Author: user user

THE Music Video Africa Awards (MVAA) has been described as more than an entertainment ceremony, but also a unifying celebration of African talent, creativity, excellence, and beauty.

Held recently in Lagos, the event was a grand celebration of artistry and innovation, as celebrities from the Nollywood, music, fashion, and corporate sectors graced the occasion.

What made this year’s edition remarkable was its pan-African representation, as celebrities from Zambia, Tanzania, Guinea, Congo DRC, Senegal, and several other countries were in attendance.

The CEO and Founding Chairman of MVAA, Daniel Blessington, noted that his dream for the award has now evolved into a continental reality that honours excellence in visual artistry.

Blessington’s passion for recognising unsung heroes continues to shape a new narrative for African entertainment – one rooted in appreciation, collaboration, and pride.

Award-winning photographer and visual artist, Akinmade Akinleye, also known as The Optimist, shared his thoughts on the award, stating that he and Blessington share a profound belief that Africa’s creative potential is limitless when united.

Akinleye noted that collaboration with Blessington on the Music Video Africa Awards is not just about recognition, but it’s about reconnection.

‘It’s about bridging the gap between African creatives across nations and the diaspora, strengthening the threads of collaboration, and restoring the continent’s cultural identity as a global giant,’ Akinleye said.

Akinleye further stated that the MVAA has proven to be more than just an awards ceremony; it is a movement of empowerment, celebrating diversity in sound, image, and story.

‘It fosters dialogue among artists, producers, directors, and photographers who continue to push the boundaries of African creativity,’ he added.

Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), says the security situation in the region has improved significantly following sustained counter-terrorism operations and renewed synergy among security agencies.

He said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Maiduguri.

Abubakar said the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) maintained the operational initiative across the theatre, denying terrorists the freedom of movement and access to logistics that once fuelled their campaigns of terror.

He said the lingering insecurity in the North-East was not an isolated phenomenon but closely linked to broader regional and global developments, including instability in the Sahel, the Middle East, and the Russia-Ukraine war.

‘Since November last year, we have observed an increase in the use of armed drones and radio-controlled Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by the terrorists. These trends are direct consequences of global technological proliferation linked to conflicts elsewhere.

‘However, our forces continue to retain the initiative. The goal of the armed forces remains to flush out the terrorists from their remaining strongholds in Sambisa Forest, the Mandara Mountains, the Tumbuns, and the Lake Chad Islands (LCI),’ he said.

Abubakar highlighted that coordinated operations aimed at achieving this strategic objective were yielding remarkable results.

He said, ‘In the last two months alone, about 26 key terrorist commanders have been neutralised, with substantial recoveries of arms, ammunition, and vehicles. Many insurgent camps have been cleared and destroyed, forcing remnants of the groups into isolated pockets.

‘Socio-economic activities have resumed in most areas previously under terrorist influence. Markets have reopened, schools are functioning, and roads that were once unsafe now experience daily movement of goods and people. That is a major milestone for us as a nation.’

The commander said sustained pressure by the Nigerian Army troops had restored confidence among the citizens, leading to increased voluntary returns to ancestral homes under the Borno State Government’s resettlement framework.

While highlighting some of the key achievements of the operations, Abubakar described the strangulation of the terrorists’ logistics strategy as a turning point in the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP.

‘By cutting off their supply chains, we have effectively crippled their capacity to sustain prolonged engagements. Several IED-making factories have been discovered and destroyed, and we have recorded tremendous successes in intercepting their logistics convoys,’ he said.

Abubakar cited the July 2025 operation in Dikwa, where troops recovered over 50 lethal Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), as an example of how intelligence-led missions disrupted enemy capabilities.

He said the troops neutralised more than 257 terrorists in coordinated ground and air offensives, with many others surrendering along with their families between July and September 2025.

‘The terrorists’ employment of drones has also been curtailed through the deployment of advanced anti-drone technology and improved air dominance made possible by the unwavering support of the Military High Command.

‘Recoveries of weapons have increased significantly, and our sustained offensive operations have continued to shrink the battle space for the terrorists,’ he said.

Reacting to reports of renewed attacks in some border communities around Kirawa, Abubakar said the incidents were desperate attempts by the terrorists to create fear and attract attention.

