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Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has confirmed the appointment of 5,000 contract teachers under the State’s Ministry of Education as permanent staff.

The teachers were initially engaged by the previous administration on a contract basis and received a monthly stipend of ?65,000.

Governor Okpebholo, who supervised the distribution of appointment letters at a ceremony held on Wednesday at the Government House, said the move reflects his administration’s commitment to valuing and empowering educators.

He emphasized the critical role teachers play in shaping the future of Edo State and reaffirmed his government’s dedication to improving their welfare and working conditions.

According to him, ‘Teachers, I am happy to see you. I wanted it this way, because, I had asked several times if you had received your letters. The answer was no. So, I decided to supervise the process myself. As you collect your appointment letters today, you will also receive transport fare because I know many of you have traveled long distances.

‘You are very important to us. Your reward is no longer in heaven; it is here, under our watch.’

Edo Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, who thanked the teachers for their perseverance, said neautiful schools without teachers were useless.

‘Today, an angel has come, a leader who thinks about your welfare day and night.’

‘He met Ambrose Alli University with a ?41 million subvention and increased it to ?500 million. Right now, a 1,500-capacity lecture theatre and a 600-capacity hostel are under construction.’

Dr. Iyamu said the EDU-Rescue Programme was launched to give children from poor backgrounds access to quality education.

Reality TV star Chizzy Francis has urged people to stop attacking former Big Brother Naija winner Phyna online, following a viral video of alleged involvement in a violent altercation at an Abuja hotel.

In a tweet, Chizzy emphasised that Phyna is human and deserves kindness and respect, especially given her recent loss of her sister.

Chizzy acknowledged that Phyna is not above criticism but believes that online bullying will not solve anything.

He called on the public to show empathy and understanding, reminding everyone that they don’t know what someone is going through behind closed doors.

He wrote: ‘Defending PHYNA isn’t optional. She’s human, she’s grieving, and she deserves respect. Bullying her online won’t make you stronger, it’ll just show how weak you are. Choose kindness, or choose to be ignored.

‘To everyone jumping to conclusions and criticizing PHYNA let’s take a step back. We’ve all been through tough times, and we don’t know what someone’s dealing with behind closed doors. She just lost her sister, and the last thing she needs is hate. Let’s focus on spreading love and support instead. We don’t know what we’d do in her shoes. Let’s be kind.’

The founder of One Love Family, Sat Guru Maharaj Ji, has advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other northern politicians to abandon their 2027 presidential ambitions and allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to complete his eight-year tenure.

In a statement on Wednesday, Maharaj Ji said Atiku’s persistent quest for the presidency has become excessive, describing it as ‘a car without brakes.’

He added that the former vice president’s desperation has made him deaf to the voices of reason.

He called on political leaders from the North, particularly members of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), to intervene and persuade Atiku to shelve his ambition in the interest of national peace and equity.

‘The silence of Northern leaders, especially the NEF members like Generals Ibrahim Babangida, Yakubu Gowon, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and David Mark, as well as Northern youths and traders, amounts to encouraging political rascality,’ Maharaj Ji said.

He warned that allowing Atiku to contest in 2027 would amount to an attempt to ‘rob the South of its rightful eight-year tenure,’ which began in 2023 under President Tinubu.

‘It is either Atiku is stopped from contesting in 2027 or the 2031 presidential election should be open to all regions,’ he added.

Maharaj Ji maintained that the South must be allowed to complete its two-term cycle, just as the North did under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

‘What is good for the goose is good for the gander,’ he stated, urging Northern leaders to apply the same level of support they gave Buhari in ensuring Tinubu’s administration completes its tenure for the sake of peace, progress, and stability.

‘I reiterate that Atiku has no business aiming to contest the forthcoming 2027 presidential election! He does not have the love that creates intelligence, dignity, and respect for such a position.

‘And if he insists he does, he will be taught a special lesson by The Light Forces that have saved Nigeria from being set ablaze by the Atikus, Ndume Babachin, David Mark, El Rufais, Kwankwaso, Modu Sheriffs of Boko Haram, Miyetti Allah, etc., and their trainee religious sycophants and stealocrats like Aregbe, Amaechi, Tanbulwal.’

