Category: Nigerian Tribune

A Sharia Court in Kaduna, Kaduna State, has dissolved a two-year-old marriage between a couple, Harira Sanusi and Aliyu Yunusa.

The judge, Malam Salisu Abubakar-Tureta dissolved their marriage following a petition for divorce filed by Harira.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Harira accused Aliyu of calling her parents names and humiliating her.

‘He will often throw out my suitcases and other belongings.

‘He seized my wedding gifts and humiliates me,’ she said.

She prayed the court to order Aliyu to allow her access to her belongings.

On his part, Aliyu who did not deny the allegations apologized to her in court.

Aliyu granted the request of Sanusi and made one pronouncement of divorce to her.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained why he has never attempted to convince his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, to convert to Islam, stressing his belief in love, religious freedom, and mutual respect among people of different faiths.

Speaking on Saturday at the funeral service of Nana Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwada, Tinubu said his marriage to a Christian pastor has never created any conflict in their home.

The president, who arrived in Jos, Plateau State around 2 p.m. for the ceremony at the COCIN headquarters church, said he inherited Islam from his family and has always upheld the principle of freedom of religion.

He noted that both he and the First Lady serve the same God and would ultimately be answerable to Him, adding that what matters most are people’s deeds, character, and love for others.

Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace tolerance and peaceful coexistence, emphasising that hate should never have a place in the country.

He also prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Lydia Yilwada and asked God to grant comfort and blessings to those she left behind.

He said, ‘Hate is not an option for us. Love is what you preach, that we should love one another.

‘Nobody, nobody determines what God has ordained. God’s ordained action and his promises are what matter. I inherited Islam from my family. I didn’t change. But my wife is a pastor. She prays for me.

‘No conflict. And I never did at any single time try to convince her or convert her. I believe in the freedom of religion.

‘We are praying to the same God. We are answerable to the same almighty God. We will answer to him. We will account to him. Our deeds, our character, our love for our fellow beings are what are important.

‘May the almighty accept the soul of Lydia and give all that she left behind blessings and glory, so we say, may her soul rest in peace.’

After a shocking eviction from the Big Brother Naija Season 10 house, ex-housemates Rooboy, Mide, Sabrina and Zita were asked to pick who they think will emerge winner and claim the N120 million grand prize on Sunday.

Responding in an interview with Tribune Online, Rooboy, known for his energetic and main character personality of the house, gave a split prediction, saying: ‘Koyin, but for in-time, Imisi.’ His response sounded like he was rooting for both housemates.

Mide was more direct, stating: ‘I think Imisi stands a chance of winning.’

Sabrina, who exited the house in week 3 due to health reasons, mentioned her bestie and considered Imisi as a strong contender for the big prize.

‘Kola my bestie for sure, and I’m also rooting for Imisi,’ Sabrina told Tribune Online.

Zita, who was a two-time Head of House in Biggie’s house, placed her bet on Imisi while also sending best wishes to others.

She said, ‘I think Imisi will win. She has her chill moments. Goodluck to Dede and Kola.’

When asked if they had thought about Imisi winning while still in the house, both Sabrina and Zita replied in affirmative. Zita further explained that Imisi brought the drama.

‘She was interesting, she brought the drama, and she’s a cool person, why not?,’ Zita added.

Tribune Online reports ahead of the final day (Sunday), Faith was disqualified on Thursday by Big Brother over physical violence with Sultana in the house.

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has warned against the collection of levies from petty traders in the state.

Soludo gave the warning at Solution Stadium, Ekwulobia, on Saturday during an endorsement rally organised by the community to support his re-election bid in the forthcoming November 8, 2025, governorship election in the state.

He urged local authorities to refrain from collecting fees from the traders. The call stemmed from his visit to Eke Market in Awgbu, where it was observed that levies were still being collected from petty traders with less than one hundred thousand naira capital, contrary to government directives.

‘Don’t collect from them anymore. We will arrest anybody that goes ahead to disregard this,’ he warned, reaffirming his commitment to protecting the livelihoods of petty traders.

Governor Soludo expressed gratitude for the community’s support, declaring, ‘It is now a people’s movement.’ He highlighted the significance of Ekwulobia, noting that while Jim Nwobodo had designated Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia as cities, the latter appeared to have been overlooked in development plans.

‘To become a real city, Ekwulobia requires serious planning,’ he stated, proposing the establishment of a dedicated committee on town planning to facilitate this growth.