‘Most of these attacks are confined to remote border settlements, reflecting desperation rather than strength. Kirawa was previously under the security framework of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), but we have now made adequate deployments to strengthen control and forestall further incursions,’ Abubakar said.

To stem the attacks, Abubakar said the military command had deployed additional troops and logistics assets to the Kirawa axis, including quick response teams, armoured vehicles and surveillance units to ensure rapid response to any threat.

‘OPHK covers about 130,000 square kilometres, so the terrain is vast. But we have improved our deployment posture and enhanced coordination with the MNJTF and local security volunteers to ensure that no area remains vulnerable. Kirawa is now fully secured with boots on the ground,’ he assured.

Abubakar reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces to achieve lasting peace in the region, stressing that the troops remain motivated and focused in their missions.

He urged the residents to continue cooperating with the military by providing credible intelligence, as well as denying logistics support to the terrorists.

‘Citizens must collaborate with the military in fishing out bad elements. This is a whole-of-society approach to asymmetric warfare. Denial of logistics and timely passage of information by communities remain crucial for our collective success.’

The commander also commended the gallantry of officers and men of the OPHK, who demonstrated courage, resilience and sacrifice in defence of the nation.

‘Our troops are highly motivated and determined. The North-East is steadily regaining its stability, and we remain fully committed to consolidating these gains until peace is completely restored,’ the commander said.

Some of the community leaders in the affected areas commended the Nigerian military for its swift response and decisive actions to protect the citizens.

Alhaji Bukar Modu, a community elder in Gwoza, said the increased military presence in Kirawa and adjoining communities had restored public confidence.

‘Before now, we used to hear gunshots almost every week. But since the troops came in numbers, the situation changed. We now sleep peacefully and even attend markets in Pulka and Gwoza without fear,’ he said.

Also, Mrs Falmata Bakura, who recently returned from an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Maiduguri, described the soldiers’ conduct as professional and reassuring.

‘Their presence alone gives us hope. We can see the soldiers patrolling day and night. Our children have resumed school, and we now farm without fear,’ she said.

NIGERIA’s foremost family entertainment channel, wapTV, has been honoured with the ‘Outstanding Indigenous TV Channel of the Decade’ award at the prestigious Marketing Edge Awards, which was held on September 26th, at the Balmoral Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos State.

The glamorous event brought together top representatives of reputable corporate brands, advertising agencies, government MDAs, and media houses, all recognized for their exceptional contributions to their respective industries.

Launched in 2012, wapTV made history as the first Nigerian television channel to feature On-Air Personalities (OAPs) speaking in Pidgin English, ensuring inclusivity and entertainment for Nigerians from all walks of life. The channel’s diverse, entertainment-packed programming features Nigerian movies (in English, Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa), TV dramas, reality shows, comedy skits, music videos, events, celebrity interviews, cooking shows, sports, talk shows, entertainment news, fitness programs, and much more, offering something for everyone.

Expressing his gratitude, the Managing Director of wapTV, Mr. Wole Adenuga, said:

‘We are thankful to Marketing Edge for this honour, and as a proudly Nigerian TV network, we promise to continue making our country and fellow Nigerians proud. We equally appreciate the 40 million regular viewers who watch wapTV daily on satellite TV, as well as our 840,000 dedicated YouTube subscribers on waptvchannel, which garners over 5 million views every month.’

The former Osun state governor and national secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on Saturday said that the ADC now stands as the only credible alternative political party in the country ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking during the official unveiling of the party’s new secretariat in Ilorin, Kwara state capital, Aregbesola said that the ruling APC had not met people’s expectations through ‘misrule’.

‘Under the current administration, hunger has taken over the land. Governance has been reduced to personal enrichment and political intimidation’, he said.

‘Nigerians are suffering because of the failure of leadership under the APC’.

The former governor described the ADC as a ‘party of conscience and service’, expressing optimism that the current economic hardship would turn into massive support for the ADC in the coming polls.

Also speaking, former Kwara state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, said the emergence of the ADC marked the beginning of a new political awakening in the state.

‘Kwara is going to be different because the ADC is poised to entrench a new order that reflects the collective will of our people’, Ahmed said. ‘Our farmers are suffering because of rising insecurity, and the government must restore confidence so our people can return to their farms.’

