Category: Nigerian Tribune

The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Bankers’ Committee for their role in revamping and reopening the National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.

AFRIMA described the restoration of the 1976 landmark as a major step in preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage and boosting the arts sector. The project, led by the CBN and Bankers’ Committee, was inaugurated during Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebrations.

AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, called the development a milestone for Nigeria’s creative industries.

‘The National Arts Theatre has played a crucial role in nurturing African creativity, serving for decades as a hub for music, theatre, film and cultural festivals. Its revival speaks volumes about Nigeria’s vision and the dedication of stakeholders like the CBN and the bankers’ committee to supporting the creative economy,’ Dada said. ‘This is not just a building restored, but a renewal of cultural confidence and an investment in future generations of Nigerian and African talent.’

Dada also congratulated Nigeria on its 65th independence anniversary, commending the country’s resilience and leadership in music, film, fashion, and digital culture.

‘On behalf of the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Nigeria as the country marks 65 years of independence. Nigeria remains a vital partner to AFRIMA and a key pillar of Africa’s cultural identity. Its creative energy continues to inspire not just the continent but the world,’ he added.

He noted that Nigeria’s role as host of the 9th AFRIMA Awards has further amplified African music globally and strengthened unity across the continent.

AFRIMA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting African music, nurturing young talent, and advancing culture as a driver of pride and development.

The South-West coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM), Alhaji Abass Olaniyi, has dismissed Reno Omokri’s recent appeal for the South West and the North to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, saying that the region will not ‘reward monumental failure with another mandate’.

Omokri, in a statement, had urged the two regions to show solidarity with Tinubu, likening the plea to the North’s decision to back former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 despite his poor performance in office.

He also claimed that Tinubu had expanded Nigeria’s GDP and launched infrastructure projects in the North.

But reacting in a statement, Olaniyi accused Omokri of political deception and manipulation, stressing that governance is about competence, not ethnic reciprocity or emotional blackmail.

‘Our people are too politically conscious to reward hunger, poverty, and economic collapse with fresh endorsement’, Olaniyi said.

He argued that the economic record of the APC-led government was catastrophic, noting that Nigeria’s GDP, which stood at over $570 billion in 2014, had shrunk to less than $300 billion, representing almost a 50% contraction. He said this went beyond a recession and was more than economic depression, citing soaring inflation, unemployment, and poverty as evidence of Tinubu’s poor performance.

Olaniyi dismissed Tinubu’s claims of GDP growth as ‘a mirage created by currency devaluation that leaves Nigerians poorer than ever’, adding that ‘Nigerians don’t eat GDP statistics; they eat food, and under Tinubu food is unaffordable’.

Positioning Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as the South West’s political alternative, Olaniyi described him as a credible leader with the vision, global exposure, and economic acumen to unite the North and South based on fairness and competence.

‘The South West cannot tie its destiny to a sinking ship. Across Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti, the conversation is already tilting towards Gbenga Hashim. He represents the hope and new beginning that Nigeria desperately needs’, Olaniyi said, in contrast to Tinubu’s poor performance.

He also urged Northern leaders to resist divisive appeals and instead align with genuine progressive forces committed to rescuing Nigeria from years of misrule.

‘2027 is a defining year. Nigerians must rise above deception and sentiment to embrace competent leadership. The South West is ready to lead that change, and Gbenga Hashim is the rallying point’, he said.

A neurosurgeon, Professor Olufemi Adeleye, stated that the use of motorcycles and other single-occupant transport for mass transit is a brain-numbing, dangerous practice that should be urgently stopped to reduce the increasing cases of brain injury from road crashes in Nigeria.

Professor Adeleye, in his inaugural lecture entitled ‘Adversity, Neurosurgery, Innovations: Ibadan’ at the University of Ibadan, stated that motorcycle crashes have overtaken motor vehicle crashes as the most frequent cause of brain injury in recent decades, exacting a heavy toll on the limbs and lives of people, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

According to him, ‘the victims are the young, productive members of the population, often the riders themselves. They suffer severe brain injuries, which many times require surgical operations that they cannot afford; as a result, they simply perish.

‘For, as it turns out, they are actually not making any sustainable living whatsoever from this brain-numbing, infernal trade. Hence, they languish in the emergency rooms of hospitals, unable to raise the funds for even the basic medical tests and investigations required, let alone the surgical operations.’

