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A speeding dispatch rider attempt to hastily manoeuvre across the railway track in a bid to access the GRA axis of Ikeja, Lagos State resulted in his death on Thursday as he collided with a moving train.

This was confirmed in a statement by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

In the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the dispatch rider, who was on a motorcycle with registration number AGL 179 QR, was killed while trying to cross the PWD Railway Level Crossing in Ikeja.

‘Preliminary investigations conducted by security personnel at the scene revealed that the dispatch rider, reportedly travelling at excessive speed, attempted to hastily manoeuvre across the railway track in a bid to access the GRA axis of Ikeja.

‘In the process, he collided with an oncoming train. The impact proved fatal, as the rider died instantly, while the train continued its movement along the track,’ he said.

He said that LASTMA personnel, being the first respondents, promptly cordoned off the scene of the incident to avert secondary mishaps and ensure the free flow of vehicular movement within the area.

He added that this was done with support from security personnel from Shogunle Police Division.

‘The State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) was immediately contacted and arrived at the scene to evacuate the remains of the deceased for appropriate action,’ he said.

Bakare-Oki expressed profound sympathy to the bereaved family, describing the incident as a distressing reminder of the dire consequences of impatience and disregard for traffic safety rules, particularly at railway level crossings.

He appealed to all dispatch riders and the motoring public to exercise utmost caution, patience, and discipline while on the road – especially around railway intersections.

He emphasised the importance of strict compliance with all traffic signals and government-installed warning signs, not only across Lagos State but throughout the federation, to prevent avoidable road tragedies.

The general manager further reaffirmed LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to continuous public enlightenment, proactive enforcement, and safety advocacy in its mission to ensure sanity, discipline, and orderliness across the Lagos metropolis.

Zimbabwe’s head coach, Michael Nees, has praised Nigeria and Egypt as the two best attacking teams in African football.

Nees made the remark while discussing Zimbabwe’s chances ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Zimbabwe, who failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will face Egypt, South Africa, and Angola in the AFCON group stage.

The team had a difficult World Cup qualifying campaign, finishing bottom of Group C, which also included Nigeria, South Africa, Benin Republic, Lesotho, and Rwanda. They ended with five draws.

Despite their struggles, Nees believes his team is ready for the tough AFCON group.

He said:

‘We are in a very difficult group. South Africa are strong – we saw that last Friday when we managed to hold them. Egypt and Nigeria are the best attacking teams in Africa, while Angola are also dangerous.

Every team that qualifies for AFCON wants to make it past the group stage. No one goes there just to play three games and go home.’

As Nigeria’s economy slows down and stock prices rise, investors are now asking where to find real value.

After two years of high inflation and tight monetary policy, the economy is beginning to cool, entering a period of disinflation where prices are still rising, but at a slower pace.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has started cutting interest rates, which means returns on fixed-income investments like treasury bills and bonds are expected to decline.

As a result, investors are gradually turning their attention back to the stock market, where new opportunities are emerging.

The ongoing recapitalization of Nigeria’s banking sector is strengthening the financial system.

Banks are expected to inject over ?4 trillion into the economy, which is improving liquidity and boosting investor confidence.

The planned recapitalization of the insurance sector is also expected to strengthen that industry, while a more stable foreign exchange market has reduced the heavy FX losses that hurt company profits between 2023 and 2024.

Many listed companies are now reporting higher profit margins and better overall performance.

The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) reflects this renewed investor optimism. As of October 14, 2025, the All-Share Index had risen by 43.6% since the beginning of the year, and the total market capitalization had reached ?93.77 trillion.

With such growth, the next big question for investors is how to choose the right Nigerian stocks in 2025.

When choosing stocks, one of the most important factors is liquidity. Liquidity simply means how easily a stock can be bought or sold without affecting its price too much. It is safer to invest in companies whose shares are actively traded because they allow for easy entry and exit.

A good guide is to focus on companies that trade an average of at least 20 million shares per month over the past three months.

Companies such as FCMB, Universal Insurance, Linkage Assurance, Fidelity Bank, Access Holdings, AIICO Insurance, Zenith Bank, and UBA are among the most actively traded on the NGX, each recording an average of over 500 million shares traded monthly.

After confirming liquidity, the next step is to define your investment objective. Every investor should understand the purpose of buying a particular stock whether it is for growth, regular income, or value.

Investors seeking growth should focus on companies that have consistently increased profits, even during tough economic times.

A good benchmark is a compound annual profit growth rate (CAGR) of at least 30% over the past five years.

Many banks have achieved even higher growth, averaging around 63% profit growth in the last five years, with Wema Bank growing profits by more than 100% annually.

Agricultural companies such as Okomu Oil and Presco Plc have also shown strong performance, with average profit growth of about 64% per year, making them attractive to investors who want both growth and tradability.

