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The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has warned against the use of rolling skate shoes on the highways.

LASTMA said in a statement by its Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, that the rising number children, teenagers and young adults engaged in the practice does not only pose great danger to motorists and passers-by but the scatters.

The agency said it had noted that users of rolling skate shoes or roller scatters often cross carriageways indiscriminately and glide alongside moving vehicles with no safety kits or supervision by adults.

LASTMA called on parents, guardians and schools to advise their young adults and children against the act for their safety, motorists and passers-by.

The agency said the state has many designated recreational facilities where roller scatters could use, instead of endangering peoples’ lives and theirs.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Poland, Chioma Ohakim, and the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, have hailed the Falconets for their courage after their 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup exit, a stoppage-time goal by Valerin Loboa handing Colombia victory in Sunday’s quarter-final in Lódz.

Ohakim consoled the downcast players and officials in the dressing room of the Stadion LKS Miejski.

‘The result was unfortunate because you played your hearts out. Everyone who saw the match can testify to your determination and desire to make it to the semi-finals. Nigerians in Poland are very proud of your efforts,’ she said.

Ikpeme said the girls were not disgraced, praising their energy and vibrancy.

‘You gave your best out there, and the NFF and every Nigerian watching saw that you held nothing back. You did not take the Colombians for granted and you certainly did not play with any form of complex.

‘It is a game you could have won easily if you had been able to convert some of the numerous chances that you created, but that is sport. Please don’t be disoriented by the result.’

The two-time runners-up dominated set-pieces and created the better chances in a goalless first half. Portugal-based forward Janet Akekoromowei rattled the crossbar from the edge of the box in the 19th minute, and defender Tumininu Adeshina’s effort was tipped over by goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo in the 38th.

Nigeria continued to push after the break, with Tosin Rafiu and Akekoromowei testing Agudelo, but lacked a clinical edge. Coach Moses Aduku introduced Winner Onajite David for Queen Joseph and Precious Oscar for Favour Nkwocha.

The game turned in the 77th minute, when Kafayat Mafisere was shown a straight red card for a foul on Samantha Rodriguez. Loboa then latched onto a through ball in the second minute of added time. Captain and goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma blocked her first effort, but Loboa followed up to score from the rebound and send Colombia into the last four.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has implored the indigenes and friends of Ibadan to use the twin occasions of his birthday and

coronation anniversary to give thanks and offer prayers to God, rather than embarking on an elaborate merriment.

The first-class monarch and elder statesman will turn 82 on Friday and celebrate one year on the throne on Saturday.

Oba Ladoja, who said while he had chosen to use the occasions of his birthday and coronation anniversary to give thanks to God and pray for himself, Ibadan traditional institution, Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria, he would not expect less from the people.

In a statement by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, yesterday, the royal father noted that those ”who love us and Ibadan should please join us in giving thanks to God, and in committing the years ahead into His hands.’

He appreciated the people for their co-operation and support over the past year, noting that the future would be better and more glorious than the present, ”as the joy of the living is in the hope for better things.”

Oba Ladoja urged friends and well-wishers of Olubadan Palace to extend their hands of generosity during the twin occasions and beyond, to people in difficult circumstances, especially those at the motherless babies homes of their choice for them to have a taste of the occasions.

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), thanked President Bola Tinubu, senior military officers, traditional rulers, diplomats, and other dignitaries who attended the launch of a book documenting his tenure as Army Chief.

The book, Military Transformational Leadership in Action: The Buratai Era, was presented on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro, Abuja.

Buratai, who also served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Benin, said the gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on the country’s military history and the importance of preserving institutional memory.

In a statement issued after the event, Buratai thanked Tinubu for serving as the Special Guest of Honour and acknowledged the President’s message, delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mrs Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens.

He also commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, for facilitating the Federal Government’s participation in the event.

The former Army Chief thanked the Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Umaru Abdul Mutallab, and the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), who presented the book at the ceremony.

Musa, a former commander who served during Buratai’s tenure, was also acknowledged for his testimony on the leadership legacy examined in the publication.

Mangal gets special mention

Buratai also singled out the Chief Launcher of the book, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, who was represented at the event by Alhaji Inuwa Baba.

Mangal, the founder of Max Air, has business interests spanning aviation and oil and gas.

Buratai described his support for the book launch as significant, saying, ‘His CON honour and quiet philanthropy across Nigeria reveal the depth of his character.’

He added, ‘We are deeply grateful, Chief Launcher, for your presence and your support.’