‘For instance, the in-hospital cost of all that is involved with basic remedial brain surgery in an average situation is about 1 million naira, more or less.

The donor said that requiring patients to pay out-of-pocket for hospital care is a harmful health-financing model that burdens people who are already very impoverished, living on less than 50 cents a day, and called for it to be phased out.

‘Surely, parents who live on less than 50 cents a day may, if necessary, be encouraged-even urged-to find a way to personally bear the cost, the $10 expense of those childhood diseases; although they would not receive all the help or aid they need when faced with the misfortune of caring for a child with brain cancer or similar serious illnesses,’ he added.

Professor Adeleye also encouraged fostering a spirit of invention in medical care despite the resource-challenged environment in Nigeria, rather than being carried away by high-tech gadgets, saying, ‘we should always focus on how to simplify, at least for now. Think global, act local.’

He added, ‘We should arm ourselves with the most up-to-date, cutting-edge knowledge and skills in our trades and disciplines, and then steer our minds toward finding ways to simplify them for local acceptability, relevance, and affordability. Many tools, gadgets, and pieces of equipment used in healthcare institutions are products of advanced technologies, which often make their deployment logistically challenging in low-resource areas.

‘Let us gain all the necessary foreign exposure, not just to become local champions, but also to look forward to returning home with an eye for simple measures and tools that are more appropriate for our environment.’

Abia Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has demanded a written retraction, public apology, and the sum of N100bn as compensation from Hon. Barr. Eze Chikamnayo, also known as Iyierioba Chikamnayo, over a series of ‘defamatory and malicious’ publications he made against him on Facebook.

In a letter dated October 2, 2025, and signed by his counsel, Dr. Sonny Ajala, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Otti accused Chikamnayo of persistently making ‘unjustified demonic online defamatory posts’ against him on his Facebook account titled ‘Iyierioba Chikamnayo.’

The publications, which include posts captioned ‘Alex Otthief is a confirmed criminal and disaster!’ posted on September 22, 2025, and ‘Fighting Promax!!!!’ on September 21, 2025.

Others, such as ‘Old or new Abia?’ shared on September 14, 2025, ‘Sabbath Message’ on September 13, 2025, and ‘Alex Otthief is a confirmed criminal and congenital liar = looting governor!’ on August 15, 2025, were cited as examples of libelous attacks against the governor.

Ajala of Deeplaw Associates said, ‘Our client for the avoidance of doubt is the only Governor and Chief Executive of a State within the 36 States of Nigeria who bears the name Alex Chioma Otti, thus no effort is required by members of the public to link all your spiteful, false and defamatory attacks to our client either by direct name calling or by other variant of the name Alex Chioma Otti by way of caricature, pun, simile, metaphor, onomatopoeia and/or metonymy.’

The SAN affirmed that Otti’s integrity has remained sterling over the years, citing his ‘distinguished career’ in the banking sector, where he rose to become Managing Director/Chief Executive of Diamond Bank Plc before venturing into politics.

The letter recounted how Otti was confronted with the post on September 29, 2025, while in Abuja attending the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria on Abia State’s Attorney-General.

Ajala said Otti’s attention was called to Chikamnayo’s Facebook wall, where he found ‘a cocktail of disparaging publications calculated to instigate public hatred against him.’

Ajala, in the letter, stressed that his client ‘unequivocally denies in their entirety your malicious defamatory materials published online,’ adding that ‘he (Otti) has no criminal indictment whatsoever or conviction by any court of law and thus declares unequivocally that the content of your online publications generally and specifically. as blatant falsehood.’

The SAN further argued that Chikamnayo’s actions amounted to ‘unquantifiable mental torture, depression, denigration, brutal destruction of his reputation built over the decades’ and ‘utterly disfigured and diminished our client’s standing in the eyes and estimation of right-thinking persons.’

Governor Otti’s demands include a written retraction of all defamatory posts to be published on the same Facebook wall as well as in four national dailies, namely ThisDay, Punch, The Nation, and National Ambassador Newspapers.

It also requested a written apology to be published on the same Facebook wall, compensation of N100bn for reputational damage, and an undertaking to cease from any further defamatory publications.

