Author: user user

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has visited Leonardo S.p.A’s defence manufacturing facilities in Italy where key platforms are being assembled for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF)

Badaru visited Leonardo’s Helicopters Division in Vergiate and Aircraft Division in Venegono to inspect the ongoing production of NAF aircraft and helicopters.

A total of 24 aircrafts, made up of helicopters and fighter jets equipped with weapons are being produced for NAF at the facility.

The Minister was in Italy as part of President Bola Tinubu’s delegation to the AQABA Process meeting, according to a statement by his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mati Ali, on Saturday in Abuja.

Ali said the Minister, at the helicopter division, reviewed progress on ten AW109 Trekker attack helicopters being built for Nigeria.

According to him, three have been completed and are ready for delivery, another three will be ready before the end of 2025, while the remaining four are expected in early 2026.

He said the minister also inspected the production of M-346 Fighter Attack Jets, six of which were at advanced stages.

According to him, three are already undergoing flight tests, while the next three are due for testing soon.

‘The 24 aircraft will be delivered in four batches, complete with weapons, tools, spare parts, and logistics support,’ he said.

In his remarks, Badaru expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and praised Leonardo’s engineers for their professionalism.

He said the acquisitions demonstrate the Tinubu administration’s commitment to modernising the armed forces and strengthening Nigeria’s defence partnerships.

Chen-Ning Yang, a world-renowned physicist and recipient of the 1957 Nobel Prize, has died in Beijing at the age of 103, Chinese state media reported on Saturday.

The cause of death was cited simply as ‘illness’ by state broadcaster CCTV.

Born in Hefei, in Anhui Province, eastern China, Yang moved to the United States in the 1940s to pursue higher education. He later held various academic positions across the US, eventually acquiring American citizenship-though he reportedly renounced it in 2015.

Yang earned global acclaim when he shared the 1957 Nobel Prize in Physics with colleague Tsung-Dao Lee for their groundbreaking work disproving the conservation of parity in weak nuclear interactions-an achievement that reshaped fundamental understanding in particle physics.

He is also remembered for his role in developing the Yang-Mills theory in the early 1950s, in collaboration with American physicist Robert Mills. The theory laid the mathematical foundation for modern quantum field theory and has since become central to the Standard Model of particle physics.

In his later years, Yang returned to China and taught at Tsinghua University, one of the country’s most prestigious institutions. According to China’s Xinhua News Agency, he made ‘important contributions to cultivating and recruiting talent and promoting international academic exchanges.’

Yang’s personal life also drew public attention. His first wife, Chih Li Tu, passed away in 2003. The following year, at the age of 82, he married Weng Fan, a then-28-year-old graduate student-a marriage that sparked wide public debate in China at the time.

Chen-Ning Yang leaves behind a towering scientific legacy and a life that bridged East and West, theory and discovery, tradition and change.

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali has sparked controversy following a heated on-field exchange with teammates Calvin Bassey and Wilfred Ndidi during Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over Benin Republic in the 2026 World Cup qualifier.

Although Nigeria cruised to a comfortable win powered by Victor Osimhen’s brilliant hat-trick and Onyeka’s volley, tensions within the team briefly overshadowed the celebration.

Tensions Boil Over

The altercation reportedly began midway through the first half after Nwabali confronted a Benin Republic player over what he perceived as rough play.

Ndidi stepped in to calm the situation, but the goalkeeper, already agitated, pushed him away in frustration.

Moments later, Nwabali continued to display visible irritation over defensive lapses, leading to another exchange this time with Bassey.

As the teams headed into halftime, television cameras captured the two men in a heated argument before being separated by other teammates.

Frustration and Pressure

According to team insiders, Nwabali’s emotions may have been fuelled by recent criticisms over his performances.

The Chippa United shot-stopper came under fire after committing costly errors in Nigeria’s earlier 2-1 win against Lesotho. Despite the backlash, head coach Eric Chelle showed faith in him by keeping him in goal against Benin.

However, Nwabali’s eagerness to redeem himself appeared to turn into frustration when defensive miscommunication occurred, prompting clashes with his fellow players.

A Cryptic Message to Osimhen

Following the incident, Nwabali took to Instagram to post a cryptic message seemingly directed at striker Victor Osimhen, who had publicly backed him amid criticism.

‘I never fake care anyone. What I give, I give from my heart. Choose a good heart. People change so fast. I believe you, VO9,’ he wrote, referring to Osimhen’s jersey number.

