BBNAIJA FINALE: Mensan evicted from BBNaija season 10

Big Brother Naija housemate, Mensan, has been evicted from the ongoing ’10/10′ grand finale.

The eviction, announced by show host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, marks a crucial turning point as the remaining housemates – Imisi, Dede, Kola, Jason Jae, Koyin, and Sultana – battle for the ultimate prize.

The reality show, which premiered on July 26-27, 2025, is set to conclude today, October 5, 2025.

Mensan’s exit adds to the tension, setting the stage for an electrifying finale where the top contenders will vie for the coveted title and grand reward.

Wike, Fubara, Amaewhule, Rivers elders, others meet in Port Harcourt

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, held a closed-door meeting in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Saturday night.

Also in attendance were members of the Rivers State Elders Council, led by Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, and the Rivers caucus in the National Assembly.

The meeting, described as the full unification of Wike’s political family in Rivers, was seen as a major step toward ending the long-standing political rift in the state.

Pictures from the meeting were shared on Facebook by the Media Aide to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, who, however, did not disclose details of the discussions.

Olayinka simply noted that the gathering signified that the political family in Rivers State is now fully united.

He wrote, ‘FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, Chairman of the Rivers State Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule and other leaders in a meeting in Port Harcourt yesterday. The Political Family is fully united.’

FRSC confirms four dead in Kaduna-Abuja highway crash

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kaduna Sector Command, has confirmed the death of four persons in a fatal crash along the Kaduna-Abuja highway on Sunday evening.

Sector Commander, Corps Commander Iliyasu Tijjani, who confirmed the incident, said the crash occurred around 4:30 p.m. at Kakau, near Gonin Gora, on the outskirts of Kaduna metropolis.

He said the accident involved a gas-laden tanker and a Toyota Hilux vehicle, both heading towards Kaduna, adding that preliminary investigations showed that the Hilux, which was on high speed, rammed into the moving tanker from behind.

‘The crash was caused by excessive speeding and dangerous overtaking,’ Tijjani stated.

According to him, five persons; four males and one female, were in the Hilux at the time of the crash.

‘Sadly, the four male occupants were confirmed dead at St. Gerard Catholic Hospital, while the only female passenger is currently receiving treatment at the FRSC Clinic, Tollgate, Kaduna,’ he said.

Tijjani added that the impact of the collision was severe, leading to significant damage to the Hilux and disruption of traffic flow on the busy highway until emergency responders cleared the scene.

He warned motorists against speeding and reckless overtaking, stressing that most road crashes on the Kaduna-Abuja highway are caused by impatience and violation of safety rules.

‘Drivers must always obey speed limits, maintain safe following distances, and avoid dangerous manoeuvres. The Corps will continue to enforce traffic regulations to save lives on our roads,’ he said.

The Sector Commander commiserated with the families of the deceased and assured that the FRSC, in collaboration with other emergency agencies, remains committed to ensuring safer road use across Kaduna State.

Reps Minority caucus summons emergency meeting over leadership crisis

Ahead of the resumption of plenary on Tuesday, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has summoned an emergency meeting to address the growing crisis within its ranks.

The move followed a lawsuit filed by the House Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Kingsley Chinda, against all minority parties, alleging a plot to remove him without due process in violation of the 1999 Constitution and the standing orders of the House.

Following the suit, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice J.O. Abdulmalik, granted an interim injunction directing all parties, including the National Assembly and the House leadership, to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the matter.

A notice of the emergency meeting, signed by PDP Caucus Leader Hon. Agbedi Frederick, Labour Party Caucus Leader Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, NNPP representative Hon. Muktar Umar-Zakari, and YPP Leader Hon. Peter Uzokwe, scheduled the session for 8 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025.

The notice, addressed to all minority members of the House, reads in part:

‘You are hereby invited to an emergency meeting to discuss recent developments in the minority leadership, particularly to review the lawsuit instituted by Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, against all members of minority parties in the 10th House of Representatives.’

The agenda of the meeting focuses on preparing a ‘response to the lawsuit instituted by the Minority Leader’ and addressing any other business (AOB).

Earlier on Saturday, The Nation reported that the Federal High Court halted alleged moves by some Minority Caucus members to remove Chinda (PDP, Rivers) over his perceived closeness to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The court’s interim order, issued following a suit filed on behalf of Chinda by Dr. J.Y. Musa (SAN), restrained all parties from taking further action until the case is decided.

Defendants in the suit include the National Assembly, the Clerk to the National Assembly, the House of Representatives, the Speaker, the Clerk of the House, and the leadership of the PDP, NNPP, Labour Party, APGA, SDP, ADP, and YPP.

