Category: Nigerian Tribune

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Big Brother Naija Season 10 Reunion premiered on Monday night, bringing back some of the most talked-about housemates for a fresh round of confrontations, revelations, and unresolved drama.

Hosted by the ever-stylish Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the opening episode wasted no time revisiting tensions that brewed during the reality show’s 2025 season, as former housemates faced one another and relived some of the moments that divided viewers while the show was on air.

One of the first clashes of the night involved Zita and Danboskid. During their exchange, Danboskid suggested that some of Zita’s actions after the show were influenced by her hormones, a remark that immediately drew attention from other housemates. Ebuka asked him to clarify the statement, prompting Danboskid to explain that by ‘hormones,’ he meant that Zita only reached out to him when she needed attention. After a lengthy back-and-forth, Ebuka finally declared, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, your first ship has crashed.’

The tension continued when Zita faced off with Mide over their long-running disagreements. Explaining her stance, Zita insisted she was never intimidated by Mide but had to become strategic from the outset because of the energy she perceived from her fellow housemate.

‘I did not feel intimidated. I needed to strategise immediately. With Mide, I felt some sort of energy, so I was on guard,’ she said.

Responding, Mide accused Zita of projecting her insecurities onto her and rejected allegations that she had displayed colourist tendencies in the house.

‘I felt like Zita had a lot of projections towards me. I was not condescending to her when I said, ‘Shut up.’ I never thought she would come to me and get physical. What I don’t like is that you said I was a colourist. You projected that. I never said anything like that,’ Mide stated.

Another explosive moment came during a fiery confrontation between Thelma Lawson and Big Soso. The pair exchanged sharp words as old grievances resurfaced, forcing host Ebuka to step in at intervals to maintain order and keep discussions from spiralling out of control.

However, the evening’s final showdown belonged to Doris and Kola, whose complicated relationship once again became a major talking point.

Doris accused Kola of making unflattering remarks about her, referencing a comment she claimed was directed at her during or after the show.

In response, Kola remained unapologetic.

‘But you are an Alhaji’s food,’ he fired back before adding that her eviction had made life in the house easier for him.

‘All I will say is that when she was evicted, it made the house lighter for me,’ Kola said.

With only the first episode aired, the Season 10 reunion has already delivered tears, accusations, confrontations, and unexpected revelations, leaving viewers eager to see what unfolds in the coming weeks. The reunion comes months after Imisi emerged as the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10, clinching the grand prize.

No fewer than 74 people have been reported killed out of more than 7,000 people said to have fallen ill since early May 2026, due to a rapidly evolving surge in suspected cholera cases across Borno State, placing significant strain on health facilities and response capacity.

The disclosure was made by the international medical humanitarian organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which is supporting the Borno State Ministry of Health (MoH) to respond to the development.

MSF further disclosed that the state is seeing a high influx of patients requiring urgent treatment, with numbers increasing significantly each day since the first suspected case was reported on 1 May 2026.

As of 7 June 2026, the Borno State Ministry of Health had recorded 7,850 suspected cholera cases across 14 local government areas (LGAs) and 50 wards, and a total of 74 deaths reported both at facility and community levels.

On 7 May 2026, MSF, in collaboration with the state MoH, established a Cholera Treatment Centre (CTC) in the Ngarannam area of the state capital, Maiduguri, to support the response. Since then, admissions have increased rapidly, forcing the expansion of bed capacity from 121 to 271 beds to accommodate growing needs, with potential to expand further.

MSF also opened a new 20-bed Cholera Treatment Unit (CTU) at the Dalaram area in Maiduguri.

As of 7 June 2026, MSF had treated a total of 7,439 patients at its CTC and CTU, representing an average of 230 admissions per day, while on 5 June alone, MSF received more than 500 patients with acute watery diarrhoea, marking the highest number admitted in a single day since the response began.

‘Every day, we see more people arriving with severe watery diarrhoea and dehydration, many of whom have travelled long distances to reach care,’ said Bienfait Tombola, MSF project medical coordinator for the surge response in Maiduguri.

