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In commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, secondary school students across Osun State gathered at the Winners Embassy Arena, Ogooluwa, Osogbo, for the Independence Day Secondary School Students’ Conference, themed ‘Students as Builders of a Greater Nigeria.’

The conference, held on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, was convened by Precious Ibuoye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Osun State, as part of his Community Development Service (CDS) project.

According to Ibuoye, the initiative was inspired by his passion to contribute to nation-building by investing in the next generation of Nigerian leaders.

‘I believe in the power of young people. True greatness is not measured by what you own, but by the lives you touch,’ he said. ‘Change begins with small actions that improve our communities.’

During the event, participating students received learning materials such as books, pens, bags, and other educational resources. The conference attracted students, teachers, corps members, and government officials from across the state.

In his keynote address, Hon. Segun Oyewole, Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Mobilisation, stressed the need for young people to take responsibility for national transformation. ‘Nigeria’s dream can never happen by chance but by choice. We must be bold enough to become the change we desire and start thinking like leaders,’ he said.

Also speaking, Professor Chinwe Obiaku, Director-General and Special Envoy to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, reminded the students that nation-building starts early. ‘Students are not just the future; they are important today. Corruption is not only political – examination malpractice is part of it. Every Nigerian student must be ready to lead by example,’ she cautioned.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Dr. Femi Bello of Redeemer’s University, Mr. Bolatito called on students to demonstrate consistency and integrity in leadership. ‘Nigeria has never happened to Nigerians except Nigerians happen to Nigeria. Nation-building is an ongoing process, and students must pledge to lead faithfully, diligently, and with integrity,’ he stated.

The conference featured interactive sessions, panel discussions, and school presentations, where students engaged in conversations on independence, governance, and national unity.

The event concluded with a collective call for Nigerian youths to see themselves not as passive observers but as active participants in building a greater and more prosperous nation.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake, on his 69th birthday, describing him as a dependable ally, consummate strategist, and a loyal patriot whose contributions to national development span decades.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extolled Dr Alake’s long-standing record of excellence in journalism, public service, and strategic communication.

The President said the Minister remains one of the most accomplished professionals of his generation, noting their long years of friendship and partnership anchored on shared values of service, integrity, and commitment to Nigeria’s progress.

‘Dr Dele Alake has remained a committed, loyal, and outstanding ally for several decades. His steadfastness and unyielding commitment to national development and progress stand him out as a patriot,’ the President said.

Tinubu also commended the Minister’s ongoing efforts to reposition the solid minerals sector as a major revenue earner for the country.

He said Alake’s reforms – including investment promotion, policy innovation, and the integration of artisanal miners into the formal economy – align with the goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘On this special day, I pray that Almighty God will continue to bless Dele with good health, wisdom, and strength,’ President Tinubu added.

Dr Alake, a veteran journalist and former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State, has been a long-time associate of President Tinubu since the 1990s and currently leads the administration’s drive to harness Nigeria’s mineral wealth for sustainable development.

The Honourable Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf, has launched guidelines and a monitoring framework on non-custodial sentences.

The milestone stride aims to address congestion in correctional facilities and promote the rehabilitation of petty offenders in the FCT.

The signing ceremony was held at the Judges’ Conference Room, FCT High Court, Maitama, Abuja, with notable dignitaries in attendance.

These included the Honourable Judges of the FCT High Court, Magistrates, the Director-General of Legal Aid Council, the Executive Secretary of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), a representative of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and other critical stakeholders in the criminal justice sector.

Speaking at the event, Justice Yusuf said, ‘This initiative is designed to enhance the adoption of non-custodial measures by the FCT courts in eligible cases and strengthen collaboration between the Courts and Nigerian Correctional Service.’

The initiative, championed by the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), is in line with one of its core statutory functions made pursuant to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 in ensuring that congestion of custodial facilities is drastically reduced.

Capacity building programmes of key stakeholders, including the training of all Non-Custodial Officers, Magistrates, and Registrars in the FCT, are set to begin next week, convened in collaboration with the Legend Golden Care Foundation.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting aimed at curbing border-related crimes, removing trade barriers, and promoting legitimate commerce along the Seme border corridor.

The meeting brought together representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Army, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), traditional rulers, trade associations, clearing agents, and community leaders.

Speaking at the forum, the Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, expressed concern over the continued existence of unwholesome practices and multiple checkpoints along the border route.

He urged security agencies and border communities to collaborate in addressing challenges that could tarnish the country’s image and impede regional trade.

According to Adenuga, ‘The checkpoints we have on the roads are too much, it is disgraceful. The CGC has directed that the checkpoints be reduced, and on no account should anyone delay a legitimate business.

