Category: PM News

Associate Professor of Strategic Communication in Bayero University, Kano, (BUK), Dr. Sule Ya’u Sule, has urged journalists to keep working in unity and fraternity for adequate dissemination of information towards ensuring public good and national development.

Sule Ya’u Sule, former Director-General, Media and Public Relations, during the tenure of ex-Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, made the urge at Press Centre, Farm Centre, Kano, on Sunday, during Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Light Social Session tagged: ‘Tea Break.’

Sule Ya’u Sule, who also served as Director of Press, during ex-Kano state Military Administrator, Dominic Oneya, insisted that social gathering of journalists in relaxed atmosphere, provide window for them to unwind and derive professional intimacy that keeps the ink flowing.

The Communication expert who was the chairman and sponsor of the event, urged the leadership of Kano Correspondents’ Chapel to sustain the tempo by constantly organizing such social events where friends and members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm will gather and rob minds.

‘I decided to sponsor the event for us to fraternize and socialize. This event will give us the opportunity to relief pressures, after hectic work.

‘I congratulate the Correspondents’ Chapel leadership for this initiative. It will also keep you more united and focused.

‘I advice the Correspondents’ Chapel leadership to sustain the tempo, and keep inviting friends to participate,’ he said.

In his brief remarks, immediate-past Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Kano state, Halilu Baba Dantiye, commended Dr. Sule Ya’u Sule, for sponsoring the event, describing him as a veteran journalist, who has always championed the welfare and wellbeing of members of his immediate constituency.

Dantiye, former National President of Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), promised to always identify with Kano Correspondents’ Chapel in every good initiative their members and leadership pursue.

He commended the leadership of the Correspondents’ Chapel for introducing vibrant initiatives, and urged journalists to keep working within the ambit of ethics and rules guiding the profession.

In his address, chairman of Kano state Correspondents’ Chapel, NUJ,Comrade Murtala Adewale, said the ‘Tea Break’ was an initiative designed to create light social platform for members to unwind and rob minds, after the day’s hectic job, before departing to meet their families.

Adewale appreciated Dr. Sule Ya’u Sule for singlehandedly sponsoring the event, and promised to maintain the standard as more friends and collaborators of the Correspondents’ Chapel will be willing to participate.

The light social gathering was attended by the Kano state Command Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa; the Public Relations Officer of Kano/Jigawa Customs Command, Tahir Balarabe; Vice chairman NUJ Kano, Mustapha Gambo who represented the chairman; former chairman of Kano Correspondents’ Chapel and now Press Secretary to Kano state Deputy Governor, Ibrahim Shuaibu Garba; and emeritus chairman of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel who is now Director, Public Affairs, Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Lamara Garba, among other dignitaries and media personalities.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building an inclusive society where no resident is left behind, as Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence anniversary.

Speaking at the commemoration held on Tuesday at the State House, Marina, the Governor described independence as a reminder of both Nigeria’s struggles and resilience, stressing that national progress can only be achieved through collective responsibility between government and citizens.

Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos’ governance philosophy has been anchored on trust and partnership with the people, adding that the state’s development blueprint, the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, has now been expanded into T.H.E.M.E.S Plus to reflect deliberate focus on social inclusion, gender equity, and youth empowerment.

‘Our commitment is that no Lagosian will be left behind,’ the Governor declared, citing the expansion of the State Social Register, which now covers more than one million households across the 57 councils.

He explained that this shift was designed to balance investments in infrastructure with human capital development.

Sanwo-Olu listed ongoing interventions in healthcare delivery, food support schemes, affordable housing projects, educational scholarships, and vocational training available across 37 skill acquisition centres as proof of his administration’s determination to uplift residents, particularly the vulnerable.

He also recalled how Lagos provided a protective cushion during the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent removal of fuel subsidy, insisting that his government would continue to shield citizens during tough times.