He added that ‘The collaboration between the Ministry of Health, MSF and other partners has enabled a rapid scale-up of several aspects of the response, but the continued increase in cases shows that more needs to be done to prevent transmission and ensure people can access care as early as possible.’

Beyond treating patients at the CTC and CTU, MSF is supporting the broader response by training healthcare workers, establishing oral rehydration points in affected areas, conducting health promotion, supporting water and sanitation including chlorination of water, and strengthening referral pathways to facilitate timely access to care.

MSF is also supporting surveillance and case management efforts.

Despite the considerable efforts already underway, the scale and speed of the surge continue to exceed current response capacity.

Acute watery diarrhoea and related waterborne diseases are preventable and treatable, and they thrive in areas with limited access to clean water, sanitation services, hygiene infrastructure and healthcare, particularly in informal settlements.

‘While treatment is essential to save lives, a cholera vaccination is foreseen to be conducted by the Ministry of Health, and this would help cut the chains of transmission,’ added Bienfait Tombola.

‘Sustainable improvements in access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene are equally critical to reducing transmission and preventing risks of continued surge in cases of waterborne diseases,’ he said.

MSF assured that it remains committed to supporting the Borno State Ministry of Health and other partners to provide lifesaving care to affected communities and strengthen the ongoing response to the surge in suspected cholera cases.

The Ngazarmu Emirate Council in Yobe has announced the passing of its emir, His Royal Highness Mai Ngazargamu, Alh. Tijjani Ibn Saleh Geidam.

He died on Monday in Egypt after a prolonged illness.

This information was shared in a statement issued by Alh. Muhammad Alamai Baba Kankare, the Waziri of Ngazargamu, was made available to news reporters on Tuesday.

The statement said, ‘the remains of the late Emir will be transported back to Nigeria for funeral rites in Damaturu, at a date and time to be announced later.

‘The Emirate council calls for prayers for the repose of the soul of this great leader, our respected traditional ruler, custodian of the rich tradition and culture of the historic Ngazargamu emirate, the statement averred.

Federal Government on Monday unveiled plans to expand the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with industry-relevant programs with a view to equip young Creators in the bid to boost employment generation in the digital and global marketplace.

strengthen the sector, the Minister announced the Ministry’s

not just to seek jobs, but to create jobs in a digital, global marketplace.

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa disclosed this at the Creative Corner Summit 2026 held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu State.

While commending the organizers of Creative Corner 2.0 for building a platform that nurtures talent and empowers enterprise, she urged Creatives across all regions to engage with the Ministry’s interventions on training, financing, partnerships, and global market access.

The Minister praised Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for his vision and leadership, and described the convener, Judith Okechukwu, as the personification of what every young Nigerian woman should be.

She said Creative Corner is a strategic partner for networking, mentorship, capacity building, market access, and creative incubation.

Minister Musawa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the creative economy as a driver of economic diversification, job creation, and national identity.

‘The creative economy is not just about entertainment but also about turning our potential into value, jobs, and wealth for Nigerians,’ she stated.

Speaking earlier at the event, the convener of Creative Corner 2.0, Judith Okechukwu, said the platform was established to showcase talented but overlooked creatives.

‘The event was created as a response to what creators truly need: guidance, visibility, opportunity, and community. It was designed to be a space where talent is recognized, opportunities are real, and young people are encouraged to start, stand, and grow.

‘Every big movement starts with one small idea. The dream keeping you up tonight could be the platform that changes lives tomorrow,’ Ms. Okechukwu said.

Also in attendance were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia; award-winning Nollywood actor and humanitarian Williams Uchemba; young creatives; and other stakeholders.

Popular Nigerian relationship coach and social media influencer, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, widely known as Blessing CEO, was arraigned on Tuesday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N69.15 million fraud.

The EFCC brought the influencer before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, on a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.

According to the EFCC, Blessing CEO allegedly deceived Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited into paying N69.15 million after falsely claiming ownership of a property at No. 1, Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, Lagos.

