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A renowned media and communications strategist, Abosede Shafe, has been appointed Executive Director of BaseFM 101.1.

This milestone crowns her decade-long journey of redefining media, culture and corporate communications in Nigeria.

A multidimensional leader and culture curator, Shafe has spent over ten years transforming narratives across media, business, and creative industries.

Her appointment at BaseFM signals a new era for Nigerian radio broadcasting – one that blends strategy, culture, and purpose.

In her new role, Shafe is spearheading the station’s transformation into a platform that amplifies authentic voices, celebrates culture, and connects with diverse audiences through innovative programming and audience-focused storytelling.

She brings to BaseFM her trademark blend of editorial insight, strategic communication, and creative leadership to deliver content that inspires and informs.

Beyond her work at BaseFM, Shafe is the founder of the Oliviarose Group, a diversified enterprise that continues to redefine communications and luxury experiences in Africa.

The group houses: Oliviarose Media, a top-tier communications and PR agency delivering strategic storytelling, media relations, and brand positioning for leading organisations.

Oliviarose, a luxury corporate gifting brand offering bespoke experiences that enhance client relationships and strengthen brand visibility.

Her impressive portfolio includes major campaigns for Bet9ja, Balmoral Group, Fidelity Bank, George Residence, Waltersmith, Renaissance, and several state governments.

She has also championed cultural showcases such as Africa Fashion Week Nigeria and An Evening of Indigo Elu in partnership with the British High Commission, cementing her influence in shaping Nigeria’s creative and cultural identity.

A passionate humanitarian, Shafe leads the Oliviarose Initiative’s Adopt A Child Educational Programme, which provides learning resources and support for underprivileged children.

She is also the author of Amazing Me, Yes I Can!, a children’s book that promotes confidence, resilience, and self-belief.

Guided by her personal mantra, ‘You cannot be ordinary and expect extraordinary results,’ Shafe continues to embody visionary leadership, purposeful storytelling and cultural innovation.

Her rise to Executive Director at BaseFM reflects not just professional achievement, but a commitment to inspiring excellence and driving transformation across Africa’s media landscape.

Over 150 members of the Lagos State Council of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) for the second time in less than a month stormed the state secretariat popularly known as ‘solidarity house’, locking it up over alleged imposition.

In the past few months, Lagos ASCSN chapter has been engulfed in crisis since its emergency delegates’ conference where members unanimously resolved to remove the state secretary.

But the national leadership’s letter nullifying the conference has now escalated the situation, with the state chapter insisting it will resist what it called ‘undemocratic interference.’

The aggrieved members, who converged as early as 8:00am, carried placards with inscriptions such as ‘No to imposition,’ ‘Our constitution must be respected,’ and ‘We stand for democracy,’ chanting solidarity songs and vowing not to back down until justice is served.

Addressing the gathering on behalf of the aggrieved members, Comrade Rotimi accused the embattled secretary of contesting an election he was not qualified for and declaring himself winner.

‘The actions of the state secretary, including contesting an election he wasn’t qualified for and declaring himself winner, are unacceptable,’ Rotimi declared.

‘The forceful reopening of our secretariat based on a biased letter from the National Secretary General is a clear disregard for our rules and procedures enshrined in Rule 19 of our constitution. By locking up the secretariat again, we are protecting our Association’s integrity, upholding democratic principles, and demanding a fair and transparent process.’

The aggrieved members, in their charter of demands, called for the immediate intervention of relevant authorities, a thorough investigation into the alleged misconduct, and a new, transparent election in line with the agreement reached with the leadership of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, at the aborted September 17, 2025 election.

According to them, the alleged imposition of the state secretary undermines the union’s democratic values and threatens industrial harmony in the state civil service.

‘We will not be intimidated or silenced. We stand united in defense of our Association,’ Rotimi added to the cheers of the crowd.

Security operatives have been stationed around the premises to prevent any breakdown of law and order, with members vowing to maintain their lock-up action until their demands are met.

