Category: Nigerian Tribune

Amid a wave of relentless bandit attacks, residents of Kebbe Local Government Area in Sokoto State have appealed to the Federal Government to grant them the right to bear arms for self-defence.

Their appeal follows fresh assaults by the deadly Lakurawa bandit group, which have left several people dead, many displaced, and entire communities living in fear.

Addressing journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Sokoto on Saturday, the leader of the group, Alhaji Adamu Haruna Kebbe, said residents have lost confidence in the government’s ability to protect them.

‘We can no longer sleep with our eyes closed. Our people are being killed almost daily, and the government has abandoned us to our fate,’ Haruna lamented.

He accused the state authorities of failing to assess the worsening security situation or provide adequate support to local security volunteers battling the bandits.

The community leaders also demanded direct federal allocations to local governments to enable them to fund and equip local security operatives. They argued that empowering communities would help them defend themselves and curb further bloodshed.

Sokoto has been one of the epicentres of banditry in northern Nigeria, with new militant groups such as the Lakurawas and the notorious gang led by Bello Turji terrorising villages across Isa, Sabon Birni and Kebbe local government areas.

Although the state government has acknowledged the growing threat, residents insist that government efforts have been too little, too late.

Security analysts say the residents’ desperate call for self-defence reflects the erosion of trust in the state’s capacity to safeguard lives and property.

‘If the government cannot protect us, it should allow us to protect ourselves,’ another community leader said.

As the attacks persist, the people of Kebbe warn that they will no longer sit idly by while bandits destroy their communities. Their message to the government is clear: act now or give us the right to defend ourselves.

The Federal Government has commended the Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for spearheading the transformation of the health sector in the state, describing it as a model for health system strengthening in Nigeria.

The commendation came from the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, during the commissioning of a state-of-the-art Accident and Emergency (A and E) unit at the General Hospital, Kaltungo.

Built from the ground up by the Inuwa Yahaya-led administration, the new A and E complex boasts consulting rooms, a triage area, seminar rooms, a library, restrooms and offices.

State Commissioner for Health, Dr Habu Dahiru, explained that the facility is part of sweeping upgrades aimed at repositioning the hospital for effective service delivery.

In his remarks, Pate praised the governor’s comprehensive reforms, spanning primary healthcare revitalisation, hospital upgrades, human resource development, and specialised medical centres.

He said, ‘His Excellency and his team have done an amazing job in improving the health system. From revitalising PHCs and upgrading general hospitals, to converting the former Kumo General Hospital into a Federal Medical Centre, these efforts are in tune with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.’

The minister also lauded Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s recent approval of CONMESS and CONHESS salary structures for health workers, calling it a bold and strategic step toward retaining skilled personnel.

Inuwa, in his remarks, attributed the success to teamwork and collaboration.

‘All the praise belongs to the team. Facilities alone are not enough, which is why we incentivised our health workers so our facilities, from primary to tertiary, can function effectively,’ the governor said.

While on inspection of the Snakebite Treatment and Research Centre, Kaltungo, the minister emphasised its regional and international importance, particularly during farming seasons when snakebites are most common.

‘This centre treats between 2,000 and 3,000 patients annually, many of whom come not only from Gombe but also from across the Northeast and even neighbouring countries.

‘The Federal Government, in partnership with Gombe state, will formalise arrangements to expand its role, not only as a treatment hub but also for training, research, and, ultimately, local production of anti-snake venom,’ Pate said.

Legal representatives of Ms. Amaka Obasi, principal of Arden Lifestyle Company, have issued a statement addressing the contractual dispute between their client and musician Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema.

In the statement dated September 28, 2025, Valerian Vianney and Partners LP said Obasi was engaged under a duly executed Designer Services Agreement to renovate a residential property belonging to Rema in Lagos.

The agreement covered structural works such as demolition, expansion of the building from four to five bedrooms, pool reconstruction, flooring, tiling, POP installation, roofing, and carport construction.

The law firm noted that Obasi had previously handled two projects for the Ikubor family without dispute and maintained regular communication with Rema during the renovation, including site inspections and updates through photos and videos. It added that no concerns about quality were raised until recently.

On the issue of delays, the lawyers explained that they arose from factors beyond their client’s control, including changes unilaterally introduced by Rema, restrictions imposed by estate managers, and rising costs due to inflation. They stressed that Obasi did not increase her fees despite the expanded scope of work.

The firm said the disagreement only surfaced when discussions on additional work not originally covered in the contract began. It argued that the matter remains a contractual dispute and should be resolved under civil or arbitral procedures, not through criminal allegations.

They also condemned Obasi’s arrest by the Nigeria Police based on Rema’s petition, describing it as a violation of her constitutional rights.