In addition to municipal reforms, Governor Soludo emphasised his administration’s commitment to social welfare, including free education, free antenatal care, and delivery services for the underprivileged. He also commended the Ekwulobia community for its resilience and continued support in the face of challenges.

Earlier, Chief Joseph Okafor expressed his appreciation, stating, ‘Mr Governor, you have achieved remarkable feats in just three years, not only in Aguata but across Anambra as well. We are truly thankful for your efforts.’

Dr Chibueze Offorbike, the Mayor of Aguata Local Government Area, stated, ‘We have transformed from a rural to a semi-urban and now an urban local government area, courtesy of Governor Soludo. Thank you for making us proud. We assure you of our commitment from the wards to the polling units.’

A cheque of eighty million naira was presented to the Governor, alongside the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, to support his campaign.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has assured Seplat Energy Joint Venture of the state government’s support and a conducive environment for its operations.

Speaking at the 2025 second edition of the Seplat Energy JV PEARLs Quiz competition for secondary schools in Imo State, held in Owerri, the governor, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. BTO Ikegwuoha, commended Seplat Energy and its partners for bringing the competition to Imo.

He said: ‘Seplat, let us do this again next year. We assure you of the backing of the state government, a conducive environment to operate and impact on the host community meaningfully as we are witnessing today.’

Addressing the students, Uzodimma advised them to see participation as an opportunity to learn rather than focusing only on winning.

Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, represented by Grace Amadi, General Manager, Partner Relations, thanked the joint venture partners, the state government, and the schools for making the quiz a success.

She said: ‘This is a laudable initiative by the NNPC/Seplat JV, dating back to over 12 years. We are happy that this has got to Imo State.’

She explained that the programme aims to prepare students to compete globally, encouraging them to apply their knowledge in practical and innovative ways.

Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NUIMS, Engr. Seyi Omotawa, represented by Minanengiyeofori Loveday, described the quiz as a reflection of NUIMS’ commitment to education and intellectual growth.

He said: ‘We reflect on the journey since our inaugural edition, I am thrilled to see how this event has evolved into a significant platform for young minds to showcase their knowledge and skills.’

He urged the students to focus on learning and collaboration rather than just material rewards.

Similarly, Idi-Ada Itotoi, Managing Director of Eastern Asset, Seplat Energy, represented by Emmanuel Otokhine, congratulated the finalists, saying they had all gained confidence that could help them excel in future challenges.

At the grand finale, Avana Model Secondary School, Owerri, won the first prize of N5 million for school development. Each of the three student representatives received N100,000 in scholarships, and their teacher was awarded a laptop.

Delight International School, Owerri, came second, receiving N3 million for school development, with N75,000 scholarships for each student and a laptop for the teacher.

St John Leonardi Model Secondary School, Owerri, placed third, winning N1 million, with each student receiving N50,000 in scholarships and their teacher also taking home a laptop.

In addition to the PEARLs Quiz, Seplat Energy held a STEAM competition where six schools were rewarded with N250,000 each for innovative projects. The schools included Urban Secondary School, Federal Government Girls College, Mountain Press Secondary School, Benny Poly Max College, Alpha Junior Seminary, and Faith Academy.

Their projects ranged from electronic-driven vehicles and telescopes to artificial intelligence for career guidance, modern architectural designs, oil drilling machines, and digital business platforms.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that the insecurity situation in Nigeria has festered to the extent that Boko Haram, banditry, and kidnapping are now mixed, making it difficult to tackle.

Obasanjo, who spoke on Friday as the Chairman at the launch of ‘Scars: Nigeria’s journey so far and Boko Haram Conundrum’, a book by former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor (rtd.), in Abuja, explained that Boko Haram emerged not as a group interested in either political power or serious issues.

According to him, all the insurgent group wanted was a better life and anything associated with it.

‘I found, yes, there was Boko Haram. I found they were not really aiming for anything political or anything seriously religious. But in short, they were looking for a better life. And any other thing attached to that is a better life for them,’ he said.

The former Nigerian head of state and two-term civilian president questioned steps taken by Nigeria as a nation in addressing the challenges, adding that if the country had taken the right steps, Boko Haram would not have been a part of its daily life.

‘Have we understood that? If we have, have we taken the steps that we should take? If we have, why are we, after fifteen years, Boko Haram is not virtually becoming part of our life? Should we accept that? If we should not accept, what should we do? How much do we know?’ He asked.

Obasanjo further questioned the country’s proactiveness in dealing with the insurgency problem, which he said is becoming a monster within the country.

‘I think we have to ask ourselves the necessary questions to be able to deal with this thing that is now becoming a monster within our country,’ he added.

