Author: user user

The League of Patriotic Lawyers has lauded the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for what it described as his outstanding achievements in international criminal cooperation and justice sector reforms.

In a statement by its Chairman, Abubakar Yesufu, the League particularly hailed the AGF for the successful extradition of several fugitive offenders to the United States and the repatriation of a murder suspect to Nigeria, describing the moves as clear demonstrations of Nigeria’s renewed commitment to the rule of law and international justice.

According to the League, the AGF, through his proactive engagement with international partners, facilitated the extradition of Hassan Hussein Abolere, Lawal, and Okechukwu Josiah Odunna to the United States to face justice. Similarly, Benjamin Nnanywreugo, popularly known as Kilabari, was repatriated to Nigeria over the alleged murder of his girlfriend.

‘These decisive actions reflect a new era of accountability and cooperation between Nigeria and its global partners,’ the group said.

The League further commended the Attorney-General for strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring greater efficiency among key justice enforcement agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

It noted that the agencies have witnessed significant improvement in operational efficiency and inter-agency collaboration under Fagbemi’s leadership, resulting in more effective prosecution of transnational crimes.

The statement also cited the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Regulation Act of 2024 as one of the major achievements of the AGF’s tenure, noting that it has given legal backing to the recovery and management of forfeited assets worth over $50 million, including the celebrated Galactica Assets Forfeiture Haul.

Beyond these reforms, the group said Fagbemi’s tenure has been marked by a non-partisan, patriotic approach to the administration of justice. It referenced his intervention in landmark constitutional cases, including the affirmation of local government autonomy in AG Edo State vs AG Federation, as evidence of his commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Describing the Attorney-General as ‘a giant among midgets in progressive strides,’ the League of Patriotic Lawyers declared that Fagbemi remains the most reform-minded and unifying figure to have held the office since independence.

‘These achievements speak volumes of the enduring legacy of this giant legal mind and the renewed hope he represents for Nigeria’s justice system,’ the statement concluded.

As the festive season approaches, Edo-born singer and social crusader Sunday Ajakaiye, better known by his stage name Zunday, has voiced the frustration of thousands of Edo North residents who have been cut off by the crumbling Auchi Igarra Ibillo Okene Road.

For Zunday, the pain is personal. Despite his growing success as a musician, he says he cannot even travel home to visit his mother because the road, riddled with gullies and insecurity, has become a death trap and a symbol of government failure.

‘I want to go home to see my mother, to feel the village vibe, to enjoy that Christmas atmosphere,’ he said with emotion. ‘But how can I? The road is bad, people are being kidnapped, and I do not have money for a chopper or a private jet. I am angry, not just for myself, but for everyone who cannot go home to their loved ones this season.’

Zunday, who describes himself as the voice of the voiceless, said his anger is not about politics but about the continuous neglect of a major federal highway that connects Edo to Kogi and serves as a vital lifeline for traders, farmers, and commuters across the North Central corridor.

‘The people of Edo North are suffering in silence,’ he said. ‘Every day, people lose vehicles, goods, and even their lives. The Auchi Ibillo road is no longer just a bad road; it has become a graveyard of promises.’

Road of pain and broken promises

Earlier this year, Governor Monday Okpebholo announced the rehabilitation of more than 45 failed sections of the federal road, promising that lasting repairs would be delivered. But months later, residents say not much has changed.

Only about 9.6 kilometres have received temporary palliative work, which has already begun to deteriorate under heavy rainfall and poor drainage.

The full stretch of the Auchi Ibillo road estimated at about 51 kilometres remains in dire condition, riddled with craters that turn into ponds when it rains and dry into dust bowls under the sun.

The road, once a busy commercial link between Edo, Kogi, and parts of Ondo, has now become notorious for armed robbery, kidnapping, and fatal accidents, as drivers are forced to crawl through dangerous portions.

Where are our Representatives?

In his statement, Zunday did not hold back his criticism of the political class, from the state government to lawmakers at both the state and federal levels, accusing them of being silent while their people suffer.

‘Where are our representatives?’ he asked. ‘What are they doing in Abuja and Benin City while our mothers, traders, and transporters risk their lives daily on this road? We elected leaders to speak for us, not to keep quiet in comfort.’

He called on both the Edo State Government and the Federal Ministry of Works to act decisively, urging transparency in project handling.

‘Publish the contract details, who got it, how much was paid, and when it will be completed. We deserve to know where the money is going.’

