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Renowned social worker, broadcaster, singer, and human rights activist, Ambassador Emmanuel Gabari, has released his much-anticipated music album, Let There Be Light (Ttaala)’ to mark his birthday on October 7, 2025.

The seven-track album reflects Gabari’s deep commitment to using music as a tool for social change, peacebuilding, and advocacy. Known for addressing issues affecting society’s most vulnerable groups – including children, women, and marginalized communities – Amb. Gabari continues his mission of inspiring hope and unity through art.

Speaking on the album release, Amb. Gabari expressed gratitude and excitement: ‘I am happy putting together this body of work. It’s been a journey, and I am earnestly grateful to God for finally making this a reality.’

The new album features songs such as ‘Save The Children,’ ‘End The Violence,’ ‘Babymi,’ ‘Celebrate HRDs,’ ‘Miliki,’ ‘My Body My Soul,’ and the title track ‘Let There Be Light (Ttaala).’ Each song addresses social themes ranging from human rights and empowerment to love, unity, and spiritual reflection.

In addition to his musical career, Amb. Gabari is also an accomplished actor. Sharing his experience combining acting and music, he said: ‘Acting and music have always been my passion. I’ve done a couple of acting gigs, and when I got the role to act alongside Mama Gee (Mummy Patience Ozokwor), I was so elated. It was a mind-blowing experience. For music and songwriting, it’s what I do effortlessly.’

Amb. Gabari describes the new album as a message of hope, reassurance, love, peace, and togetherness, encouraging everyone to listen and share its uplifting message.

‘Let There Be Light is an album that brings hope and light to our world. Please listen, share, and let me know what song(s) you love most. Thank you and God bless,’ he added.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has announced the commencement of the 2025 Speaker’s Game, tagged ‘Unity Edition.’

The annual sporting fiesta aims to strengthen camaraderie among the state’s workforce while celebrating a decade of impactful leadership by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Hon. Abiodun Orekoya, the Assembly described the Speaker’s Game as a flagship initiative promoting friendship, fitness, and teamwork across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Orekoya noted that since its inception in 2020, the Speaker’s Game has become a unifying platform for staff within the legislative and executive arms, fostering stronger institutional cooperation.

The 2025 edition, scheduled to hold between October and November at the Assembly Complex, will feature 32 male and 16 female football teams, alongside competitions in volleyball, tug of war, table tennis, snooker, ayo olopon, draught, ludo, and PlayStation games, among other side attractions.

According to Orekoya, this year’s ‘Unity Edition’ reflects the peace and collaboration currently enjoyed within the Legislative Arm of the Lagos State Government.

‘The 2025 Speaker’s Game will bring together talented sports lovers from selected MDAs. We’ve introduced several improvements to make this edition even more successful than the previous ones,’ he said.

He added that the event will also serve as a platform for empowerment through the distribution of ‘Ounje Obasa’, while promoting healthy living, gender inclusion, and the spirit of sportsmanship among public servants.

Orekoya further described the Speaker’s Game as more than a sporting event – a symbol of unity, leadership, and shared purpose that aligns with the Assembly’s vision of making Lagos not only the Centre of Excellence but also a model of institutional cooperation and human capital development.

Stakeholders across the country’s trade and logistics value chain have echoed the need for full adoption of the National Single Window (NSW), describing it as a national economic lifeline capable of transforming the country’s import and export processes, boosting competitiveness and attracting global investment.

The consensus was reached yesterday at a stakeholders’ engagement forum jointly organised by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Single Window Secretariat in Lagos. At the event, government agencies, freight forwarders, manufacturers and private sector representatives underscored the urgency of embracing the digital platform to drive trade efficiency.

Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Kingsley Igwe, in his keynote address, urged all trade stakeholders to embrace the NSW initiative, describing it as a ‘national economic lifeline’ capable of transforming the country’s logistics and trade environment.

Igwe said the time for ‘half measures’ in Nigeria’s trade reform is over, emphasising that the success of the NSW would depend on how quickly government agencies and private sector players adopt and own the system.

He said: ‘If Nigeria is to rise as a competitive logistics and trade hub, the National Single Window must not only be adopted, it must be owned and championed by every business, every agency and every operator.

‘We must see this not as another government initiative but as a national economic lifeline. The time to adopt the NSW is now.’