Immediate past chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has identified multiple litigations, conflicting court orders, electoral violence, and vote buying as some of the biggest challenges undermining the smooth conduct and management of elections in Nigeria.

In the foreword of a new book titled ‘Election Management in Nigeria: 2015 to 2025,’ which chronicles his two-term tenure as INEC Chairman, Yakubu also highlighted technical glitches, equipment failures, and network connectivity issues as recurring obstacles to election administration.

The 220-page publication, divided into 11 chapters, was released on Yakubu’s final day in office as INEC Chairman.

Despite these challenges, Yakubu noted that the Commission recorded remarkable achievements between 2015 and 2025, many of which, he said, should be sustained to build public trust and improve the integrity of future elections.

‘The decade between 2015 and 2025 has been one of the most momentous in the history of election management in Nigeria. There have been several milestones, many challenges, and useful lessons in the conduct and administration of elections during this period,’ he said.

According to Yakubu, the book provides the most comprehensive account of the Commission’s reforms, innovations, and lessons under his leadership.

He stated that during his tenure, INEC implemented key reforms across various areas – including the legal framework, voter education, election security, deployment of technology, and stakeholder engagement – all aimed at improving transparency and strengthening public confidence in the electoral system.

The publication documents major milestones achieved during the period, such as the introduction of Simultaneous Accreditation and Voting (CAVs); the development and deployment of the INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED) and the Bi-Modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS); and the expansion of polling units from 119,974 to 176,846 – breaking a 25-year jinx.

Other significant reforms include enhanced inclusivity measures for persons with disabilities (PwDs), internally displaced persons (IDPs), women, and youth; the establishment of the INEC Results Viewing (IReV) Portal; and several digital platforms for the submission and monitoring of candidate lists, party agents, election observers, and media accreditation.

Yakubu also cited the development of the Election Management Support Centre (EMSC) for early warning and real-time monitoring of election activities, as well as INEC’s expanded role in providing electoral assistance to sister electoral bodies across West Africa, as part of the Commission’s enduring legacy during the decade under review.

He said, ‘Despite these achievements, the 2015-2025 decade was not without its challenges. Issues such as multiple litigations in which the Commission is joined, conflicting orders from courts of concurrent jurisdiction, electoral violence as seen in the various attacks on the Commission’s facilities and personnel, vote trading, and the challenge of logistics that led to the postponement of elections since 2011, continue to pose challenges to the smooth conduct of elections and the management of the electoral process.

‘Additionally, technical challenges with equipment and connectivity failures have sometimes hindered the smooth conduct of elections.

‘In response to these challenges, the Commission implemented various reforms, including voter education programs, capacity building for electoral officials, and collaboration with security agencies to ensure the safety of voters and electoral officials, in addition to several policies guiding the development, acquisition, and deployment of electoral technology and the management of the electoral process.

‘As the Commission looks to the future, the conduct of elections and the management of elections will continue to evolve and present fresh challenges. Such challenges will necessarily either require the consolidation of old or the formulation of new reforms.

‘Lessons from the conduct of elections and the management of the process will necessitate that new lessons be learnt, requiring the tweaking of old, or the introduction of new electoral technologies.

‘The Commission must fully embrace both successes and failures, intensify confidence and trust-building measures, expand the drive towards inclusivity, and continuously be ahead in addressing potential threats to the conduct of elections and the management of the electoral process. Only in and through these can it ensure the conduct of free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Rome, Italy, ahead of the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government meeting, which will focus on tackling the growing security crisis in West Africa.

The Presidential aircraft touched down at the Rome Fiumicino International Airport at about 7:20 p.m local time on Sunday, where the president was received by senior Italian officials, members of the Nigerian diplomatic corps, and top aides.

The high-level meeting, which opens on Tuesday, will bring together Heads of State and Government, senior intelligence and military officials from African countries, as well as representatives of intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations.

Participants are expected to deliberate on the evolving security landscape in West Africa and develop coordinated responses to terrorism and transnational crime.

