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Ijaw youths rally support for Civil Service digital reforms, warn against distractions

The Coalition of Ijaw Youth (CIY) in the Niger Delta has urged Nigerians to support the ongoing digital transformation of the Federal Civil Service, warning against allowing recent developments surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) to distract from the government’s public sector reform agenda.

In a statement in Abuja, the coalition’s National President, Comrade Bedford Berefa Benjamin, said the digital transformation programme, spearheaded by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, was laying the foundation for a more transparent, efficient and accountable public service.

It said the deployment of the Enterprise Content Management (ECM) System, GovMail, the 1-GOV Cloud Platform and other digital solutions had accelerated the Federal Civil Service’s transition to a paperless system, improving service delivery and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

‘The transformation being championed by the Head of the Civil Service is redefining public administration by ensuring official records are digitally preserved, approvals are traceable, and accountability is strengthened,’ the statement said.

The group said the reforms had replaced cumbersome manual procedures with secure digital platforms for document management, preservation of institutional memory, transparency and faster decision-making.

According to the coalition, expanding digital governance across government institutions would also reduce administrative errors, strengthen internal controls, improve audit trails and enhance compliance with Public Service Rules.

It urged Nigerians to view the current reform efforts from the broader perspective of institutional transformation, arguing that technology-driven systems would provide stronger safeguards against procedural lapses associated with manual administration.

The coalition also commended initiatives aimed at strengthening merit-based career progression, capacity development, payroll integrity and knowledge management, describing them as critical to building a modern, efficient and responsive Civil Service.

It said institutional reform was a continuous process that should not be undermined by premature conclusions while administrative processes were still ongoing.

‘The ongoing digital transformation of the Federal Civil Service is one of the most ambitious governance reforms in Nigeria today. It deserves sustained support, consolidation and full implementation across government,’ the statement added.

The coalition called on the Federal Government to accelerate the nationwide rollout of digital governance initiatives, saying an integrated and paperless public service would promote transparency, improve efficiency, strengthen accountability and restore public confidence in government institutions.

It reaffirmed its support for reforms aimed at promoting institutional excellence, technology-driven governance and a Federal Civil Service capable of delivering efficient, transparent and citizen-centred services.

Davido opens up on family’s educational legacy, multicultural upbringing

Grammy-nominated singer Davido has reflected on his family’s educational heritage and multicultural background, revealing that studying abroad has long been a tradition in the Adeleke family.

Speaking on the Drink Champs podcast, Davido said his late grandfather, Senator Raji Ayoola Adeleke, ensured that most of his children were educated overseas.

‘My grandfather was a senator and made sure all his children studied abroad. My dad went to university in Kentucky,’ Davido said.

‘My dad and my mum first met in London. My mum later did her master’s at Clark. America has always been a thing for my family,’ he said.

Davido also shared that he comes from two major Nigerian ethnic groups, explaining that his father is Yoruba while his mother is from Edo State in Nigeria’s South-South region.

‘My mum is from Edo State, my dad is Yoruba, so I’m from two different tribes. I love the way I grew up in both places. The exposure has helped a lot,’ he added.

10 Nigerians who have broken world records with remarkable feats

Nigeria is home to countless talented individuals who continue to demonstrate that determination, hard work and creativity can earn global recognition.

In recent years, several Nigerians have set world records in diverse fields, ranging from cooking and education to sports, art and entertainment.

Their achievements have shown that world records are not limited to athletes or celebrities. Through cooking, chess, dance, sports, art, travel and innovation, these Nigerians have demonstrated how passion and perseverance can translate into global recognition.

Here are some Nigerians who have broken world records and the remarkable feats that brought them international attention:

1. Hilda Baci – Longest cooking marathon

Nigerian chef Hilda Baci first made history in May 2023 with her four-day cooking marathon in Lagos.

She cooked for 100 hours, with Guinness World Records officially recognising 93 hours and 11 minutes of continuous cooking, surpassing the previous record.

During the marathon, Baci prepared more than 100 pots of food, an achievement that sparked widespread excitement across Nigeria and gave rise to what became known as the ‘Baci effect’.

Baci returned to the record books in September 2025 when she partnered with Gino Nigeria to cook the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The giant pot weighed 8,780kg (19,356lb 9oz) and produced approximately 16,600 plates of jollof rice.

She used 4,000kg of basmati rice, 164kg of goat meat and 600kg of jollof pepper mix for the record-setting attempt.

In early 2026, Guinness World Records informed Baci that the same attempt also qualified as the largest serving of rice overall.

The recognition made Baci a three-time Guinness World Records holder.

GWR also named her a GWR Icon in June 2026 for her impact on global record-breaking culture.