The former Army Chief also thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and the Service Chiefs for sending representatives to the ceremony.

They included the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke.

According to Buratai, the participation of the military leadership reinforced the relationship between the Armed Forces and efforts to preserve institutional history.

Sanusi, diplomats, and others attend.

Other personalities acknowledged by Buratai included the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; former Commander of the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps, Lt. Gen. Domenico Giani (retd.); and Senator Ali Ndume.

He also thanked Professor Phillip Dahida, Amina Akano-Bello, Maj. Gen. Victor Ezugwu (retd.), Maj. Gen. JGK Myam (retd.), the Director-General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, and Rear Admiral Adamu Biu (retd.) for their contributions as panellists.

The former Army Chief also acknowledged the presence of the Olowu of Owu-Kuta Kingdom, Oba Hameed Oyelude Makama, and other traditional rulers from Osun State.

Among the diplomats mentioned were the Italian Ambassador, Roberto Mengoni; the President of the African Peoples Movement, Sheikh Mustapha Kouyatè; the former ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Gen. Francis Behanzin; and the Honorary Consul of Colombia to Nigeria, Maricel Romero.

Buratai also commended the author of the book, Dr M.S. He acknowledged the Institute of Security Nigeria for its endorsement and thanked academics and security researchers who contributed to a festschrift examining defence, intelligence, and statecraft.

Buratai credits the committee and publishers

Buratai credits the committee and publishers

‘The success of the event was not the achievement of any one individual or institution. It was the result of collective effort, shared purpose, and the generosity of all who believe in the importance of preserving Nigeria’s institutional memory and learning from its history,’ he said.

Buratai also praised the Buratai Legacy Presentation Committee for its work and thanked the promoters, organisers, and other contributors to the event.

He acknowledged Sprezzatura Publishing Limited and Clarivox Creative Limited for their roles in organising the presentation and producing the book.

The former Army Chief also thanked journalists, publishers, and editors who covered the event, saying their reports helped bring the discussions to a wider audience.

He concluded by thanking those who attended or supported the event, expressing the hope that the lessons contained in the book would contribute to discussions on Nigeria’s security and military leadership.

Nigerian marketing strategist Anietie Udoh has been named to the jury for the inaugural Tomilli Summit.

Udoh is the Divisional Director of Marketing Edge Publications, a media group focused on marketing, advertising and integrated communications.

He has nearly two decades of experience across journalism, public relations and integrated marketing communications. In his current role, Udoh leads strategies to enhance brand visibility and the international profile of Nigeria’s marketing and communications industry.

Udoh has also served as a judge at international industry awards, including the Native Advertising Awards and the AME Awards, where he served on the Grand Jury and evaluated entries from around the world.

As a member of the Tomilli Summit jury, Udoh is expected to bring expertise in brand strategy, integrated communications and storytelling, particularly in relation to African markets.

He will serve alongside professionals including Tor Rueda of Google, Minahil Waqas Rather of Spotify, Dina Abdelazim of The Coca-Cola Company, Tania Ramos of Mercado Libre, Ger Roe of Publicis Dublin, Kika Douglas Castroviejo of LePub and André Baldez of WASTAI.

The Tomilli Summit’s academic and curatorial teams invite companies, startups, organisations and professionals to submit projects for consideration ahead of the October 2, 2026 deadline.

The first edition of the Tomilli Summit is scheduled to take place in Dubai, bringing together creative and innovation professionals from across the world.

The final recognitions will be announced on November 12, 2026, during the Tomilli Summit ceremony at the Sheraton Grand Dubai.

Singer and entertainer Speed Darlington has announced a job opening for a personal assistant who will also serve as his personal cleaner.

In a recent statement, the entertainer outlined some of the requirements for prospective applicants, including sharing his reasoning and outlook and standing by him during confrontations.

‘I need a PA/personal cleaner who has reflections like me; we should have the same reasoning. The person should be ready to fight if I get into a serious fight with anyone,’ he said.

Speed Darlington also said the successful applicant must be familiar with the songs of Nigerian singer Burna Boy.

According to him, the knowledge would be useful whenever he visits a club, as the assistant would be expected to remind him not to dance to Burna Boy’s songs.

‘He should also know every Burna Boy song, so whenever I go to a club, he can remind me not to vibe to it,’ he added.

He said the successful applicant would earn ?100,000 monthly and receive one meal daily.

‘His salary will be ?100,000 monthly, and I will feed him one meal a day,’ Speed Darlington stated.

