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The Senate on Wednesday resolved to summon the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to brief the lawmakers on the coordinated federal response to insecurity in Kwara South.

The Senate also urged the federal government to establish a permanent military base in Kwara South, near the forest belts of Ifelodun Local Government Area, as a rapid response hub to tackle insecurity in the zone.

The resolutions followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored during plenary by Senator Lola Ashiru (Kwara South).

The red chamber also called for the immediate deployment of additional troops and special units to clear the forests and restore normalcy in affected communities in the senatorial district. In his lead debate, Senator Ashiru lamented the escalating insecurity in Kwara South, especially in Ifelodun LGA, where he said bandit attacks, kidnappings, and killings have reached alarming levels in recent weeks.

He disclosed that the development has forced thousands of residents to flee their communities.

After a debate on the motion, the Senate mandated its committees on Defence, Police Affairs, and National Security and Intelligence to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of affected areas and report back within two weeks.

It also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately provide humanitarian relief to displaced persons in Ifelodun and other affected LGAs.

The red chamber equally urged the federal government to compensate families of fallen forest guards and vigilantes who died defending their communities.

Army deploys full brigade to Kwara forests

The Nigerian Army has deployed a full brigade with heavy military equipment to Kwara State to dislodge bandits operating from forests in parts of the northern and southern axis.

The deployment saw troops and armoured vehicles advancing through communities around Oke Ode and Babanla in Ifelodun Local Government Area, according to a government statement on Wednesday night.

Daily Trust reports that the affected communities had come under renewed attacks lately from the bandits, killing and kidnapping many victims in the process.

The operation forms part of the ongoing Operation Fasan Yanma aimed at neutralising armed criminal groups and restoring peace across affected areas.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the issue over the weekend in Jos, thanked the president for his swift intervention and the military hierarchy for their commitment to public safety.

‘We will not spare any resources in support of the military, DSS, police, and other security agencies as they work to strengthen the security of lives and properties,’ the Governor said in the statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.

He expressed optimism that the new deployment would bring lasting relief to communities that have suffered repeated abductions and killings.

‘We are upbeat that this operation, as part of Operation Fasan Yanma, will eliminate all forms of threats in affected areas in Kwara South and Kwara North.

‘I thank the President and the security agencies for the efforts so far. As I said a few days ago, we just need to double our efforts to save the people. We are confident that the operation, under the theatre commander Major General Soyele, who is accompanied by Brigadier General A.A. Babatunde, will succeed in this important task and clear the entire area,’ he said.

The governor also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Army Staff, and the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, who had earlier relocated to Kwara to oversee the operation.

Security challenges require multi-level policing – Speaker Abbas

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has called for decisive legislative action to establish a multi-level policing system to address the nation’s deepening security challenges.

Abbas made the call on Wednesday during a public hearing on the Private Intelligence and Investigation Council Bill, 2024, organised by the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

He said security sector reforms have become a national priority and must now ‘move from theory to decisive action.’

Represented by the member representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, Hon. Muktar Shagaya, the Speaker said creating state police through a constitutional amendment remains a viable option that deserves serious national consideration.

The Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Hon. Ahmad Satomi, said the proposed legislation would mark a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture through the regulation and professionalisation of private intelligence operations.

The family of the late Olu Ere of Ere, His Royal Highness Oba J.I. Ipinyemi, has announced the schedule of events for the celebration of his life and legacy.

According to a statement signed by HRH Isiaq Ajibola, the Akogun of Ife Olukotun, the ceremonies will hold from November 27 to 29, 2025, in Ife Olukotun, Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.

A commemoration service will precede the main events on November 27, 2025, at the Methodist Cathedral, Ilorin, beginning at 10 a.m.

The family also announced the constitution of a central committee and several subcommittees to coordinate the burial activities.

The Central Committee will be chaired by Mudasiru Oseni, with Dr. Peter Adelaiye as co-chairman and Mr. Mutiu Ekundayo as secretary.

The subcommittees include: Budget and Finance Committee, chaired by Hon. Ahmed Amodu; Venue and Protocol Committee, chaired by Hon. Moshood Hassan; Security Committee, chaired by Chief Agbana Alaiyegbami; Food and Beverages Committee, led by Mrs. Rukayat Mohammed; Wake-Keeping/Service of Songs and Burial Committee, chaired by Chief Toba Johnson; Traditional and Cultural Matters Committee, chaired by Chief Dele Atanda; and Media and Protocol Committee, chaired by Dr. Rasheed Yusuf.

