Category: Nigerian Tribune

Big Brother Naija Season 11 housemate, Chinaecherem Maduagwu popularly known as Neche, has voluntarily decided to exit the Big Brother house.

Neche, who served as the Head of House for week 3, announced her decision to her fellow housemates shortly after Sunday’s live eviction show.

She gathered housemates in the lounge and told them she had decided to leave the competition. However, she did not reveal the reason for her decision.

Her announcement left the housemates emotional as she removed her microphone and name tag before proceeding to the diary room to complete the exit process.

Neche’s voluntary exit now brings another unexpected development to the ongoing season. Kamsy was evicted during the eviction show Sunday’s live show.

The 11th season of BBNaija, themed ‘Show Ya Sef’, premiered on July 26, 2026, with 24 housemates competing for the grand prize of ?160 million.

A total of 53.7 million barrels of crude oil were supplied to local refiners between April and June, Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, (NUPRC) , Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, has said

The figure, she said represented an overall performance of 97.4 per cent performance between April and June, 2026.

Latest statistics by the commission showed a massive improvement in domestic crude supply to local refiners. However, importation of crude oil persists.

Eyesan said the commission is consulting widely with stakeholders in the industry on the idea of a domestic crude oil and gas swap that would reduce cost and increase availability of products in the country

Disclosing this during a visit to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Abuja, she noted that once all the modalities are finalised, there would be an improved compliance with the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation (DCSO) and the Domestic Gas Supply Obligation.

This, she said, would also be coordinated along with the Gas Aggregation Company Nigeria Limited (GACN)

Eyesan stated that the commission was in discussions with stakeholders on the way forward.

She said: ‘How the swap works is that I have an obligation somewhere and I am close to an export facility. Somebody else has an obligation inland and his own (facility) is close to a domestic offtaker.

‘So, instead of trying to move from one end to the other, we just agree on a swap arrangement and there is a mechanism for them netting off.’

The NUPRC boss noted that in the case of crude oil, discussions still at an early stage.

Eyesan promised to deepen collaboration with the NMDPRA in the overall interest of the sector.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive,NMDPRA, Mallam Rabiu Abdullahi Umar, congratulated the Commission for conducting a seamless and credible 2025 licensing round.

He also lauded the NUPRC for the improvement in the enforcement of the domestic crude supply to local refiners.

Umar said though the Petroleum Industry Act stipulates that all transactions will be done on a willing buyer, willing seller basis, issues of pricing remain a major factor.

The NMDPRA therefore expressed support for the creation of strategic reserves which will boost energy security and ensure price stability.

Adedeji Adeleke, father of Afrobeats singer Davido, has revealed what he did after hearing about the amount of money allegedly being offered by the opposition during the Osun State governorship election.

Speaking in a viral video, Adeleke said he went to his room, knelt down and prayed after hearing that voters were allegedly being offered as much as N50,000 for a single vote.

He said he prayed that voters would collect the money but still vote for his brother, Governor Ademola Adeleke.

He said, ‘Record me and play it to him. Let Oyetola hear. And let him know the reason why we defeated him.

‘The only reason why we defeated Oyetola is not that we are bigger or that we spent more money than him. On election day, we didn’t spend any money.

‘They spent 60 billion, as we heard. In some places, they bought most votes for as high as ?50,000 for a single vote.

Adedeji Adeleke, father of Afrobeats singer Davido, has revealed what he did after hearing about the amount of money allegedly being offered by the opposition during the Osun State governorship election.

Speaking in a viral video, Adeleke said he went to his room, knelt down and prayed after hearing that voters were allegedly being offered as much as N50,000 for a single vote.

He said he prayed that voters would collect the money but still vote for his brother, Governor Ademola Adeleke.

He said, ‘Record me and play it to him. Let Oyetola hear. And let him know the reason why we defeated him.

‘The only reason why we defeated Oyetola is not that we are bigger or that we spent more money than him. On election day, we didn’t spend any money.

‘They spent 60 billion, as we heard. In some places, they bought most votes for as high as ?50,000 for a single vote.

The Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) Nigeria Region has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election at the weekend.

In a letter dated August 16 by OAIC Regional Secretary, Snr. Ap. Joe O. Okoh, for and on behalf of Regional President OAIC Nigeria Region HME, Elder Israel Akinadewo, the bloc said Adeleke’s re-election was well-deserved.