In the same vein, the party’s National Publicity Secretary and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the PDP was ‘dead and buried,’ insisting that the ADC is now the only viable opposition in Kwara and across Nigeria.

‘Would you believe this party was unveiled only three months ago? That shows the people have embraced us. The question is no longer whether Kwarans want the APC – they don’t. The question now is whether we can convince them that ADC is the alternative, and that’s exactly what we’ll do in 2027’, Abdullahi said.

He expressed concern over rising insecurity across the state, particularly in farming communities, urging the government to act swiftly. ‘Our people can’t farm safely anymore. That’s why the ADC is determined to build a party that truly serves their interests’, he said.

The event was witnessed by the ADC supporters, youth groups, and political figures who described the event as a signal that the ADC is ready to reshape Kwara’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The 2027 presidential race took a defining turn over the weekend as stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State formally endorsed Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim for his bid for the ticket of the party.

They said the endorsement marked the end of the era of ‘politics of entitlement.’

According to them, the endorsement, made under the aegis of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM), positions Ogun as the epicentre of a growing South-West political reawakening.

The stakeholders added that the wave of his endorsement has already gained traction across Osun, Lagos, Ekiti, Ondo, and Oyo States.

Speaking after the adoption, Honourable Gbenga Idowu, State Coordinator of GHSM, described Hashim as ‘the bridge between the North and South’ and ‘the most competent and credible alternative to the failed APC leadership.

‘President Tinubu has failed both Nigeria and the South-West. What he promised as renewal has turned into national ruin. Inflation is at its worst, insecurity has deepened, and the people are hungry,’ Idowu claimed.

He added that Ogun is joining the rest of the South-West to say enough is enough. It was here that Tinubu once said ‘Emilokan’ and God permitted it. Today, we are saying, ‘Baba, eti ja wa kule. Ni 2027, Gbenga ni o má gbe wa ga’, meaning, the feast is over; it is Gbenga who will lift us higher.’

The stakeholders hailed Hashim’s comprehensive $4 trillion economic blueprint, which emphasises industrial expansion, energy reform, agricultural value chains, and youth employment as pillars for national rebirth.

They also praised his integrated national security plan, which combines intelligence coordination, defence reform, and community policing to tackle insecurity holistically.

‘Gbenga Hashim has a plan, not slogans. While others trade in political catchphrases, Hashim offers leadership with depth, clarity, and vision,’ Idowu asserted.

The Hashim wave is already resonating across the South West, with similar endorsements emerging from PDP stakeholders and grassroots coalitions in Osun, Oyo, Lagos, and Ekiti, signalling what political observers describe as a ‘South West PDP rebirth’ anchored on Hashim’s leadership.

‘Gbenga Hashim is not in politics for ego or profit. He is here for the purpose to unite our nation, reform our economy, and restore the dignity of governance,’ Idowu stated.

Olawepo-Hashim, a founding member of the PDP, businessman, and former presidential candidate, has in recent months emerged as a formidable national contender ahead of the 2027 elections.

Political analysts say Ogun’s endorsement marks a major shift in regional dynamics and could reshape South-West politics in the countdown to 2027.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying Sokoto will continue to align with the national drive for economic recovery, food security, and sustainable development.

Aliyu made this known during the meeting of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), which was held on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, and brought together 24 governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The meeting, chaired by Imo State Governor and PGF Chairman, Senator Hope Uzodimma, reviewed the achievements of the Tinubu administration and commended its performance in critical areas of governance.

‘We are satisfied with the progress being recorded under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the economy and security sectors,’ Uzodimma told reporters after the meeting.

‘The Forum appreciates the tremendous efforts of the Federal Government on food security and assures the President of our continued and unflinching support.’

Governor Aliyu’s presence at the meeting, according to his Director General, Media and Publicity, Abubakar Bawa, reflects Sokoto’s firm commitment to the APC-led government’s transformative vision.

‘Governor Ahmed Aliyu is working in synergy with the Federal Government to ensure that Sokoto people fully benefit from the Renewed Hope policies, especially in agriculture, social welfare, and infrastructure,’ Bawa said.

The governors also used the opportunity to call on Nigerians to rally behind President Tinubu’s reforms and support ongoing efforts to rebuild the economy.

‘We call on Nigerians to support the Renewed Hope Agenda in the interest of the nation,’ the communiqué added.