Describing the NSW as a ‘game changer’ for Nigeria’s economy, Igwe commended President Bola Tinubu for demonstrating political will to bring the project to fruition. He explained that the platform, already adopted in countries like Singapore, South Korea and Rwanda, would integrate all trade-related agencies and processes into a unified digital system, cutting down duplication, paperwork and delays.

‘Nigeria is at a critical juncture in its economic journey. We are Africa’s largest economy, yet our businesses continue to struggle under the heavy burden of high logistics costs, fragmented processes and delays in cargo clearance. The National Single Window provides a transformative solution to all these challenges,’ he said.

Igwe outlined that the system will allow importers, exporters and regulatory agencies to submit and access trade documents on a single interface, with real-time tracking, automated approvals and minimal human contact-key features that enhance transparency and reduce corruption.

Highlighting the economic benefits, the CRFFN boss said full adoption of the NSW could reduce logistics costs by up to 25-30 percent, while boosting the country’s competitiveness in global trade and attracting new investments.

He added that the system would empower manufacturers through faster clearance of raw materials and equipment, help SMEs scale their operations by simplifying access to trade tools, and enable freight forwarders to enjoy digitally tracked consignments with fewer operational bottlenecks.

‘The National Single Window will lower the cost of doing business, enhance supply chain visibility, and give Nigeria a stronger footing in the global market,’ Igwe stated.

According to Igwe, the platform is also essential for Nigeria’s effective participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as it aligns the country’s trade processes with continental and international best practices.

He noted that by streamlining cross-border trade and reducing documentation, the initiative would encourage business expansion and create more jobs in logistics, manufacturing, ICT, and other service sectors.

While technology forms the backbone of the National Single Window, Igwe stressed that the system’s success rests on trust, collaboration and transparency among all stakeholders. He urged government agencies to harmonise overlapping regulations, while calling on banks, insurers, and logistics operators to integrate fully into the digital ecosystem.

‘Government agencies must harmonise regulations and eliminate duplications, while private operators must embrace digitalisation and abandon manual shortcuts. Trust is key to the system’s success,’ he added.

Earlier in his remarks, Tola Fakolade, Director of the National Single Window Project and Head of the Secretariat, explained that the forum aimed to raise awareness, share progress updates, and prepare stakeholders for the official upcoming launch of the first phase of the project.

He assured that the team has been collaborating with key government agencies including NAFDAC, SON, CBN, NPA, NIMASA, FAAN, Shippers’ Council, CRFFN, among others, to harmonise regulatory processes and ensure seamless implementation.

‘We are now approaching the launch phase, and it is important that all stakeholders understand the project’s scope and impact,’ he said.

‘At this point, everybody- both public and private stakeholders-starts getting involved. We want to hear from you, address your concerns, and ensure we all move together towards a seamless launch,’ he added.

Also speaking, the Zonal Coordinator of Customs Zone A, Assistant Comptroller General Mohammed Babandede, reaffirmed the Service’s readiness to partner with other agencies to improve port efficiency through the Single Window initiative. He noted that the NCS had already introduced trade facilitation tools such as the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) and time-release studies to boost efficiency.

In a goodwill message, Vice President of NACCIMA, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, speaking on behalf of its President, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, lauded the initiative as a major step toward enhancing the country’s trade facilitation. He said NACCIMA remained committed to collaborating with government and private sector stakeholders to strengthen the nation’s competitiveness.

‘Today’s discussion will not only highlight the importance of the National Single Window Project but also chart innovative solutions to enhance compliance, reduce costs, and ultimately boost our economy,’ he said.

In his concluding remarks, Igwe reiterated that the National Single Window is central to Nigeria’s economic future.

‘Trade is the engine of growth, but logistics is the fuel that drives it. The National Single Window ensures that this fuel flows without obstruction. Its adoption will show the world that Nigeria is ready to do business at the speed of global commerce,’ he concluded.

With the project nearing launch, stakeholders agreed that the initiative marks a decisive step toward positioning Nigeria as a competitive trade and logistics hub in Africa and beyond.

As preparations get underway for the upcoming 2025 Kaduna international polo tournament gathers momentum, a new ‘sheriff’ is expected in town as Clearwater Farm Polo Team has concluded plans to make a debut during the prestigious fiesta.