The anti-graft agency said she purportedly leased the property to the company for five years, despite not being the owner.

The commission further accused her of dishonestly converting the N69.15 million for personal use, which it said amounts to stealing under Lagos State law.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel C.C. Okezie confirmed that the defendant had been served with the charges and urged the court to proceed.

The defence counsel, Nkama Nneka, argued that service had only recently been effected, but Justice Oshodi ruled that the arraignment should proceed.

Following her plea, the prosecution asked the court to set a trial date and remand the defendant in EFCC custody pending another criminal matter before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi. Justice Oshodi granted the request and ordered her remand.

The case was adjourned until July 16, 2026, for hearing of her bail application and commencement of trial.

Renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu, has been appointed as the incoming chairman of the board of Seplat Energy, with his tenure set to begin in January 2027.

In a post shared on X on Tuesday, Elumelu expressed appreciation for the opportunity to succeed Senator Udoma Udo Udoma as board chairman, noting that he will take over the position at the start of 2027. He said he looks forward to guiding Seplat Energy into its next phase of expansion and strengthening its governance and growth strategy.

He emphasised his belief in the importance of indigenous resources in driving economic transformation across Nigeria and Africa. He also noted that the company’s operational discipline and governance culture align with his own leadership values, while acknowledging the contributions of Senator Udoma and Roger for their stewardship.

Elumelu further congratulated Mr. Okon on his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, expressing confidence that his industry experience would support the company’s next stage of development and long-term growth.

The statement reads, ‘I am honoured to succeed Senator Udoma as Chairman in January 2027 and to lead the Board through@SeplatEnergy’s next phase of growth.

‘I firmly believe in the critical role indigenous resources play in the economic transformation of Nigeria and Africa, and Seplat’s culture of execution and governance aligns strongly with my own values.

‘I thank Senator Udoma and Roger for their stewardship and look forward to delivering further value for shareholders.

‘I also congratulate Mr. Okon on his appointment as Chief Executive Officer. His deep industry experience gives me great confidence that@SeplatEnergy is well positioned for its next chapter of growth.’

The development comes months after Seplat Energy earlier announced the appointment of Tony Elumelu as a Non-Executive Director.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has said that President Bola Tinubu’s four flagship road infrastructure projects are designed to connect Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones through an integrated transport network aimed at boosting economic growth, food security and regional development.

In a statement signed by Francis Nwaze, the Special Assistant to Umahi, disclosed that the Minister made this statement in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), led by Mrs Maimouna Sidibe, Head of the Basic Infrastructure Division, Department of Public Sector Corporations.

The delegation is currently conducting appraisal activities ahead of the approval of financing for Section One of the Trans-Sahara Super Highway, one of the Federal Government’s major legacy infrastructure projects.

Speaking during the meeting, the Minister explained that the four legacy road projects initiated by President Tinubu were strategically conceived as an interconnected national transportation loop.

‘The entire four Legacy Projects of Mr President are interconnected in a loop,’ Umahi said.

He explained that the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is linked to the Trans-Sahara Super Highway through Ndibe Beach in Cross River State, creating a seamless transport corridor across multiple regions of the country.

According to him, Section One of the Trans-Sahara Super Highway stretches 123.64 kilometres from Ndibe Beach to the Benue State border, while additional sections covering Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa states have already been awarded.

Umahi described the route as a historically significant trade and agricultural corridor that remains vital to Nigeria’s food production and distribution network.

‘It has long existed and remains a major food corridor. It is critical to food sufficiency in our country,’ he said.

The Minister noted that the highway would connect major agricultural hubs in Cross River, Ebonyi, and Benue states and significantly reduce travel time between Calabar and Abuja.

‘This route will shorten travel time from Calabar to Abuja to about four hours. It is therefore a very important corridor,’ he stated.

He further disclosed that the Federal Government plans to leverage existing dams along the corridor for irrigation and renewable energy projects, creating opportunities for industrial development, investments, and employment.

‘There are many benefits to this project. Beyond tolling and corridor development for investment returns, it will generate numerous jobs, both direct and indirect. There will be factories along the corridor, power projects and significant traffic volumes on the road,’ Umahi added.