Launched in 2015 by King Abdullah II of Jordan, the Aqaba Process is a global counter-terrorism initiative aimed at enhancing cooperation and intelligence sharing among nations confronting violent extremism.

The current edition, co-chaired by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Italian Government, will focus on the complex security threats facing the region, including the expansion of terrorist networks, the growing nexus between crime and terrorism, and the overlap between land-based insurgency in the Sahel and maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

According to an earlier statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu will not only participate in the plenary sessions but will also hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders to explore collaborative measures to curb insecurity across the subregion.

The sessions are expected to examine strategies to counter terrorism, combat online radicalisation, and disrupt digital networks used to promote extremist propaganda and recruitment.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday traded words over the whereabouts of the fleeing Amotekun Commandant, Isaac Omoyele, following the alleged killing of residents of Akinlalu community by his operatives.

The Nation reports that Amotekun personnel invaded Akinlalu Market Square, killing three members of the same family and another resident, while several others sustained gunshot injuries.

Omoyele later claimed he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt – a claim the police dismissed.

In response, the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Inspector-General of Police arrested 25 Amotekun operatives on Wednesday night and sealed their operational armoury base at Oke-Fia, Osogbo, as well as the outfit’s Ife Central office.

In a statement on Sunday, the APC, through its Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, urged Governor Adeleke to produce the Amotekun Commandant for police investigation.

Olabisi accused the Governor of hypocrisy, noting that while Adeleke publicly commended the police for their professional handling of the case, he had failed to ensure Omoyele’s appearance before investigators.

He said justice and accountability demanded that the state government cooperate fully with security agencies to unravel the truth behind the tragic Akinlalu killings.

‘However, to prove that he was not merely paying a lip-service to the call for prosecution of the blood-sucking vampires responsible for the carnage of innocent souls at Akinlalu, Governor Adeleke should prioritise the exposition of the Commander of Osun Amotekun, Mr Isaac Adekunle Omoyele.

‘If the news flying around in Osogbo, the state capital, is anything to go by that Omoyele, one of the crucial suspects in the dastardly act in Akinlalu, has been hibernating in the Government House, Osogbo, to evade the police arrest, it is condemnable, irresponsible, wicked and unpatriotic.

‘It is saddening that the governor is linked to the allegation of aiding and abetting the commission of crimes as it is now the case with his former Chief Security Officer, Omoyele, who is said to have been out of circulation immediately his balloon of lies on his staged assassination attempt was deflated by the police.’

However, Adeleke through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed rejected calls by the APC to interfere in the ongoing investigation into the Akinlalu incident, describing the opposition’s allegations as another example of a losing party struggling for relevance.

The governor reiterated his trust in the ongoing police investigation to unravel the details of the unfortunate killings at Akinlalu even as he cautioned against politicization of a matter of law and order.

‘The Akinlalu matter is a question of law and order and the Inspector General of Police has acted on the matter. The police is conducting an active investigation. Our government will not intervene or interfere.

‘I caution our people to avoid the temptation to politicize the unfortunate incident. We should allow due process to take its course without let or hindrance.’

He noted that ‘The opposition’s allegations are unfounded and baseless. The Osun APC in want of direction and strategy has grown to be a constant purveyor of fake news.’

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has rejected claims of irregularities in its recently concluded state congress, describing the allegations as false, mischievous, and intended to tarnish a transparent process.

The accusations came from an internal faction, Kick Against Deceit, which alleged that the congress was manipulated to favour certain leaders, calling the exercise a ‘charade.’

The congress, held last month, elected Barrister Victor Modupe Aisida as the new state chairman, succeeding Rt. Hon. Bakitta Bello, who completed the tenure of the late Hon. Fatai Adams. Other executives elected include Akin Oyewole (Deputy Chairman), Oluseye Olujimi (Secretary), Jolade Aladetan (Publicity Secretary), and Woke Akindiose (Legal Adviser).