For investors who want regular income rather than rapid growth, companies that pay consistent dividends are ideal.

Mature, cash-rich firms such as Seplat Energy, Okomu Oil, Presco, Dangote Cement, Aradel, and BUA Foods have a record of steady dividend payments. Banking stocks also offer both good dividend yields and liquidity, making them a strong option for income-focused investors.

Value investors, on the other hand, look for companies whose share prices are lower than their true worth. The goal is to buy quality stocks at a discount and benefit as their value becomes recognized by the market.

The best way to identify such opportunities is to find companies with low price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios and strong profit growth. However, even stocks with higher P/E ratios can represent good value if their earnings are rising fast.

For example, BUA Foods trades at 28 times earnings, which may seem high, but with a profit growth rate of more than 70% and strong dividend payouts, it remains an attractive long-term investment.

Combining liquidity, growth, income, and value considerations might seem complicated at first, but doing so helps investors reduce risk and increase potential returns.

Those who prefer not to manage this process alone can seek advice from a trusted financial adviser.

Some of the stocks that meet these combined criteria include FCMB, Zenith Bank, GTCO, UBA, Access Holdings, and Fidelity Bank in the banking sector; Okomu Oil and Presco Plc in agriculture; and Seplat Energy, BUA Foods, and Dangote Cement in other industries.

These companies offer a solid mix of liquidity, profitability, and long-term value, making them reliable options for investors in 2025.

By paying attention to these practical factors, investors can choose Nigerian stocks that are easy to trade, profitable, and positioned for steady growth in the years ahead.

Tension filled Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium on Thursday as thousands of mourners tried to view the body of the late former Prime Minister, Raila Amolo Odinga, leading to violent clashes with police.

The trouble started when huge crowds pushed through security barriers inside the 48,000-seater stadium. Police fired tear gas and shots into the air to control the crowd as chaos spread.

Live footage showed police struggling to contain the surging mourners. People were seen running in panic as clouds of tear gas filled the air.

Several individuals fainted or were injured, and medical teams from the Kenya Red Cross rushed to help.

Earlier in the day, thousands of people had gathered at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to receive Odinga’s body, which arrived from India aboard a chartered Kenya Airways flight.

The crowd broke through airport security to see the casket, forcing authorities to temporarily suspend operations.

In a statement, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority said it had to close the airspace briefly to restore order and protect passengers before resuming normal operations.

A long funeral procession later escorted Odinga’s body from the airport through central Nairobi to Kasarani. Many mourners followed on foot, waving Kenyan flags and portraits of the man they lovingly called ‘Baba.’

By the time the convoy reached Kasarani, the stadium was already full.

The National Funeral Committee had moved the public viewing from Parliament to the larger venue, but even it could not handle the massive turnout.

Tensions rose when people waiting outside demanded to enter the VIP section where Odinga’s body lay in state. Police refused, leading to a stampede and further clashes.

The Kenyan government has declared seven days of national mourning in Odinga’s honour. President William Ruto announced that Odinga will receive a state funeral with full military honours.

The official ceremony will take place on Friday at Nyayo National Stadium, after which the body will be taken to Kisumu on Saturday for public viewing. Burial is scheduled for Sunday at Odinga’s ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County, following his wish to be laid to rest within 72 hours of his death.

According to family sources, Odinga, aged 80, collapsed during a morning walk in India on Wednesday and was pronounced dead at Devamatha Hospital, near Kochi.

Raila Odinga’s death ends a major chapter in Kenyan politics. A five-time presidential candidate and long-time opposition leader, he spent more than forty years fighting for democracy, constitutional reform, and justice in Kenya.

To many, Odinga was a symbol of both resistance and unity a man who faced imprisonment and exile yet continued to inspire hope for a better Kenya.

As mourners cried and chanted ‘Baba! Baba!’ through the smoke of tear gas at Kasarani, it was clear that Kenya had lost not just a politician, but a deeply loved national figure.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why it demanded payment of N1,505,901,750 fee for Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the National Register of Voters and Polling Unit as requested by a law firm, Messrs V.C. Ottaokpukpu and Associates.

INEC made the explanation in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by Mrs Victoria Eta-Messi, Director of Voter Education and Publicity at INEC.

Eta-Messi explained that the amount represented only the actual cost of document duplication and transcription, in strict compliance with the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2011.

According to the INEC Director, Messrs V.C. Ottaokpukpu and Associates had requested CTCs of the national register of voters for all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and existing polling units nationwide.

According to her, INEC received the request on Oct. 8 and responded on Oct. 13, granting approval while detailing the cost for processing and issuance.

Eta-Messi noted that the quoted amount had attracted media attention and public inquiry since the response was made public.

‘INEC emphasises that the cost is strictly in line with Section 8(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2011,’ she said.

The section stipulates that a public institution may charge only the actual cost of document duplication and transcription when granting access to information.