Looking Ahead

While the Super Eagles have advanced to the continental playoffs, analysts warn that internal discord could undermine team unity ahead of the crucial final qualifying rounds.

Head coach Chelle is reportedly expected to address the situation privately to ensure harmony within the camp as Nigeria pushes toward securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Award-winning filmmaker Kunle Afolayan’s KAP Film and Television Academy, in partnership with the Oyo State government, has graduated 165 emerging filmmakers from its Filmmaking Residency Program

The graduation ceremony, showcasing the emergence of new filmmakers drawn meticulously from the 33 local government areas of Oyo State, held on Wednesday, October 15 at the picturesque KAP Film Village and Resort in Igbojaye, Oyo State.

The participants completed a 10-day intensive filmmaking residency program at the resort supported by SONY and Kontakt Pro Nigeria. The initiative provided participants with practical, hands-on training across the core aspects of filmmaking, including screenwriting, directing, cinematography, producing, editing, and sound design.

However, a major highlight of the event was the screening of eight short films produced by the residency groups. Each film reflected storytelling, collaboration, and authentic depictions of local culture, earning heartfelt applause from guests and faculty members alike.

At the ceremony, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Eng. Seyi Makinde, represented by his Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, lauded the program as a significant economic and cultural development milestone for the state. In his remarks, he commended Kunle Afolayan and the KAP team for establishing a creative ecosystem that promotes film, talent, and tourism in Oyo State. He also congratulated the students for their dedication, passion, and craftsmanship, describing their work as ‘a true representation of Oyo’s cultural pride and creative excellence.’

Delivering a heartfelt and inspiring address, Kunle Afolayan, Founder of KAP Film and Television Academy and visionary behind the KAP Film Village and Resort, commended the state government’s efforts in providing a viable platform for economic empowerment of the youth in the state. He went further to admonish the students on the importance of discipline, creativity, and cultural identity in filmmaking.

‘Attention to details and commitment to creativity are non-negotiable for great filmmakers. These students have shown that talent, when nurtured in the right environment, can flourish into excellence. I encourage them to keep making films together and continue telling our stories with pride,’ said Afolayan.

The graduating students also received constructive feedback from the distinguished industry experts and panel of the faculty including Tunde Kelani, Joke Silva, Kemi Adesoye, Rotimi Fakunle and Lola Maja, who all commended their storytelling, teamwork, and technical growth over the course of the program.

The Oluigbo of Igbojaye, Oba Zaccheus Olatunji Oyeleke Alobaloke III, commending both the Government and KAP Academy, expressed his satisfaction at another exciting fulfilment of set objectives of KAP Film Village and Resort as envisaged when he gave his royal blessing for the Film Village to be established.

The KAP Filmmaking Residency Program reinforces the Academy’s mission to train, empower, and inspire the next generation of African storytellers.

The KAP Film and Television Academy is one of Nigeria’s leading creative institutions dedicated to nurturing new voices in film and television. The Academy offers professional training in filmmaking, screenwriting, editing, cinematography, sound, and production management, equipping students with both technical skills and industry exposure.o

On the other hand, the KAP Film Village and Resort is a unique creative retreat combining filmmaking infrastructure with the tranquillity of nature. It provides filmmakers, artists, and tourists a space for creation, relaxation, and collaboration – home to major film productions including the blockbuster, Aníkúlápó.

The Kano State Police Command has arrested five men for allegedly impersonating police officers.

The suspects, Aliyu Abbas (35), Sani Iliyasu (47), Ashiru Sule (41), Abubakar Yahaya (45), and Adamu Kalilu (45), were apprehended on Thursday by operatives of the command’s Special Intervention Squad.

This was contained in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, in Kano on Saturday.

Kiyawa said the suspects were found in possession of a fake police warrant card, handcuffs, mutilated naira notes, CFA 2,500, and a blue Peugeot 406 vehicle.

He explained that the suspects had allegedly confessed to extorting citizens in Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna States.

Kiyawa quoted the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, as reaffirming the command’s unwavering commitment to combating crime in the region.

He added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the completion of the ongoing discreet investigations.

President Bola Tinubu congratulates the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, on his 66th birthday.

The President joins members of the Otu family, friends, and associates of the Governor in celebrating a legacy of leadership, service, and commitment to the public good.

President Tinubu commends Governor Otu for placing people at the heart of governance through his People First agenda, which prioritises human capital development by making strategic investments in education, health security, food security, and cultural empowerment.