Parts of the letter read: ‘Your victory at the polls is a significant expression of the confidence and trust which the good people of Osun State have reposed in your leadership and administration.

‘We consider your renewed mandate an opportunity to consolidate on the achievements of your first term and further advance the peace, unity, welfare and socio-economic development of Osun State.

‘As an Indigenous Christian body committed to peace, good governance, justice and the wellbeing of our nation, which your humble self is a member through a member-church, the OAIC Nigeria Region joins your family, Government and the entire people of Osun State in celebrating this remarkable electoral success.’

OAIC prayed for divine wisdom, sound health, courage and discernment for Adeleke on the renewed mandate.

It added: ‘May your second term usher in greater development, prosperity, peace and progress for all the people of Osun State, irrespective of political, religious or other affiliations

‘Please be assured of the prayers and goodwill of the OAIC Nigeria Region as you prepare to commence another term of service to the people.’

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The Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC), Bauchi State Chapter, has confirmed that fifteen out of the registered political parties in the state are participating in the 2026 Local Council elections.

The confirmation was made by the leadership of IPAC while reacting to the purported boycott of the election by some political parties, stressing that each political party is independent and free to participate in any election of its choice.

Addressing journalists, State Chairman of IPAC, Hon Auwal Isa, said that ‘out of the twenty-two parties that registered for the election, Sixteen are participating; that means only six are boycotting. It is their right to do so.’

Auwal Isa, who is also the State Chairman of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), commended the State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC) for ensuring that due process was followed, leading to the successful conduct of the elections.

He also commended the electorate for coming out to elect the candidates of their choices, which he said is the beauty of democracy, the right to choose.

The IPAC Chairman also commended the political parties who participated in the election, saying that it was a demonstration of confidence in democracy.

Also speaking, Secretary of IPAC Khalid Hassan Arewa said that, ‘As far as we are concerned, we are satisfied with the conduct of the elections. It was done following due process by BASIEC.’

According to him, ‘The election timetable was released, and an announcement for form purchase was made. My party bought the forms and participated in the election.’

Khalid Arewa added that by the provisions of relevant laws guiding election processes, with three or more political parties registered for a particular election, such an election will be held.

He then expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the elections, saying that as far as IPAC was concerned, BASIEC did the right thing by organizing and successfully conducting the election.

He also expressed confidence that some of the political parties that participated in the election will win seats at their various strongholds across the state.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has charged leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to remain united and mobilise total support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

The governor gave the charge on Monday at an APC stakeholders’ meeting in Ado Ekiti, where an eight-member committee was set up to oversee preparations for the ward, local government and state congresses scheduled for September this year.

The committee is headed by the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Chief Alaba Abejide.

Addressing stakeholders at the meeting, Oyebanji explained that the congresses would be crucial to the party’s preparations for the December local government election, as well as the 2027 general elections.

He urged stakeholders to embrace unity and inclusivity with a view to stabilising and strengthening the party at the grassroots.

The governor stressed that the forthcoming congresses must be handled in a manner that accommodates all interests within the party, noting that a peaceful, transparent and inclusive process would further strengthen the APC at the grassroots and consolidate the stability the party currently enjoys in the state.

While commending the leaders and members of the party for their collective efforts and unity, which produced victory for the party in the June 20 governorship election, the governor said the congresses must be conducted in a way that would position the party for victories in successive elections beyond 2030.

According to him, ‘We have broken the jinx of consecutive tenure. We have to break another jinx when I leave in 2030; another APC person must emerge, and the foundation for that is these congresses.

‘This congress has implications for a lot of things; it has implications for the local government election in December, and for the presidential and national and state assembly elections in January and February respectively. We have a tradition that has worked for us, and that is what we are still going to follow. The leaders must do everything to ensure that we have a strong party that will, in another four years, produce another governor.’

Speaking on the committee, Oyebanji said he had absolute confidence in Chief Abejide’s ability to do a good job.

‘Once again, I appeal to us all that we need to give our best to our President. He has been so good to us; he has been extremely supportive, and this is the only opportunity to say thank you,’ he added.