A plea before Christmas

With Christmas only weeks away, the artiste warned that thousands of families hoping to return home for the holidays may have to cancel their plans because of the road danger.

‘This is the time families should be coming home with joy, not fear,’ he said. ‘How can people celebrate Christmas when every trip feels like a gamble between life and death? The government must fix this road before December so people can travel safely.’

Let Edo North breathe again

Zunday’s advocacy blends the energy of his music with the urgency of activism. His songs often carry messages of unity, courage, and justice, and he says this campaign will be no different.

‘This is not politics,’ he emphasized. ‘It is about people. It is about life. It is about giving hope back to those who have been forgotten. Fix this road now and let Edo North breathe again.’

Nigerian-Born humanitarian and business leader, Dr. (Chief) Mrs. Juliet Bolaji Akinmulero, has been celebrated on two continents for her outstanding contributions to leadership and humanitarian service. Within weeks, she received two prestigious honours in the United Kingdom and Nigeria, reaffirming her status as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished global figures in philanthropy and community development.

At the House of Lords, British Parliament, London, Dr. Akinmulero was decorated with the Distinguished Royal Mother of the Day Award and conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Leadership and Governance during the 3rd Global Leadership Investment Summit and Peace Awards (GLISPA UK 2025).

The high-level summit was organised by the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC) in partnership with the Foreign Investment Network (FIN), Euroknowledge UK, and the American University of Peace and Governance (AUPG), USA.

The event drew prominent dignitaries including H.E. Mike Mbuvi Sonko, former Governor of Nairobi, Kenya; Hon. Likando Kalaluka, Zambia’s former Attorney General; and HRH King Dr. Olusegun Aderemi JP, the Atayero of Aramoko Kingdom, who served as the Royal Father of the Day.

The programme was anchored by Dr. Graziella Thake, Secretary-General of UNIPGC Australia, while Amb. Dr. Jonathan Ojadah, UNIPGC Global President and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, urged honourees ‘to serve as peace ambassadors and champions of sustainable development.’

Dr. Akinmulero, the Yeye Oba of Ayeka Kingdom, Ondo State, was recognised for her ‘leadership pedigree, professional excellence, and capacity-building prowess in transformational governance’.

In her remarks, she said, ‘This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. Every recognition is a reminder to lead with compassion and serve humanity with purpose.’

Her son, Tolulope David Akinmulero, a British-born American and one of the special guests at the House of Lords, expressed his pride in his mother’s achievements. He said, ‘I’m so proud of you, Mum. You truly deserve every award you’ve received and every one yet to come. You’re out of this world – the best mum ever. Seeing you recognised for all that you’ve done brings me so much joy, and I can’t wait to celebrate with you.’

Her elder brother, Chief Olawande Alex Oyebobola, the Akile of Ayeka Kingdom, also received a GLISPA Peace Award and an Honorary Doctorate in Leadership and Governance, underscoring the family’s shared legacy of leadership and community service.

Recognition at home

Barely two weeks later, Dr. Akinmulero was once again celebrated in Nigeria as Woman of the Year (Humanitarian Service) at the 7th Southwest Legendary Awards (King’s Edition), held at JM Royal Haven, GRA, Shagamu, Ogun State. The regional awards honour individuals across the Southwest for excellence in leadership, innovation, and social impact.

In her acceptance speech, Akinmulero said: ‘I’m truly honoured to receive the Woman of the Year (Humanitarian) award from the Southwest Legendary Award. This recognition means so much-but more than anything, it’s a reminder that the work continues. To me, this award is not just an honour; it’s a challenge-to reach more lives, to serve with greater impact, and to keep showing up where it matters most.’

Her words earned a standing ovation, with several dignitaries describing her as a model of integrity, humility, and consistent service.

Sustained humanitarian impact

Earlier in the year, Dr. Akinmulero had received the United Nations Outstanding Humanitarian Award in New York, presented by the Permanent Mission of Senegal to the United States, in recognition of her long-standing service to women empowerment and humanitarian advancement.

She is the Chief Executive Officer of several care facilities in California, USA – including Divine Residential Group Home Corporation and Mercy Residential Home – renowned for their compassionate, person-centred care.

Currently, registration formalities for the Aderonke Akinmulero Memorial Foundation, conceived in memory of her late daughter, Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo Aderonke Akinmulero are ongoing. The Foundation will promote education, vocational skills, and youth mentorship, extending her humanitarian mission across borders.