Continuing, Obasanjo said he agreed to write the foreword for the book authored by Irabor because he believes Nigeria needs to retrace its steps and ask questions from the past to be able to deal with the situation at hand and the future.

While praising Irabor for insisting on bringing him to Abuja as the chairman of the launch after the foreword, the former president added that he believed Irabor has, through the book, examined the past with courage.

‘I want to thank you again, as I have said, for the courage, because you need the courage to write the type of book you are forgetting.

‘And I also see and you mentioned it in the video that we saw that interrogation will be a strong word, but that word you use. Shouldn’t we examine our past?

What is in our past that is becoming debilitating, destructive to our present and obviously to us? I believe that is what you have tried to do in your book.

‘There’s normally the tendency. Don’t talk about it. Let’s leave it. And I believe that we must get out of that culture. Let us say it as it is.

‘The history, the life of any nation, any family, any institution has the good, the bad, and the ugly. What is important? And now, mister, master of ceremony and mistress of ceremony made that point: let us have it. Let us look at it, and let us think about it. And when we have to find a solution, we may even look beyond what we can see. Let us think beyond what is available. And I think that is what you have done here.’

Obasanjo added by urging anyone with information on how Nigeria can permanently address the problem of insecurity to also speak up, just like the former CDS.

‘And I will urge and appeal that those who have things to say about this particular issue of Boko Haram, we don’t even know where Boko Haram stops and banditry starts, and kidnapping begins. They are all mixed together. We can’t go on this way. Surely, we can’t. Something must be done.

‘And the beginning of something being done is the book, ‘Scars: Nigeria’s journey and the Boko Haram conundrum.’ I hope and I appeal that those who have things to say, who know things that we should know, come up.

‘Even those who have been on the other side, who have been part or supporter of Boko Haram for whatever Boko Haram is, let them write. Let them speak up.

‘And that way, we will be able to find solutions to the problem, which cannot continue to go on without bringing it to an end,’ the former President remarked.

The event had in attendance other prominent Nigerians, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Minister of Defense, Abubakar Bagudu; Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar; Bishop Hassan Kukah, among others.

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, on Friday, performed the official commissioning of the 100-bed capacity ultra-modern mother and child specialist hospital in Gombe.

The hospital, named in her honour, is part of the government’s efforts through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to strengthen healthcare infrastructure.

Speaking at the ceremony, Senator Tinubu ‘has opened doors to life, hope and a brighter future for women and children of Gombe and beyond.’

She emphasised that maternal and child health remains at the heart of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to ensure every Nigerian child has a healthy start in life.

‘It is my belief that this facility will provide quality health services, reduce maternal and infant mortality and bring relief to countless families,’ the First Lady said.

She expressed profound gratitude to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, his wife Hajiya Asma’u, and the people of Gombe for naming the hospital after her, commending the Governor’s sustained commitment to healthcare development.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, in her remarks, said the project underpins Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 which focuses on good health and well-being.

The inauguration was attended by Governor Inuwa Yahaya, his wife, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and other dignitaries.

The Chief of Mission of the European Union Election Follow-up Mission (EU-EFM), Barry Andrews, has urged Nigeria’s leaders to urgently implement key electoral reforms to ensure credible, transparent, and inclusive general elections in 2027.

Speaking in Abuja at the conclusion of the EU delegation’s latest assessment, Andrews warned that delays in enacting reforms could undermine preparations for the polls.

He said, ‘Proposals would be a major step forward and a clear signal that those who break the law cannot act with impunity. Elections are not a contest without rules but a contest governed by law. Even if such a commission is not established, closer cooperation between INEC, EFCC, the police, and the judiciary would go a long way to addressing impunity.’

Andrews stressed that the European Union has no intention of interfering in Nigeria’s internal affairs, but seeks to support institutions and stakeholders working to strengthen democracy.

‘We are here as guests at Nigeria’s invitation, at the invitation of INEC, and we fully respect Nigeria’s sovereignty. Our role is not to interfere but to observe and to support,’ he said.

One of the mission’s strongest concerns centered on Nigeria’s electoral legal framework. According to Andrews, last-minute amendments to laws and regulations risk undermining both INEC’s preparedness and public trust.

‘INEC cannot operate on shifting ground; it needs a clear and stable legal framework well in advance of the elections,’ he said. ‘Completing this work soon would give INEC the clarity it needs and give all stakeholders the confidence to prepare properly for 2027.’