Earlier in his remarks, APC State Chairman, Sola Elesin, congratulated the governor on his re-election, describing the victory as historic as it marked the breaking of the jinx of a sitting governor securing a second term in office in Ekiti State.

The chairman commended party leaders and members for their commitment and contributions, which he said were instrumental to the overwhelming victory secured at the poll.

He urged them to sustain the momentum by ensuring a massive turnout of voters in subsequent elections, stressing that the party must remain focused and committed to mobilising the electorate, particularly ahead of the 2027 general election.

Also in his remarks, former governor, Chief Segun Oni, stressed the need for all stakeholders to rejig their strategies and strengthen their mobilisation efforts ahead of the forthcoming presidential election.

He urged them to focus on increasing voter turnout by deepening grassroots engagement and ensuring that supporters are adequately mobilised to participate in the election.

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has described Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory in Saturday’s Osun State governorship election as a significant affirmation of the power of the electorate and the importance of allowing the will of the people to prevail in a democracy.

George, the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, congratulated Adeleke on his re-election and commended the peaceful conduct of the election, saying the outcome should serve as an important lesson for Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said the right of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders must remain at the heart of the country’s democratic process, urging political actors and institutions to demonstrate restraint, fairness and respect for the wishes of the electorate.

George also expressed satisfaction that the election was concluded peacefully without a major crisis over the result.

He said, ‘Many people have forgotten that the Wild, Wild West of the First Republic actually started from the Osun Division of the defunct Western Region – Osogbo, Ikire, Ede, Ila-Orangun, Ode-Omu, Ile-Ife, Gbongan, Iwo, Ejigbo and others. That is the real West.

‘I therefore want to commend the people of Osun for demonstrating that the ultimate civil, political and democratic authority belongs to the people and is exercised through the ballot.

‘In exercising political power, those entrusted with public office must always remember that their mandate comes from the people. An incumbent may have the advantages of office, but ultimately, it is the electorate that determines whether that mandate should be renewed.

‘If you work in the interest of the people, they have the opportunity to reward you with their votes. Where they believe otherwise, they are equally entitled to make a different choice. That is the beauty of democracy.

‘Governor Adeleke worked, and the people have expressed their judgment through the ballot. Today, we can see that there is peace across the state because the electoral process has been allowed to run its course.’

Looking ahead to 2027, George appealed to President Bola Tinubu to uphold democratic principles and ensure that every qualified Nigerian willing to contest an election is allowed to do so in accordance with the law.

‘My appeal to President Bola Tinubu, as we look towards 2027, is to continue to uphold the democratic principle that every qualified Nigerian who wishes to contest should be allowed to do so in accordance with the law. Nigerians, through their votes, should be allowed to decide who they want to lead them,’ he said.

George said the Osun election demonstrated that political influence and access to resources did not automatically translate into ownership of the people’s mandate.

‘What happened in Osun is a practical demonstration of the saying that power ultimately belongs to the people. Despite the presence and political strength of many leading members of the APC, including governors, senators and other senior political figures, the electorate made its choice.

‘Political power may provide access to connections, resources and influence, but it does not confer ownership of the people’s mandate. Nigerians are increasingly politically conscious and determined to exercise their democratic rights.’

He further urged the President to continue to assess the conduct of members of his administration, stressing that public officials must act in ways that strengthen public confidence in government.

‘The President should also continue to assess the conduct of those serving in his administration. Public officials must understand that their words and actions can either strengthen public confidence in government or diminish it. Those who serve must do so with humility and respect for Nigerians,’ he said.

The PDP chieftain urged Nigerians to defend their democratic rights ahead of the 2027 elections, saying the credibility of the electoral process would depend largely on citizens’ confidence that their votes would count.

‘As we approach 2027, Nigerians must be allowed to exercise their democratic rights without intimidation, undue interference or manipulation. Our democracy will be strengthened when every citizen has confidence that his or her vote will count,’ he said.

George also commended what he described as the widespread acceptance of the result announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying the electoral umpire could strengthen public confidence in democracy by discharging its responsibilities fairly, transparently and objectively.

He congratulated Adeleke and urged him to regard his victory as a renewed mandate from the people of Osun State.

‘I congratulate Governor Adeleke and urge him to see this victory as a renewed contract with the people of Osun State. From now until 2030, he must work even harder, justify the confidence reposed in him and deliver greater dividends of democracy to the people,’ he said.