The Governor urged Nigerians to strengthen unity, stressing that social media should be deployed to promote constructive dialogue rather than deepen divisions. Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (middle); Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat (third left); Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Kayode (right) and Youth Corp members during the 65th Independence Day Parade at the Lagos House, Marina, on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

‘We must resist the temptation to allow new platforms of communication to become weapons of discord. They must serve as channels of education, enlightenment, and shared responsibility,’ he said.

Sanwo-Olu praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for steering the nation through difficult but necessary reforms, pointing out that macroeconomic indicators in inflation, exchange rates, food prices, and security suggest that Nigeria is already on a recovery path.

Reiterating Lagos’ position as a secure and attractive investment hub, he acknowledged the contributions of security agencies, the legislature, the judiciary, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and especially young people in sustaining peace and harmony across the state.

Sanwo-Olu called for renewed patriotism, hard work, and mutual respect among Nigerians, noting that the next phase of the country’s journey would demand unity of purpose and unwavering dedication to the collective good.

‘History will remember us not for the challenges we faced, but for how we came together to overcome them,’ he said.

Ebonyi governor, Francis Nwifuru has assured that the state is working hard to overcome the challenge of high illiteracy among its people by expanding opportunities for education.

Nwifuru said that the state had expanded opportunities for primary, secondary and higher education in the state.

The Governor revealed this in Abakiliki on Wednesday at a rally marking the state’s 29th and Nigeria’s 65 years anniversary.

He, however, said it was unfortunate that many youths in the state were not leveraging opportunities being created by the government to advance their education background.

He urged the youths to embrace the policies of the state government on education and ensure that they went back to school to protect their future.

‘My government has created a lot of opportunities for the youths. We have 200 young graduates who are on overseas scholarship and no fewer than 600 are also in different universities on scholarship.

‘Sincerely I commend our past leaders and elder statesmen. I appreciate your resilience in advancing the state, your efforts and the infrastructure that you have put in place are commendable.

‘I salute former governor, Sen. David Umahi, for the legacies he left behind. The infrastructural development speaks volumes in the state and Nigeria at large,’ he said.

‘I thank God Ebonyi is moving forward; 2026 is our set year for project commissioning. We have done a lot in human capital development,’ Nwifuru said.

Also speaking, a former governor of the state, Dr Sam Egwu, commended Nwifuru for his developmental stride and urged him to keep the flag flying.

‘I commended him for taking Ebonyi to greater heights, especially in the area of education and infrastructure,’ Egwu said.

The ripple effect of the United States government shutdown has reached Nigeria. On Wednesday, the U.S. Mission in Abuja announced it was suspending updates on its official X account, citing the lapse in appropriations that has grounded several government services back home.

In a notice to Nigerians, the Mission said only urgent safety and security advisories will be posted until ‘full operations resume.’

Despite the blackout on social media, the Mission clarified that passport, visa, and transit services both in the U.S. and in its Embassies and Consulates abroad would continue ‘as the situation permits.’

‘Due to the lapse in appropriations, this X account will not be updated regularly until full operations resume,’ the statement read.

The U.S. shutdown, triggered by a bitter budget impasse in Washington, has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees in limbo and now threatens to disrupt international diplomatic engagements.

For Nigerians planning trips to the U.S., the advice is clear: monitor official notices, but don’t expect daily updates from the Mission’s social handles until the logjam is cleared in Congress.

The Federal High Court in Enugu has ordered the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to suspend all admission activities for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The ruling came from Justice A.T. Segun-Bello after a group of students took the matter to court.

The applicants Chibuzor Success, Oyeleye Zainab Ayomide, Adedeji John Samuel, Monsura Aliat Aduragbem, and Bassey Daniel Nsikak filed the case on behalf of many other candidates who sat for the post-UTME examinations in the two universities.

They asked the court to issue an urgent order to stop the institutions and JAMB from releasing or approving admission lists until their complaints are heard.