Chinda is seeking an order restraining the Defendants, their servants, privies, officers, agents, members, howsoever described, from removing him as Minority Leader of the House of Representatives without compliance with the due process of the law or accepting/recognising any exercise by any person(s) purportedly removing him from his position as the Minority Leader of the House.

In his ruling, the Judge said, ‘It is my considered firm opinion that to ensure all the parties listed in these processes have equal playing ground by virtue of their constitutional rights enshrined in Section 36 (1) of the 1999 Constitution Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended), as well as the need to protect the res sought in the application. It is hereby ordered as follows:

‘That the applicant shall forthwith serve on all the Defendants/Respondents the Motion on Notice with Suit No:- FHC/ABJ/CS/1936/2025 filed on 16th September 2025, along with all relevant processes filed in this matter, so as not to foist a fait accompli on the outcome of the reliefs sought in this application which are also same reliefs prayed in the Motion on Notice with Suit No:- FHC/ABJ/CS/1936/2025.

‘THAT the hearing of the Motion on Notice with Suit No:- FHC/ABJ/CS/1936/ 2025 filed on 16th September 2025, shall pursuant to Section 6 (6) (b) of the 1999 Constitution Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended) be EXPEDIENTLY resolved on its MERIT by this Honourable Court for the attainment of Justice in this matter.

‘That all the concerned parties listed in this application SHALL maintain STATUS QUO in respect of the res prayed on the face of the motion ex parte pending the hearing and determination on its merit of the Motion on Notice with Suit No:- FHC/ABJ/CS/1936/2025 filed on 16th September 2025.

‘That all the Defendants/Respondents SHALL be served with Hearing Notices in respect of this matter.’

Medplus, Mobihealth to launch telehealth hubs across Nigeria

Health and wellness retail giant Medplus has partnered with Mobihealth International to launch nationwide telehealth hubs aimed at providing Nigerians with convenient and affordable access to licensed doctors.

Announcing the collaboration in Lagos, both partners described the initiative as a visionary step toward bringing quality healthcare closer to millions through Medplus outlets across the country.

According to the partners, the Medplus-Mobihealth Telehealth partnership bridges the gap between pharmacy visits and doctor consultations, enhancing patient care and convenience.

‘Through this strategic alliance, customers across more than 140 Medplus stores in 19 states can now walk in to consult doctors virtually, access genuine medications, and receive prompt primary healthcare,’ they said.

Founder and CEO of Medplus, Mrs. Joke Bakare, said the partnership represents a transformative step in healthcare delivery.

‘Our collaboration with Mobihealth ensures every Medplus store becomes more than a pharmacy – it’s now a gateway to timely, affordable, and trusted healthcare services,’ she stated.

Similarly, Dr. Funmi Adewara, Founder and CEO of Mobihealth, described the initiative as a major milestone in expanding healthcare access across Nigeria.

‘By embedding telehealth hubs in Medplus stores, we’re empowering people to consult doctors anytime, anywhere, at an affordable rate – with guaranteed access to genuine medications,’ Adewara said.

The partnership will feature in-store telehealth booths equipped with diagnostic tools for virtual consultations, e-prescriptions filled on-site or delivered to patients’ homes, and seamless access to medical care.

Designed to serve both busy urban dwellers and underserved populations, the initiative aims to reduce wait times, lower costs, and make quality healthcare accessible nationwide.

DSS apologises, releases wrongfully arrested Journalists

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released two reporters of Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, Plateau State, wrongfully arrested during the visit, on Saturday, of President Bola Tinubu, who was in the state for the burial of mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwadta Goshwe.

According to a credible security source, on hearing that some overzealous operatives had arrested Ms. Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang, who work for the radio station,

the Director-General, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, ordered their immediate release.

According to the source, the Service also immediately contacted the national president of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, and conveyed the DG’s apologies.lesde

‘The Director assured the NUJ President that the new DSS leadership treasures the importance of a free press in a democracy, and has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. He further assured the NUJ President that any officer found culpable will be appropriately sanctioned.

‘The new DG is correcting the wrongs he inherited. One of them is overzealousness. This is why the new DG has not failed to admit so whenever the Service makes mistakes. We are witnesses to several instances when the Service apologized and even compensated victims of wrongful arrests.

‘The DG is an absolute lover of human rights and press freedom. You may recall that sometime ago, the DSS DG apologized to the management of TVC over the alleged harassment and intimidation of a reporter,’ added the source.

Villa maintain momentum with hard-fought 2-1 win over Burnley

Donyell Malen scored twice as Aston Villa stretched their winning run to four matches in all competitions with victory over struggling Burnley.

Having created several early opportunities to take the lead at Villa Park, Unai Emery’s side eventually got their noses in front when Boubacar Kamara’s defence-splitting pass released Malen, who found the bottom corner.

It was the Dutchman’s first goal of the season, having last netted at Southampton in April.