The Minister also explained that the Trans-Saharan Super Highway would connect with another legacy project through the Abuja-Akwanga corridor, extending to Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, Biu, and Maiduguri.

He revealed that the recently inaugurated Gombe-Biu section covers 125 kilometres and is being developed as a six-lane carriageway, while procurement processes for the Bauchi-Gombe section are ongoing.

Umahi further outlined plans to connect the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway through a new alignment beginning from Victoria Island and passing through a 3.5-kilometre tunnel, Ogogoro Island and Snake Island before reaching Badagry.

‘When you look at all of this on a map, you see a loop. All the geopolitical zones are included.

‘If you start from Sokoto, you can access all six geopolitical zones within two days. It is a remarkable development,’ he said.

The Minister commended the contractor handling Section One of the Trans-Sahara Super Highway, stating that construction progress had already surpassed 20 per cent completion.

He stressed the need to expedite the loan approval process to support ongoing construction activities.

‘My concern is that we need to fast-track the loan component because once they reach 30 per cent completion, payments will become necessary,’ he said.

Umahi described the visit by the EBID delegation as timely and praised the regional financial institution for its commitment to supporting the project.

Earlier, the leader of the EBID mission, Mrs Maimouna Sidibe, reaffirmed the bank’s readiness to finance the project, describing it as a priority infrastructure investment.

‘We are very honoured to contribute to the financing of this very important project, which was submitted last week to our first credit committee,’ she said.

Sidibe disclosed that the project had already received favourable consideration from the bank’s first credit committee and had advanced to the appraisal stage.

According to her, the delegation’s visit includes consultations with relevant government agencies as well as site inspections to evaluate project implementation, environmental standards, and social safeguards.

She stated that the project is expected to move to the second credit committee next week before being presented to the Board of Executive Directors in early July for final approval.

Sidibe also commended the Federal Government for demonstrating commitment to the project through the payment of counterpart funding obligations.

‘The project is of top priority for the administration, and that is why the administration has already paid 30 per cent of the counterpart funding,’ she noted.

She expressed satisfaction with the quality of work already executed and praised the road construction technology being deployed on the project.

‘The members of the credit committees said that this technology is very good and already experienced on the Lagos-Calabar project, and the road lifespan will be at least 50 years,’ she added.

Members of the EBID delegation included Mathieu Anno, Head of Environment and Sustainability Unit; Onimisi Aliyu, Financial Analyst; Blaghe Dougah, Head of ESG Department at Sky Capital Europe; and Sheka Humphrey of Influence International, the project contractor.

President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, is set to make history as the first Nigerian trade union leader to receive the prestigious Arthur Svensson International Award.

The award, which will be presented on June 10 in Oslo, Norway, recognises individuals and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment, courage and leadership in the defence of workers’ rights and trade union freedoms.

Established in memory of renowned Norwegian trade unionist Arthur Svensson (1938-2003), the award is presented every two years to labour leaders and organisations that have made significant contributions to advancing workers’ welfare, particularly in difficult and challenging environments.

Ajaero’s selection places him among a distinguished group of labour activists from different parts of the world who have been honoured for their advocacy, resilience and commitment to social justice.

Labour leaders and activists have described the recognition as a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s labour movement and an acknowledgement of the struggles and sacrifices made by workers across the country.

Before emerging as NLC president, Ajaero served as General Secretary of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), where he played a prominent role in labour negotiations during the privatisation of Nigeria’s power sector and championed workers’ rights within the industry.

Since assuming leadership of the NLC, he has remained a leading voice on issues affecting Nigerian workers, including wages, economic reforms, labour rights and social welfare.

Supporters say the award reflects his years of advocacy and commitment to defending workers’ interests despite numerous challenges associated with labour activism.

The Arthur Svensson International Award has previously been conferred on labour leaders and organisations from countries such as Colombia, Myanmar, Turkey and Belarus, where trade union movements have often operated under difficult conditions.