Chairman of Clearwater Farm Polo, Brigadier General Kapeh Alwali Kazir (rtd), hinted his side is set to make its main debut at the 2025 Kaduna International Polo Tournament, underscoring its ambition to expand Nigeria’s equestrian landscape.

‘This opportunity allows us to showcase not only our horses but our team’s skill and the dedication and excellence that define Clearwater Farms,’ Kazir said. ‘Our goal here is principally to inspire greater appreciation for Polo and to offer unparalleled equestrian services that meet the needs of players, horse owners and families across the country.

With a five-decade heritage, Clearwater Farms offers a comprehensive suite of equestrian services. Its Kaduna facilities house over 60 horses and provide stabling, horse rentals, transportation and training programmes for children and adults, including a beginner’s riding school.

The company is expanding its operations to Abuja and Lagos, targeting new markets for equestrian sports. A key element of this expansion is the development of advanced veterinary services, including specialized diagnostic equipment and a mobile farrier unit.

Only a few months ago, Clearwater Farm Polo, who are the proud winners of the Late Dapo Ojora Cup at the 2025 Lagos polo tournament and Access Bank Cup champions at the Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield Polo, was the brighter star as one of the major sponsors at the Late Dawule Baba Tournament.

Kazir explained that in identifying with the event, Clearwater Farm Polo was keying into the highly treasured legacies of the late ‘Teacher’ whose passion for the game transcends a mere love for the noble game of polo.

‘Teacher (Dawule Baba) who was part of our team often gave us technical advice and encouragement and by sponsoring the Clearwater Beginners Cup, Babies and Toddlers Cup and the Clearwater Youth Challenge Cup, we are preserving his legacies of training, mentoring, and encouragement of upcoming players, among others,’ he said.

Kazir who is supervising the team’s preparations for forthcoming 2025 Kaduna tournament as the First Vice President Kaduna Polo Club, assured that everything is being put in place for another exciting and memorable Kaduna polo tournament reputed for its intensity and camaraderie

Kaduna remained the home of the glittering Georgian Trophy which was contested for in Nigeria by high-goal teams way back in 1919. Other major prizes that would be carted home by the winners during the upcoming 2025 Kaduna polo festival include the Emir of Katsina Cup, Imani Cup and El Amin Cup.

Meanwhile, Kazir has hailed the commitment of the Tournament Committee under Malam Atiku Abubakar Saleh, saying the tourney will be the best organized in recent times to make up for the club’s inability to host the fiesta last year due to African Horse Sickness {AHS}

He listed other top laurels that would be at stake during the prestigious polo festival to include Isa Kaita, Gen. Hassan Usman Katsina Cup, Sardauna Cup, Kere Ahmed Cup, Shehu Kangiwa Cup, Musa Yar’Adua Cup, Dangote Cup and Beginners Cup, among others.

A Scholar, Dr. Akinola Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa has congratulated Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) on his nomination by the National Council of State as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement in Abuja, Dr. Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa invoked the profound maxim: ‘It is only the deep that can understand the deep,’ to underscore his confidence in Prof. Amupitan’s ability to revolutionize the nation’s electoral system with innovative technological advancements that will inspire trust and enthusiasm among Nigerians.

.’Having known Prof. Amupitan for over two decades, i can vouch for his exceptional work ethic, charisma, and intellectual rigour in every task he undertakes,’ Dr. Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa said.

‘As a seasoned legal luminary with a proven record of excellence, he is well-equipped to lead INEC to new heights. As a fellow scholar, i am certain he will deliver results that earn the admiration of our nation’s critical masses.

Hailing from Kogi State, Amupitan specializes in corporate law, evidence, governance, and privatisation.

He called on Nigerians to unite in support of the new INEC chairman to build a credible and transparent electoral system that reflects the will of the people.

‘This is a defining moment for our democracy. Let us stand with Prof. Amupitan to ensure elections that command universal respect’ he stated

The appointment awaits Senate confirmation, setting the stage for a transformative era ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Nigeria Customs Service has smashed a trans-border smuggling ring operating along the Seme border axis of Lagos State.

The gang, which specialized in smuggling expired rice, flour, vehicles and other prohibited items into the country, was ambushed by Customs officials attached to the Seme border command and goods worth over N1 billion were said to have been seized from the gang.

The Area Controller of the Seme Command, Wale Adenuga, said this yesterday, while showcasing the seized items to reporters.