According to them, allowing the schools to continue with the process would affect their chances and make the case useless.

Justice Segun-Bello agreed that the issue raised by the students was important and needed to be carefully considered.

The judge therefore directed that both the universities and JAMB must be formally notified to respond.

Meanwhile, he ordered that all parties should maintain the current situation and not take any further steps with the admission list until the case is resolved.

This means that no admission list for the 2025/2026 academic year can be released or finalized by UNILAG, OAU, or JAMB until the court gives a final decision.

The case has been adjourned to October 28, 2025, when both sides are expected to present their arguments.

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has joined millions of citizens at home and in the diaspora to celebrate the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Femi Oyewale, NASRE acknowledged some of the ongoing reforms and initiatives of government, particularly in areas such as education, youth empowerment, fiscal reforms, and infrastructural development.

The Association pointed to achievements like the expansion of tertiary institutions, improved oil production, rising non-oil exports, and the disbursement of student loans as commendable steps toward national progress.

‘Ongoing data and developments show that Nigeria has made progress in expanding access to education, boosting infrastructure, and introducing policies aimed at long-term economic recovery. These reforms, though sometimes difficult, are beginning to show glimpses of promise that cannot be ignored,’ Oyewale said.

However, the NASRE President expressed concern that while macroeconomic indicators may look promising, ordinary Nigerians are yet to feel the impact in their daily lives. He pointed to the high cost of living, insecurity in some regions, poor electricity supply, unemployment, and rising poverty as pressing challenges that government must confront with greater urgency.

Citing insecurity, Oyewale condemned the recent killing of an Arise News Anchor, describing it as a painful reminder that journalists and ordinary Nigerians alike remain vulnerable to violent crimes.

‘When a journalist whose duty is to inform the public is brutally murdered, it tells the deep cracks in our security architecture. Government must do more to ensure that no Nigerian, regardless of status, lives in fear.

‘It is not enough to point to GDP growth, trade surpluses, or foreign reserves. The true measure of progress is food on the table, safety in our communities, reliable electricity in our homes, and dignity for every Nigerian. Until these are achieved, Independence Day speeches will ring hollow to the common man,’ he stressed.

Oyewale urged the federal, state, and local governments to translate reforms into tangible relief for citizens, stressing that policies must prioritize human welfare above statistics.

As the country celebrates 65 years of independence, the NASRE President called on Nigerians to remain hopeful, resilient, and united in demanding good governance and playing their part in building the nation.

‘On this 65th anniversary, we felicitate with the Nigerian people, the true heroes of democracy whose patience, resilience, and faith continue to hold the nation together.

‘May the labours of our heroes past not be in vain, and may Nigeria rise to fulfil its destiny as a land of peace, justice, and prosperity,’ Oyewale concluded.

Rivers governor, Siminalayi Fubara on Wednesday sacked all commissioners and other appointees of administration affected by the Supreme Court’s judgement which declared the three-man factional House of Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo unlawful.

The commissioners and appointees affected were those screened and approved for appointment by the factional Oko-Jumbo Assembly.

Fubara was reportedly working with 19 commissioners whose appointments were confirmed by Oko-Jumbo before he was suspended on 18 March following declaration of state of emergency on the state by President Bola Tinubu.

The apex court had in its judgment recognised the 27-member Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule as the lawful legislative body in Rivers State.

The Court also nullified passage of budgets, screening and confirmations of commissioners and other public officers holders by the 3-man Oko-Jumbo Assembly.

The sack of the commissioners and other appointees was announced by Fubara during a valedictory session he organised for his cabinet to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday at Government House, Port Harcourt, according to a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi.

Fubara had also at the event appealed to all stakeholders to work with President Bola Tinubu in building a peaceful, secured and prosperous country.

He also thanked members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the state in the last two years..

‘He called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all,’ the statement said.

The Governor also reiterated commitment to serve the State with renewed vigor and thanked all citizens for their support, and wished all Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.