‘The allegation of fraud and obtaining money by false pretense is unfounded. The law should not be used to recast a contractual disagreement as a criminal infraction or as a tool for debt recovery,’ the statement partly read.

The firm urged the public to disregard circulating claims linking Obasi to fraud and said she will pursue appropriate legal action to protect her professional reputation.

A man, Lamidi, has told Grade A Customary Court, Court 2, sitting at Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, that he could no longer stomach his wife’s, Nofisat’s atrocities and as such prayed that their wedlock be dissolved.

Lamidi alleged that Nofisat cared less about his well-being, was jealous, disrespectful, and violent, adding that he no longer loved her.

Lamidi stated that Nofisat became defiant and uncontrollable after she moved in with him.

According to him, she insisted that he must build her a house and therefore went violent.

Lamidi said that Nofisat once chased him with a knife during a misunderstanding, threatening to kill him, their only child, and then herself.

The plaintiff explained that the defendant was always filled with fury, adding that she became destructive when in this state.

Lamidi gave an instance of when Nofisat soaked one of her co wives’ mattress with water during a fight.

The plaintiff prayed the court to end their relationship and grant him custody of their child, whose welfare the defendant had constantly neglected.

He further sought an order, restraining her from harassing, threatening, and interfering with his private life.

Nofisat acceded to divorce.

The defendant denied all the claims brought against her except one, that she fought with her co wives all the time.

According to her, her husband always took sides with his other wives and would humiliate her in their presence any time she had a misunderstanding or fought with them.

Lamidi testified, ‘My wife and I got married in 2020.

‘We had Nikkah, but I did not pay her bride price.

Lamidi testified, ‘My wife and I got married in 2020.

‘We had Nikkah, but I did not pay her bride price.

‘My wife was easygoing and respectful before we got married, but she suddenly changed after she moved in with me.

‘Nofisat from the outset of our relationship demanded that I built her a house.

‘She became troublesome and refused that I had rest of mind.

‘Nofisat cares less about my welfare.

‘She leaves home on Monday, according to her, to go and work and returns on Friday.

‘I showed my displeasure at her neglect of me and provided her a shop to display and sell her goods.

‘My wife, not satisfied with my display of affection towards her, still sought every opportunity to fight me.

‘Nofisat is rude and has no respect for me.

‘She speaks to me harshly, disregarding my age.

‘She is also rebellious and has consistently rejected my authority and did as she pleased.

‘My wife and I had a heated argument, and to my chagrin, she went straight for a knife.

‘Nofisat looking wild like someone who was demonic possessed went after me with the knife.

‘I would have been a dead man by now but for the timely intervention of people around.

‘My wife swore she would stab me and our only child to death and then kill her.

‘Nofisat is an evil wind that blows no-one any good.

‘She gets angry easily and will destroy my property.

‘The most recent been that of when she flew into a rage while fighting with one of his co wives.

‘She went for a bucket of water and emptied it on her mattress, thus soaking it.

‘My lord, my wife has caused me enough stress and pain.

‘I believe it is best that we go our different ways.

‘I, therefore, beseech this honourable court to dissolve our union and grant me custody of our only child whom she has failed to be a good and responsible mother to.

‘I also request an order restricting her from harassing, threatening, and interfering with my private life.’

Nofisat responded, ‘I am also no longer interested in our wedlock. I accede to divorce.

‘My lord, all that my husband said except one is lies.

‘It is true that his other wives and I fight.

‘I told him I preferred leaving in my rented apartment, but he insisted that I moved into his house.

‘I moved in, and hell was let loose.

‘My husband and my co wives were always on my neck, which was the reason we always fought.

‘My husband, instead of being plain and straight while mediating in our differences, would take side with his other wives and throw blame at me.

‘He would humiliate me in their presence beating me.

‘He would also lock my shop and refuse that I sell my wares.

‘My lord, I refuse that my husband has custody of our child.

‘I am alive, hale and hearty. The responsibility to take care of our child is mine.

‘I plead that the court grants me custody of our child and make my husband responsible for her upkeep giving feeding, education and health care a priority.’

The court president, Mrs O.E Owoseni, after she had heard both parties, stated that since both had acceded to divorce, the court had no option but to dissolve their union.

She granted the defendant custody of their child, being still in her tender age, and mandated the plaintiff to be responsible for her upkeep.

Owoseni further restrained both parties from harassing, threatening, and interfering with each other’s private life.

OSUN State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on during the week spoke with journalists on Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, assessed his government’s performance and addressed concerns surrounding the lingering local government allocation crisis in the state.