The President lauds the Governor’s strides in education, including the establishment of the University of Education and Entrepreneurship and the College of Agriculture, which are preparing a new generation of skilled professionals to drive sustainable growth in the state.

President Tinubu extols the Governor’s pursuit of industrialisation through the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone in Adiabo, an initiative supported by the African Development Bank, which aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening value chains, promoting export competitiveness, and creating jobs for Nigerian youth.

The President expresses confidence that, under Governor Otu’s watch, several ongoing infrastructural projects, including the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport, the 700km coastal highway linking Calabar to Lagos, the 450km Trans-Sahara Superhighway to Abuja, the river port, and the free trade zone will transform Cross River into a significant hub for commerce, logistics, and tourism in West Africa.

President Tinubu wishes Governor Otu continued good health, strength, and wisdom in the service of his people and the progress of Nigeria.

Troops of the Nigerian Army 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA have successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims in Kwara and Kogi States.

Lt.-Col. Polcarp Okoye, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division Nigerian Army, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Saturday.

Okoye said the troops have sustained efforts to eliminate bandits and other criminal elements operating in Kwara and neighbouring states.

He stated that coordinated operations by troops of 12 Brigade Lokoja and 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin led to the rescue of the kidnapped persons on Friday.

According to Okoye, the victims reported that they were abducted from different locations across Kwara and Kogi States.

He said the bandits were forced to release their captives as a result of the troops’ intensified offensive, noting that some of the victims had been held by the kidnappers for over four months.

‘The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), and Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, who has been coordinating the operations, ensured they were provided with necessary first aid and other relief items to assist their recovery from the torture endured in the hands of their abductors.

‘Major General Nnebeife further sympathised with the victims, reassuring them that the Division remains committed to sustaining the ongoing onslaught against all criminal elements,’ he said.

Nnebeife assured the public that there would be no hiding place for bandits and other criminals within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).

Okoye said the rescued victims had been swiftly evacuated to a military medical facility for attention.

He noted that most of them were physically weak and unable to walk unaided due to extreme exhaustion.

However, he added that the victims were responding to treatment and would be reunited with their families upon full recovery.

The GOC further appreciated the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its continuous air support throughout the operations, and also thanked other security agencies for their synergy in addressing the myriad of security challenges in the operational areas.

He commended the efforts of the troops and directed the Brigades to maintain the momentum of the operations towards restoring peace and security across Kwara, Kogi, and adjoining states within the 2 Division AOR.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it have commenced investigations of 32 suspects arrested for suspected ponzi-style investment and employment scam at multiple locations in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The suspects were luring job seekers across the country to Uyo purportedly for employment in fake TROPICANA OIL AND GAS COMPANY, but ended up extorting them and making them marketers of so called Q-Net products.

The 32 suspects were arrested followed weeks of surveillance by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of EFCC regarding their alleged criminal activities, Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the anti-graft agency said in a statement.

He identified the suspects as: Miracle Samuel, Christopher Samuel, Yohana Sabo, Ahmed Abdulahi Yarima, Reuben Ezekiel, Terfa Godwin, Zakurs Yakubu, Isah Jaafar Jagaba, Clement Nwakonobi, Rosemary Vifilo Yusuf Ataza, Francis Samuel, Tatah Fidelis, Emenike Ikechukwu, David Allawo, Danjuma Ibrahim, Blessing Seagod, Suleiman Saidu, Nuhu Bridget, Ebi Nwose,Anthony Fredrick, Mathew Satasi Zamani, Hassan Yakubu, Benjamin Obadiah, Stephen Joseph,Toma Peter, Samson Galadimma, Ochim Agnes and Mahmud Sufiyan.

Others are: Ephraim Emmanuel, Kenneth Okonkwo, Jeremiah Emmanuel, and Abdulmajid Barde, alleged to be the coordinators of the various locations of the criminal gang.

The EFCC statement also revealed how that petitioner revealed how a member of the syndicate named Sufiyan Mahmud called his elder brother regarding a job opening at a non-existent oil and gas company purportedly called ‘TROPICANA OIL AND GAS COMPANY’, which the brother allegedly asked him(the petitioner) to apply for.

The petitioner said he abandoned his fashion design business in Kogi State and arrived Uyo on the June 15, 2025, and was received by another member of the syndicate named Abdulmajid who claimed to be the younger brother of the Managing Director of the fictitious oil and gas company. He said he was subsequently taken to another location where he was interviewed by another member of the gang named Zamani Matthew who cautioned him against asking too many questions but to accept whatever he was told and to comply with whatever instructions he was given. One of which included a payment of N900,000.00, with an initial deposit that must not be less than N150,000.00.