Although largely peaceful, the party’s 2024 governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, was notably absent from the event.

In a statement on Sunday, the party’s Director of Media and Public Communication, Comrade Wande Ajayi, said the congress adhered fully to the PDP constitution and the guidelines approved by the National Working Committee (NWC), with officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) observing the process.

Ajayi also revealed that some individuals listed as signatories to the critical statement-Charles Adeduro, Caroline Olupitan, Pat Ojo, and Dagbatan Anjorin Peter-had denied involvement, highlighting what he described as the deceitful intent behind the allegations.

‘Contrary to the falsehoods peddled by the group, the State Congress was conducted in full compliance with the Constitution of our Party and the guidelines approved by the National Working Committee (NWC) as observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Delegates were duly accredited, the process was peaceful, and the outcomes reflected the collective will of genuine party stakeholders across all local governments and senatorial districts,’ Ajayi said.

He added that the Ondo PDP had, for the first time in years, demonstrated unity of purpose and readiness to reclaim power through democratic engagement and transparent leadership recruitment.

Ajayi described those behind the allegations as frustrated by reforms aimed at ending imposition and manipulation within the party.

He urged members to disregard ‘baseless and divisive claims’ and remain focused on the renewed vision of the newly elected state executive committee as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Former governor of Ogun state and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has called on his constituents to demand transparency and accountability from the state and local governments on how they have utilized the increased federal allocations received since the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking on Sunday at Idokunnusi, Ijebu Imushin, during his Midterm Community Assessment and Review Tour in Ijebu East Local Government, Daniel said both tiers of government have been receiving substantial allocations in the last two years and must justify how the funds have been spent.

Daniel, who represents nine local government areas under Ogun East Senatorial District, addressed a large gathering of political stakeholders, supporters, and constituents, using the occasion to distribute empowerment items, including motorcycles, deep freezers, sewing machines, fertilizers, sprayers, and grinding machines.

Responding to complaints about poor roads, unpaid stipends for traditional rulers, and general neglect of the region despite its economic potential, the senator explained that such issues fall under the responsibility of the state and local governments.

He expressed sympathy for the underdevelopment of the district, noting that the area is blessed with abundant natural resources that should make it a hub of prosperity.

Daniel also urged the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration to revive the Olokola Deep Sea Port project, which his government initiated at Ode-Omi in Ogun Waterside Local Government, saying the project could create over 50,000 jobs, boost internally generated revenue, and transform the state’s economy.

The senator further disclosed that he has begun discussions with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to harness the bitumen deposits in Ijebu East for the benefit of Ogun State and Nigeria at large.

He said, ‘For our people here in Ijebu East, I share in some of your pains on the current state of underdevelopment, especially because I am aware that this whole community should be thriving in wealth and prosperity especially with the abundance of natural resources which God Almighty has endowed us which has the capacity to sustain an entire nation.

‘During my time as Governor of Ogun State, we discovered that Ogun East has the largest deposit of Bitumen anywhere in Nigeria. Our vision then was very clear: to create a whole new city for Bitumen mining and exploration which we believe would increase the economic prosperity and impact positively on the lives of the people living in the area. We envisioned this area bubbling with multinational investments, industries, jobs, and infrastructure, all driven by Bitumen exploration and processing.

‘Unfortunately, that vision stalled due to neglect after our administration. That is why I started by sympathizing with you because I understand your frustration and share in your hope for a new dawn.

‘When you sent me to Abuja as your Senator, I took it as a sacred responsibility, not only to make laws (which of course is the primary responsibility of the Senate), but also to leverage on relationships with the President and other agencies of government at the executive level to influence government policies and attract development projects that can revive and empower our communities.

‘I am in contact with, and delighted to inform you that the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, under the exceptional leadership of my friend and brother, Mr. Dele Alake, and in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has assured that the Bitumen wealth of Ijebu East will soon be put to productive use. I have every confidence in that assurance because Dele Alake is not only a trusted colleague and friend of over four decades; he is a man of results.