It was also gathered that the Governor could consider the inclusion of some of them in the list of fresh nominees he was preparing to send to the House of Assembly.

Recall that the Rivers House of Assembly at its first legislative sitting following the lifting of the state of emergency on the state by President Tinubu asked Fubara to submit names of nominees for appointment as members of his cabinet.

The lawmakers at the session presided over by Speaker, Mr Martins Amaewhule, also resolved to invite Fubara for the presentation of 2025 Appropriation Bill without further delay.

Popular disc jockey and billionaire heiress, Florence Otedola, better known as DJ Cuppy, has joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

Taking to her official X account on Tuesday, the entertainer penned an emotional message about her love for the country of her birth.

‘My birthplace. My home. My country. Today Nigeria turns 65 ,’ she wrote.

Despite the challenges bedeviling the nation, Cuppy praised the resilience and unwavering spirit of Nigerians.

‘Through it all, our people keep persevering and finding joy even in the toughest times. God didn’t rush when He made us!!! He gave us resilience and spirit. In my next life, would STILL choose to be Nigerian,’ she added.

Her post has since sparked reactions online, with many users hailing her for her patriotic message while others called on leaders to make the country truly worth celebrating.

Nigeria marked 65 years of independence on October 1, 2025, with nationwide events and messages of hope from citizens both at home and abroad.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that at least 42 people have died in the Democratic Republic of Congo following a new outbreak of the Ebola virus.

According to the UN health agency, 64 cases have been recorded since the outbreak was declared in early September, with the Zaire strain of the virus identified as the cause. WHO estimates the current fatality rate at 45.7 percent.

In response, Congolese health authorities have rolled out a vaccination programme in the central province of Kasai, where the resurgence was first reported. The International Coordination Group on Vaccine Supply has also approved the shipment of 45,000 additional doses to support the effort.

WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, confirmed the figures in a post on X, stressing that while the risk of further spread is considered high at the national level, it remains moderate across the wider region.

The agency, however, warned that the outbreak is being fuelled by challenges such as insufficient protective equipment, incomplete contact tracing, late detection of cases, and unsafe burial practices. High population mobility and reliance on traditional healers have also increased the risk of transmission.

Ebola, first identified in 1976 and believed to have originated from bats, is a deadly viral disease spread through direct contact with bodily fluids. It causes severe bleeding, organ failure, and in many cases, death.

The DRC has faced multiple outbreaks of the disease, with the deadliest between 2018 and 2020 claiming nearly 2,300 lives.

American female rappers Cardi B and Nicki Minaj, have reignited their 7-year-long beef by throwing insults to each other online.

The drama which started on X on Tuesday, started with Nicki Minaj throwing shades at Cardi B’s pregnancy and music.

She claimed that the rapper inflated her album sales, while calling her out for having a forth child with Stefon Diggs, despite being legally married to Offset.

‘A b c d e f Gree. Sur ger ree to look like meee. A b c d e f g Rap like Barney still UGLEEE. Barney B. Raw doggin pregnant with da 4th babeeeee. Barney B.BV HPV allegedlyyyyy,’ she wrote.

Cardi B then responded to the insults by calling her out for not being on the same league with the set of artists she started music with.

‘Why do you keep bringing up my album? It’s not the gag that you think it is. You’ve been in the game like 16 years, you need to compare yourself to YOUR peers that started around your time. Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Drake, those are the numbers you should be competing with, and you can’t because you’re doing lower than all of them. I was in high school when you came out. wtf are you comparing yourself to me?,’ she wrote.

The rapper also claimed that Nicki Minaj was trying to shame her with her pregnancy but has been visiting fertility clinics to get pregnant.

‘Alright now, this is the third tweet talking about my pregnancy, like you weren’t going to different fertility doctors cuz you couldn’t reproduce from all the percs scrambling your eggs. NOT ALLEGEDLY, lord protect my babies,’ she added.