George added that the major lesson from the Osun election was that democracy thrives when political leaders, institutions and citizens respect the ballot and place the peace and stability of the country above partisan interests.

Nigerian Afrobeats artiste and Bullion Records signee, Abdul Rahman Yusuf, popularly known as Harcher, has continued his United Kingdom tour with performances in Cardiff and Manchester.

Harcher performed at the Afro Plug Festival at the Vale Arena in Cardiff on Saturday, August 15, 2026, before heading to Manchester for two performances at the Albert Hall and Xscape Manchester on Sunday, August 16.

At the Albert Hall, the artiste delivered an energetic set featuring Afrobeats, RandB, pop and street-hop, showcasing his vocals, stage presence and evolving sound.

His performance attracted music lovers, including Nigerians, Africans and other members of Manchester’s entertainment community, who responded enthusiastically to his music.

Later that day, Harcher performed at Xscape Manchester, located at 58 Whitworth Street West, where he connected with another audience and further promoted his music.

The Manchester performances came a day after his appearance at the Afro Plug Festival in Cardiff and followed earlier shows at Forum Digbeth in Birmingham on August 7 and Outernet London on August 9.

The tour has provided Harcher with international stage experience while allowing him to connect with audiences outside Nigeria and introduce his music to a wider UK audience.

Reflecting on his Manchester experience, Harcher said the reception from the audience had strengthened his motivation to continue developing his craft.

‘Manchester was amazing. Every city has its own energy, and the audience gave me something really special. I came here to share my music, and shine with my music to the world,’ he said.

Harcher describes his sound as a blend of contemporary Afrobeats, RandB and soul, combining melodic storytelling with vibrant rhythms.

The artiste said he would continue to release music across the Afrobeats, RandB and soul genres, including songs aimed at getting listeners on the dance floor.

His UK tour also coincided with the release of his latest single, ‘Angelina’, on Saturday, August 15.

The song is available on major digital streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Audiomack and Boomplay.

According to Harcher, ‘Angelina’ reflects another stage in his musical development and his desire to create songs that connect with audiences across different markets.

‘Angelina is a special song for me because it represents another side of my creativity. I have been working on my sound and trying to create music that people can enjoy, connect with and remember. I am excited that the song is finally out,’ he said.

The release has added to his growing catalogue while giving him new material to promote during the increased visibility generated by the UK tour.

By combining live performances with new music, Harcher is seeking to strengthen his connection with existing fans while introducing his sound to new listeners.

His catalogue includes ‘Peace’, ‘L.O.V.E’, ‘Dance to It (Jo Si)’, ‘Stamina’ and ‘Mey Suya’, featuring Fido, with ‘Angelina’ now added to the collection.

Harcher, who joined Bullion Records in 2024, has continued to develop his career with the support of the label. His ongoing UK tour marks another stage in that development, giving him exposure to international audiences and experience performing outside Nigeria.

The artiste acknowledged the support of Bullion Records and his team, describing the tour as an important opportunity in his career.

‘I am grateful to Bullion Records for believing in me and giving me the platform to grow. Going on this tour is a big opportunity, and I don’t take the support from the label, my team and my fans for granted,’ he said.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has described Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the ‘new oil’ of the Niger Delta, urging youths in the region to acquire digital skills and use technology to create businesses and solve challenges in their communities.

The commission made the call as it commenced a four-day AI training and capacity-building programme for youths in the Niger Delta.

The programme, organised by the NDDC Department of Information Technology and Innovation, is themed ‘Artificial Intelligence, Digital Skills and Innovative Entrepreneurship.’

The NDDC said the training was part of its efforts to develop human capital in the region and prepare young people for active participation in the emerging digital economy.

Declaring the programme open, the NDDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, represented by his Chief of Staff, Obegha Oworibo, said the initiative was designed to shift the mindset of youths from job seekers to opportunity creators.

He said, ‘Oil is extracted from the ground, but the value of AI is unlocked through knowledge, creativity and human intelligence. Oil can be depleted, but knowledge can multiply.’

Ogbuku said the world of work was changing rapidly, with AI transforming how people learn, create, conduct businesses and solve problems.