‘After this meeting, it will not be business as usual. We will create an implementation committee for all that we have discussed.

‘The Comptroller General of Customs is now the number one Customs officer in the world, and Nigeria cannot be different from what is obtainable in other parts of the world.

He added, ‘Will facilitate legitimate trade, the better for our country. When trade thrives, crime reduces. That is the vision our Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, has consistently championed – building a legacy of trade facilitation and a conducive environment for economic growth.’

Speaking on the plight of residents, one of the community leaders, Joseph Agoro, argued that the majority of the fights and conflicts on the border corridor are caused by camp boys recruited by security agencies along the border route.

He labelled the practice an embarrassment, describing how commuters and residents are often harassed and questioned by individuals who are not legitimate officers.

‘Multiple checkpoints are already problematic. It is more embarrassing to be stopped by Customs and other security agencies, especially the Police, and someone who isn’t an officer would begin questioning passengers. We don’t know who is attending to us. There is no way the residents and villagers wouldn’t complain about such unfair treatment from the camp boys. Why should we be harassed just for living along the border corridor?’ Agoro said.

On his part, the Oba of Kweme Kingdom in Badagry, Oba Sejiro Ogungbe, expressed appreciation to the Customs for reducing frequent clashes between Customs and smugglers in communities, which he said often lead to avoidable deaths.

Responding, Controller Adenuga assured that the multiple checkpoints would be reduced in no distant time. He said the Comptroller General of Customs is working closely with the Inspector General of Police and the National Security Adviser to address the issue.

Adenuga also issued a note of warning to other security agencies, saying, ‘If you don’t have any business to do on that road, don’t come there. If you refuse to comply, you will be arrested because I have the backing of the Comptroller General. ‘

On the use of camp boys, Adenuga warned that any officer who makes use of camp boys will be dealt with appropriately, as the Service has since abolished the use of camp boys.

Representative of the Nigerian Air Force, Badagry, Capt. H.I Medugu thanked Comptroller Adenuga for initiating the stakeholders meeting due to several complaints along the border route.

The Nigerian Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Ambassador Olukayode Olugbenga Aluko, who was represented by the Defence Attache, Colonel S. Yahaya, assured that all the takeaways at the meeting would be fully implemented by the appropriate authority.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has commenced the nationwide verification exercise for Private Tour Operators as part of its preparation for the 2026 Umrah and Hajj operations.

The exercise follows the inauguration of the Committee on Licensing and Verification of Private Tour Operators by the NAHCON Chairman, Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman, last week at the Hajj House, Abuja.

The Committee was mandated to verify and assess all applications submitted by licensed and intending tour operator companies seeking accreditation.

The verification exercise, which kicked-off in Kano State, is being conducted by a delegation from the commission’s Tour Operators Unit under the Operations, Inspectorate, and Licensing Department (OILS). The team is visiting companies’ offices to inspect their facilities, documentation, staffing, and compliance with the operational guidelines stipulated by the Commission.

The commission, in a statement by Shafii Mohammed, said the verification is aimed at ensuring only credible, financially capable, and operationally prepared companies are granted licenses to handle pilgrim services for the 2026 Hajj and Umrah.

‘This process is essential for transparency, accountability, and quality assurance. It ensures that only operators who meet the Commission’s standards and Saudi Arabian regulatory requirements are accredited,’ the statement reads.

The verification exercise is expected to extend to other geopolitical zones in the coming days, covering all registered and intending tour operators nationwide.

Nollywood actor and filmmaker Tobi Makinde has announced his engagement.

Makinde, best known for his role as Timini in Jenifa’s Diary, took to Instagram to share the happy news, revealing that his fiancée said ‘yes’ some months ago.

He wrote: ‘Some months ago, the love of my life said YES to me and I was most delighted. I’m excited for this new journey that I’m about to embark on. Truthfully it has always seemed far-fetched but just like every other big step I have taken in life, I sought God’s face and, trust me, He has always led me aright.’

Fans and colleagues flooded his page with congratulatory messages following the announcement.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders’ Movement in Ondo State has lauded the Minister of Interior, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his steadfast support and commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement on Monday by its Coordinator, Otunba Agboola Kelly, the group described Tunji-Ojo as a ‘God-given and illustrious son’ of Ondo State, whose efforts have significantly boosted the activities of pro-Tinubu groups across the state.

According to the statement, Tunji-Ojo’s contributions have particularly strengthened the Ondo State APC Elders’ Movement for Tinubu 2027, which continues to expand in membership and influence.

The elders reaffirmed commitment to consolidating the APC’s political structure across Ondo State by fostering unity among all organs of the party to ensure peace, progress, and sustainable development.