The statement concluded with a prayer for the peaceful repose of Oba Ipinyemi’s soul, noting that the revered monarch joined his ancestors on August 14, 2025, after a brief illness.

Construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has held its annual Cultural Day celebration across its corporate offices, regional headquarters, and project sites nationwide.

The event highlighted the company’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity as a vital tool for fostering unity, peaceful coexistence, and socio-economic development.

This year’s Cultural Day was marked by colourful displays of tradition, as staff turned out in vibrant attire representing Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups. The celebration featured traditional music, dance performances, cultural exhibitions, and a showcase of indigenous cuisines, all reflecting the depth and richness of Nigeria’s heritage.

In Abuja, the Head of Human Resources, Olorunfemi Ojomo, welcomed everyone and spoke about the importance of unity in diversity. He said that the company values the strength found in different cultures and will continue to promote it. Ojomo said, ‘I can see some beautiful dresses this evening. I’m really impressed. Thank you very much for the effort. Definitely it is going to be a beautiful outing. Like I always say every year in year out, it’s one of those moments where we get to celebrate our diversity. Yes, it’s a period for some fun.

‘However, the most important thing here is we try as much to recognise that we’re from different parts of the world, different parts of the country because we are as a company and that’s our strength. It’s very important to appreciate ourselves and so little things like this do matter a lot.’

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The federal government has launched an independent data platform for the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to ensure timely and accurate reporting of solid minerals revenue across the states.

The commission said the platform aims to eliminate discrepancies in figures submitted by government agencies and operators in the solid minerals sector.

It explained that the new system will serve as a reliable, discrepancy-free data source for verification, comparison and attribution of revenues generated from the solid minerals sector into the Federation Account.

Speaking in Abuja during a one-day sensitization exercise on the implementation of a new solid minerals data rendition template for effective revenue monitoring, the Chairman of RMAFC, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu-represented by Hon. Ibrahim Shettima, the Federal Commissioner representing Niger State-said the system was designed to close existing information gaps and promote transparency in revenue reporting.

Nigeria has lost one of its most respected elder statesmen, diplomats, and thought leaders, Dr. Christopher Kolade, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the age of 93.

His family confirmed the news in a statement expressing gratitude for his life of service, faith, and integrity.

‘We are thankful for his incredible life of faith and service, and are grateful for God’s abundant blessings,’ the family said+.

Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Dr. Kolade’s life embodied excellence, humility, and an unwavering commitment to public good.

The son of an Anglican missionary, he received his early education at Government College, Ibadan, before proceeding to Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone, where he studied the humanities.

Dr. Kolade’s illustrious career spanned broadcasting, corporate leadership, diplomacy, academia, and public service.

He began as a broadcaster and rose to become Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), where he helped shape the country’s early broadcasting standards.

Transitioning to the corporate world, he served as Chief Executive and later Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, guiding the company through a period of growth and modernization.

In the late 1990s, Dr. Kolade was appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, a role in which he represented the nation with dignity and distinction.

Upon his return, he continued to contribute to national development through teaching and mentoring. At the Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos, he taught Corporate Governance and Human Resource Management at the Lagos Business School, and Leadership and Conflict Management at the School of Media and Communication. He also served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, helping to shape the university’s academic and ethical standards.

Beyond academia, Dr. Kolade’s influence extended across several professional and faith-based organizations. He chaired the Nigerian Institute of Management, the Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, the International Institute for Communications, and the World Association for Christian Communication.

Head Coach Eric Sekou Chelle will have 20 players in camp for the Super Eagles’ second training session on Wednesday in Polokwane, as preparations intensify for Friday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Crocodiles of Lesotho.

As of Tuesday night, 18 players were already at the team’s base, The Ranch Hotel, with Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal) and Jerome Akor Adams (Spain) expected to join on Wednesday. Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, who plays in the United States, is due to arrive in South Africa on Thursday (today).

Chelle has made a few adjustments to his initial squad following injuries to Bright Osayi-Samuel and Cyriel Dessers, replacing them with Zaidu Sanusi and Christantus Uche of Crystal Palace. A separate injury to wing-back Felix Agu earlier reduced the list from 23 to 22 players.