Customs officials, Adenuga said, monitored the gang for over two weeks before the clamp down resulting in the seizure of 10,000 bags of expired flour and several other prohibited items from the gang.

The Seme Customs Command, he said, had to deploy more officers in dealing with the large consignment of prohibited goods seized from them.

He said the massive haul, valued at over N1 billion, was the result of weeks of intensive surveillance and coordinated enforcement along the Seme axis.

According to Adenuga, officers of the command intercepted not only the expired flour but also a variety of other contraband, including smuggled vehicles, bags of foreign parboiled rice, drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), bales of used clothing, and consignments of Indian hemp.

He explained that the expired flour, which had been carefully concealed in trucks and warehouses, posed a significant public health risk had it entered the Nigerian market.

‘We will not allow expired or substandard goods to find their way into our country and endanger our citizens,’ he declared.

The Comptroller stated that the seizure aligns with the Service’s broader mission of curbing smuggling activities that undermine national economic growth and public safety.

He emphasised that the fight against economic sabotage remains a top priority for the Service.

Adenuga, who described smuggling as an act of sabotage against the nation’s economy, warned that those who continue to indulge in the illicit trade will face the full weight of the law.

‘Smuggling is not only a crime; it is an assault on our economy and on legitimate businesses that pay taxes and abide by the law,’ he said.

He also commended the synergy among various security agencies, crediting inter-agency cooperation for the success of the operation.

According to him, the collaboration between the Customs Service, the Nigerian Navy, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) played a vital role in tracking, intercepting, and confiscating the illegal consignments.

In a determined effort to cushion the effects of hunger, the Mayor of Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Prince Lanre Sanusi, on Thursday re-launched his ‘Apo Ariyo’ food distribution initiative, providing bagged food items to over 2,000 residents.

The well-attended event, graced by community leaders, stakeholders, and residents, saw Sanusi-accompanied by his wife, Dr. Mrs. Abidemi Ajoke Sanusi-highlight President Bola Tinubu’s compassionate governance as the inspiration behind the Apo Ariyo initiative, noting that it aligns with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots level.

‘We have been doing this since 2014, but this edition is different because you voted for me here. It is part of our father, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s welfarist policy,’ Sanusi said. ‘We will be doing this every month. Next month’s edition will be bigger, and the December one will be more far-reaching due to the festive season.’

According to him, each food pack contains rice, beans, and garri for distribution across the council’s wards, targeting 1,500 households with an additional 500 packs reserved.

The event also featured the groundbreaking ceremony for the ‘Dubar Junction Road’ project at Mile 2, which includes the construction of a gate, gatehouse, perimeter fencing, road repairs, and median beautification.

Sanusi laid the first brick at the site, alongside his vice chairman, Maureen Ashara; APC Chairman, Apostle Ayo Ogunbiyi; and councillors. The project engineer assured that construction would be completed within 12 weeks.

Sanusi further vowed to tackle traffic congestion by enforcing regulations against double parking by tricycle riders, pledging to replicate the orderliness seen in other well-organized communities.

He announced plans to commence reconstruction and repair works on major inner roads such as 1st Avenue to Alakija, 2nd Avenue, 7th Avenue, and Agboju Market Road.

‘Our inner roads will receive more attention, and by December, all will be motorable. This is our commitment,’ he assured.

He also disclosed that a major road project at Akoso would be completed before the end of next year, reiterating his resolve to serve diligently and deliver visible dividends of democracy.

Stakeholders commended the initiative, describing it as a lifeline for residents. Mr. Waheed Atanda, Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), noted that tackling hunger directly addresses many of the nation’s broader challenges.

Prince Adeyemi Muftau-Ayilara, President of the Amuwo Odofin Landlord Residents Association (ALORA), lauded the Mayor for alleviating hardship in the community.

Beneficiaries, including Mr. Olatunbosun Olayemi, Mrs. Mulikat Raheem, and Mrs. Victoria James, expressed gratitude, praising Sanusi’s leadership and describing the gesture as timely and impactful for the poor and elderly.

?Africa’s creative minds in gaming, animation and immersive technology gathered in Lagos last week for Gamathon 2025.

The week-long convention, according to the organisers, aimed at accelerating collaboration and investment in the continent’s fast-growing digital creative sector.

Hosted by Africacomicade, the sixth edition of the event ran from September 29 to October 4 and served as the grand finale of regional tours held earlier in Kenya, Ghana and South Africa.