They further commended President Tinubu for acknowledging Tunji-Ojo’s performance and innovation at the Ministry of Interior, referencing paragraph 20 of the President’s Independence Day address, where the minister’s achievements were highlighted.

‘Our prayers are with you, BTO – you will continue to succeed, and your light will shine even brighter,’ the statement read.

The group pledged continued mobilization of grassroots support across Ondo State to ensure President Tinubu’s successful re-election in 2027.

Nigeria’s online gambling market has expanded quickly, with licensed local operators and numerous offshore platforms competing for attention. Many players believe that opening accounts on several sites can unlock extra bonuses, more games, and better chances to win. This strategy, known as multi-platform play, does offer variety and some potential benefits. Yet it also brings added complexity, requiring players to weigh whether the advantages outweigh the drawbacks.

The appeal of multi-platform play often lies in variety. Each site offers its own mix of games, promotions, and payment options, giving players more freedom to choose what suits them best. In Australia, for example, players sometimes turn to sites such as Coin Poker Australia to explore crypto-based poker. Sites that offer them tend to come with other modern features like instant payments and even anonymous play, since payments can be made using crypto. Meanwhile, in Kenya, mobile money integration strongly influences platform choice. On the other hand, Brazilian players often prioritise sites that support PIX payments.

Nigerian players face similar decisions when they look abroad for features not always available locally. The benefit is flexibility, but the trade-off is navigating multiple regulatory systems, each with its own rules on licensing, consumer protection, and dispute resolution.

For Nigerian players, this search for variety across foreign platforms means navigating multiple international regulatory systems where licensing and consumer protection standards differ significantly from those developed under Nigerian authorities. While the National Lottery Regulatory Commission works to establish clearer frameworks for local operators, international platforms operate under jurisdictions ranging from Malta and Curacao to the UK and Gibraltar, each with distinct rules governing player protection, dispute resolution, and data privacy.

One clear advantage of opening multiple accounts is access to a broader set of welcome bonuses and loyalty programs. A player can test different offers and enjoy fresh incentives across platforms. The downside is that funds get scattered. When money is split across several sites, it becomes harder to build a meaningful bankroll on any single platform. Meeting minimum stakes or clearing wagering requirements can be more difficult, as requirements multiply. For example, depositing ?10,000 across three platforms with 30x wagering means a player must stake ?900,000 in total before bonuses unlock.

Playing across several platforms can open doors to international sites licensed in Curacao, Malta, or Gibraltar, giving Nigerian players access to global games and payment options. The trade-off is that protections vary by jurisdiction. Locally licensed operators must follow Nigerian gaming laws, with disputes handled through Nigerian authorities. Offshore platforms follow their own regulators, which may mean different standards for data privacy or withdrawals. For players, the advantage is access to a global variety; the cost is losing the simplicity of one clear legal framework.

Responsible play tools, such as deposit caps, time limits, and self-exclusion, are built into most regulated platforms. On a single site, these tools can provide useful guardrails. Across multiple platforms, however, the safeguards don’t transfer, meaning players need to track limits themselves.

For instance, setting a ?50,000 monthly cap on one site won’t automatically apply to another. This creates flexibility, since players can set different limits per site, but it also places greater responsibility on the individual to keep a clear overview of their total play. Recent initiatives, such as the SafePlay self-exclusion portal launched in Lagos State, aim to make cross-platform tools easier to manage, but these are still evolving.

Multi-platform play offers variety, flexibility, and the chance to explore different promotions. But many players may find that consolidating activity with one or two reputable, locally licensed operators makes management easier. A single bankroll is simpler to track, loyalty rewards build faster, and responsible play tools work more effectively. If issues arise, disputes are resolved under Nigerian law, providing a clear framework for resolution.

A member of the House of Representatives, Olusola Fatoba, has applauded President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Forest Security Service, describing it as a bold step toward strengthening national security, revitalizing agriculture, and protecting rural communities across the country.

Speaking on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state capital, Fatoba, said the creation of the forest security guard was necessary following the incessant cases of attacks on farmers, kidnappings, and infiltration of Nigeria’s forests by criminal elements who use them as operational bases.

The chairman of the House Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values, noted that the security outfit would help address the country’s growing security challenges, particularly those affecting farmlands and forest areas.

Fatoba added that the newly established forest guard would not only safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians but also empower the farmers to return to their farmlands without fear, a development he said would restore confidence in agricultural production and help stabilize the nation’s food supply chain.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would create employment opportunities at the grassroots level and increase food production for both local consumption and export.

The lawmaker, representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II, called on the 36 state governors to promptly key into the federal government’s initiative by giving full support and cooperation to ensure its successful implementation in their respective states.