2. Tunde Onakoya – Longest chess marathon

Chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, gained worldwide recognition in April 2024 after playing chess continuously for over 64 hours alongside his playing partner in New York. Beyond setting the record, his mission was to raise awareness and funds to support children’s education across Africa.

3. Kaffy – Longest dance party

Nigerian professional dancer Kafayat Shafau, popularly known as Kaffy, made history in 2006 by setting the Guinness World Record for the Longest Dance Party after dancing for more than 55 hours. Her achievement helped elevate the status of professional dance in Nigeria.

4. Tonye Solomon – Most steps climbed on a ladder while balancing a football on the head:

Tonye Solomon amazed the world by setting a Guinness World Record for climbing the most steps on a ladder while balancing a football on his head. His incredible balance, concentration, and determination earned him global recognition in 2021.

5. Chinonso Eche – Most consecutive football touches while balancing another football on the head:

Popularly known as ‘Amazing Kid Eche,’ Chinonso Eche broke a Guinness World Record in 2021 by performing the most consecutive football touches while balancing another football on his head, showcasing extraordinary football freestyle skills.

6. Vincent Okezie – Fastest time to visit all seven continents

In 2023, travel enthusiast Vincent Okezie entered the record books after completing a journey across all seven continents in record time. His achievement highlighted resilience, planning, and a passion for exploration.

7. Dr. Fola David – Largest drawing by an individual

Medical doctor and visual artist Dr. Fola David made history by creating one of the largest artworks ever produced by a single individual in 2024. His masterpiece celebrated Nigeria’s rich culture and diversity while earning international recognition.

8. Chukwuebuka Ezugha – Most football headers in one minute

Football freestyler Chukwuebuka Ezugha secured a Guinness World Record in 2023 by performing the highest number of football headers in one minute, demonstrating exceptional skill, speed, and endurance.

9. Bayo Omoboriowo – Global photography recognition

On 30 September 2021, Nigeria entered the record books after unveiling the largest photo book in the world. Measuring 60.84 square metres, the massive book was produced by TheJTAgency in collaboration with renowned photographer Bayo Omoboriowo and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is a supersized recreation of Discover Nigeria, and was officially verified in Abuja.

10. Peter Aho – Cricket bowling record

Nigerian cricketer Peter Aho made international headlines in 2021 by becoming the first bowler in T20 International cricket to claim a seven-wicket haul while conceding just five runs in a match. The performance remains one of the best bowling figures in the history of the format.

Woman who scammed BTS fans lands in jail

A 27-year-old woman ended up in jail for allegedly orchestrating an online ticket scam targeting fans of the South Korean boy band BTS.

The suspect, known only as Shai, is facing complaints for estafa in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act. She was arrested in an entrapment operation in San Lazaro, Manila on July 22.

Anti-Cybercrime Group director Maj. Gen. Wilson Asueta said Shai was nabbed after a woman complained that she was duped by the suspect.

The victim told cybercrime investigators that the concert ticket she purchased from Shai worth P14,200 was also sold to another buyer.

A source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the ticket was for a BTS concert, but it is unclear if the show is for the pop group’s concert in the Philippines in March 2027.

Five more people who purchased the BTS concert ticket bearing identical seat numbers were scammed by the suspect, according to Asueta.

Police urged the public to buy concert tickets only at authorized ticketing platforms or verified sellers to avoid becoming victims of scammers.

‘Scammers continue to exploit the BTS fans by offering concert tickets online at cheaper prices,’ Asueta said.

He said people should avoid making advance payments without verification and report suspicious online transactions to police.

EFCC froze Osun State government account over suspicious movement of funds-Spokesman

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) said it froze the accounts of Osun State Government because of alleged fraudulent handling of N11billion Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and Federal Account Allocation Committee(FAAC).

It said the state has been under probe since March with the state’s Accountant-General and some government officials already quizzed.

The EFCC said it effected Post No Debit order on the affected account because it intercepted huge transfers of funds to different suspicious accounts since August 2, 2026.

It claimed that there were huge transfers of funds into different corporate entities and it had to swiftly halt the trend.

It said the Osun State government account was frozen to save public funds from being looted.

It said its action has nothing to do with Osun Governorship Election.

The EFCC made the clarifications in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale.

The statement said: ‘The EFCC is compelled to publicly address issues pertaining to its preventive moves in freezing the bank account of the Osun State government, without prejudice to the imminent governorship election in the state.

‘The commission has been busy investigating the Osun state government since March, 2026, regarding alleged fraudulent handling of Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and Federal Account Allocation Committee, FAAC account to the tune of N11, 000,000, 000(Eleven Billion Naira only).