However, Russia-based winger Olakunle Olusegun is yet to receive his South African entry visa, potentially leaving Nigeria with 21 available players for the encounter.

The Matchday 9 fixture will take place at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday, October 10, 2025, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. local time (5 p.m. Nigeria time).

Chelle and his technical crew are expected to fine-tune tactical and fitness details in the final sessions before Friday’s clash, as the Super Eagles aim to secure vital points in their World Cup qualifying campaign.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently presiding over the Council of State meeting.

The meeting is taking place at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with former President Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalam Abubakar, as well as Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State joining virtually.

Daily Trust, however, noticed that as at the time of going into the closed door session, former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan were not sighted.

The meeting is expected to be attended by all former Presidents and Heads of States, the Vice President, serving and retired former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

This is the second Council of State meeting to be hosted by President Tinubu after presiding over a similar meeting in August, 2024

Others attending the meeting are George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the NSA, serving Governors, the Chief of Staff to the President and other invited government officials.

The meeting is also being attended by Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

Some of the state Governors seen at the meeting were Governors of Kwara, Rivers , Enugu, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Borno, Ogun, Sokoto, Edo, Kaduna and Abia States.

The meeting is expected to discuss issues around the prevailing insecurity in some parts of the country, as well as the possible choice of the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving all outstanding issues with university-based unions, assuring that the reconstituted Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Expanded Negotiation Committee will reach a sustainable agreement beneficial to all stakeholders.

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press conference in Abuja, saying that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that every effort must be made to prevent further disruptions in the nation’s academic calendar.

‘The president’s directive is clear – we must avoid strikes and ensure that our children remain in school,’ Alausa said, urging the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to suspend its planned industrial action.

The minister explained that the government is finalising its counter-offer to ASUU and other university unions, adding that the current administration has the political will to end disputes that have persisted for over a decade. He confirmed that the Expanded Negotiation Committee, inaugurated on Monday, has already begun engaging union leaders to achieve a fair and lasting settlement.

Alausa revealed that President Tinubu has approved N150 billion in the 2025 budget to be released in three tranches to enhance teachers’ welfare and address part of the unions’ long-standing demands. He also assured that by 2026, all outstanding arrears, including the 25 percent wage award, would be fully paid.

‘While we may not meet every demand at once, the government is committed to providing substantial improvements and handling the process with sincerity and trust,’ he said.

ASUU recently issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government following its National Executive Council meeting at the University of Abuja on September 28. The union’s seven-point demands include re-negotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, revitalization of universities, payment of outstanding salary arrears, and resolution of third-party deductions.

Dr. Alausa noted that 80 percent of ASUU’s demands have already been met, appealing for patience and cooperation. He reaffirmed that the government’s priority remains keeping students in school and ensuring lasting peace and stability in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Bayo Onanuga, Presidential spokesman announce this in a statement, on Thursday.

Onanuga said the National Council of State has approved Amupitan’s nomination.

‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Amupitan as the nominee to fill the vacant position, following Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s exit.’

‘Yakubu served from 2015 till October 2025. President Tinubu told the council that Amupitan is the first person from Kogi, North-Central state, nominated to occupy the position and is apolitical.

‘Council members unanimously supported the nomination, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo describing Amupitan as a man of integrity.

‘In compliance with the constitution, President Tinubu will now send Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening.’

Amupitan, 58, from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA in Kogi State, is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau. He is also an alumnus of the university.

He specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance and Privatisation Law. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014.

Amupitan was born on April 25, 1967.

After completing primary and secondary education, he attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, from 1982 to 1984, and the University of Jos from 1984 to 1987. He was called to the bar in 1988.

He earned an LLM at UNIJOS in 1993 and a PhD in 2007, amid an academic career that began in 1989, following his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation in Bauchi from 1988 to 1989.

Currently, he serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, a position he holds in conjunction with being the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.

Among the academic positions he has held at UNIJOS are: Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012-2014); Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008-2014); and Head of Public Law (2006-2008).

Outside of academics, Amupitan serves as a board member of Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, and a member of the Council of Legal Education (2008-2014), among other roles. He was a board member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja(1996-2004).

Amupitan is the author of many books on law, such as Corporate Governance: Models and Principles(2008); Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008); Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria(2013), Principles of Company Law(2013) and an Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014).