He emphasized that strong collaboration between federal and state governments would help reclaim the forests that have long been hideouts for kidnappers and terrorists and transform them once again into safe zones for productive activities such as farming, ranching, and tourism.

The lawmaker, representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II, called on the 36 state governors to promptly key into the federal government’s initiative by giving full support and cooperation to ensure its successful implementation in their respective states.

He emphasized that strong collaboration between federal and state governments would help reclaim the forests that have long been hideouts for kidnappers and terrorists and transform them once again into safe zones for productive activities such as farming, ranching, and tourism.

He said, ‘I wish to sincerely appreciate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership and approval for the establishment of the Nigeria Forest Security Services.

‘This bold and timely initiative is a significant step towards addressing the pressing challenges of insecurity, especially in our rural and agrarian communities.’

‘At a time when insecurity has deterred many from engaging in farming and discouraged foreign investment, this move will not only boost food security but also strengthen our economy through agriculture and non-oil financial inflows.

‘It sends a strong signal to both citizens and the international community that Nigeria is committed to creating a safe and enabling environment for investment and growth,’ he added.

The National Muslim Youth Association (NMYA), an alumni of Muslim Tertiary Students Association, has supported moves to take away the powers to appoint heads of electoral bodies from the executive.

The association said this on Monday at a press conference addressed by its President, Engr. Abdulraham Aliyu along several other members in Abuja.

While aligning with the position of Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah, who forwarded a bill seeking to take away the power of appointing chairmen and members of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECs) from President and Governors respectively, the association maintained that it is necessary to amend the constitution towards establishing a new INEC.

The association called on the National Assembly to consider and pass Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah’s draft Bill for the amendment of the Constitution for the Establishment of the new INEC and thereafter to work with the State Assemblies and the Presidency to bring the proposed amendment to fruition.

The Muslim association argued that Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC results viewing ( IReV) portal would not solve the problem of election rigging in Nigeria without the impartiality and integrity of the electoral body as those two systems are vulnerable to manipulation.

The NMYA stressed that it has become necessary to amend the nation’s constitution towards establishing a new INEC, composed by independently and neutrally appointed commissioners and officers in order to ensure competence, impartiality, integrity and hence, free and fair elections.

According to the association: ‘We agree with Senator Obiorah that honest elections are impossible in Nigeria with the President and the Governors continuing to wield the power of appointing the electoral bodies,

since they or their political parties are usually contestants in the same elections.

‘There is no doubt as Senator Obiorah posits, that BVAS and IReV would not solve the problem of election rigging in Nigeria without the impartiality and integrity of the electoral body as those two systems are vulnerable to manipulation.

‘It has therefore become necessary to amend the constitution towards establishing a new INEC, composed by independently and neutrally appointed commissioners and officers in order to ensure competence, impartiality, integrity and hence, free and fair elections.

‘Consequently, we are happy to announce our endorsement of Senator Obiorah’s novel, fresh and bold proposal, to constitute the new INEC with thirteen commissioners, six of whom would be elected by the listed six Nigerian labour and professional organizations, and six commissioners nominated by the United Nations, and one commissioner – observer nominated by Transparency International.

‘What stands out in Senator Obiorah’s proposed new INEC is the fact that it would be more difficult to bribe or intimidate such an internationally composed electoral body.

‘More so, the infusion of international bureaucrats into the new INEC would make for better organized elections in which the secret ballot would indeed be secret therefore defeating vote buying.

‘Nigeria would then also experience elections in which the use of non-manipulated BVAS and IReV would be enthroned, and in which proper organization and the electoral law would make it easy for millions of Nigerians in diaspora to vote.

‘We observed in the course of exchange of views on Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah’s proposal, that some people were asking how could foreigners take part in organizing elections in Nigeria.

‘Our answer to that question is that the foreigners under reference are the same foreigners who have from Nigeria’s independence been managing exclusively, the health care and hospitalisations of Nigeria’s political leaders, all Presidents, Military Heads of Government, Senate Presidents, Speakers, Governors, legislators, senior public officials, senior judicial officers, business elite and so on.

‘Speakers, Governors, legislators, senior public officials, senior judicial officers, business elite and so on.

‘And all because Nigeria does not have good hospitals due to bad governance made possible by rigged elections.

‘We answer further, that it is the same foreigners who have given Nigeria, non-debt aid in the form cash transfer grants of upwards of $65 billion since independence.

‘And that it is the same foreigners in Paris Club who gifted Nigeria over $18 billion dollars in debt forgiveness by which Nigeria wiped out and zeroed out its foreign indebtedness in 2006.’