The Forum reaffirmed its pledge to deepen inter-state collaboration, strengthen internal democracy within the APC, and promote innovative policies that would accelerate growth across member states.

A media scholar and Head of the Department of Strategic Communication and Media Studies at the Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State, Dr. Jimoh Olorede has been appointed Chairman, Governing Board of Pathfinder College of Health Technology, Iragbiji, Osun State.

The appointment, which took effect from September 1, 2025, was formally conveyed to Dr. Olorede in a letter signed by the management of the institution and presented to him by the Founder and Proprietor of the College, Alhaji Bisi Olaboopo, at the college campus, which serves as Takeoff Annex to the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies Iragbiji (FUADSI), along Isanpa-Eleesun-Osogbo Road, Iragbiji, on Friday.

According to the letter, the Governing Board is the highest policy-making body of the institution, with the responsibility to oversee its strategic direction, promote academic excellence, and ensure effective administration.

In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Olorede expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him, and pledged to contribute his expertise toward repositioning the college for greater academic and professional distinction.

‘I pray that God will lead me through and help me use this opportunity to rewrite the glorious history of this school, by His grace,’ he said.

In his remarks, Alhaji Olaboopo described Dr. Olorede’s appointment as well-deserved, noting his integrity, commitment, and longstanding contributions to community and academic development.

‘We know you are competent, and you are also a pride to this community. You have rendered several services, and despite many obstacles, you keep forging ahead. As someone who stands as a father figure to you, I always stand in awe of your valour and candour, as evidenced in your commitment to academic excellence and community service.

‘We know what we have – we have gold; that’s what you represent. I’ve come across many people who lack passion; they just do things for doing’s sake. But you, you even, always spend from your own pocket. May you be rewarded for your dedication.’

Dr. Olorede, who currently heads one of the newly established departments at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, was appointed Acting Head of Strategic Communication and Media Studies in January 2024, before his election as substantive Head of Department in February 2025.

A seasoned academic and journalist, Dr. Olorede began his professional journey after obtaining a Diploma in Journalism from the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja, in 2002.

He thereafter obtained National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication in 2003 and 2007respectively.

The new appointee later bagged a B.Sc. in Mass Communication from the University of Ilorin in 2011, an M.Sc. in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos in 2014, and a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of Benin in 2022.

Dr. Olorede joined the services of the Federal Polytechnic Offa, in March 2013 as an Assistant Lecturer, and rose through the ranks to become a Senior Lecturer in 2024.

He is a Member of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals in Nigeria (ACSPN) and a Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

An award-winning scholar, prolific writer, and conference presenter, Dr. Olorede has authored several academic papers, journals, and textbooks in communication and media studies.

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the ‘angel’ sent by God to fix Nigeria.

Bello made the remark on Saturday during an endorsement rally for President Tinubu and Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, which was aired on TVC.

He said, ‘We will not wait for God to send an angel with wings to fly into Nigeria to fix it. Did I tell you who the angel is? The angel is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. If you are waiting for that animation on the television, see an angel flying with a wing to come to Nigeria to come and fix it, you wait forever.’

Addressing supporters, Bello said Nigerians had long yearned for a ‘new Nigeria,’ pointing to reforms such as the removal of the oil subsidy, the introduction of student loans, and the floating of the exchange rate as steps towards national renewal.

He urged citizens not to expect miracles, insisting that President Tinubu is already the ‘angel’ working to fix the country.

He said, ‘Everybody continues to crave a new Nigeria, new Nigeria, new Nigeria. Before 2015, we said we wanted a new Nigeria where there would be no oil subsidy. We want a new Nigeria where there will be student loans.

‘We said we want a new Nigeria where the exchange rate will be floated. We said we want a new Nigeria where there will be more money in the pockets of both the government and individuals. We said we want a new Nigeria where foreign investment will continue to flow in.’

Bello noted that although the government cannot repair every challenge at once, Tinubu’s administration is taking steps to address long-standing problems caused by years of decay.

ALSO READ: https://tribuneonlineng.com/adc-will-replace-apc-in-2027-aregbesola/

He said, ‘Those of us and those of you who recognise that we are already in the new Nigeria, infrastructures are being fixed. Yes, no government can fix everything all at once because of the long years of decay in the system. It will take a while for anybody to be able to fix it. And Mr. President is fixing it, and he will fix it. We will support him to fix it.’