The event featured exhibitions, masterclasses and investment sessions designed to strengthen the creative technology ecosystem.

Speaking on this year’s theme, ‘Bridge’, founder of Africacomicade, Michael Oscar said it focused on connecting creative ecosystems across Africa to drive innovation, youth empowerment and economic growth.

‘Gamathon Nigeria represents the merging of ideas and innovation from across Africa. We’re building bridges between creators, investors and governments to ensure that young Africans are not just players but creators in the global gaming industry,’ Oscar said.

Throughout the six-day event, participants explored topics ranging from intellectual property and gamification to entrepreneurship and innovation. The ARC Pitch Competition, which offered a $2,000 prize pool for PC and mobile game developers, gave studios a platform to present their projects to investors and publishers.

According to co-founder and VR developer, Oluwatosin Ogunyebi, the event reflected the growing unity within the creative tech space.

‘When we started, many people didn’t even know each other. Now, we see collaboration and co-creation happening across borders,’ he said.

Ogunyebi added that Gamathon will now be held every two years, allowing more time for creators to develop and polish their projects. ‘Game development takes time. The new schedule means that by 2027, we’ll see finished, world-class products rather than demos,’ he explained.

Founder of Deluxe Creation Studios, Edu Shola and other industry stakeholders also used the event to call for stronger government engagement. They emphasized the need for a formal industry association to help creatives access policy support and funding.

They disclosed that some ministries are already funding creative projects through phased grants of up to $800,000, but urged broader collaboration to sustain growth.

The conference was supported by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology and corporate partners including UNDP, Providus Bank, Sanlam Allianz, and MSI.

Canadian rapper Drake has suffered a legal setback after a U.S. judge dismissed his defamation lawsuit over Kendrick Lamar’s viral diss track ‘Not Like Us.’

Drake had filed the case in January 2025, accusing Universal Music Group (UMG) of promoting and profiting from the track, which he argued falsely portrayed him as a pedophile and damaged his reputation.

However, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas ruled that the lyrics amounted to ‘nonactionable opinion,’ stressing that the heated nature of rap battles often includes hyperbole, insults, and figurative language that reasonable listeners would not take as literal truth.

UMG welcomed the ruling, calling it a win for creative expression and warning against attempts to use the courts to censor artists.

The case stems from the long-running feud between Drake and Lamar, which escalated in 2024 when both rappers exchanged diss tracks, culminating in Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us,’ a hit that dominated charts and conversations worldwide.

An Osun State-based activist, Mr. Olaniyi Akinloye, has implored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the withheld local government allocations of Osun State.

He said the non-release of the funds had affected development and progress of the state, particularly at the grassroots level.

He said his plea to the President followed a call by Osun State people, who were yearning for peace, stability and development.

Akinloye urged Tinubu to allow the democratically-elected chairmen to assume office and make judicious use of the allocations, for the benefit of the people.

A statement by Akinloye called on the President not to allow partisan politics to dictate the fate of Osun State people, but should rather prioritise their welfare and well-being.

He said: ‘I appeal to President Tinubu to allow Osun State people reap the benefits of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration. This plea is set against the backdrop of the protracted local government crisis in Osun State, which has impeded grassroots development and progress.

‘The crisis afflicting Osun State’s local governments has been ongoing, precipitated in part by the recent approval of the release of local government funds to chairmen of All Progressives Congress (APC) by President Tinubu.

‘However, Osun State Government has successfully obtained a court order restraining a first generation commercial bank from disbursing any fund to the councils. This impasse has resulted in dearth of development and progress at the grassroots level, exacerbating the suffering of the people.

‘This is a clarion call from the citizens of Osun, who are yearning for peace, stability and development in their state. I implore the President not to allow partisan politics dictate the fate of the people of Osun State. Rather, their welfare and well-being should be prioritised.

‘The previous administration’s local government chairmen were removed from office due to electoral irregularities, and a new set of leaders were elected to manage the affairs of the local governments.

‘This crisis has a debilitating effect on the development and benefits the people of Osun State should have enjoyed. People are suffering, crying and unhappy. Their hearts are bleeding. The crisis has also led to lack of significant performances by the local governments, thereby affecting the expected development in the state.

‘I urge President Tinubu to allow the democratically-elected chairmen assume office and make judicious use of allocations for the benefit of the people.’