Nigerian Breweries Plc has kicked off activities to mark its 80th anniversary, turning the spotlight away from itself to Nigerians who have shaped its story.

Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Thibaut Boidin said through its nationwide anniversary campaign ‘Together, Every Moment,’ the company is inviting Nigerians at home and abroad to search their photo albums, family archives, camera rolls and personal memories for moments that show how Nigerian Breweries, its brands, people, investments or its wider impact have been part of their lives, businesses and communities over the last eight decades.

According to him, the campaign is built on a simple truth: Nigerian Breweries’ story has never belonged to the company alone. Since its incorporation in 1946, the company has grown alongside Nigeria, becoming part of homes, businesses, communities, celebrations, cultural experiences and everyday moments across generations.

He noted that beyond its brands, Nigerian Breweries’ journey has been shaped by farmers, distributors, retailers, suppliers, entrepreneurs, transporters, employees and host communities whose livelihoods have grown alongside the company over the decades.

Somewhere in a Nigerian home, business, farm, market or community is a photograph or video that tells part of this shared history. It may be a wedding, a graduation, a football celebrationor a family gathering. It may also be the story of a farmer whose harvest found a market, a retailer who built a thriving business, a distributor who served generations of customers, a supplier who grew alongside the company or a community transformed through partnership and opportunity. And somewhere in that moment, a Nigerian Breweries brand may have been part of the story.

That idea inspired the National Story Collection, a nationwide call for Nigerians to share photographs and videos that capture these connections. Together, the submissions will create a living archive of the moments, people, businesses, livelihoods and experiences that have intersected with Nigerian Breweries over 80 years.

He said: ‘An 80th anniversary can easily become a company talking about itself. That would miss the point. Long before our history was captured in corporate archives, it was being lived in Nigerian homes, businesses and communities.

‘For 80 years, Nigerians have welcomed our brands into their celebrations, friendships, traditions, businesses and everyday lives. Farmers, entrepreneurs, retailers, distributors, suppliers, employees and communities have all played a role in shaping our journey. They have given meaning to our history.

‘With NB@80, we are inviting Nigerians to bring those moments to life and give them the national stage they deserve. We want to see the photographs, videos and memories that tell the story from their perspective – not simply ours. Because after 80 years, the most meaningful way to celebrate our history is to celebrate the people and moments that made it.

‘From the submissions received, 80 memories will be selected, with each winner receiving 1 million naira, alongside other prizes. Selected stories will also be featured across the NB@80 campaign, including films, editorial features, social media, outdoor displays, anniversary experiences and the company’s commemorative archive.’

Participation is free. Nigerians can visit Nigerian Breweries’s website to upload their memories or on social media using #NB@80 and tag @nigerianbreweriesplc.

Beyond the National Story Collection, NB Plc. will anchor a wider anniversary programme spanning consumer participation, films, media storytelling, cultural experiences and commemorative events, celebrating the people and shared moments that have shaped Nigerian Breweries’ 80-year journey.

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has handed out first senior invitations to 13 players as he continues to broaden his options ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming international fixtures.

The new invitees, drawn largely from clubs in Europe and the Middle East, include defenders, midfielders, goalkeepers and forwards.

Some of the players have been included in Nigeria’s squad for the international friendly against Russia, while others are also part of the team for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Chelle is working with separate squads for the AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, and for the subsequent friendly against Russia, giving him an opportunity to assess emerging players who could become part of the senior set-up.

Here are the 13 players receiving their first senior invitations:

Isaac James

The 22-year-old Alverca defender is a versatile left-back who can also operate as a wing-back or left centre-back.

James began his career with Garden City Panthers before moving to France and later Portugal, where he has established himself as a regular starter for Alverca.

He is included in both Chelle’s wider selection and the AFCON squad.

Victory Akpe

Akpe is a 19-year-old centre-back who has enjoyed a rapid rise in European football.

The approximately 1.95m defender moved from Lithuania to Hungary before joining Swiss club Basel in 2026.

His physical presence and ability to play out from the back have earned him his first invitation to the senior national team.

Samuel James

SJK goalkeeper Samuel James is another youngster receiving his first senior call-up.

The approximately 20-year-old shot-stopper came through Mavlon FC and previously represented Nigeria at youth level with the Flying Eagles.

He has established himself in Finland and is now part of Chelle’s goalkeeping options.

Chibuzo Nwoko

Nwoko, 20, is a left-footed central midfielder who came through Fulham’s academy after spending time in Chelsea’s youth system.

He represented England at Under-18 level before switching his international allegiance to Nigeria.