The former governor also stressed the need for leaders to leave behind meaningful legacies.

He said, ‘Going into the future, not only the 2027 election, not just his second term, we want a situation where Mr. President will leave his legacy behind, and people like us, people like you, and other well-meaning Nigerians will continue to uphold his legacy because leadership without legacy is zero. It’s as good as you never come to power.’

Reflecting on his own political journey, Bello added, ‘Today, I am happy. I feel fulfilled. This is my legacy. These are my legacies. Some of my legacies are watching me.’

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has assured the Awka High Court in Anambra State that it will halt all actions against Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, Bishop of Awka Diocese, over the alleged sale of church lands pending the case’s determination.

Counsel to the EFCC, Mr C. A. Okoli, told the court that the EFCC would maintain the status quo and refrain from any further actions against Ibezim pending the court’s decision.

Okoli explained that the invitation letter to the Ibezim, dated Oct. 7, was issued before the Commission became aware of the pending court case.

‘We are law-abiding and will stay all actions pending the determination of the substantive application.

‘We are, however, requesting a date for a hearing,’ he said.

Earlier, Ibezim, represented by his counsel, Mr Beluolisa Nwofor (SAN), informed the court that both parties had agreed the EFCC would refrain from inviting, arresting, or taking any further action against the Archbishop while the case is pending.

Nwofor also urged the court to suspend the EFCC’s invitation letter dated Oct.7, and signed by Farouk Abdullah on behalf of the Acting Zonal Director, Enugu, until the case is determined.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Peace Otti, consequently directed that a hearing notice be issued to the second respondent, Mr Echezona Onuigbo, who was absent in court.

Otti adjourned the matter until Nov. 27 for the hearing of the substantive application and any other pending motions.

Recall that a petition dated July 28, 2025, was submitted to the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC by Chief G. Tagbo (SAN), on behalf of Mr Echezona Onuigbo.

The petition alleges that Bishop Ibezim had no right or authority to sell any church property, as the Church’s Board of Trustees (BoT) is the legal custodian of such assets.

The Ijaw Youths Network has commended the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, for his unflinching commitment to the peace and development of the Niger Delta.

The youth group lauded the PAP for the recent award of over 3,000 scholarships to students of the Niger Delta extraction.

The IYN, in a statement on Saturday by its National Coordinator, Frank Ebikabo and Secretary, Federal Ebiaridor, said that Otuaro has not departed from his avowed commitment to bridging the human capital development gap in the Niger Delta.

The group also commended the PAP boss for the recent deployment of 161 beneficiaries from impacted communities for targeted programmes in universities in the United Kingdom.

They urged Otuaro to remain focused and dedicated to the cause of the region and ignore all attempts by mischief makers to distract him.

According to the group, the deliberate steps being taken by Otuaro to spread educational opportunities in the communities of the Niger Delta remain one of the most effective ways of entrenching lasting peace and development in the region.

Ebikabo and Ebiaridor said that the Niger Delta and indeed the entire country would feel the positive impacts of Otuaro’s visionary input to education in years to come.

The youth leaders also commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his strategic supervision of the Presidential Amnesty Office and contributions to entrenched peace in the Niger Delta.

The IYN called on youths of the Niger Delta to prioritise the interest of the region in making a political choice in 2027, even as they urged them to back Otuaro’s call to support President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming election.

They recalled the efforts by Otuaro in previous scholarship deployments and vocational training, stressing that the president has been very supportive of the PAP initiatives.

The group said, ‘We have noted with keen interest the recent deployment of a huge number of Niger Delta indigenes for scholarship programmes within and outside the country.

‘The record we have shows that over 3000 young people are benefiting from these unprecedented efforts of the PAP under Otuaro’s leadership within the country and 161 in the UK universities for the 2025/2026 academic year.

‘We at the IYN commend the PAP boss for his laudable efforts. We know his antecedents, and we are not surprised that he has made this level of unprecedented impact within a short time.

‘We urge him to remain focused on the job and ignore detractors spreading falsehood about the programme and its leaders.

‘We also call on our colleagues in the Niger Delta to give the requisite support to Otuaro and the Tinubu administration, which has given priority to issues affecting our people.’