A global ambassador of Nigerian excellence

Born into the Oyebobola royal family of Owo, Ondo State, Dr. Akinmulero represents a rare blend of royal heritage and modern leadership. With British-Nigerian citizenship and U.S. permanent residency, she continues to champion cross-cultural cooperation and leadership development.

From the United Nations Headquarters in New York to the House of Lords in London, and most recently to the Southwest Legendary Awards in Ogun State, Dr. Juliet Bolaji Akinmulero’s story is one of resilience, service, and impact.

As she remarked at the Shagamu event, ‘Awards are not destinations-they are reminders to serve, to give, and to keep believing in the power of good.’

A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred politician and online publisher, Omoyele Sowore, and others behind the planned protest for the release on Nnamdi Kanu of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) from taking their activities anywhere close to the presidential villa, Aso Rock, Abuja and other important national institutions.

Justice Mohammed Umar, in a ruling on Friday, also asked Sowore and his associates in the protest planned for October 20 to also steer clear of National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way, pending the hearing of the motion on notice filed by the police on behalf of the Federal Government.

In a certified true copy (CTC) of the enrolled order, signed on Saturday, Justice Umar said: ‘The respondents are hereby restrained in the interim from protesting in the following Areas: Aso Rock Villa or anywhere close to Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and on Shehu Shagari Way pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

‘The court hereby abridged time within which the respondents will respond to the application on notice to cause this ex-parte order to be set aside on Monday, the 20th of October, 2025 at 9.00am.

‘The order of this court together with the motion on notice be served on the respondents today, Friday, the 17th day of October, 2025.’

Justice Umar adjourned till October 20 for hearing of the motion on notice.

The ruling was on a motion ex-parte filed in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 filed by the police.

Listed as respondents are Sowore, Sahara Reporters Ltd, Sahara Reporters’ Media Foundation, Take It Back Movement (TIB) for the Transformation of Nigeria or any form of organisation or any other person(s) acting, either express or implied instruction or any other organisation or group with the like intention and unknown persons.

Sowore, the presidential candidate of African Action Congress (ACC) in 2019 and 2023 recently announced a planned protest to compel the Federal Government to release Kanu, who is being tried on a terrorism charge.

The prosecution, in the case before a Federal High Court in Abuja, has since closed its case after calling five witnesses and rendering evidence including video and audio recordings of Kanu’s activities as IPOB leader.

On October 16, the presiding judge in Kanu’s terrorism trial, Justice James Omotosho, read the concluding part of the report in the open court after Agabi confirmed that he received and read the report of the medical examination of his client by the NMA team.

The report concluded that the ailments that Kanu complained about were not life threatening and that he was fit to continue to stand trial.

When asked by the judge whether he had seen the report, Agabi confirmed receiving a copy, which he said he read and shared with members of his team.

Agabi told the court that the defence team had nothing against the report.

It was at the point that Justice Omotosho announced that in view of the accelerated hearing earlier granted in the case, he would adjourn for six consecutive days for the defence to open and close its case.

The judge then requested Agabi and Awomolo to agree on the dates convenient for them, following which the two lawyers suggested October 23 for the commencement of the defendant’s case.

Shortly before he adjourned for the day, Justice Omotosho granted an oral application by Agabi that Kanu’s legal team be granted private consultation opportunity with the defendant outside the premises of the Department of State Services (DSS) before the commencement of his defence.

Agabi said the defendant’s legal team was afraid that its consultation with him (Kanu) could be secretly tapped or recorded by the DSS.

Justice Omotosho also acceded to Agabi’s request that the private meeting with Kanu be held in the courtroom, during which only the defendant and his lawyers would be present.

Agabi chose October 22, a day before the date set for Kanu, to open his defence.

Based on Agabi’s request, Justice Omotosho ordered that the private consultation meeting between Kanu and his legal team should hold within the courtroom between 9am and 12noon on October 22, while the trial will resume on October 23.

Respect court order, Police tell protesters

THE Nigeria Police Force yesterday warned groups planning protests in Abuja to comply with a subsisting Federal High Court order restricting demonstrations around key government institutions.

In a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the police said an order issued on October 17 by a Federal High Court judge, M.G. Umar in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 between the Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore and four others remained binding and enforceable.

