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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday urged the Senate to consider and confirm Hon (Mrs) Ayo Omidiran from Osun State as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

The Senate also forwarded the names of 28 other nominees for confirmation for appointment into the agency.

Some of the newly nominated federal commissioners for FCC are Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi (Kwara State), Babangida Bwala (Bauchi State), Mrs Eunice Thomas (Akwa – Ibom State), Obinna Oriakwu (Abia State), etc.

After reading the letter, Akpabio referred the request to the Senate Committee on Establishment and Inter- governmental Affairs to report back in two weeks.

African youths model and visionary entrepreneur, Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu, has hailed Seyi Tinubu on his 40th birthday, describing him as a bridge builder, a peace agent and a supportive son every parent would love to have.

The chairman of the Stanel Group and The Delborough Lagos gave the description in his birthday felicitation message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s son on Monday.

Uzochukwu said that Seyi Tinubu, in his public dispositions, has put some growing regional pressure under control by his tours across the country not minding the President’s critics.

According to him, such passionate moves naturally build bridges and unite the nation to remain one entity despite perceived differences.

‘Congratulations on your 40th birthday, my dear brother, Seyi! Closely, I considered your virtues as that of a bridge builder and a peace agent,’ he said.

‘Age 40 is a starting point in life and I have no doubt in your ability, humility, determination and commitment to Nigeria’s unity and peaceful coexistence, Dr. Uzochukwu added while praising Seyi’s contributions to nation building at such an early age.

‘Thank you for supporting Mr. President. We are proud of you. Happy birthday!’.

Social commentator and influencer, Reno Omokri, has challenged United States Senator Ted Cruz and others to name and shame those allegedly perpetrating Christian genocide in Nigeria.

Omokri, ehile affirming that there was no case of genocide in Nigeria, added that he believes the Senator’s comments were based on misinformation, misunderstanding and miscommunication.

He also blamed the United States for the insecurity challenges faced by Nigeria, adding that some of the policies of the US government fueled insecurity in Nigeria.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at a press conference, Omokri said: ‘Saying that there is genocide is against common sense. Saying that there’s a genocide in Nigeria is like saying that in the United States, every year, close to 30,000 people are murdered and disproportionately, they are black people. Can we in Nigeria start to use our media power and say there is a genocide against black people in America?

‘The claim is not true, but if you think it is true, don’t just come and make accusations, name them and shame them. Mention a name. So we have to go by facts and not by emotions.

‘A genocide is when you have a deliberate act of policy by a state actor or by people who are connected to state actors against a particular ethnicity, against a particular religion. However, in Nigeria, due to policies unleashed by the Obama administration, we have had security issues and we are fighting them. We’re doing the best that we can.

‘So, if you ask me if there is a genocide in Nigeria, of course there’s not. However, if you believe that Nigerian state officials are facilitating terror, mention them, name them. Help us name them.

‘I believe Senator Cruz means well, that’s my personal belief, but that he doesn’t have the right information. If he knows the names of the Nigerian officials who are facilitating this genocide, he should name and shame them. Because he did say that he knows and that he’s aware of them’.

He also hinted that deaths recorded in Nigeria, according to the Global Terror Index, reduced from 7,512 in 2015 to 565 in 2024.

The Secretary-General of the Jama’at Nasril Islam (JNI), Prof. Khalid Aliyu, also dismissed the claim as baseless and strange.

He said: ‘It sounds really very strange for such an unverified claim that there is Christian genocide in Nigeria. I think it is really very dangerous to change the paradigm and the narrative from the act of criminality, and identify it with ethnic nationality or religious inclination.

‘I think lumping a baseless claim onto certain people does not hold water. I think this claim is intended to create bad blood and to further extend the challenges we are going through in this country. And I think there may be a sinister motive behind such claims, to really draw us back from going out of the quagmire we are passing through.

‘And so this claim, to me, is baseless. They don’t hold water. There’s no truth in them. And we hope we’ll see the truth in the light of its worth and value’.

The House of Representatives has directed the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, and other security agencies to immediately reinforce deployment and strengthen joint operations in Kebbe and Tambuwal Local Government Areas of Sokoto State to protect lives, property, and farmlands from persistent bandit attacks.

This followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Abdulsamad Dasuki, who decried the worsening insecurity in the affected communities. The House commended the courage of security personnel defending communities nationwide and condoled the families of victims of recent attacks.

Lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to rescue abducted persons, investigate the recurring violence, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure swift justice.

They further called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other humanitarian bodies to provide urgent relief materials to displaced persons who have fled to neighboring towns and villages.

Leading the debate, Dasuki highlighted the recent surge in attacks across Kebbe and Tambuwal Federal Constituency, which have led to widespread killings, abductions, and displacement of residents.