Ajala warned: ‘Take very careful notice that should you fail, refuse, and/or ignore to comply with our demands as contained herein within seven (7) days from the delivery of this letter. we shall without further recourse to you seek legal redress for the appropriate remedy against you for your malicious online libelous publication against our client graphically recounted herein.’

The Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku and the Majority Leader in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Olatunji Oshati, have appealed to the protesting youths of Ireakari Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to remain calm and hopeful, assuring them that the government has not neglected their plight.

The Commissioner explained that the Ireakari axis was mentioned at the last State Executive Council meeting under the Operation Emergency Road Construction programme, and expressed confidence that the roads in Idoani, Idogun, Imeri and Afo communities would soon be attended to as a matter of urgency.

Ajanaku noted that both the state and federal roads serving the communities, including the Ipele-Idoani-Isua road and the Oba-Ikun-Afo road, have already been brought to the state government’s attention. He said remedial works and major interventions would commence as soon as the rainy season subsides.

He stressed that the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa will never abandon any part of the state in its developmental agenda, adding that the OUR EASE Agenda remains a guiding principle to ensure that every citizen enjoys the dividends of democracy.

‘The government of Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is responsive and people-oriented. I want to assure our people in Ireakari that they have not been forgotten. Their concerns are already on the table, and as soon as weather permits, the road rehabilitation programme will extend to their axis,’ Ajanaku said.

On behalf of the state government, he further urged the youths to remain peaceful and continue to engage constructively with the government, stressing that their sacrifices and patience would soon yield positive results.

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, Gbenga Agun, has reportedly died on Thursday in Benin.

Tribune Online gathered that the NSCDC Commander slumped at an event organised by a peace ambassador in Benin, where he was expected to be honoured with an award of excellence.

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It was learnt ýthat Agun, who was a guest speaker at the event organised by the International Association of World Peace Advocates, reportedly slumped shortly after delivering his keynote address.

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ýA source told Tribune Online that the Agun was immediately rushed to the Military Base hospital located on Airport Road for medical attention.

He said late Agun was confirmed dead at the hospital by the doctor on duty, who, according to him (the source), confirmed that the Commandant was brought In Dead (BID)

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ýEfforts to get a response from the state command was unsuccessful, as calls to the Command’s spokesperson, Mr Efosa Ogbebor, were not answered.

Big Brother Naija Season 10 took a dramatic turn on Thursday as one of the housemates, Adewale Faith, simply known as Faith, was disqualified from the reality TV show.

The disqualification was announced by Big Brother while addressing the housemates, citing repeated violations of the show’s rules.

According to Big Brother, Faith’s recent altercation with another housemate, Sultana, breached the code of conduct guiding all housemates.

In a now-viral video on social media, he engaged in physical violence with Sultana, forcefully dragging a bucket from her until she fell.

Faith becomes the first housemate of the season to be disqualified, cutting short his journey for the ?120 million grand prize.

Big Brother Naija, which premiered its 10th season earlier this year, now has nine housemates competing for the ultimate prize.

Tribune Online reports that Faith, a few weeks ago, described fellow housemate Imisi as a threat to his progress in the competition.

During a conversation with Mide and other housemates, Faith explained that his strained relationship with Imisi had made it nearly impossible for them to work together effectively.

‘Imisi is a threat to my success,’ Faith said, drawing gasps from the housemates.

Former Minister of State for Defence and Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, has said Nigeria will reclaim its rightful place as giant of Africa under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He equally joined millions of Nigerians all over the world to celebrate Nigerian 65th Independence Day Anniversary.

In a statement personally signed and issued to newsmen by Senator Obanikoro, reads in part: ‘As Nigeria marks her 65th Independence Anniversary, I, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, join millions of compatriots across the globe in celebrating the remarkable journey of our beloved nation a journey defined by sacrifice, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of our people.

‘Sixty-five years ago, our founding fathers, with uncommon courage and conviction, reclaimed our sovereignty and entrusted us with the sacred responsibility of nationhood. Since then, Nigeria has faced trials that would have broken lesser nations.

‘Yet, time and again, Nigerians have demonstrated an unyielding capacity to rise above adversity, to endure, and to hope. It is this resilience that continues to define us as a people.