‘We want to move our young people from being job seekers to opportunity creators, from being consumers of technology to creators with technology, and from dependency towards sustainable economic empowerment,’ he said.

He urged participants to focus less on obtaining certificates and more on applying the knowledge acquired to develop practical solutions.

‘Do not come here simply to learn what Artificial Intelligence can do. Come to discover what you can build with it,’ he said.

Ogbuku said AI could be applied across sectors including agriculture, healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, creative industries and finance.

He said the success of the programme would be measured by the businesses created, incomes generated, problems solved and opportunities provided to others.

‘The true measure of this programme will not be the number of people who complete the training or the number of certificates that are issued. Its true measure will be what happens afterwards: the businesses that are created, the ideas that are developed, the incomes that are generated, the problems that are solved and the opportunities that are created for others,’ he said.

Also speaking, the Director of Information Technology and Innovation, Engr. Emeka Ani, described the programme as a strategic investment in human capital development in the Niger Delta.

Ani said participants would be exposed to practical applications of AI, digital innovation, data analytics, content creation and entrepreneurship.

‘The greatest opportunity lies not merely in adopting AI, but in developing people who can use it to solve problems, create value, and generate employment,’ he said.

According to him, participants are expected to acquire practical knowledge of AI and its applications, improve productivity and innovation using AI tools, identify entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities, develop solutions to real-life challenges, build professional networks and position themselves for opportunities in Nigeria’s and the global digital economy.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Oyenuga Adedeji of the University of Lagos said AI could help the Niger Delta move beyond its traditional resource-extraction economy towards knowledge-driven development.

Adedeji identified agriculture, environmental management, logistics, entrepreneurship and community resilience as areas where AI could have significant impact.

He said the technology could support precision agriculture and aquaculture, monitor oil spills and coastal erosion, predict floods and improve business operations.

The don also called for the establishment of AI innovation hubs across the region, supported by reliable connectivity, computing resources, incubation programmes and digital skills training.

Participants at the training expressed appreciation to the NDDC for the initiative.

A law student, Favour Ndidi, said AI had become useful in her academic work, public speaking and other activities.

‘It is very thoughtful of the NDDC to equip Niger Delta youths on AI skills,’ she said.

Another participant, Desire James, said the training would help improve his use of AI tools and productivity.

Mary Akpabio, another participant, said the programme had changed her perception of AI, stressing that the technology could enhance rather than threaten employment.

‘AI cannot take our jobs; instead, it will make our job better,’ she said.

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called on political parties and candidates to strengthen the availability, security, and reliability of their official websites and social media platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

CITAD made the call in a statement signed by its Executive Director, YZ Ya’u, following the organization’s monitoring of the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election through its Privacy Abuse, Websites and Social Media Monitor (PAWSOM-MONITOR) initiative.

Ya’u urged political parties and candidates to promptly address technical, accessibility, and security challenges that could undermine their ability to communicate effectively with voters.

He also called on parties to establish mechanisms for regularly monitoring their websites and official social media accounts to quickly detect outages, account restrictions, hacking attempts, impersonation, loss of access, and other digital security threats.

According to him, political parties and candidates should ensure that their official social media accounts are clearly identifiable and adequately protected against account takeover, impersonation, and other forms of digital abuse.

He urged all political parties preparing for the 2027 elections, including those not covered by the current monitoring exercise, to take their digital platforms seriously and proactively address emerging technical and security challenges.

Ya’u, however, clarified that PAWSOM-MONITOR did not establish any confirmed incident of deliberate censorship, politically motivated website blocking, or external interference during the reporting period.

He explained that automated findings generated by the monitoring system should be regarded as signals requiring further investigation and do not, on their own, establish responsibility for any disruption.

The CITAD executive director disclosed that the organization plans to update PAWSOM-MONITOR in the coming weeks and deploy its full monitoring features ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said the expanded platform would monitor both websites and social media accounts of political parties and candidates while also tracking the use of voters’ personal data to identify possible violations of the Nigeria Data Protection Act in the electoral context.

Ya’u said CITAD would continue monitoring Nigeria’s digital electoral environment, with particular attention to website availability, possible access disruptions, DNS anomalies, and other digital rights concerns capable of affecting the meaningful participation of political parties, candidates, and citizens in the electoral process.