He noted that the assaults have crippled economic activities, forced farmers off their lands, and left many communities deserted.

He recounted that on August 12, 2025, bandits invaded Fakku Ward, killing five residents, abducting 28 others, and rustling 37 cows. Similar attacks occurred on August 15 in Sangi Ward and on August 18 in Ungushi Ward, resulting in additional deaths, kidnappings, and livestock losses.

Dasuki warned that continued insecurity in these areas could lead to further humanitarian crises and deepen distrust between citizens and the government.

He added that the proximity of Sokoto to the Niger Republic has exacerbated the threat, with cross-border movements of arms and insurgents worsening the situation.

He emphasised that ensuring the safety of border communities is crucial to stabilizing the Northwest and safeguarding Nigeria’s national security.

The Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened on Tuesday for its second plenary after the emergency rule and applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting pardon to the late environmentalist, Mr. Ken Saro-Wiwa, and eight others popularly called the Ogoni-nine.

The lawmakers conveyed their commendation through a motion moved by the Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol, representing Gokana Constituency, and three other members from the Ogoni extraction.

The movers of the motion called for commendation for the President and lauded Tinubu for posthumously conferring national honours on the Ogoni-13.

Members took turns to praise the President, saying Tinubu displayed his goodwill through the gesture.

Commenting on the motion, the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, emphasised the importance of peace and said that the fatherly initiative of the president would go a long way in assuaging the Ogoni people.

He said the Ogoni people, for about three decades, had been in pain because of the loss of their 13 prominent personalities, and commended the president for the noble gesture.

The house also deliberated on the recent flash floods that led to the death of two teenagers at Eligbolo, a community in Obio/Akpor Local Government of the State.

Moving the motion on the need for immediate action to be taken by the relevant ministries and agencies to stem the flash floods, the member representing Port Harcourt Constituency 3, HoAzeru Opara, identified the lack of frequent and proper desilting of canals and drains in the state as the cause of the flood and called for urgent actions to mitigate the situation.

The lawmakers mourned the unfortunate death of the teenage brothers at Eligbolo and called on the authorities to take drastic steps to avert future occurrences.

Amaewhule recounted the moments leading to the death of the two teenagers and regretted that such could happen in Rivers.

He called on the Ministry of Environment and that of Urban and Regional Planning to draw a plan on how to desilt the canals and drains in Port Harcourt and its environs.

He lamented the ugly situation and directed the House Committee on Environment and Urban Planning to quickly put in place measures to address the situation.

The coast appears clear for Governor Biodun Oyebanji to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket for the 2026 Ekiti State election following the withdrawal of his only opponent, Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo, from the race.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, and made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the party announced that it had adopted the consensus mode for the conduct of its governorship primary in the state.

Morka explained that the decision to shift from the earlier proposed direct primary to the consensus mode followed Omolayo’s voluntary withdrawal and endorsement of Governor Oyebanji as the party’s consensus candidate.

According to him, Mrs. Omolayo, in a formal letter to the party, conveyed her decision to step down and pledged her full support for the governor’s candidacy, expressing loyalty to any arrangement adopted by the APC in line with its constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022.

The APC spokesman added that the party had duly notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the development through a letter dated October 13, 2025.

‘With this development, the party has satisfied the requirements stipulated under Sections 84(9) and (11) of the Electoral Act 2022 for the consensus mode of primary election,’ the statement read.

Morka disclosed that the National Working Committee (NWC) had approved a timetable of activities leading to the ratification of the consensus candidate.

According to the timetable, the process will commence on Saturday, October 25, 2025, with the Delegate Congress, where party delegates across Ekiti State will converge to affirm the consensus arrangement.

This will be followed by the Delegate Congress Appeal on Sunday, October 26, to address any petitions arising from the process.

The exercise will culminate in a Special Nomination Congress on Monday, October 27, 2025, to formally ratify Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the APC’s consensus candidate for the 2026 governorship election.

Morka commended Mrs. Omolayo for her sportsmanship and commitment to the unity of the party, describing her withdrawal as a mark of loyalty and respect for the APC’s internal democratic process.

He urged all party leaders, members, and stakeholders in the state to remain united and work collectively toward ensuring a resounding victory in the June 20, 2026, governorship election.

Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo has sacked Hon Samson Osagie as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

Osagie was among the first persons sworn-in as Commissioners immediately the Governor assumed office.

No reason was given for the sack.

Speculations have been rife that Osagie would soon be kicked out of Okpebholo’s cabinet after Prof. Roland Otaru was nominated as Commissioner.

Though the sack has not been announced, his name was missing among the list after the Governor sworn-in new Commissioners.

