Category: Nigerian Tribune

Every year, grave diggers from around the world gather in Hungary to compete in the International Grave Digging Championship akin to the football World Cup where contestants compete for honours regarding who can dig the deepest and most beautiful graves.

In the Hungarian city of Sexard, not only an unusual, but also an interesting and noteworthy competition was organised this year-the 18th International Grave Digging Championship.

The Hungary’s Association of Cemetery Operators and Maintainers (MTFE) has been inviting grave diggers from all over the world to the European country to compete for the title of World Grave Digging Champions.

Working in teams of two, grave diggers must put their abilities to the test by digging graves that are at least two metres long, 80 centimetres wide, and 1.6 metres deep within two hours, and then shoveling the approximately 2.5 tonnes of dirt back into the holes to create a neat burial mound. It sounds easy enough, but speed, accuracy, and attention to detail are the main criteria by which contestants are judged.

According to the Daily Telegraph of UK, the eighth International Grave Digging Championship was held on September 6, with participants’ performance graded on a 10-point scale, based on speed, aesthetics and precision. The judges also evaluated the accuracy of the grave’s dimensions before handing out prizes.

At the end of the competition, the Hungarian team won the gold trophy for the second year in a row, with an enviable time of just over an hour and a half. Russia won the silver and Czech Republic got the bronze. The winners were awarded with gold, silver and bronze trophies in the shape of shovels.

László Kiss and Robert Nagy, who represented Hungary, credited their success to the routine they developed in their daily work without any special training,

According to the organisers, the goal of the championship is to raise the prestige of the grave digging profession, attract young people to the job, and showcase their skills. Furthermore, they want to use the championship to recognise the hard work of grave diggers, which requires not only physical fitness, but also mental strength.

Nigerian American Gospel Artiste, Dr. Adebola Adeleye has stated that music is ingrained in her.

Adebola, who spoke on how she ventured in music, expressed feelings of being a singer for a long time but ignored it.

She recalled being pulled back whenever she pushed away from it.

The Singer acknowledged her love for music, adding that her father was a lover of gospel music.

Adeleye described her music as a reflection of her journey.

‘Music is something that is ingrained in me. I feel it is something that has been there for the longest time even though I ignored it.

‘The more I tried to push away from it, the more I got pulled into it. It became obvious that this is a part of me that I could not do away with.’

‘I love music, and I love to sing. My dad loves music, and I remember he always played gospel music throughout my childhood and growing up years.’

‘My songs are a reflection of my faith journey, growth process, and a capture of how I got to where I am today,’ she said.

In a vibrant fusion of Afrobeats and hip-hop, Nigerian-born genre-bending singer, songwriter, and creative visionary Nissi has released a powerful new single titled ‘Motivate,’ featuring Nigerian rap icon Olamide. The single which officially dropped yesterday, October 3rd, 2025, is now available across all major digital streaming platforms.

‘Motivate’ is more than just a song, it’s a declaration of ambition, resilience and drive. Nissi’s smooth, soulful melodies uplift, while Olamide brings his signature lyrical fire to remind listeners that setbacks are never the end, but rather fuel for the comeback.

The collaboration marks a significant moment for Nissi as she continues to evolve and cement her sound, bridging musical styles and fanbases.

The song’s infectious beat and powerful message make it an anthem designed to move listeners on the dancefloor, in their spirits, and through their daily hustles.

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.