‘Let me say with emphasis, the mining sector under President Tinubu has received greater attention and the revenue from the solid minerals sector has grown from ?6 billion to ?38 billion in just one year, a record-breaking transformation driven by efficiency, transparency, and accountability. And this was made possible by the President’s bold declarations that the era of exporting raw minerals is over and that mining licences will only be granted to investors who commit to local processing and value addition as a means of creating jobs for our local population and industries to ensure that prosperity derives from mining stay within Nigeria.’

The member representing Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey has collaborated with the Cross River State Government to offer free medical services to thousands of his constituents across Akpabuyo, Bakassi, and Calabar South.

The free medical outreach, which took place from October 8-10, 2025, at the headquarters of each council, provided essential healthcare services to the constituents.

Speaking at the end of the outreach, Hon. Bassey emphasized that healthcare provision for his constituents is a priority of his representation.

According to him, the free medical outreach targeted thousands of constituent members in Akpabuyo, Bakassi, and Calabar South, offering services such as free surgeries, eye checkups, malaria and typhoid testing, and distribution of medication.

Hon. Bassey assured his constituents of his commitment to their healthcare and socio-economic well-being.

Chairman of Calabar South LGA, Hon. Patrick Archibong, commended Hon. Bassey for always reaching out to members of his constituency at the grassroots level, adding that the free medical outreach has brought succour to the people of the Federal constituency.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the lawmaker for prioritizing their health and well-being, assuring him of their support in his future endeavours.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has praised President Bola Tinubu for establishing the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), describing it as a strategic move to bridge developmental gaps and unlock the region’s vast economic potential.

President Tinubu signed the SWDC Bill into law in March 2025, mandating the commission to drive infrastructure development, economic growth, and social welfare across the South-West. The bill, sponsored by Senator Gbenga Daniel representing Ogun East, received overwhelming support from both chambers of the National Assembly before its final assent.

Speaking at a thanksgiving reception held in honour of Dr. Jide Martins Adewinle, the newly appointed Federal Commissioner representing Ondo State in the commission, Aiyedatiwa said the SWDC would address regional disparities and promote sustainable development.

‘The establishment of the South-West Development Commission is a laudable step by the Federal Government to tackle developmental imbalances, harness regional potential, and promote sustainable growth. With the right leadership and collaboration, the commission will serve as a veritable tool for economic revitalisation, infrastructural renewal, and social transformation in our region,’ he said.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to partner with the commission to advance infrastructure renewal, industrialisation, and youth empowerment across Ondo State’s 18 local government areas.

He also described the appointment of Dr. Adewinle as well-deserved, noting that it was a recognition of competence, capacity, and character.

‘Over the years, Dr Adewinle has demonstrated exceptional commitment to community development, youth empowerment, and professionalism,’ Aiyedatiwa said.

‘His appointment further projects Ondo State as a reservoir of capable men and women who can stand tall anywhere in service to our nation.’

The governor urged the new appointee to embrace humility, inclusiveness, and vision in his stewardship.

‘Leadership is stewardship imbued with humility and accountability. Let your service reflect diligence and integrity. Expectations are high, but I’m confident that you will make Ondo proud,’ he added.

Aiyedatiwa also assured that the state government would continue to work closely with the SWDC and other federal institutions to ensure Ondo people benefit maximally from ongoing and future developmental projects.

‘Our administration will continue to collaborate with the Commission to enhance regional integration, agricultural development, industrialisation, and youth empowerment-key pillars of our development agenda,’ he said.

In his response, Dr Adewinle expressed gratitude to God, President Tinubu, and Governor Aiyedatiwa for the opportunity to serve, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him.

He described the Commission as a platform designed to promote education, infrastructure, welfare, and economic empowerment, positioning the South-West for sustainable development.

According to him, the establishment of the SWDC aligns with the visionary blueprint of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose policies in education, agriculture, and infrastructure transformed the region into Nigeria’s economic hub.