Besides the sacking of Osagie, Governor Okpebholo also increased Ministries in the State to 28.

A statement by Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, explained the increment was to ‘ensure the seamless alignment of the Governor’s SHINE Agenda with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Ahmed Tinubu.’

It said the restructuring was to enhance administrative efficiency, improve coordination across critical sectors and strengthen the capacity of Government to deliver effectively on its mandate to the people of Edo State.

In the list, no Commissioner was assigned to the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.

Sr. Felix Ehiguese Akhabue was assigned to the Ministry of Works; Hon Andrew Ijegbai was assigned to Ministry of Mining; Prince Kassim Afegbua was assigned to

Ministry of Information and Strategy while Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Paul Ohonbamu was redeployed to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Omoh Anabor was deployed to the Ministry of Business, Trade and Investment; Dr. Jerry Uwangue was assigned to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and Prof. Omorodion Ignatius Ikponwosa was assigned to the Ministry of Livestock Development.

The Ministry of Environment and Sustainability has Barr. Nosa Adams as its Commissioner; Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole and Dr. Paddy Iyamu were retained in the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education respectively.

The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has Dr. Lucky Eseigbe as its Commissioner; Ministry of Lands and Housing has Hon. Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa. Ohimai Ehijimetor is Commissioner of Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy while Hon. Etin-Osa Ogbeiwi was assigned Ministry of Science and Technology and Dr. Washington Osifo was retained in the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.

In his reaction, Osagie said Governor Okpebholo has done well, stating he was grateful for the opportunity to serve.

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has been appointed as the Chancellor of Westland University, Iwo, Osun State.

The university management announced the appointment on Tuesday, describing it as a recognition of the monarch’s unwavering commitment to promoting quality education among Nigerian youths.

In a letter signed by the registrar, Olalekan Olaosebikan, on behalf of the university’s governing council led by Dr. (Mrs.) Esther Adepoju, the institution said Oba Akanbi’s leadership and dedication to educational development made him the ideal choice for the position.

The letter read: ‘It is with great honour and respect that I write on behalf of the Council of Westland University, Iwo, to inform Your Imperial Majesty of your nomination and appointment as the Chancellor of Westland University, Iwo, Osun State, for a term of five years.

‘Your Imperial Majesty’s leadership, wisdom, and commitment to quality education for our teeming youth make you an ideal candidate for this position. We believe that your royal guidance will significantly contribute to our university’s growth and development.’

According to the management, Oba Akanbi is expected to provide visionary leadership, guide the university’s academic and administrative activities, and represent the institution with distinction.

The statement added, ‘Your Majesty will also provide strategic direction and oversight to the university, preside over convocation ceremonies and other assemblies, and advocate for the university’s interests while fostering partnerships and collaborations.

‘We look forward to working closely with Your Imperial Majesty as we congratulate you on this well-deserved appointment.’

The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan Chapter, Dr. Adefemi Afolabi, has criticised the federal government’s decision to enforce the ‘no-work, no-pay’ policy on striking lecturers, describing it as a panicky and knee-jerk response.

Speaking with The Nation on Tuesday about the ongoing 14-day warning strike, Dr. Afolabi said the government’s approach would not resolve the crisis.

He, however, urged the federal government to convene a meeting with the union and sign the draft agreement submitted by the Alhaji Yayale Ahmed committee.

‘This is a panicky and knee-jerk response that is not a recipe for resolving the crisis. The Federal Government should convene a meeting with our union to sign the draft agreement submitted by the Alhaji Yayale Ahmed Committee. This warning strike could have been avoided if the report submitted to the Minister of Education in February 2025 had been signed,’ Afolabi stated.

The strike, which began on Monday, followed the union’s frustration over what it described as the government’s failure to honour past agreements.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has directed vice-chancellors to strictly implement the ‘no-work, no-pay’ directive against striking ASUU members.

He also ordered physical headcounts of lecturers present at work, adding that the National Universities Commission (NUC) would monitor compliance and submit a consolidated report to the ministry.

Alausa expressed disappointment that the strike commenced despite the government’s appeals for dialogue, insisting that most of the union’s demands within its purview had already been addressed.

A tipper driver, Tobi Abdulmalik Oluwatuyi, who was abducted along the Akure-Owo Expressway in Ondo State, has regained his freedom after spending several days in captivity.

The Nation earlier reported that Oluwatuyi was kidnapped last Friday, around 6 a.m. at Ilu Abo while attempting to repair his faulty vehicle by the roadside.

His motor boy narrowly escaped and raised the alarm, prompting residents to launch a search for the victim.

Confirming the development, the owner of the tipper, Monday Ayesoro, said Oluwatuyi was released on Monday night and brought back to the same location where he had been abducted.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, for confirmation were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.