Category: PM News

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has expressed relief over the apparent progress toward ending the protracted conflict between Israel and Hamas, describing it as a long-awaited moment of hope for both Israelis and Palestinians after two years of devastating loss.

In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Obama said the prospect of peace and the return of hostages offered a much-needed ray of optimism following months of bloodshed. ‘After two years of unimaginable loss and suffering for Israeli families and the people of Gaza, we should all be encouraged and relieved that an end to the conflict is within sight,’ Obama wrote. He said the anticipated truce would not only reunite hostages with their families but also allow desperately needed humanitarian aid to reach civilians in Gaza ‘whose lives have been shattered.’

Beyond the ceasefire, Obama urged both sides to focus on long-term reconciliation and reconstruction, stressing that rebuilding Gaza must go hand in hand with recognising the ‘common humanity and basic rights of both peoples.’

He emphasised that achieving a lasting peace would require determination from Israelis and Palestinians, backed by sustained international support, including from the United States. The former president’s remarks come amid renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing the two-year conflict to a definitive close and paving the way for stability in the region.

Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has selected attacking midfielder Shakirat Moshood, goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu, defender Jumai Adebayo and forward Queen Joseph among a squad of 21 players to fly Nigeria’s flag at this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco.

The Flamingos arrived in Morocco’s commercial and industrial capital, Casablanca, on Wednesday, for the final phase of preparations for the competition, which will take place 17th October – 8th November.

Bankole, who led Nigeria to a bronze medal-finish at the 2022 edition of the competition in India, is confident that the Class of 2025 have what it takes to go steps higher than his 2022 bronze winners. Goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface, defenders Azeezat Oduntan and Christiana Sunday, midfielders Muinat Rotimi and Zainab Raji, and forwards Chisom Nwachukwu and Mariam Yahaya are also included.

The Flamingos have been drawn in Group D, alongside Canada, France, and Samoa. Nigeria will kick off their campaign against Canada on Sunday, October 19, before facing France three days later – both matches scheduled for 8 p.m Nigerian time at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 2) and Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 1) in the city of Sale.

Their final group stage encounter will be against Samoa on October 25, with kickoff set for 5 p.m. at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 3) still in Sale. Goalkeepers: Elizabeth Boniface (Abia Angels); Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers); Sylvia Echefu (Bayelsa Queens)

Defenders: Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Jumai Adebayo (Rivers Angels); Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo); Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers); Nofisat Tijani (Youthful Talent 99); Fatimoh Shuaib (Nasarawa Amazons)

Midfielders: Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Shavih Istifanus (Youth Arise Academy); Zainab Raji (Dannaz FC); Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Ayomide Abubakar (Onimarg FC)

Forwards: Kaosarat Olanrewaju (Ayishat Yusuf Academy, Lagos); Mariam Yahaya (FC Robo); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Tabitha Terlumu (Braavos, Edo); Precious Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers); Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels)

The Management of Bayelsa Electricity Company Ltd (BEC Ltd) has said it is intensifying efforts to complete installation of the newly acquired 60 Mega Watts (MW) gas powered plant in the state.

Mr. Steve Bubagah Jnr, Director Operations of the company, gave the assurance while conducting newsmen on a facility tour of the plant sited at Elebele, Ogbakor Local Government Area on the state.

Bubagah said that the project when completed would ensure uninterrupted power supply in Yenagoa and its environs.

The director operations, reiterated the firm’s resolve to deliver the project according to specifications and within timelines, as the project the project has reached 85 per cent completion.

According to him: ‘We are progressing seriously, at this stage, we are about locating the turbine properly based on the dimension that is what we are doing now.

‘We are installing the accessories after which we will have a full blown turbine. The moment installation is fully completed the next stage is to pre commission.

‘As we all know the governor must have been airing his views in public. We are about 85 per cent done with reticulation of our 33 KVA network,’ he explained.

He said that Yenagoa and its environs shall benefit from the gas turbine on or before the end of this year, as promised by Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa.

Also speaking, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Print Media and Public Affairs, Mr Wisdom Ikuli, described Diri’s infrastructural projects as the best in the history of Bayelsa.

He noted that upon the completion of the project the state would be better for it, as businesses owners will relocate from other parts of the country to Bayelsa.

He noted that the governor’s giant strides are not limited to electricity alone, but in all facets of his ‘ASSURED Prosperity’ administration.

According to him: ‘The environmentalists came to do an environmental assessment, of this place this January and it was bushy and swampy , but today the story is clear.

‘Between January this year and now you can see a big difference. The power governor promised is fast becoming a reality and he has promised that before the end of this year there will be power.

‘Not just power, there will be 24 hours of uninterrupted electricity in Bayelsa and it is going to have a multiplier effects. Multitudes of people will come into Bayelsa State.

‘Beyond that businesses will boom, everyone will want to relocate where there is power, so Bayelsa people will troop in from neighboring states back to the state.

‘Hospitality businesses will boom, there will be improvement based on social life and all that, so as for me we must continue to thank Gov. Diri, whom God is using to do miracles.

‘Just a few days ago the governor shocked the people with two new aircrafts that the government procured, as for me we must celebrate the man who God gave us,’ he said.

Lead Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Center, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, hosted Lagos’ largest Singles Conference, drawing more than 8,000 people to the church’s headquarters.