‘ To this end, some officials of the state government, especially the Accountant General of the State, have had interview sessions with investigators of the EFCC.

‘These ongoing investigations of the state government would not have warranted any placement of Post No Debit order on its account but for the precipitate and unwarranted movement of funds from the accounts to different suspicious accounts since August 2, 2026.

‘The Commission noticed huge transfers of funds into different corporate entities and had to swiftly halt the trend by freezing the accounts from which such heavy funds are being moved.’

The EFCC said it acted within its establishment mandate to prevent fraud.

It added: ‘The EFCC’s preventive mandate is a public-inclined framework of safeguarding public funds, assets and resources.

‘ The commission cannot watch idly while a state government’s account is being pillaged.

‘ While the commission is fully aware of the impending governorship election in Osun State, it has a responsibility to act in defence of the sanctity of the funds of the state. It will be uncharitable for the commission to allow an excuse of an upcoming election to fold its arms to perform its legally-assigned functions.

‘ It is equally needful to state that the commission is keeping watch over the finances of other states like Osun State. Many of these states are on the investigative radar of the Commission to ensure accountability and probity. ‘The commission has always pointed out that it is non-partisan and non-sectarian but always working in the overall interests of Nigerians.

‘ The Osun State government account was frozen to save public funds from being looted.

‘ The public is enjoined to ignore false narratives and deliberate demonization of the works of the EFCC. The interests of all Nigerians are greater and will always be protected by the commission.’

Kwara 2027: Party Chieftain Calls On Tinubu, APC Leaders To Restore Unity, Rebuild Consensus

A leading All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Kwara State, Engr. Femi Sanni, popularly known as Araba, has appealed to the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the party’s National Leader, to urgently intervene in the lingering disagreements among stakeholders in the Kwara APC ahead of the 2027 election.

Araba said on Wednesday via a press statement that the prevailing political atmosphere within the state chapter calls for sincere and decisive reconciliation to preserve the unity and electoral strength of the party.

He noted that while the APC remains the dominant political force in Kwara State, unresolved differences among critical stakeholders could weaken the party if not addressed promptly.

According to him, the time has come for the national leadership to facilitate a genuine reconciliation process that accommodates all interests and restores confidence across the party.

‘There is a need for all stakeholders to embrace true and sincere reconciliation built on mutual respect, understanding and a spirit of give-and-take. No meaningful peace can endure where there are perceived winners and losers. Every committed party member deserves to feel valued,’ he said.

Araba stressed that unity has always been one of the APC’s greatest strengths in Kwara, urging leaders and members to place the collective interest of the party above personal ambitions.

‘We are stronger together. APC remains the party to beat in Kwara State, but no individual or bloc should be taken for granted. Every stakeholder has a role to play in sustaining the party’s success and preparing it for victory in 2027,’ he added.

He expressed confidence that with timely intervention by the party’s national leadership, the APC would emerge more united, stronger and better positioned to retain Kwara State in the next governorship election.

Toronto test awaits as Eala seeks another deep WTA run

Alex Eala gets a welcome breather before launching her National Bank Open campaign on Thursday, but the Filipina tennis sensation knows there will be no easy opening assignment as she takes on dangerous American Alycia Parks in the women’s singles Round of 64 at the Sobeys Stadium in Toronto, Canada.

Fresh from the biggest triumph of her professional career – a historic WTA 500 title in Washington punctuated by a commanding third-set performance against world No. 3 Jessica Pegula – Eala arrives in Toronto carrying more than confidence. She enters the prestigious WTA 1000 tournament as one of the hottest players on tour and, after climbing to a career-high and historic world No. 20 ranking, no longer viewed merely as a rising talent but as a legitimate title contender.

Standing in her way, however, is a formidable opponent in Parks.

Although currently unranked, the 25-year-old American possesses the firepower and pedigree to trouble anyone on the WTA Tour. Parks owns a WTA singles title, a WTA 1000 doubles championship, and multiple WTA Challenger crowns, making her a dangerous first-round opponent despite her current ranking.

Still, Eala enters the estimated 8:10 a.m. (Philippine time) showdown on Centre Court as the favorite.

The 21-year-old Filipina has been playing the best tennis of her career, riding a wave of confidence and solid tennis built on a string of breakthrough victories over some of the world’s elite players. She is also expected to enjoy strong backing from Toronto’s large Filipino community, whose passionate support has become a familiar and energizing presence wherever she competes.

A victory over Parks could quickly set up one of the tournament’s marquee early-round encounters.

Awaiting in the third round could be sixth seed Linda Noskova, provided the Czech star, also 21, gets past American Caty McNally in their second-round match at the Grandstand Court.