On Nigeria at 65

Governor Adeleke described Nigeria’s journey since independence as remarkable, despite several hurdles. According to him, ‘Nigeria has survived civil war, military rule, economic instability and insecurity. Yet, our national spirit has never been broken. The fact that we remain united at 65 is a testimony to the resilience of our people. Yes, we still face challenges of governance, growth and development, but we must acknowledge that Nigerians are pushing forward in hope and in unity.’

He urged citizens to use the independence anniversary as a moment of sober reflection, stressing that peace, unity and collective sacrifice remain the pillars on which the nation’s progress rests.

On his stewardship after nearly three years in office

Responding to questions about how fulfilled he feels in delivering on his five-point development agenda, the governor said his administration had stayed focused on its promises.

He explained: ‘I am fulfilled because we set out a clear roadmap, and we have been consistent. Workers’ salaries are no longer an issue; pensioners are smiling again; our schools and hospitals are receiving attention; roads and infrastructure are springing up across Osun. Of course, governance is a continuum, and there is still more to do, but I am proud that our government has restored hope and dignity to governance.’

He further noted that his administration’s people-first approach had redefined the relationship between government and citizens in Osun State.

On the seized local government allocations

When asked about the latest development on the issue of Osun’s local government allocation allegedly withheld by the Federal Government, Senator Adeleke stressed that his administration is vigorously pursuing justice through the legal system.

He said: ‘The unlawful seizure of Osun’s LG allocation is unacceptable. It is the right of our people, not a favour. We are already pursuing the matter within the law and I assure the people of Osun that we will reclaim what belongs to us. The resources are meant for development at the grassroots and we will not compromise on that.’

On rumours of illegal payments to sacked APC chairmen

The governor was also confronted with questions about rumours suggesting that the sacked APC-backed council chairmen had been paid by a commercial bank despite a subsisting court order.

In clearing the air, he said: ‘Let me be very clear, any tampering with Osun’s funds will have consequences. If you touch local government funds, the law will go after you. Our government is law-abiding and we will not engage in illegality. Any kobo not paid through statutory accounts is not known to the law. Those payments are in the realm of rumour. As far as we are concerned, Osun local government funds must be paid into accounts formally opened with signatories as specified by the state finance laws and regulations. The matter is before the court of law.’

On sustaining salaries and projects despite financial setbacks

Asked how his administration continues to pay salaries, pensions and simultaneously deliver on massive infrastructural projects despite the seizure of LG funds, Governor Adeleke pointed to financial discipline as the secret.

He explained: ‘There is no magic wand. It is about blocking leakages, ensuring transparency and prioritising people’s needs. We operate a government where every kobo is accounted for, where waste is eliminated and where resources are deployed strictly to areas that benefit our people. That is why we can meet our obligations and still pursue ambitious development projects at the same time.’

Senator Adeleke reassured the people of Osun State that his administration remains unwavering in its commitment to service delivery.

He emphasised that transparency, accountability and people-centered policies will continue to define his governance.

Drinking water is key to optimal health and is essential. Your body is about 60 to 70 percent water, and water helps provide a balance of body fluids, keeps your skin looking healthy, assists your kidney health, and helps maintain normal bowel function.

In this article, Tribune Online highlights five health benefits of drinking water

1. Boosts memory and mood

Studies have shown that even slight dehydration can affect brain performance, leading to poor memory and mood changes in both children and adults. Proper hydration supports not just physical health but also mental well-being. In fact, inadequate water intake has been linked to increased anxiety and a higher likelihood of headaches or migraines in susceptible people.

2. Prevents constipation

Water plays an essential role in digestion by keeping bowel movements regular. Staying hydrated reduces the chances of constipation across all age groups, from children to the elderly.

3. Promotes urinary system health

Insufficient hydration may increase the likelihood of developing kidney stones or experiencing repeated episodes. Adequate water intake, on the other hand, helps lower the risk of bladder infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

4. Supports weight management

Drinking water before meals can help reduce food intake by creating a feeling of fullness. This natural appetite-suppressing effect may contribute to weight control and even weight loss in some individuals.

5. Helps in blood circulation

Our body plasma is around 90% water, so it can’t do its job properly if dehydrated. Without enough water, the blood will become thicker and more concentrated. This means the heart has to work that little bit harder to pump it around your body.

The Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, will lead the stakeholders at the rescheduled South-West stakeholders and the Federal Government engagement summit in Akure, Ondo State.

The summit, tagged ‘Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future’, earlier scheduled for October 9 will now hold from October 29-30, 2025, in Akure, Ondo State.

The summit, which is jointly put together by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) and the pan-Yoruba Socio-cultural group, is aimed at assessing the impact of the government at all levels in the region.