Ajaero’s recognition is expected to further strengthen the profile of Nigeria’s labour movement on the global stage while drawing international attention to the concerns and aspirations of Nigerian workers.

The award ceremony, scheduled to take place in Oslo, will bring together labour leaders, activists and representatives of international trade union organisations from across the world.

For many within the labour movement, Ajaero’s emergence as the first Nigerian trade union leader to receive the honour represents a significant milestone and a moment of pride for workers throughout the country.

Across Nigeria, customised number plates have become a growing status symbol among business owners, politicians, celebrities, and luxury car enthusiasts. It is no longer unusual to see vehicles carrying personalised plate numbers with names, initials, company brands, or unique letter combinations that stand out immediately on the road.

For many vehicle owners, these plates offer a sense of identity and exclusivity. Others see them as a prestige item that reflects social status. But as interest continues to rise, one question keeps coming up: what is the actual cost for customised number plates Nigeria 2026?

What are customised number plates?

Customised number plates, often called fancy or personalized plates, allow vehicle owners to request a unique registration combination instead of accepting the standard number plate assigned during vehicle registration.

Meanwhile, these plates are issued through government-approved vehicle registration channels and remain subject to regulatory approval. Vehicle owners cannot simply create any combination they want. Requests must comply with registration rules and security requirements.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) oversees vehicle registration systems through the National Vehicle Identification Scheme.

How much do customised number plates cost in Nigeria in 2026?

Recent pricing approved under Nigeria’s vehicle registration framework shows that fancy private vehicle number plates now attract significantly higher fees than standard plates.

According to fee schedules published by The Nigerian Observer, following the Joint Tax Board (JTB), the top coordinating body for tax authorities across Nigeria has hiked the cost of vehicle number plates and driver’s licences across the country. So, a standard private vehicle number plate costs about N30,000, while a fancy customised number plate costs around N400,000.

Also, other categories and their prices include; standard private vehicle plate at the rate of N30,000, dealer plate cost N100,000, while out-of-series plate cost N150,000, and fancy customized plate cost N400,000.

Why people pay so much for plate numbers

The popularity of customised plates goes beyond transportation. Many Nigerians choose personalized plates because they promote business brands, display family names, increase vehicle uniqueness, create social recognition, and reflect personal identity.

For luxury vehicle owners, a customised plate often becomes part of the vehicle’s overall image. Because in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, personalized plates have become increasingly common among owners of high-end vehicles.

How to apply for a customised plate

The application process is handled through approved vehicle registration authorities.

Generally, applicants are expected to submit a request through the relevant licensing authority, provide vehicle ownership documents, select preferred plate combinations, pay the approved government fees,and then await approval and production.

Although the requested combination may be rejected if it conflicts with existing registrations, security regulations, or approved naming standards.

The FRSC advises motorists to use authorised registration channels and official vehicle identification platforms.

Things vehicle owners should know

As a vehicle owner, before applying, it is important to understand that a customised plate does not exempt motorists from normal vehicle registration requirements.

Vehicle particulars, roadworthiness obligations, insurance requirements, and ownership records must still remain valid.

The FRSC has also warned against fake, altered, or unauthorised number plates and its vendors.

Enforcement operations across Nigeria have targeted vehicles carrying illegal registration plates because of security concerns and vehicle identification challenges.

Is it worth the cost?

Whether a customised plate is worth N400,000 depends on the vehicle owner’s priorities.

As for some Nigerians, the appeal lies in exclusivity and branding. And for others, spending hundreds of thousands of naira on a number plate may seem unnecessary, especially when a standard registration plate performs the same legal function.

Whereas, demand continues to grow despite rising registration costs.

The cost of customised number plates in Nigeria 2026 is considerably higher than standard vehicle registration fees, with fancy plates now costing about N400,000 under current pricing structures. While personalized plates remain a luxury option rather than a necessity, they continue to attract motorists looking for uniqueness and visibility on Nigerian roads.

Before applying, vehicle owners should verify current fees through official registration channels and ensure they follow FRSC-approved procedures to avoid complications.