She further explained that, under INEC’s Guidelines for Processing and Issuance of CTCs, authorised by Section 15 of the Electoral Act 2022, the charge is ?250 per page.

‘For clarity, the National Register of Voters contains 93,469,008 registered voters, with 16 voters per page, requiring 6,018,661 pages.

‘Additionally, printing details of 176,848 polling units across electoral wards nationwide will require 4,946 pages.

‘The total number of pages for both requests is 6,023,607. At ?250 per page, the total cost amounts to ?1,505,901,750,’ she said.

Eta-Messi stressed that the figure reflected only the actual cost of duplication and transcription, with no additional charges included.

She reaffirmed that INEC remained committed to transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has denied reports claiming that its Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is no longer required for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.

In a statement, JAMB’s Director of Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, described the report as false and misleading. He said the Minister of Education, Dr. Mauruf Alausa, never made such a statement.

Dr. Benjamin urged Nigerians to ignore the fake report, emphasizing that JAMB will continue to carry out its duties according to the law.

The statement read:

‘Our attention has been drawn to false information published by Phonix.browser.com on October 16, 2025, claiming that JAMB is no longer a requirement for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

‘This report is completely false. The Minister of Education, Dr. Mauruf Alausa, never made such an announcement.

The statement that was twisted ‘Renewed Hope in Action: Federal Government Streamlines Admission Requirements to Expand Access to Tertiary Education’ was only about government efforts to increase access to higher education, not about removing JAMB.’

JAMB therefore urged the public to disregard the false information and restated that it remains responsible for conducting entrance examinations for tertiary admissions in Nigeria.

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of RUA AlHaram AlMakki Company, has announced the launch of King Salman Gate, an ambitious mixed-use development project designed to transform the urban landscape of Makkah.

The groundbreaking initiative, spanning an impressive 12 million square metres of Gross Floor Area adjacent to the Holy Mosque (AlMasjid AlHaram), represents a major step forward in reshaping the city’s infrastructure and establishing a new global standard for urban planning in religious destinations.

The King Salman Gate development will enhance accessibility to AlMasjid AlHaram, improve service delivery, and enrich the spiritual and cultural experience of millions of visitors each year, in line with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Pilgrim Experience Program under Vision 2030.

Strategically situated next to the Holy Mosque, the project will integrate residential, commercial, hospitality, and cultural spaces, providing capacity for about 900,000 indoor and outdoor worshippers.

It will be seamlessly linked to Makkah’s public transportation networks to ensure comfort and convenience for residents and pilgrims alike.

In addition to its modern facilities, King Salman Gate will celebrate Makkah’s architectural identity by harmoniously blending traditional designs with contemporary aesthetics.

The project will also restore and develop around 19,000 square metres of historical and heritage sites, safeguarding Makkah’s cultural legacy for future generations.

Expected to create more than 300,000 jobs by 2036, the project will play a key role in driving economic diversification and sustainable growth in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Developed by RUA AlHaram AlMakki Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), King Salman Gate reinforces the company’s mission to advance urban development around AlMasjid AlHaram.

RUA AlHaram AlMakki is committed to sustainable resource management, innovation, and global best practices in real estate development, while maintaining Makkah’s unique cultural and spiritual essence.

RUA AlHaram AlMakki Company, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) enterprise, is a leading master developer dedicated to modernising the infrastructure surrounding AlMasjid AlHaram. Its mission is to meet the needs of the global Muslim community by delivering world-class, integrated developments that respect and preserve Makkah’s sacred heritage, positioning the city as a model of excellence in real estate and urban planning.

Prateek Suri, Chairman of Maser Group and the Richest Indian in Africa, has seen his wealth leap to $1.9 billion following the clearance of ownership rights to an island in West Africa.

The development comes after Maser’s $5 billion acquisition by SCG, one of the biggest corporate deals on the continent.

As part of the exchange, Suri secured several premium assets, including luxury yachts, real estate in Lagos, and a contested island whose documentation issues delayed ownership.

For months, the island was tied up in regulatory and legal complexities, making it a risky asset. Suri, however, accepted part-payment in the form of shares and patiently pursued clearances. That gamble has now paid off.

With the island officially secured, analysts say its value has unlocked a major boost to Suri’s fortune. The billionaire plans to transform the property into a world-class city and resort hub, a move expected to drive future growth and position the asset among Africa’s top luxury developments.

The surge in his net worth highlights the potential of Africa’s non-traditional assets and the rewards of taking calculated risks in difficult markets. Industry experts note that Nigeria and other African economies could draw lessons from Suri’s approach: combining bold investment with long-term vision, even amid regulatory hurdles.

Suri’s fortune is expected to grow further as Maser Group expands in real estate, mining, technology, and sustainable development projects across Africa. Analysts predict that his net worth could cross $2 billion once the island-city project takes off.