Noskova has already enjoyed success against Eala this season, defeating the Filipina in straight sets in the Berlin Open semifinals before capturing the title. The Czech has since continued her impressive rise, thwarting Pegula in the Berlin championship and eventually claiming her maiden Grand Slam championship by overcoming compatriot Karolina Muchova in the Wimbledon final last month.

Should the projected meeting materialize, Eala will have an opportunity to settle the score against one of the tour’s fastest-rising stars.

Recent results suggest she is more than capable of doing just that.

Eala has built a reputation this season for thriving against the game’s biggest names, collecting seven victories over Top 10 opponents and repeatedly proving that rankings and reputations carry little weight once she finds her rhythm.

Her fearless style, growing confidence and remarkable composure under pressure have transformed her into one of the WTA Tour’s most compelling stories.

But before thoughts turn to another blockbuster showdown, Eala must first clear the opening hurdle.

The immediate mission is to get past Parks. If Noskova also takes care of business against McNally, tennis fans could be treated to an early blockbuster between two of the sport’s brightest young stars.

Delta Police foil kidnap plot, arrest two, recover guns, ammunition

The Delta State Police Command has foiled a planned kidnapping and arrested two suspects in separate operations across the state.

The command also recovered three locally made guns, 13 live cartridges and other exhibits.

The command said one of the suspects was allegedly involved in a plot to kidnap a pastor and a retired school principal in the Ughelli area of the state.

Police spokesman SP Bright Edafe said in a statement on Wednesday that operatives of the Ebrumede Division arrested a 28-year-old suspect, Benjamin Haruna, during a stop-and-search operation along Garki-Uti Road, Effurun, on August 4.

He said two other suspects, identified simply as Omelo and Alabanco, escaped on a motorcycle.

Edafe said a search of a bag in the suspects’ possession led to the recovery of two locally made double-barrelled guns, 11 live cartridges, one expended cartridge, an axe, two Android phones, two power banks, two wristwatches, a lighter and a military camouflage polo.

The spokesman said a preliminary investigation showed that the suspects were conveying the exhibits to their hideout along Sapele Road.

He added that Haruna remained in custody while efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.

He added that in a separate operation, operatives of ‘A’ Division, Ughelli, acting on credible intelligence on July 31, 2026, foiled a planned kidnapping and arrested 26-year-old Jeremiah Kwane.

Edafe asserted that Kwane attempted to recruit another person into a kidnapping syndicate to abduct a pastor and a retired school principal in Ughelli.

He said the suspect was arrested at his duty post, noting that a search led to the recovery of a locally made single-barrelled gun and two live cartridges.

He said the suspect was undergoing further investigation.

Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes.

Oyeniyi urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the police to enhance security across Delta State.

Prices in Russia that break stereotypes

All kinds of perceptions about life in Russia can still be found online. But what happens when a young woman comes to the country not for a week as a tourist, but for several years – to work and grow professionally?

How much does a full shopping basket cost? Is it true that a taxi ride is cheaper than a cup of coffee in some countries? To answer these questions, we broke down everyday life in Yelabuga – a city near the Alabuga special economic zone, where participants of the international programme Alabuga Start work.

How much does a typical food basket cost?

For many young women arriving in Russia, one of the first discoveries is the price of food. Even with regular shopping, grocery expenses remain quite affordable.

Tragedy in Ogun: Three killed, others severely injured in crash

No fewer than three persons on Wednesday lost their lives, while three others sustained injuries in a road crash along Sagamu-Benin Expressway.

The Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) spokesman, Mr. Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta.

Akinbiyi said the crash occurred at about 5:00a.m. near Babcock Junction in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun.

He said the crash involved a white Mercedes-Benz truck with registration number LG 59 BLF and a yellow crane without a registration number.

He said that preliminary investigation indicated that the crane was travelling against traffic at excessive speed, which resulted to a head-on collision with the oncoming Benz truck.

According to him, six persons, comprising three males and three females, were involved in the crash.

‘A total of three persons, comprising two males and one female, lost their lives, while three male victims sustained varying degrees of injuries,’ he said.

Akinbiyi said TRACE operatives, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Police, with support from another rescue team ‘Papa Oscar’, responded promptly to the scene of the accident.

He said the injured victims have been taken to the Babcock University Teaching Hospital for treatment, while bodies of the deceased were deposited at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) morgue in Sagamu.

The TRACE spokesman added that traffic was diverted from Delabo Junction to the second carriageway to ease vehicular movement while efforts are ongoing to evacuate the crashed vehicles.

He commiserated with the families of the deceased and urged motorists to desist from driving against traffic and other traffic violations.

‘Motorists should avoid route violation and driving against traffic, considering the grave consequences associated with such dangerous acts,’ Akinbiyi said.