He also emphasised the importance of protecting the Nigerian press ahead of the elections. ‘Journalists are essential to any democracy. They inform voters, hold institutions accountable, and keep public debate alive,’ Andrews noted.

‘Yet we continue to hear troubling reports of harassment, threats, and even violence against media practitioners. What is needed is a credible system to investigate and prosecute attacks swiftly and effectively. Without a free and safe media, citizens cannot make informed choices and democracy itself is weakened.’

The EU mission further called on political actors to address declining voter participation. Successive elections have seen turnout drop, with fewer Nigerians willing to cast their ballots. Andrews described this as a sign of eroding confidence in the political process.

‘Falling turnout in successive elections shows that the stakes have never been higher,’ he warned. ‘The upcoming INEC appointments, greater transparency of results, swift investigation and prosecution of electoral offences, legal clarity, safeguarding freedom of expression and protection of the media, and stronger women’s representation are all crucial for restoring trust.’

On women’s political participation, Andrews welcomed legislative momentum to improve representation but insisted that more work must be done to make politics inclusive.

‘Some positive steps have been taken, particularly the bill for better women’s representation,’ he said. ‘But inclusiveness cannot be postponed. It must be a priority if democracy is to truly reflect the diversity and strength of the Nigerian people.’

The mission also commended cooperation between parliament and civil society, which Andrews described as a promising foundation for reforms.

‘We have seen constructive engagement between lawmakers and civil society groups,’ he explained. ‘This cooperation is essential to ensure that reforms are not only passed but also implemented in a way that responds to citizens’ needs and strengthens democratic governance.’

He reiterated the EU’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria’s democratic development, recalling that European missions have observed elections in the country since 1999.

‘Together with its member states, the EU remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s democratic development and will continue to engage with Nigerian stakeholders on advancing electoral reform,’ Andrews said.

He urged Nigeria’s political class to act swiftly and decisively.

‘The message of this follow-up mission is clear: we encourage all political actors to seize the current momentum, to deliver reforms that can safeguard transparency, inclusiveness, and credibility in the 2027 elections,’ he concluded.

It was a new dawn for Nigerians at the Ballroom of Federal Palace Hotel Lagos where the first-ever Travelpreneur conference and Expo hosted visitors, trade buyers, sellers and host of other tourism value chain participants to a two-day event packed with exciting take home for future entrepreneurs.

Organised by Travconex Projects Limited, a subsidiary of Aeroport Group, the two days MICE platform came handy with tailored-made sessions that created B2B sessions for all segments of participants.

For stakeholders who thronged the event in their numbers, travelconexpo was a one-stop-shop to connect, share ideas, learn the power of collaboration and how to leverage on the trend of the moment, which is the effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) ana the digital space to go global.

Also, an area of interest highlighted by one of the speakers and a good take home for the future is to know that there is commerce before e-commerce and for anyone to strategically remain globally relevant you must think globally and work locally.

Speaking at an opening session titled; Transforming Travel: The Next Frontier for Travelpreneurs, the Group CEO, Wakanow, Mr Bayo Adedeji highlighted the complexities of operating in Nigeria’s unique market compared to western countries.

Adedeji added; ‘Nigeria requires tailored solutions for its distinct environment through infrastructure, payment systems and technological needs.

‘To succeed, businesses must invest in locally adapted technology, develop payment systems that cater to the Nigerian market’s preference for bank transfer, and ensure seamless integration between digital platforms and payment systems.’He noted that understanding the local market and adapting strategies accordingly is crucial for business success in Nigeria.

He noted that strategies that work in Western countries such as the UK and US may not be effective in Nigeria due to differences in infrastructure, payment systems, and technology.

*Investing in solid technology is crucial, but it can be expensive, with some companies paying up to $2 million annually. Moreover, Nigeria’s unique business environment requires tailored solutions, making it impossible to rely on foreign technology without adapting it to local needs.

*Nigeria’s payment landscape is dominated by bank transfers, with only four per cent of customers using cards for online transactions.

‘This makes it essential for businesses to innovate and find solutions that cater to local preferences, such as virtual accounts tied to specific transactions.’

Adedeji emphasised the importance of seamless integration between digital platforms, customer inspiration, and payment systems to drive business success.

He explained that in Nigeria, businesses cannot afford to use dollar-based technology to make naira, emphasizing the need for locally adapted solutions, pointing out that payment and collection systems must be designed with the Nigerian market in mind, where bank transfers are the norm.

He jowevet advised that to succeed in Nigeria, businesses must understand the local market and adapt their strategies accordingly.