Returning Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who pulled out of Thursday’s 2-0 Europa League win over Feyenoord with a calf problem, produced a marvellous one-handed save to tip Josh Cullen’s low shot away as Burnley sought a reply.

Villa remained on top, though, and felt they should have been awarded a penalty when Morgan Rogers went to ground under the challenge of Axel Tuanzebe, but referee Andrew Kitchen waved away protests for a pull on the England midfielder.

The second half was a more subdued affair, but the hosts deservedly doubled their advantage in the 63rd minute when Malen – who was about to be taken off – slammed Rogers’ pass into the far corner for his second of the afternoon.

Lesley Ugochukwu nodded home his first Burnley goal to reduce the arrears with 12 minutes left, but Emery’s men held on to clinch back-to-back league successes after their winless start to the campaign.

Villa are in 13th spot, while Scott Parker’s side are third from bottom after a fifth game without a league victory.

FULL LIST: US H-1B visa approvals for Nigerians since 2018

The H-1B is a classification of non-immigrant visa in the United States that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, as well as fashion models, or persons who are engaged in Department of Defense projects who meet certain conditions.

The regulation and implementation of visa programs are carried out by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), an agency within the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Foreign nationals may have H-1B status while present in the United States, and may or may not have a physical H-1B visa stamp.

H-1B visa status holders typically have an initial three-year stay in the U.S. They are entitled to a maximum of six years of physical presence in H-1B status.

After reaching certain milestones in the green card process, H-1B status can be extended beyond the six-year maximum.

The number of initial H-1B visas issued each fiscal year is capped at 65,000, with an additional 20,000 visas available for individuals who have earned a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution, for a total of 85,000.

Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new rule for foreign professionals, including Nigerians seeking opportunities in the United States.

Under the policy, American companies that hire foreign workers through the H-1B visa program will now be required to pay $100,000 (about ?150 million) per worker every year.

Here is a full list for US H-1B visa approvals for Nigerians since Fiscal Year 2018:

The Fiscal Year (FY) is October 1 to September 30. FY 2018 is October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018.

1. 2018 – 391

2. 2019 – 385

3. 2020 – 232

4. 2021 – 198

5. 2022 – 588

6. 2023 – 740

7. 2024 – 880

BREAKING: Imisi wins BBNAIJA 10/10 Season

Imisioluwa Ayanwale, popularly known as Imisi, has emerged as the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10/10.

The 23-year-old actress and fashion designer won the coveted N80 million cash prize, an SUV, and other rewards after a fierce competition with nine other finalists.

Following closely was Dede who emerged runner-up for the season.

Imisi’s journey on the show was marked by her unique energy, humor, and drama, making her a fan favorite among viewers.

The grand finale, hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu on October 5, featured performances from popular artistes Adekunle Gold and Iyanya, adding to the excitement and nostalgia of the evening.

With her win, Imisi cements her place as one of the most memorable contestants of the season.

Nigeria’s rig count rises to 69 as NUPRC identifies 400 dormant oil fields

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced a significant rise in the country’s rig count to 69, reflecting renewed activity and investor confidence in the nation’s oil and gas sector.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its head of media and strategic communication, Eniola Akinkuotu, the Commission said the rig count had grown sharply from eight in 2021 to 69 as of October 2, 2025 – representing a 762.5 percent increase in just four years.

According to the breakdown, the current figure includes 40 active rigs, eight on standby, five on warm stack, four on cold stack, and 12 in transit. The NUPRC added that the number is expected to rise further in the coming months.

The Commission also revealed that its recent policy review led to the identification of 400 dormant oil fields across the country, a move that has spurred previously inactive operators into taking corrective action.

Describing the development as evidence of growing investor confidence, the statement noted that the achievement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive that Nigeria is open for business and that the upstream environment now offers a conducive climate for investment.

The NUPRC further highlighted 16 major post-Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) achievements recorded within its four years of establishment, including surpassing revenue targets despite challenges inherited from the pre-PIA era.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining reforms aimed at maximizing Nigeria’s hydrocarbon potential and driving the country’s energy sector toward sustainable growth.

In 2022, 2023, and 2024, according to the statement, the Commission surpassed its revenue target by 18.3 per cent, 14.65 per cent, and 84.2 per cent, respectively, despite fluctuations in oil production and prices, thus contributing largely to our nation’s economic growth.

NUPRC said there is a record of Potential Investment of $39.98bn from FDPs

Between 2024 and 2025 and that it has approved 79 Field Development Plans (FDP) (41 in 2024 and 38 YTD 2025 with a potential investment of $39.98bn.

NUPRC added that ‘This comprises $20.55bn in 2024 and $19.43bn in YTD 2025.’