The Chairman of the Steering Committee, Dr Akin Onigninde (SAN), disclosed in a statement made available to the newsmen that the decision reflects the committee’s commitment to ensuring that the summit provides a truly meaningful platform for engagement between citizens and government.

‘The additional time will enable us to conduct comprehensive consultations with all participating ministries, agencies, and stakeholders; ensure optimal logistical arrangements that facilitate substantive dialogue; and coordinate effectively with all six Southwest state governments and participating institutions,’ he said.

Onigbinde apologised for any inconvenience this postponement may cause and assured all stakeholders and the general public of its commitment to delivering an impactful, inclusive, and productive summit that will serve as a landmark platform for citizen-government engagement in the Southwest region.

The two-day event will feature stakeholder dialogues across six major thematic sessions covering: Fiscal Reforms and National Planning, Economic Development and Job Creation, Social Services and Social Development, Infrastructure and Transportation, Human Capital Development and Security and Governance.

The summit will bring together Southwest Governors, Federal Ministers and appointees of Southwest extraction, Federal legislators, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, private sector representatives, youth students and women groups and other key stakeholders from across the six Southwest states.

The candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 presidential election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has debunked insinuations that the party was covertly working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said he was not aware of any such arrangement, stressing that the SDP was currently strategising ahead of the 2027 elections.

He, however, admitted that some party members could have their loyalties elsewhere but noted that this was one of the challenges the party leadership was working to address.

‘We don’t know the rumours and talk, but what I know is what the party is doing. I only participate in what the SDP is doing officially.

‘But what I find out is that people who are in political parties tend to have loyalty outside their political parties. I think it’s part of the problems we try to solve by bringing in more ethical leaders.

‘But all my politics – 100 per cent of my own politics – is done inside the SDP. And in this day and time, there is no way you could have relationships with people without evidence of it. Either they will see you with them, you will take a photo with them, they will trace their money to you, or they will trace the activity to you.

‘So, if you really want to know where somebody belongs, other than just passing rumours or propaganda, you will know.

‘So, there may be elements of people in the SDP who have sympathies for other parties as well, but what we intend to do is, when we catch them, we relegate or expel them,’ he said.

On Nigeria’s 65 years of independence, Adebayo lamented that leaders had failed to live up to the dreams of the country’s founding fathers.

He decried the fact that corruption and the rule of law had remained recurring campaign issues 65 years after independence – a development he described as unfortunate.

He noted that everyone knew corruption was bad and unacceptable and should not exist in the system, but lamented that instead of treating it as something that should not arise in the first place, successive administrations had used it as a campaign thrust.

He also stated that Nigeria’s perennial problems were traceable to its history.

According to him, the history of Nigeria is rooted in trade, one driven by external necessity.

‘Nigeria started merely as a trade zone, just like you have free trade zones or export processing zones nowadays.

‘So it’s a zone. It’s like the arbitrariness with which they created areas for discos – Lagos disco, Ibadan disco, Benin disco, Yola disco, different discos, you know. That’s how Nigeria was to the Royal Niger Company. It was just a trade zone. And those trade zones were different kingdoms and communities and all of that,’ he said.

Afrobeats singer, Deborah Oluwaseyi Joshua, popularly known as Seyi Shay, has revealed that she was once part of the popular secret society, Illuminati.

The Right Now singer made the disclosure during an appearance on the OffAir podcast with Gbemi and Toolz.

A clip from the interview surfaced online on Thursday.

Seyi Shay, known for songs like Yolo Yolo, said her involvement with the Illuminati marked a stage in her career. She also noted that people within the entertainment industry are aware of those with such links.

According to her, while the public may not know much, insiders often recognise those who have had such connections.

She said, ‘That’s when I was in the Illuminati. That’s when I joined the Illuminati. That’s when it was official. Do you understand? I was an Illuminati member.

‘People know who they are because, and maybe if they watch this, they probably won’t remember, you know, because people that do messed up stuff always forget. It’s not the fans, guys. It’s the people in the industry. It is not the fans. It is the people that work with me, work with her, work with this one, work with that one.’

Kabushi Local Governmentn Zambia, has heard how a married man changed after buying a BMW vehicle as it gave him confidence to go after other women.

In this case, Veronica Chiluya 30, , sued Sammy Shapi, 40, for divorce due to marital disputes.

Veronica told the court that the two got married in 2014 after Sammy paid K400 as dowry and together they have two children.

According to Zambia Daily Mail, she said all was well until 2021 when her husband bought a car after he went to do some work outside the country.

‘He started coming back home late and sometimes he would come the next day around 14:00 hours.

‘He used to be a good husband, but the moment he bought a car, things changed in the house as he now started seeing other women.’