According to the police, the court restrained Sowore and others from staging protests within and around Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

The police urged all groups involved, whether supporting or opposing the agitation for Kanu’s release to respect the court order, warning that any attempt to defy it would attract punitive measures.

‘Any person or group that uses protests as cover to incite violence, carry or use offensive weapons, vandalise property, kidnap, or engage in acts likely to cause loss of life will be dealt with decisively,’ the statement read.

The Force reiterated that it recognised citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression but stressed that such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the law, especially where public safety and national security were at stake.

The police said the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had directed the FCT Commissioner of Police to enforce the order strictly and ensure visible deployments across identified flashpoints in the capital city.

According to the police, offenders would face prosecution under criminal laws relating to public order, violent conduct, and terrorism. The statement also cautioned those using social media to incite unrest, warning that digital evidence would be used in investigations and court proceedings.

The police assured Abuja residents of adequate security arrangements to protect lives and property and urged people not participating in the protest to go about their lawful activities without fear.

Jean-Philippe Mateta yesterday scored a hat-trick, including a stoppage-time penalty, as Crystal Palace fought back from two goals down to draw with Bournemouth in a six-goal thriller at Selhurst Park.

In an incredible finish, Mateta completed his treble in the 97th minute after Marc Guehi had been wrestled to the ground by Bournemouth’s Bafode Diakite as a left-wing corner was being taken.

There was still time for further drama but Mateta, who has now scored seven goals for the Eagles this season, blazed a potentially match-winning chance over the bar in the ninth minute of stoppage time.

Teenage striker Eli Kroupi, 19, had earlier scored twice on his first Premier League start as Bournemouth were on course for a victory that would have taken them temporarily top of the table.

Mateta scored twice in a five-minute spell to make it 2-2, before Ryan Christie restored Bournemouth’s lead in the 89th minute, but it was not enough for the victory.

It continued a great spell in Mateta’s career as he made his France debut on 10 October against Azerbaijan and then scored his first international goal three days later in a 2-2 draw with Iceland.

The Lagos State Government, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, in partnership with Ascenix Consulting Limited and Accel Skills Hub Limited, is organising a one-day career and job seminar tagged ‘Inspire for Wealth.’

According to the organisers, the seminar is dedicated to unlocking the potential of vocational education as a pathway to wealth creation, empowerment, and employment.

The programme will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 03:00 PM at the Oba Sanni Komolafe Youth Centre, Ile Ipakodo, Amoo, Agege, Lagos.

The event is 100% free, while registration is compulsory to gain access to explore insightful sessions led by industry experts and business leaders, not restricted to.

Facilitators at the seminar include: Olanrewaju Ajayi [C.E.O., Chanelle Microfinance Bank Limited,] to discuss ‘Vocational Skills for the Future: High-Demand Trades in Nigeria;’ Segun T. Kuti George [Vice President, Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI)] to discuss, ‘The Entrepreneurial Mindset: From Skill Acquisition to Transgenerational Wealth Sustainability;’ Olumide Ebietomiye-Fredricks [C.O.O., Ivy League Associates], to discuss, ‘The Skill Economy: Beyond the Degree;’ Grace Edwin-Okon [C.E.O., Derwin Film Academy], to discuss, ‘ Navigating the Path: Practical Steps to Getting Started Now.’

The seminar’s theme, ‘Vocational Education – A Path to Wealth and Job Creation,’ underscores the Lagos Ministry of Youth Social Development, Ascenix Consulting Limited and Accel Skills Hub Limited’s commitment to equipping Lagos youth with practical skills for economic independence amid rising unemployment challenges.

While enjoining all young Nigerians to join this empowering dialogue, the organisers said, ‘This initiative aligns with our vision to foster inclusive growth by bridging the gap between education and viable employment.’

There seems to be no end yet in sight to the gale of defections from the opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The National Chairman of APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, hinted yesterday that the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima would be visiting Jos, the Plateau State capital on October 30 to officially receive a new set of decampees to the party.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, yesterday led thousands of party faithful at a grand rally held at the Murtala Square, Kaduna, to welcome a wave of defectors from opposition parties into the APC.

In Kano State, also yesterday, a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Farouk Lawan, formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in his ward.

Prof. Yilwatda made the disclosure regarding the imminent visit of Vice President to Jos during an APC Strategic Stakeholders meeting which held at the Crest Hotel Conference Hall in the Plateau State capital yesterday..

He further revealed that the Vice President had already given his consent to the reception.

