule made the statement on Monday in Lafia, the state capital, during a ceremony welcoming Senator Ahmed Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District, back into the APC from the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Commending President Tinubu, Sule said the bold and transformative policies being implemented by the administration are drawing political leaders back into the ruling party.

‘I want to specifically congratulate our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is because of the good and courageous reforms he is implementing that, every time the progressive governors meet, we are welcoming yet another governor into our party,’ Sule stated.

He revealed that during a recent APC governors’ meeting in Kebbi State, new defections were already underway.

‘While we were in Kebbi three days ago, we received Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State into the APC. Just this morning, as I returned, I received news of another governor joining us. They are not just coming to win elections-they are aligning with the vision and policies of Mr President,’ he added.

Sule praised Senator Wadada for his strategic decision to return to the APC, describing it as a sign of political maturity and alignment with national progress.

‘Distinguished Senator Wadada could have stayed in his party and continued to challenge us. But he chose to join us. I hereby present you with the APC broom, symbolising unity and renewal. Thank you for believing in our vision.’

The APC Chairman in Nasarawa State, Aliyu Bello, formally welcomed Senator Wadada and his team, assuring them of a level playing field within the party, especially as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.

Bello affirmed that the party would support only credible and popular candidates going forward.

‘Ahead of 2027, we are committed to presenting the most viable candidates at all levels. Under Governor Sule’s leadership, we’ve seen tremendous progress in security, education, and healthcare; factors that are drawing people into our fold,’ he said.

The Federal High Court on Tuesday declared the election that brought the incumbent local government chairpersons and councillors in Ebonyi State unconstitutional more than a year after they assumed office.

The court presided over by Justice Justice Hilary Oshomah consequently sacked the 13 Council Chairmen and 171 Councillors in Ebonyi state.

The Court noted that Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) failed to comply with the position of the electoral in the election conducted in July, 2024.

The LG chairpersons and councilors were sacked in the judgement delivered on Tuesday in Abakaliki because the election which produced them did not conform with the provisions of the electoral act.

Oshomah therefore cancelled the elections and urged the EBSIEC and the state government, who were the second and third respondents to conduct further elections with the provisions of the constitution.

Hamilton Ogbodo, counsel to the first plaintiff, Mr Samuel Udeogu expressed happiness over the court ruling that sacked the council chairmen and the councillors.

‘So, in effect, the local government election that was conducted in July, 2024 in the state, is no more there; it has been cancelled by the court.

‘If the second and third defendants want to do what the law says they should do, they should revert to status quo and obey the court order.

‘We are waiting for them because the time within which they can appeal this judgement is still running and when it expires, we will know what to do.

‘We expect them to obey the court order. The court has done exactly what the law says it should do because these things are in black and white,’ Ogbodo said.

Also, Mudi Erhenede, counsel to Isu Amaechi who is the 2nd plaintiff commended the judgement.

‘I commend Justice Oshomah’s ruling on the 2024 local government and councilorship elections in the state and urged the court to make available the judgment within possible time,’ Erhenede said.