The midfielder recently made his senior club debut and is now in line for his first Super Eagles appearance.

Stephen Fumelu

The 19-year-old central midfielder, also known as Stephen Michael, plays for Danish club Vendsyssel FF.

Fumelu joined the club in 2025 and is regarded as an energetic box-to-box midfielder.

His first senior call-up gives Chelle another opportunity to assess his midfield options.

Igor Wilfred

Wilfred, 21, plays as a central or defensive midfielder for Norwegian club Kristiansund.

He has established himself as a regular starter in the Norwegian Eliteserien and has now earned his first call-up to the Super Eagles.

Abdulrasaq Popoola

The 19-year-old Al-Wasl midfielder, also known as Ridwan Popoola, stands about 1.91m tall.

Popoola began his career in Nigerian grassroots football before moving to Hungary, where he featured for Kisvárda before joining Al-Wasl in 2026.

He primarily operates as a defensive midfielder and has become a regular starter for the UAE club.

Mubarak Suleiman

Suleiman, 19, plays for Czech club Slavia Prague.

The attacking midfielder emerged from the Right2Win Academy in Abuja and attracted attention with his performances in the UEFA Youth League.

He also scored on his senior debut for Slavia and recently extended his contract with the club until 2031.

He is now in line for his first senior appearance for Nigeria.

Moses Usor

The 24-year-old LASK winger is one of the more experienced players among the new invitees.

The left-footed forward mainly operates from the right wing and was an important player for LASK during their recent league-and-cup double.

Usor is also included in the squad for Nigeria’s AFCON qualifiers.

George Ilenikhena

The Lagos-born striker, 20, developed in France with Amiens before moving to Royal Antwerp and Monaco.

He scored in the Champions League during his time in Europe before joining Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad in 2026.

Eligible to represent both Nigeria and France, Ilenikhena has committed his international future to the Super Eagles and is also part of the AFCON squad.

Peter Edokpolor

The 19-year-old Benfica forward is a tall centre-forward who can also play on the wing.

Edokpolor joined the Portuguese giants from Galadima FC and progressed through the club’s Under-23 and B teams, gaining exposure to the first-team set-up.

He has now received his first senior invitation from Nigeria.

Umar Abubakar

Abubakar, 20, is a 1.90m striker who plays for the Portuguese club Famalicão.

The former Nigeria Under-17 player scored 21 goals during a loan spell at Jong Gent before earning a permanent move to Famalicão.

His performances have now earned him his first Super Eagles call-up.

Umar Abdullahi

The 19-year-old Hradec Králové striker, also known as Abdullahi Umar, completes the list.

Abdullahi made a strong impression at Under-19 level, scoring 25 goals in one season.

He has since progressed to senior football in the Czech Republic, featuring in domestic league matches and European qualifiers.

His invitation is his first at senior international level.

Chelle’s latest selections form part of his efforts to broaden the pool of players available to the Super Eagles.

The coach had earlier indicated that he would operate with separate squads for the AFCON qualifiers and the Russia friendly, allowing established internationals to handle the competitive fixtures while younger players are assessed for future roles.

The established names in the AFCON squad include Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon and Ola Aina, while the Russia squad features a larger number of emerging players alongside some senior internationals.

For the 13 new invitees, the call-ups represent their first opportunity to establish themselves in the senior Super Eagles set-up.

The Office of the Tax Ombud has warned that the country’s tax reform agenda risks falling short of its goals unless revenue growth is matched by taxpayer confidence.

The call was made in a speech by Dr. John Nwabueze, Nigeria’s first Tax Ombudsman, delivered on his behalf by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Peter Iwegbu, at the 36th anniversary conference of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) in Lagos, themed: ‘Building Taxpayers’ Confidence and Trust in Nigeria’s Tax Reform Agenda.’

‘Revenue growth and taxpayers’ confidence should not be viewed as an opposing objective,’ Nwabueze said. ‘Properly administered, they can reinforce one another.’

Nwabueze argued that legislation alone cannot deliver the reforms’ objectives, pointing out that the real test of Nigeria’s tax overhaul rests on a set of practical questions: can a small business owner understand their obligations, can a company determine which taxes legitimately apply to it, and does a taxpayer believe the system will treat them fairly when a dispute arises.

He cited Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio of just 8.2% in 2023, less than half the roughly 16% average across some 38 comparable African economies, as evidence of how far the country’s tax and compliance system had lagged before the current reform agenda began.

However, he stressed that closing that gap requires taxpayers who understand, trust, and are willing to engage with the system, not compliance driven by enforcement alone.