Former federal lawmaker, Ben Murray-Bruce, who represented the Bayelsa East Senatorial District, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He made the announcement on Wednesday in a statement he signed and posted on his Facebook page.

Murray-Bruce lauded the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, stating that for the ‘first time in our nation’s history, we have a President who truly understands finance, who sees the economy not as a political slogan, but as a living organism that must be disciplined, deregulated, and allowed to breathe’.

He expressed confidence in Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms, describing them as the foundation for the country’s future prosperity.

Murray-Bruce, who has known Tinubu since 1998, praised the president’s deep understanding of finance and commitment to a free-market economy.

‘I have known President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu since 1998. I know the man’s mind, his courage, and his conviction. He is not driven by applause; he is driven by results. And today, I can boldly say to you that he is on the right track.

‘For the first time in our nation’s history, we have a President who truly understands finance, who sees the economy not as a political slogan, but as a living organism that must be disciplined, deregulated, and allowed to breathe.

He highlighted the administration’s efforts to stabilize the economy, strengthen the naira, and restore investor confidence through professional leadership at the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Murray-Bruce also commended Tinubu’s national security reforms, noting that the appointment of the National Security Adviser has significantly improved Nigeria’s safety architecture, with insecurity being ‘quietly and systematically dismantled.’

‘The painful reforms we face today are the very foundation of tomorrow’s prosperity. We are moving into a free-market economy, one that rewards hard work and innovation instead of dependency and distortion.

‘Look around you: under this administration, the appointment of the National Security Adviser has redefined our national safety architecture. Insecurity is being quietly and systematically dismantled. The Central Bank, now professionally steered, is stabilizing the economy, rebuilding confidence, and restoring the dignity of the naira.

‘Our foreign policy is again respected. Our fuel supply is deregulated. We will never again live through the humiliation of fuel scarcity. The numbers are beginning to speak, investments are returning, and the world is watching Nigeria rise again.

‘And beyond economics, Bola Tinubu’s infrastructural drive is unprecedented; from massive road networks to modernized ports, airports and housing schemes springing up across the nation. These developments are not just concrete and steel; they are the arteries through which growth and opportunity now flow.

‘I know it is still a difficult season for many families. But as history teaches, reform is never painless. Yet, it is in these moments of sacrifice that nations are reborn.

‘That is why today, I am joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), not for politics, but for progress. Because I believe that Bola Tinubu’s leadership, guided by courage and intellect, will deliver the Nigeria we have all dreamed of.

‘Mark my words: in the full term of eight years, Nigeria will witness phenomenal growth. I choose to stand with that vision. I choose to stand with reform. I choose to stand with the future.

‘Thank you, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’

The curtain has officially fallen on one of the most exciting campaigns of the season – the TECNO 2025 Back-to-School Promo. What began on August 28, 2025, the campaign, themed ‘Buy Smarter, Win Bigger,’ gave students, parents, and young professionals the perfect opportunity to gear up for a new academic season with affordable gadgets and irresistible rewards.

Throughout the campaign, customers enjoyed more value for every purchase – from handy power banks and selfie light sets to rotatable phone stands and stylish vacuum cups. But TECNO didn’t stop there. The excitement soared even higher with weekly online raffle draws that transformed everyday shoppers into proud winners of premium appliances like refrigerators, deep freezers, and rechargeable fans.

The campaign reached its grand finale on October 10, 2025, when 10 lucky customers across Nigeria emerged as the ultimate winners. From Lagos to Kano, Abuja to Onitsha, smiles lit up faces as people like Fumilayo and Asuni took home the sleek TECNO Spark 40, while others, such as Victor and Otu, won brand-new laptops to power their academic journey. Nneka and Janet celebrated their wins with freezers, while Mohammed, Sarah, and Oloruntomi proudly walked away with fans – making this year’s Back-to-School season one to remember.

Speaking on the campaign’s success, a TECNO representative shared:

‘Seeing students and families across the country win rewards that truly make a difference in their daily lives reminds us why we do what we do. This promo was about more than sales – it was about supporting our customers and helping them start the school year strong.’

As the campaign wraps up, TECNO extends heartfelt appreciation to every customer who participated, shopped, and shared in the fun. While the 2025 Back-to-School Promo may have come to an end, the brand promises even more exciting opportunities ahead. Because with TECNO, every season is another chance to win big and live smarter. For more updates, follow TECNO on Facebook, Instagram, and X(Twitter).