After the interview, the petitioner said he was given a Q-Net form to fill out, instead of a Tropicana Oil and Gas Company form, and when he questioned the change in names, he was ordered to stop asking too many questions.

‘When I asked them about my accommodation, they said I must make an initial deposit before they can take me to the company lodge, so I paid them N200,000 after my wife sold off some of our belongings and sent me the money. Then, they took me to the lodge, and I was shocked at what I saw. Shoes littered everywhere with a lot of people who looked malnourished, and I joined them. After some time, they asked me to bring two people, which I did. After a while, I paid up the entire N900,000, while the two people that I brought paid N690,000 and N300,000, respectively. But the whole thing did not feel right because I came to Uyo for an oil and gas job, but I was now told that I will advertise and market some Q-Net products and will be paid $100 USD weekly when I bring two people, which never happened. I became uncomfortable when they started asking me to also try and lure others in using Tropicana Oil and Gas Company like they did to me. It was then I told them that I cannot do that. So, I stopped eating their food and that was when I and my brother started getting our senses back and we eventually left the place and found the lawyer that helped us to send the petition to EFCC’

Preliminary investigations has so far shown that the syndicate collected funds from thousands of investors across Nigeria by making bogus promises of unrealistic returns on investments within short investment windows, thereby misrepresenting their activities to their victims as legitimate product marketing.

During questioning, the coordinators claimed in their that they are network marketers advertising various products, including drugs, which are currently being analyzed by investigators for authenticity and regulatory compliance.

So far, some of their identified victims and the sums they were defrauded include: Abubakar Umar Favour ?1,000,000; Tanko Kasimu ?800,000; Abubakar Abdurahman Jimba ?900,000; Usman Faisu Adamu ?900,000; Korna Emmanuel ?950,000; Yakubu Musa ?160,000; Happiness Mathew ?100,000; Umbugu Akolo Revelation N80,000; Hussani Aminu ?200,000; Samuel James ?200,000; Albert Gabriel ?250,000; Daniel Dorathy ?1,700,000; and Kasimu Lukman Haruna ?850,000. Investigations are ongoing, with more victims expected to come forward.

The syndicate reportedly operated from several locations in Akwa Ibom State, including Ekom Iman Flyover, Transformer Junction Abak Road, and Apostolic Lane, Nwaniba.

Items recovered from the suspects include 35 mobile phones, two Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, three public address systems, and various incriminating documents and digital evidence.

The Commission reiterates its earlier warning to prospective investors to always verify the licensing status of investment entities, avoid schemes promising unrealistic or guaranteed returns, and exercise caution with unsolicited investment offers, particularly on social media platforms.

The suspects will soon be charged to court.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has outlined a comprehensive roadmap to help Nigeria rebuild its economy and strengthen long-term growth.

The recommendations, presented during an economic policy dialogue in Abuja, emphasize fiscal discipline, improved governance, and targeted investment in infrastructure and human capital.

The IMF’s Resident Representative, Mr. Christian Ebeke, explained that Nigeria must take decisive action to diversify its revenue sources, reduce dependence on oil, and channel public spending toward productive sectors.

He stated that the new policy direction would mark the beginning of Nigeria’s economic reconstruction and demonstrate a renewed commitment to sustainable development.

According to the IMF, the federal government should prioritize transparency in fiscal management and ensure all ministries and agencies work with updated economic data to achieve accuracy in planning and implementation.

The institution also urged the government to modernize its tax administration system and expand the base to capture more of the informal economy.

Representing Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance, Permanent Secretary Mrs. Lydia Jafiya thanked the IMF for its continued support and technical guidance. She said the proposed reforms would help the government enhance efficiency, create jobs, and attract foreign investment.

Jafiya also emphasized the importance of regular consultations between the IMF and Nigerian economic managers to ensure smooth communication and accountability in the reform process.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), represented by Deputy Governor Dr.

Kingsley Obiora, assured the IMF of the government’s full commitment to implementing necessary monetary and structural reforms.

He expressed confidence that the policy measures would stabilize the naira and restore investor confidence within the next year.

The IMF team reiterated that Nigeria’s economic rebuilding plan forms part of a broader effort to promote stability and inclusive growth across developing economies.

At the close of the session, Finance Minister Wale Edun thanked the IMF for its constructive engagement and reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to fiscal prudence, investment in infrastructure, and empowerment of the private sector as key pillars for sustainable recovery.