He described the relationship between taxpayers and tax authorities as ‘a contract of responsibility on both sides’: citizens and businesses have a legitimate obligation to pay lawful taxes, but the state equally owes them an administration that is fair, transparent, accountable and consistent with the law.

The Office of the Tax Ombud, he said, was established specifically to fill that trust gap – not to encourage tax resistance, and not to serve as an appendage of tax administration, but to give taxpayers a credible, independent avenue to raise legitimate grievances and have them resolved.

On digitalisation, he cautioned that trust cannot be assumed simply because processes move online: ‘technology does not automatically create trust… it may create easiness, it may create confidence, but it has not solved the problem of that trust,’ he said, warning against merely transferring complicated paper-based procedures onto digital platforms without making them genuinely simpler and more responsive.

Nwabueze illustrated the trust deficit with an anecdote from a market trader in Ilorin, who asked him directly how tax reform helps her when she faces multiple informal levies from different officials in a single day – a market permit fee, an estate levy, separate charges from separate collectors – despite already having paid once.

He said such episodes underscore why abstract metrics like the tax-to-GDP ratio mean little to ordinary Nigerians unless reforms are translated into tangible, trustworthy experiences at the point of payment.

Nwabueze pointed to concrete steps the Office has taken to operationalise the trust-building mandate rather than leaving it as rhetoric, pointing to accessible complaint resolution as the practical test of whether the reform agenda’s promises translate into taxpayer experience.

With roughly 67 million BVN holders already captured in the formal tax net, he said collaboration among banks, fintechs and regulators remains essential to ensuring that expanded digital identity translates into fairer – not merely more efficient – tax administration.

He said the Office would continue supporting public awareness and taxpayer education, stressing that ‘a taxpayer who understands their rights is better positioned to fulfil their responsibilities,’ while ‘a tax authority that is accountable strengthens the legitimacy of its administration.’

He explicitly tasked financial journalists with a role in closing the trust gap, urging FICAN members to explain the practical difference between lawful tax planning and tax evasion, investigate how administrative complaints are actually handled on the ground, and report not just on how much revenue is collected but on how that revenue translates into public services that taxpayers can see.

Nwabueze closed his address by urging journalists to help measure the reform agenda’s success not only by revenue collected, but by whether taxpayers understand their obligations, whether legitimate complaints are resolved fairly, and whether public confidence in tax institutions genuinely improves – the same standard, he suggested, by which Nigeria’s broader capital market reforms, from bank recapitalisation to the Dangote Refinery IPO, should ultimately be judged.

Earlier in a welcome address, the FICAN Chairman Mr. Chima Nwokoji framed the trust question against the backdrop of Nigeria’s recent banking-sector recapitalisation, noting that Nigerian banks raised a combined N4.65 trillion over a 24-month exercise, with about 73% of that capital coming from domestic investors.

Nwokoji contrasted that figure with the Dangote Refinery IPO, which is expected to raise approximately N2.15 trillion if fully subscribed – almost half of what 33 banks collectively mobilised over nearly two years, for the expansion of a single company – and pressed the panel on whether the banking sector’s newly raised capital is translating into lending, job creation and foreign exchange generation, or remaining largely on paper.

He linked this directly to the tax reform discussion, noting that a successful rollout of Nigeria’s new tax regime depends heavily on the same digital infrastructure – the interbank settlement system, BVN enrolment – that underpins both bank recapitalisation verification and electronic tax administration.

Recall that Dr. Nwabueze was appointed Nigeria’s first Tax Ombudsman by President Bola Tinubu in November 2025, in line with the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025, with a mandate to serve as an independent watchdog against abuse of power and arbitrary decision-making by tax officials.

The Office reported receiving over 20 genuine complaints within its first three months of operation, most involving disputes over state-level revenue services rather than federal taxes – an early signal, consistent with Nwabueze’s Ilorin anecdote, that much of the trust deficit sits at the subnational level where taxpayers interact most directly with multiple collecting agencies.

Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele formally unveiled the Office’s digital case management portal, website and toll-free call centre earlier in 2026, framing the platforms as central to ensuring taxpayers have confidence that disputes will be heard fairly and resolved through accessible channels.

The Joint Revenue Board disclosed in July 2026 that 16 of Nigeria’s 36 states had adopted a harmonised Taxes and Levies framework aimed at eliminating multiple taxation – directly addressing the kind of overlapping local levies the Ilorin trader described – as part of a broader effort to build a more predictable, trust-based tax environment.