‘Today, our democracy stands firm after 26 unbroken years, our diversity remains our greatest strength, and our sons and daughters excel across the globe in every field of human endeavor. These are testaments to the enduring greatness of Nigeria.

‘At 65, we must reflect on how far we have come and reaffirm our collective determination to build the Nigeria of our dreams.

‘The task before us is to transform our challenges into stepping stones for national renewal, and to place the prosperity of our people above all else.’

Senator Obanikoro, who also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold reforms, called for a vibrant private sector and as well urged Nigerians to see themselves as stakeholders in building the country.

‘I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his bold reforms and unwavering commitment to repositioning our economy, restoring global confidence, and deepening hope for all Nigerians.

‘While the path of renewal is never easy, I am confident that under his leadership, Nigeria is poised to reclaim her rightful place as the giant of Africa and a beacon of black excellence in the world.

‘However, beyond government’s efforts, I urge Nigerians to pursue the coming years with a collective approach.

‘No nation has ever achieved true greatness on the back of government alone; development thrives only where there is synergy between the public and private sectors.

‘A vibrant and stronger private sector, working in harmony with government, will serve our nation best and accelerate our journey to prosperity.

‘Individualism does not pay, and government cannot do it alone.

‘Every Nigerian must see themselves as a stakeholder in the project of building our country. I therefore call on all citizens to remain consistent, resilient, and committed in everything they do, for it is our shared efforts that will shape the Nigeria of tomorrow.

‘As we celebrate, let us remember that nation-building is a shared responsibility. Our unity, resilience, and shared optimism remain the greatest assets in our march to greatness.

‘May the Almighty continue to guide our leaders, bless our people, and preserve our nation for generations to come.

‘Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria!’ He stated.

Emerging Afrobeats artist Yemzoid has set himself apart with his latest singles Somebody and Lekeleke, tracks that many believe are strong contenders for industry awards. With their polished production, meaningful lyrics, and emotional depth, these singles demonstrate a maturity and artistry that could propel him into the spotlight at upcoming music award ceremonies.

Yemzoid views the tracks as a reflection of his personal growth. ‘These singles reflect my personal growth as an artist, showcasing maturity in both lyrics and delivery. They represent a new chapter in my music journey with a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of this world I am exploring,’ he said. This sense of evolution is evident in the refined storytelling and emotional connection woven into each song.

Somebody dives into the passion and vulnerability that come with loving someone, while Lekeleke celebrates the strength and independence of women. Together, they balance emotional sensitivity with empowerment, offering a blend of messages that resonate deeply with listeners. By centering women in his music, Yemzoid adds a socially conscious dimension to Afrobeats, which could earn him recognition in categories beyond just mainstream appeal.

As fans continue to embrace these tracks, conversations around their award potential are growing. Whether in songwriting, vocal performance, or even cultural impact categories, Yemzoid has delivered music that meets the criteria for critical acclaim. With Somebody and Lekeleke, he may not only win the hearts of fans but also secure his place among the new generation of award-winning Afrobeats talents.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday criticised President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day speech, saying that a review of the address showed that he had nothing to tell Nigerians.

The party claimed that even the President himself did not believe in what he read to Nigerians.

The reaction came as the PDP reiterated that its scheduled November 15 Ibadan Elective National Convention would hold despite alleged attempts by forces both within and outside the party to cause ‘distractions’ for it.

The National Publicity Secretary, Honourable Debo Ologunagba, giving the PDP’s assessment of Tinubu’s 65th independence anniversary speech in Abuja, described it as replete with ‘lies’, ‘boring’, ‘uninspiring’ and allegedly did little to impress any Nigerian.

‘The speech, to say the least, was pathetic, boring and uninspiring. Typical of the APC’s propaganda, it was full of lies and poor statistics.

‘Even the President didn’t believe in what he was reading. He was saying things that were completely incorrect. The whole speech was at variance with the reality on the ground’, Ologunagba told a news conference.

The PDP said the ‘most shocking’ part of the speech was when Tinubu said the country’s economy had improved and that Nigerians were faring better than when he took over the reins of power in 2023.

‘The President saying the economy is working and has turned the corner. That was shocking. Is he talking about turning the corner on insecurity, the corner on parents not being able to pay school fees?’, the spokesman asked.