‘What President Tinubu has done through this Commission is a continuation of Chief Awolowo’s dream for a prosperous South-West – a region driven by unity, innovation, and progress,’ Adewinle said.

‘The Commission will rekindle that legacy by driving growth in education, welfare, and infrastructure.’

He further explained that the SWDC would address the challenges of centralised development by implementing region-specific projects to boost economic fortunes and create jobs.

Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government, Andrew Ogunsakin, also commended the governor for approving a 5km road project in the council area and lauded the various ongoing projects across the state.

The Thanksgiving event, held at Adekunbi Hall, Iye Ile Resort Centre, Ode-Aye, drew dignitaries from across the country, including traditional rulers, political associates, and well-wishers who joined in celebrating the new appointee.

The Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB) has urged Nigerians to renew their commitment to supporting the empowerment and inclusion of visually impaired persons across the country.

Speaking at the Society’s 70th Anniversary Gala and Fundraising Dinner in Lagos, the Chairman of the Executive Council, Mrs. Arit Tunde-Imoyo, said the theme of the celebration, ‘Vision Without Eyes: Striving for Excellence,’ underscores the organisation’s belief that true vision extends beyond physical sight to purpose, perseverance, and transforming limitations into possibilities.

Tunde-Imoyo highlighted that through its Vocational Training Centre (VTC) in Oshodi, the Society has empowered more than 5,000 visually impaired men and women with education and practical skills that promote independence and productivity.

‘Our mission goes beyond rehabilitation to include restoration. Through the Eye Bank for Sight Restoration, we help those for whom blindness is curable regain their sight. Every life touched reminds us that blindness does not mean the end of opportunity,’ she said.

She appealed for more volunteers and professionals to join the Society’s committees and council, stressing that its continued success depends on collective effort and public support.

‘The funds raised at this gala will help us sustain and expand our programmes, upgrade training facilities, and introduce new technologies to prepare our trainees for a changing world. Every contribution tonight is an investment in human potential,’ she added.

A major highlight of the event was a fashion show by students of the Vocational Training Centre, showcasing their creativity and craftsmanship.

Dr. Goddie Isibo, a member of the FNSB Council and Chairman of the Strategy Committee, described the Society’s 70-year journey as one of giving hope and restoring dignity to people who had lost it. He noted that many beneficiaries were once professionals who lost their sight as adults and have since rebuilt their careers through training and technology.

‘With software, our trainees can use computers to work as accountants, human resource managers, and other professionals. We give people a second chance to live meaningful, productive lives,’ he said.

He added that the Society’s achievements have been made possible through public donations rather than government funding, urging continued support from individuals and organisations.

Another member of the Executive Council, Mr. Woji Weli, emphasised the importance of inclusion and public understanding of the challenges faced by visually impaired persons.

‘Nigerians must recognize that the blind are, first of all, humans. Their needs must be acknowledged and supported. From prevention to rehabilitation, there is so much that individuals, corporations, and governments can do to improve their quality of life,’ Weli said.

Vice Chairman of the Society and Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Mrs. Oluyemisi Daramola, said the anniversary also celebrated the achievements of the trainees.

‘All the items on display tonight were produced by our students. Many of them have gone on to become employers of labour. One of our ex-trainees in Osogbo now exports his products to the US and UK, and he is totally blind,’ Daramola said.

The Executive Secretary of the Society, Mr. Oluwamayowa Oke, described the 70th anniversary as a deeply meaningful milestone.

‘It’s not just about looking back at seventy years of impact but about celebrating the people who made it possible – our past chairmen, council members, dedicated staff, and the families who have stood with us through the journey,’ he said.

‘This Gala is both a moment of gratitude and a renewed call for support. We invite more individuals, institutions, and corporate organizations to partner with us – to help sustain our training programmes at the Vocational Training Centre, Oshodi, our Eye Bank for sight restoration, and our work of giving hope and purpose to blind and visually impaired persons across Nigeria. Together, we can continue to make blindness not a limitation, but a story of courage and achievement’, he said.