The National President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Jonathan Lokpobiri, has lauded High Chief. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo for his frantic efforts in restoring peace in the Niger Delta region through his pipeline surveillance contract job by empowering thousands of youths, men and women in the region over the last three years, while appealing to the Federal Government for expansion of the scope of Tantita Security Services and Maton Engineering contracts.

Lokpobiri made the commendation and appeal on Tuesday at the Community Critical Stakeholders Appreciation meeting held at the EUI Event Centre in Port Harcourt City, courtesy of Tantita Security Services Limited and Maton Engineering Nig Limited, two major oil and gas infrastructure surveillance contractors in the region.

The ceremony’s mandate was to review significant progress and officially appreciate the vital role community leaders and traditional rulers play in securing Nigeria’s critical energy assets.

Addressing a room filled with traditional leaders, security chiefs, and youth representatives, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr lauded the host companies for their consistently increasing capacity, which he directly linked to a crucial boost in Nigeria’s daily oil production figures.

The IYC President then made a powerful and sincere acknowledgment of Chief Government Oweizide Ekpempolo (Tompolo), recognizing his ‘huge sacrifices and role in the sustenance of peace and security in the Niger Delta region.’

‘His name resonates positively with all sons and daughters of the region, especially given his background in the arms struggle,’ Lokpobiri stated emphatically. ‘Today we are enjoying relative peace and security in the region courtesy of his efforts.’

Building on the proven success of the security contracts, the IYC leader pivoted to a demand for strategic expansion. Sir Lokpobiri strongly appealed to the Federal Government to significantly increase the funding and mandate of Tantita Security Services and Maton Engineering.

He argued that their capacity should be expanded beyond securing pipelines and oil infrastructure to include the protection of Terminals and well heads, ensuring they can continue to deliver maximally on national security and production goals.

Furthermore, Lokpobiri issued a passionate call for environmental equity, urging the Federal Government to immediately extend the ongoing clean-up exercise in Ogoniland to all communities across the entire Niger Delta region. He stressed that these host communities are negatively affected by daily oil exploration activities and deserve comprehensive remediation.

In commending the contractors’ leadership for their ‘human face’ approach in involving critical community stakeholders, Sir Lokpobiri confirmed that the Niger Delta environment is ‘gradually healing’ from the widespread damage caused by illegal oil bunkering and oil theft.

The high-level attendance underscored the deep commitment of regional stakeholders to maintaining this trajectory of peace and infrastructure protection.

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the nomination of Mr. Louis Odion, a former Senior Technical Assistant on Media to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, as Executive Commissioner (Operations) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

Also confirmed was Hajia Ummusalma Isiyaka Rabiu for appointment as Executive Commissioner (Corporate Services) of the FCCPC.

The confirmation followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Trade and Investment, chaired by Senator Umar Sadiq.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier forwarded the names of both nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

Odion, a veteran journalist and former Commissioner for Information in Edo State, will oversee operations at the commission, while Ummusalma Isiyaka Rabiu from Kano State will handle corporate services.

Presenting the committee’s report, Senator Sadiq said the nominees were found competent and qualified, having demonstrated ‘integrity, professionalism, and a sound understanding of consumer protection and market regulation.’

He added that their appointments align with the administration’s goal of promoting fair competition and protecting consumer rights in Nigeria’s growing digital and commercial sectors.

The Senate adopted the committee’s report and confirmed both nominees through a unanimous voice vote.

In a related development, the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, chaired by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, also presented its report on the screening of Professor Yusuf Mohammad as Commissioner of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission (NLRC), representing the North East geopolitical zone.

Adegbonmire noted that the nominee met all constitutional requirements and possessed the experience needed to contribute to the ongoing reform of Nigeria’s legal framework.

He said, ‘The committee found Professor Yusuf Mohammad to be eminently qualified and of proven integrity. His appointment will strengthen the capacity of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission to review outdated statutes and harmonise them with current realities.’

The chamber subsequently approved his nomination after a motion for confirmation was moved and adopted without objection.

President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the government and people of Kenya over the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as a towering figure in African politics and a lifelong advocate of democracy and justice.