He accused the APC-led government of returning Nigeria to ‘bondage’ of poor economic management and insecurity, years after the PDP had freed the nation from such problems.

For instance, Ologunagba cited the country’s debt burden, recalling a point in Nigeria’s history when it exited the debt trap during the PDP days.

The party called on the President to address the nation again to speak on the obvious questions they expected him to answer: ‘From subsidy withdrawal alone, how much has been saved exactly? We don’t know. We keep hearing of borrowings, and we are going deeper and deeper into problems. What have the loans been spent on?’

Ologunagba added, ‘Nigerians and the PDP, we seek a special broadcast on the details of the subsidy removal, details of loans and the application of those loans.’

On the Ibadan convention, the party noted that the distractions, which it blamed on the APC and some collaborators in-house, would go ahead as planned because ‘the train has arrived in Ibadan; we are far ahead of the distractions.’

Commenting on the seeming disagreement between the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, exhibited by Anyanwu countering decisions taken by the NWC, Ologunagba stated that it would appear that the secretary lacked understanding of the provisions of the PDP’s constitution.

He explained that while the National Chairman, as Chief Executive Officer of the party, could summon any meetings and direct any actions to be taken by the party, the secretary is an administrative officer whose primary duty is to implement directives or decisions taken by the party.

The spokesman further explained that it would be unheard of to say decisions taken at properly-convened meetings of the NWC, such as the postponement of state congresses in Cross River, Plateau and Kebbi, as well as the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council, would be overturned by the secretary.

He added that Section 35 of the PDP constitution empowers the National Chairman to summon and preside over the NWC and caucuses of the party, powers not shared with the secretary.

He also explained that the chairman could delegate such powers to any other NWC member whenever necessary.

‘So, the secretary can’t summon meetings or authorise any meetings’, Ologunagba stated, adding, ‘So, if the party says there is no Congress in Cross River or a dissolution of an Exco, why should an individual oppose it?

He dismissed claims that the NWC never met or took any decisions, saying that 16 out of 18 members of the committee met.

In the case of Akwa Ibom, the PDP said it observed a ‘misnomer’ playing out, where Governor Umo Eno, who had defected to the APC, was bent on controlling the PDP structure in the state by attempting to fuse the two parties.

According to Ologunagba, allowing the arrangement to continue would be in violation of Section 10(6) of the PDP’s constitution, ‘which does not allow any member of the party to align with another group to undermine the party.’

Last week, the National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, wrote to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) notifying it of the decision of the NWC to postpone state congresses in Cross River, Plateau and Kebbi States to a new date after due consultations.

But, Anyanwu immediately wrote to the INEC, urging the commission to ignore Damagum’s letter because the congresses scheduled for Saturday, September 27, would be held.

The congress was indeed held in Cross River, returning Mr Venatius Ikem as the state chairman, though on Monday, September 28, the NWC disowned the congress, calling it a ‘carnival.’

On Tuesday this week, the PDP announced the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom exco. But just like it happened last week, the national secretary countered the decision again by writing to the dissolved exco members to ignore the NWC.

Investigations showed that the PDP moved to reposition the party in Akwa Ibom, following the defection of Governor Eno to the APC in an apparent bid to cut ties between him and the state exco led by Mr Aniekan Akpan.

Akpan, not willing to let go and now backed by some influential party leaders in Abuja, is staying put in office, despite his sacking by the NWC.

Before now, Governor Eno, in a leaked video, had spoken of his intention to work with both the structures of the PDP and the APC in the state for the unity of the state.

‘As a matter of fact, contrary to some insinuations, I want to run both parties (APC and PDP)? Far from it. And what is wrong with being interested? We would not leave the PDP for thieves to hijack and use it against us.

‘If anybody thinks we are going to do that, they have something coming. We will lead the structure of the party (PDP) so that they can work together (with APC). So that people don’t come from outside and think that Mr Eno has moved, let me come and hijack the party. Let the structure of the party remain.

‘They have done their congresses. That’s my position,’ the governor had revealed.

Just days ago, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, had praised Governor Eno’s decision to dump the PDP, an action seen by many political watchers as absurd in the ongoing struggle for the control of the soul of the once-largest political party in Africa.