It also said that since the inception of the commission, crude oil production has increased, with the current average daily production of 1.65Mbopd expected to increase further with the Project 1 Mbopd initiative, which is aimed at achieving 2.5 Mbopd in 2027, compared to the NUPRC commencement.

On transparent bid rounds, it recalled that before the establishment of the Commission, the licensing rounds were opaque.

It further noted that they were beclouded by political influence, which made the process lack credibility. According to the statement, however, the NUPRC, with the support of President Bola Tinubu, transformed the process to be fully digital, thereby enhancing transparency and credibility.

NUPRC said in line with the PIA, 2021, and with the support of President Bola Tinubu, is implementing the ‘Drill or Drop’ policy, which prescribes that unexplored acreages are to be relinquished.

It stressed that this is designed to ensure the optimal use of oil assets and prevent dormant fields from tying up potential reserves. This policy successfully identified 400 dormant oil fields and has also propelled complacent oil companies to take quick action.

The statement reads in part, ‘Billions in divestments

‘The Commission approved divestments running into billions of dollars in 2024. From the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) to Oando Energy Resources; Equinor to Chappal Energies; Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited to Seplat Energies; and Shell Development Company Nigeria Limited to Renaissance Africa Energy.

‘The divestment is about investor portfolio re-ordering to focus on deep-offshore development.

‘Developed regulations

To give meaning to the intent of the PIA, 2021, the Commission, in consultation with stakeholders, has developed 24 forward-thinking Regulations. So far, 19 have been gazetted while 5 await gazetting. These forward-thinking Regulations serve as tools for transparency and the creation of an enabling investment climate and benchmark best practices

‘Gas flare commercialisation

The NUPRC completed awards of flare sites to successful bidders under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP). The programme is aimed at eliminating gas flaring and attracting at least 2.5 billion dollars in investments.

‘Overall Best Performing Parastatal – SERVICOM

In 2024, the Commission secured the 2024 Overall Best Performing Parastatal SERVICOM Unit (PSU) Award, along with the 2024 Best Performing PSU, Team B Award, a testament to the NUPRC’s commitment to customer service. The NUPRC has again won Best Regulator, 2025 by Nigerian Energy Correspondents, aside over 60 awards from various organisations.

‘HCDTs Remits N358.67bn

Host Community Development Trusts have remitted N122.34bn in naira, while dollar contributions stand at over $168.91m as of October 2025. This translates to a combined remittance of over N358.67bn based on the prevalent exchange rate, in enthroning a conducive host community environment in Nigeria.

Over 536 ongoing community projects

‘Still in the host community, the NUPRC is overseeing at least 536 projects at various stages of completion, including schools, health centres, roads, and vocational centres. These are being funded by the trust fund. The achievement has tremendously curbed crude oil theft.

‘Development Wells Hits 306 between 2022-2025

As part of its mandate to develop the country’s hydrocarbon, the Commission has recorded 306 development wells drilled and completed between 2022 to date.

‘Removing hindrances to exploration with 2D and 3D seismic data

The NUPRC issued Nigeria’s first Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) for a large offshore geophysical survey covering 56,000 km² of 3D seismic and gravity data. Furthermore, the Commission has reprocessed 17,000 line-kilometres of 2D seismic data and 28,000 square kilometres of 3D seismic data, producing sharper, higher-resolution images of our petroleum systems and reducing the uncertainties that once hindered exploration decisions.

Other data acquisition includes: 11,300 Sq.km of newly acquired 3D data, processed to PSDM, and 80,000 Sq.km of Multibeam Echo Sounding and Seafloor Geochemical Coring data.

‘Curbing crude oil theft

In 2021, the average daily crude oil losses stood at 102,900 barrels per day or 37.6 million barrels per year. However, due to the combined efforts of the General Security Forces and Private Security Contractors (TANTITA) as well as the collaborative effort of the commission, this has been reduced by 90% to specifically 9,600bpd in September 2025.

‘Furthermore, two pioneer regulations introduced by the Commission have also contributed to the success, namely: The Upstream Measurement Regulation and the Advanced Cargo Declaration Regulation, respectively, have contributed as pioneer efforts at achieving transparency in hydrocarbon accounting.

‘Leading AFRIPERF

‘Even outside the shores of Nigeria, the Engr. Gbenga Komolafe-led NUPRC has continued to show leadership as it championed the establishment of the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF).

‘The last event of the AFRIPERF at the Africa Oil Week (AOW) was attended by sixteen African Countries, namely: Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea, Togo, Angola, South Africa, Mozambique, Benin Republic, Kenya, Namibia, Morocco, and Mauritania. AFRIPERF provides regulators with the mechanism to harmonise oil and gas development policies to facilitate cross-border infrastructure development, benchmark fiscals, and present a strong voice for Africa in hydrocarbon advocacy globally.’