‘This includes investing in technology that can be tailored to Nigeria’s unique business environment, developing payment systems that cater to local preferences, and ensuring seamless integration between digital platforms and payment systems,’ Adedeji added.

Also Dr Daisi Olotu, GMD/CEO, Dees Holdings, in his remark applauded the uncommon effort by the organiser to not only put this together but also rallied the personalities and crop of speakers that graced this event.

‘Somebody came up with this and we have always seen it as something that is unachievable but the Group CEO of Aeroport Group, Gideon Oludauo has been able to put this up. This is commendable, He said.

Alao, the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, who was represented by a director, acknowledged the Travelvonexpo initiative and its place in the travel landscape as a veritable platform for stakeholders to learn from experts and professionals in the industry.

He added that the rave of the moment test on digital space and technology but not that beyond that, stakeholders need to study the style of the market in order to strategically align with the trend that will boost their businesses.

Earlier, while welcoming guests to the first-ever Travelpreneur Conference, Expo TRAVCONE??? 2025, Dr Oludayo said ‘this moment is historic. What was once a dream has now become a platform, a movement, and a legacy in motion..

‘Today, we gather in the grand ballroom of the Federal Palace Hotel to celebrate, not just an event, but the birth of a new era for travel and tourism in Nigeria and across Africa.

‘Our theme for this maiden edition ‘Innovating the Future of Travel: Empowering Entrepreneurs in a New Era’ – captures the heartbeat of our mission. ‘The future of travel will be shaped by those who embrace innovation, creativity, and resilience. TRAVCONEXPO was created as that platform where entrepreneurs rise, ideas connect, and opportunities thrive, He said.

Over the two days, you will experience a rich program designed to inspire and equip you with different insightful sessions and references by powerful keynote sessions that bring clarity to the future,

Among these are panel discussions addressing real industry challenges, practical workshops that deliver tools you can apply immediately, and avibrant trade fair showcasing solutions, partnerships, and possibilities.

According to Oludayo, TRAVCONEXPO is about people. It is about the conversations you will have, the connections you will make, and the visions that will be birthed in this atmosphere.

‘I must pause here to express heartfelt gratitude to the Institutes and industry bodies who endorsed us, the trade partners and sponsors who believed in this vision, the exhibitors who showed up to make it real, and you – the participants whose presence has made this first edition historic. Your trust and support have turned what was once only an idea into a living reality,’ added Oludayo.

Popular Nollywood Director, Muyideen Oladapo, (A.K.A Lala) has announced the stage opera of ‘The Gods Have Spoken’ at Terra Kulture in Lagos.

The opera, written by Dr. Taiye Adeola, will feature a collection of top Nollywood actors and actresses including Lateef Adedimeji, Femi Branch, Dr. Tunji Sotimirin, Omowunmi Dada and Lizzy Jay.

Addressing the media in Lagos on Tuesday, Lala, who also directed the stage performance of Ola Rotimi’s play ‘Kurunmi’, said the collection of stars for the opera was a deviation from the norm, as the audience will be seeing them in another element for the first time ever. He added that the play has a 40-page script and over 140 pages of music, while the performance will feature over 80 actors and crew members.

‘Opera is a play in the form of music and art where the singers and instrumentalists perform in a theatrical way. Every line will be acted out in the form of a song. I chose to perform ‘The Gods Have Spoken’ because the message mirrors society. It’s a story that gives hope to the common man in their pursuit of destiny,’ he said.

Commenting on the play, Dr. Sotimirin assured the audience of a spectacular experience, citing that ‘This is a tiny script with a unique, significant message and dialogue being rendered for a spectacle to behold. This is to celebrate the common man’s voice to equip themselves.’

The Choreography Director, Segun Adefila,explained that the story which is about destiny and character teaches how man can influence the voice of the gods to bring destiny to life.

Speaking at the performance rehearsal, the Music Director, Adeaga Mofopefoluwa, said ‘The Gods Have Spoken is a peculiar play with a unique message for the audience. We’ve been working on the music scoresheet written by the writer and the arranger of the play, orchestrating the performance of this play. I assure the audience of a captivating performance different from what they’ve experienced.’

The producer, Olamide Oladapo, hinting that the performance will also feature something special, urged the audience to be on the lookout, ‘This is a satire and total theatre: dancing, acting, singing, with actors saying their lines in the form of songs. This will captivate and engage the audience. And I would like to add that we have something special coming on stage. I want everyone to watch out and come see,’ Oladapo said.

The opera of ‘The Gods Have Spoken’ will be at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos on October 18 and 19.