In a condolence message issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu paid tribute to the late Odinga’s enduring contributions to Kenya’s political evolution and Africa’s democratic advancement.

The President lauded Odinga’s courage in the face of adversity, his resilience in championing electoral reforms, and his unwavering belief in the power of the people.

‘His courage, resilience, and belief in the people’s power will remain sources of inspiration for generations to come,’ he said.

Tinubu described the former Prime Minister as a freedom fighter and a Pan-Africanist whose legacy extended beyond his country’s borders.

‘As a statesman of international repute, Mr. Odinga embodied the spirit of Pan-Africanism and was a steadfast advocate for inclusive governance and regional cooperation,’ the statement read.

The President noted that Odinga’s legacy would endure in the institutions he helped to build and the democratic ideals he championed.

‘We mourn with Kenya in this moment of national grief and stand in solidarity with you, President William Ruto, as you lead your nation through this painful chapter,’ Tinubu said.

‘May the memory of Raila Odinga continue to guide Kenya towards peace, unity, and progress,’ the President added.

The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), Abuja, has intensified efforts to promote early detection and prevention of breast cancer, emphasising that timely diagnosis remains critical to reducing cancer-related deaths among women.

The hospital noted that with greater awareness, improved access to screening, and prompt treatment, breast cancer survival rates can significantly improve.

The disease remains one of the most common cancers affecting women globally and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Nigeria.

As part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, AMCE said a 50 percent discount on mammogram screenings throughout October.

The initiative, according to the hospital, aims to make life-saving diagnostic services more affordable and accessible to all women, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.

Dr. Gabriel Boules, Clinical Director of Oncology at AMCE, said early diagnosis remains the most effective tool in saving lives, ‘Early detection remains the most effective way to save lives from breast cancer.

‘A simple screening can make all the difference. At AMCE, we are committed to breaking barriers to access and ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to prioritize her health,’ he said.

He added that the centre’s goal goes beyond treatment to empower women through education and access, saying, ‘Our goal is not just to treat illness, but to empower women with knowledge and access.

‘By making screenings more affordable, we’re helping more people take control of their health because early detection saves lives’.

AMCE said the campaign aligns with its mission to deliver world-class, patient-centered healthcare while advancing cancer prevention and treatment across Africa.

He encouraged the public to take advantage of the initiative by visiting the African Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja to book mammogram appointments during the awareness month.

The federal government has clarified its position on the expatriate quota, saying that the policy does not oppose the hiring of expatriates by companies, but should not be done without consideration for local content.

The government also said that it would not grant visa amnesty to companies that failed to comply with its expatriate quota regulations, maintaining that foreign companies are free to hire expatriates for skills that are not available in Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalena Ajani, made the clarifications in Abuja during a stakeholders’ engagement and sensitization workshop on Expatriate Quota Reform, New Visa, and Post-Amnesty Program.

She said the present administration is not opposed to hiring expatriates, but stressed the need for companies to justify their requests.

Dr Ajani maintained that companies must demonstrate that the skills they require are not available in the country before they embark on the recruitment of foreign experts.

She expressed concerns over the ways and manners in which companies bring expatriates to Nigeria for every project, despite operating in the country for decades.

While emphasising the importance of developing local talent and ensuring that Nigerians are given priority in job opportunities, she said the government would no longer tolerate ‘importation’ of expatriates when there is are abundance of skilled human resources within.

Regarding suggestions for amnesty for expatriates, Dr. Ajani said the Ministry would not grant amnesty for non-compliance with expatriate quota regulations. She stressed that companies must adhere to the rules and regulations governing expatriate employment.

The Permanent Secretary emphasized the need for companies to prioritize local talent and develop the skills of Nigerian professionals, adding that the government is committed to ensuring that Nigerians are given opportunities in their areas of expertise.

‘We urge companies to comply with the regulations and prioritize the development of local talent,’ Dr. Ajani said.

Speaking at the event, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap, highlighted the commitment of the Service to transforming Nigeria’s migration landscape through technology, collaboration, and people-centered policies.

‘These initiatives reflect our shared commitment to excellence in border governance and migration management.

‘Leadership is not just about managing systems-it is about inspiring change, empowering people, and ensuring that every reform enhances both our national security and the dignity of those we serve,’ she said.