Yilwatda said, ‘We welcomed Mr President about two weeks ago, and now we are going to welcome the Vice President.

‘Yesterday (Friday), I spoke with the governors under the Plateau of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, about the forthcoming event, and a good number of them said they are well prepared to be on the platform.’

He said Hon. Abbas had also agreed to be part of the reception ceremony, ‘so we’re going to have a full house again, back on the platform’.

‘So the same atmosphere we created during the burial of my mother will repeat itself.

‘We will test the mic, we will increase the volume, we will increase the dancing steps.

‘Consequent upon that, our elder, Architect P.D. Gyang, will chair the central planning committee for receiving all the decampees to APC.

He said there were many activities in the offing to keep party vibrant, keep the decampees in the news and keep them active.

‘We just finished the medical outreach. The team from U.S. left today, but we have some local doctors that will sustain it until part of next week,’ he said, adding that a new programme would be unveiled by Monday.

He also said the trend of launching new programmes would continue until until the 2027 elections.

‘The programme that we plan to do next week is to give N100 million business challenge to the youths, SMEs.

‘So we still expect a team to be constituted; people who will be saddled with the responsibility of receiving the submissions of those that l will be selected.

He said with regard to youth empowerment, there will be people that will get one million naira, those who would get N500,000 and others who would get N250,000 to boost their existing businesses.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, yesterday led thousands of party faithful at a grand rally held at the Murtala Square, Kaduna, to welcome a wave of defectors from opposition parties into the ruling party.

The event, described by party leaders as a ‘renewal of unity and victory,’ saw the formal defection of several lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rally drew a mammoth crowd of supporters, government officials, members of the National and state assemblies, and key political figures from across the state.

The entire Murtala Square was adorned with party colours as supporters chanted victory songs and waved banners celebrating what many described as a ‘political landslide.’

Among the decampees were members representing Sabon Gari, Igabi, Kaduna South, and Ikara/Kubau Federal Constituencies, as well as several former senators, local government chairmen, and political heavyweights from the PDP and NNPP.

Governor Uba Sani, visibly delighted, said the growing number of decampees was a reflection of public confidence in the APC’s inclusive leadership and people-centered governance model.

He assured new members that the APC in Kaduna operates as a single family without discrimination, stressing that old and new members would enjoy equal opportunities and privileges.

‘In APC Kaduna, we are one family. We don’t discriminate. Everyone has the same privilege and the same opportunity,’ Sani declared.

‘Our focus has always been justice, fairness, and inclusivity. Kaduna is the most diverse state in Nigeria, and we have used our diversity as our strength,’ he added.

He added that since his administration came on board, Kaduna has enjoyed relative peace and harmony, noting that the absence of ethno-religious conflict in the past year is a testament to the government’s commitment to equity and inclusiveness.

‘Since we came in, there has not been a single ethno-religious crisis in Kaduna State. We are working as one family, and that is the kind of politics that brings development,’ he said.

Governor Sani also used the occasion to recognise some prominent figures who recently joined the APC, including former Governor Ramalan Yero, Senator Shehu Sani, Senator Andrew Makarfi Malar, and Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi, among others.

He however assured the new entrants that the APC will continue to deliver on its promises of fairness, equity, and good governance, saying, ‘our goal is not politics for power, but politics for the people. Kaduna APC is united, stronger, and ready for the future.’

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, commended the Governor for his leadership style, which he said has repositioned Kaduna as a model of unity and progress in Northern Nigeria.

He said the large turnout at the rally shows that the people of Kaduna are solidly behind the APC’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

APC National Chairman, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, also praised Governor Sani’s leadership, describing him as a bridge-builder who has strengthened the party’s structure across all local governments. He noted that the Kaduna rally marked the beginning of strategic political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the ruling party would continue to welcome all Nigerians who share its vision of inclusive governance and national development.

Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Liman, and other party chieftains also pledged loyalty to the Governor’s leadership, stressing that the unity currently being witnessed in the party would guarantee sweeping victories in the coming polls

A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Farouk Lawan, yesterday formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) at his ward in Kano State.

The occasion saw him receive a new APC membership card from the leadership of the APC at his ward and local government levels.

Presided over by the APC Chairman of Shanono Local Government Area, Iysai Sheme, the occasion was attended by the members of the Shanono APC LGA executive and witnessed by hundreds of APC party members and well-wishers.