For African investors, his story offers a reminder that wealth in the region often comes not from conventional deals, but from bold bets backed by patience and persistence.

In the sacred city of Ile-Ife, cradle of the Yoruba race and spiritual heart of an ancient civilisation, the air is once again filled with celebration and reflection as His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, marks his 51st birthday. The day is not just about the passing of another year but a reminder of a journey defined by purpose, peace, and profound cultural rebirth.

Since ascending the revered throne of Oduduwa in 2015, Ooni Ogunwusi has stood tall as a unifier of peoples and traditions, breathing new life into the ancient institution he represents. His reign has become a shining testament to the power of cultural diplomacy, restoring dignity to Yoruba heritage while building bridges across Nigeria, Africa, and the world.

At 51, Ooni Ogunwusi embodies the renaissance spirit – a modern monarch rooted deeply in ancestral wisdom, yet forward-looking in thought and action. His reign has been marked by efforts to demystify traditional leadership and make the palace an epicentre of development, dialogue, and youth empowerment. For him, royalty is not just about crowns and rituals; it is about service, vision, and impact.

Under his watch, Ile-Ife has evolved into more than a historical city; it has become a living hub of innovation, tourism, and interfaith harmony. The Ooni has consistently emphasised peace and tolerance, preaching unity among ethnic and religious groups, and urging Nigerians to rediscover the values that bind them as one family under God.

In his quest for peace, Ooni Ogunwusi has never shied away from difficult conversations. He has mediated conflicts, comforted victims of crises, and lent his voice to national reconciliation. His belief that traditional rulers must be partners in governance has earned him respect across political and social divides. In a nation of complex diversities, his calm authority and inclusive leadership stand as beacons of hope.

Beyond Nigeria’s borders, Ooni Ogunwusi has become a cultural ambassador, promoting Yoruba civilisation as a global heritage. His visits to the Caribbean, the Americas, and Europe have rekindled ancestral connections and inspired Africans in the diaspora to reconnect with their roots. Through his advocacy, African culture is being redefined not as a relic of the past but as a foundation for the future.

Equally notable is his devotion to empowering the youth and women. Through several initiatives and foundations under his leadership, the Ooni has championed education, entrepreneurship, and capacity building. He believes the strength of any nation lies in its young people, and he has consistently provided platforms for them to thrive in business, culture, and technology.

Spiritually, the Ooni’s message remains one of faith and divine purpose. He has often declared that his reign is guided by Olodumare (God Almighty), emphasising humility and the sacred duty of kingship. For him, leadership is stewardship, and every opportunity to serve is an opportunity to uplift humanity.

Ooni Ogunwusi’s 51 years on earth and nearly a decade on the throne tell a story of grace and responsibility. From his early entrepreneurial success to his ascension as the Arole Oduduwa, he has navigated life’s turns with courage and vision. His reign continues to inspire a new generation of Africans to believe in their culture, embrace innovation, and lead with compassion.

As he celebrates another year, tributes flow from far and near – from global institutions to the ordinary people whose lives he has touched. Each message echoes a shared sentiment: that the Ooni’s reign has brought renewal, peace, and pride to the Yoruba nation and beyond. His journey at 51 is not merely about years lived but about lives changed.

For a traditional ruler in a modern world, balancing ancient customs with the demands of contemporary leadership is no small task. Yet, Ooni Ogunwusi has achieved it with grace. He has proven that tradition and progress can coexist – that culture can be a catalyst for development, not an obstacle to it.

Sodiq Lawal, Press Officer at the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, writes from Ile-Ife, Osun State.

A school teacher has been brutally murdered at Center Abuja village, Shanono Local Government Area, Kano state.

Our Correspondent gathered that his murderers hired youths with N800, 000 to commit the dastardly act.

During his gruesome murder, his eyes were plugged off, while other vital parts of his body were dismembered.

It is not clear as at the time of filling this report why the teacher was butchered in cold blood.

According to police reports, the incident occured on April 22, 2025.

However, police recently made several arrests and charged the case to court.

A Magistrate Court sitting in Noman’s Land, Kano, has ordered the remand of several suspects at a Correctional Facility over charges of conspiracy and murder following the brutal killing of the hapless teacher.

The suspects were arraigned before Magistrate Hauwa Abdulkadir on allegations of abducting and murdering the teacher, who was killed in a horrifying attack that sent shock waves to the local community.

The prosecution alleged that the suspects conspired to abduct the victim and later carried out his gruesome murder, including removing his eyes and other vital parts.

During the hearing, the prosecuting counsel, Barr. Salma Garba, requested an adjournment to allow for further legal submissions and preparation by the defense.

Magistrate Abdulkadir, however, adjourned the case to November 13, 2025, for continuation of trial and ordered that all accused persons be remanded at a Correctional Facility, pending further court proceedings.