Speaking at the occasion, Lawan expressed joy and gratitude to Allah at his movement to the All Progressives Congress (APC) while describing the occasion as a milestone in his political career.

He recalled that but for a brief period during his incarceration when he urged his supporters to vote for the NNPP, he had all along been a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) since he joined politics in 1999.

‘Today I have received the membership card of the APC and I hope and pray to play my role in helping the APC to succeed at all levels in 2027,’ the former representative of Bagwai/Shanono Federal Constituency said.

A former acting Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Fini Angaye, has declared that Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri’s planned defection to the APC will be a blessing for the Ijaw nation.

Actor and former Big Brother Naija housemate Adeoluwa ‘Saga’ Okusaga has shared insights into his approach to on-screen intimacy and the creative spark that led to his upcoming romantic drama, Falling Notes.

In a recent interview with Jay On Air, the multitalented star, known for engineering background and artistic pursuits, emphasised consent and preparation in romantic scenes.

Saga, who rose to fame during BBNaija Season 6 in 2021, detailed his professional boundaries when it comes to kissing scenes.

He said: ‘Before I get into kissing any actor, I sit with her and I tell you how we’re gonna go about this. I use my hand to describe it’s gonna be quick, we need to know what it is because you don’t want to have your lips locked and then the person is trying to evade your mouth’.

Speaking on his filmmaking journey, Saga recounted the origins of Falling Notes, a project he conceived in January 2025.

Drawing from his diverse talents, including painting, he sought a fresh creative outlet.

‘Speaking of my upcoming movie ‘Falling notes’, I said what can I do? What can I do? I need to do something. It was heavy on my heart in January this year. People have done painting.

‘What can I do? Let me sing. So I’m sitting here for the first time, saying that I sang in ‘Falling notes’.

To build credibility in the industry, Saga turned to content creation, partnering with fellow BBNaija star and close friend Roseline ‘Liquorose’ Afije.

‘I knew that people wouldn’t take me seriously until they see what I could do so I called Liquorose and we started cooking up different content and it was back-to-back every week like two year,’ he shared. .

Their back-to-back skits and collaborations over the past two years, dubbed ‘couple chronicles’ have not only showcased their on-screen chemistry but also opened doors professionally.

‘From that point, I can tell you every producer that has called me to work on their set called me because of those contents I created,’ he concluded.

Jean-Philippe Mateta yesterday scored a hat-trick, including a stoppage-time penalty, as Crystal Palace fought back from two goals down to draw with Bournemouth in a six-goal thriller at Selhurst Park.

In an incredible finish, Mateta completed his treble in the 97th minute after Marc Guehi had been wrestled to the ground by Bournemouth’s Bafode Diakite as a left-wing corner was being taken.

There was still time for further drama but Mateta, who has now scored seven goals for the Eagles this season, blazed a potentially match-winning chance over the bar in the ninth minute of stoppage time.

Teenage striker Eli Kroupi, 19, had earlier scored twice on his first Premier League start as Bournemouth were on course for a victory that would have taken them temporarily top of the table.

Mateta scored twice in a five-minute spell to make it 2-2, before Ryan Christie restored Bournemouth’s lead in the 89th minute, but it was not enough for the victory.

It continued a great spell in Mateta’s career as he made his France debut on 10 October against Azerbaijan and then scored his first international goal three days later in a 2-2 draw with Iceland.

Palace are now eighth in the Premier League, while Bournemouth are fourth.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, on Sunday dispelled rumours about his health after being sighted in Abuja attending an official meeting.

Amid circulating reports suggesting that the Minister was battling a serious ailment, Edun appeared hale, hearty, and in high spirits at Fraser Suites in the nation’s capital, where he joined the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, for a meeting with a delegation from Qatar.

According to officials present, the meeting, which lasted over an hour, focused on strengthening economic and investment ties between Nigeria and Qatar. Edun actively participated in the discussions, sharing insights and engaging with members of the Qatari delegation.

The Minister was seen leaving the meeting briefly after an hour for a lunch break, further dispelling any notion of frailty or illness.

His public appearance comes as the Federal Government continues to deepen bilateral and investment relations with strategic partners, with the Ministry of Finance playing a central role in implementing key aspects of the nation’s economic agenda.

Those at the meeting described Edun’s disposition as ‘energetic and cheerful,’ contrary to recent speculation about his health condition.

The development effectively puts to rest rumours circulating in some quarters about the Minister’s wellbeing.