The event, titled ‘Singles Prayers and Connect Conference,’ focused on faith, relationships, and personal growth. It was a powerful gathering where many experienced emotional healing, spiritual breakthroughs, and a renewed sense of purpose for their future. Pastor Bolaji said, ‘Our vision at Harvesters is to change lives. One key area is helping young adults who are trusting God for marriage breakthroughs. Singles are part of God’s plan, and tonight, destinies were realigned.’

Participants also had opportunities to connect and build friendships, reflecting the church’s commitment to creating a supportive environment where singles can grow spiritually, emotionally, and socially.

One attendee shared, ‘I’m so glad I came. I felt God’s presence strongly and left with peace and hope.

I can’t wait to return and share my testimony.’

The conference once again highlighted Harvesters’ mission to inspire faith, transformation, and community among young adults.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to a leading Nigerian businesswoman Hajia Bola Shagaya, on her 66th birthday.

A statement by Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy) Bayo Onanuga, says: ‘The President celebrates Hajia Shagaya as a distinguished Nigerian whose vision, enterprise, and leadership have advanced the private sector and contributed to national development. ‘He commends her dedication to philanthropy and women’s empowerment, values that continue to inspire a new generation of Nigerians.

‘President Tinubu wishes her many years of good health and continued service to the nation.’

Shagaya, born 10 October 1959, is a prominent Nigerian businesswoman and fashion connoisseur. Widely recognised as one of the wealthiest women in Africa, she is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bolmus Group International, a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning real estate, oil and gas, banking, and photography.

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, and his Sokoto State counterpart, Ahmad Aliyu, are among top dignitaries expected to attend the 25th National Women’s Conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO).

The First Lady of Lagos State and Chairman of COWLSO, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing at the Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, ahead of the landmark Silver Jubilee edition of the annual gathering.

According to her, Governor Uzodimma will serve as Special Guest of Honour at the Opening Ceremony, while Governor Aliyu will grace the Closing Ceremony on the final day of the event. Sanwo-Olu described the presence of the two governors and other dignitaries as ‘symbolic of national unity and a testament to the growing recognition of COWLSO as a catalyst for women’s development across Nigeria.’

She announced that the 25th National Women’s Conference, themed ’25 Years of Visionary Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation,’ will hold from Monday, 28th to Wednesday, 30th October 2025, at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

‘For a quarter of a century, COWLSO has stood tall as a formidable platform committed to the advancement, empowerment, and transformation of women here in Lagos and across Nigeria,’ she said.

‘This year’s theme captures the spirit of reflection, renewal, and responsibility – a moment to celebrate the legacies we have built and to pass the torch to the next generation of women leaders, builders, and change-makers,’ she added. Sanwo-Olu noted that the 2025 edition will attract 3,000 physical participants and about 2,000 virtual attendees from across Nigeria and beyond, including professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, civil society advocates, and homemakers.

As part of pre-conference activities, she said COWLSO had embarked on several humanitarian projects, including free health screenings, environmental sanitation, empowerment of vulnerable persons, and visits to orphanages and care homes.

She added that members of the committee would on Saturday, 11th October 2025, embark on the annual Pre-Conference Awareness Walk in Ikorodu, themed ‘Step Up, Show Up, Never Give Up.’ ‘This symbolic walk serves to sensitise Lagosians about the forthcoming conference and to amplify our shared call for unity, empowerment, and purposeful living among women,’ she said.

The First Lady outlined that the three-day conference will feature plenary sessions, exhibitions, and interactive discussions on diverse topics including ‘Practical Apps for Easier Daily Living, Business Support, and Improved Productivity’ and ‘Women Championing Traffic Discipline through Smarter Transportation Systems.’

Day Two will focus on ‘Women as Change-Makers: Combating Trafficking, Organ Harvesting, and Unsafe Practices,’ chaired by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and other leading advocates, while another session tagged ‘Celebrating Legacy: Harnessing Leadership Insights for the Next Generation’ will feature past and present Lagos First Ladies and COWLSO Chairpersons.

On the final day, discussions will centre on ‘Women as Partners in Ensuring Safe and Secure Communities’ and ‘Celebrating 25 Years of Women-Led Entrepreneurship-Past, Present, and Future,’ featuring notable speakers such as Mrs. Tara Fela-Durotoye, Mrs. Bella Disu, Princess Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, and Mrs. Yewande Zacchaeus, with Mrs. Kafilat Araoye as Chairperson.

The event will also feature the COWLSO Physical and Virtual Markets, where participants can access quality goods at subsidised prices, and a Gala Night on the second day with entertainment, cultural displays, and raffle draws.

‘For inclusivity, the entire conference will be livestreamed on Lagos State Government’s social media platforms to ensure that women everywhere can participate,’ she said.

Sanwo-Olu praised the 2025 Conference Planning Committee, chaired by Dr. Olayemi Oke-Osanyitolu, for their ‘hard work, creativity, and dedication in curating this landmark edition,’ and expressed gratitude to partners, sponsors, and the media for their continuous support.

‘As we count down to October 28th, I invite all women to be part of this historic moment, a celebration of 25 years of purpose, passion, and progress,’ she said.

The first phase of the Gaza peace deal announced by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday night marks a major diplomatic breakthrough between Israel and Hamas after months of fighting.

According to details released by the White House and confirmed by Qatari mediators, phase one will focus on an immediate ceasefire, troop withdrawal, hostage and prisoner releases, and the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza. What’s in Phase One

Under the agreement, all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza will be released, while Israel will withdraw its troops to a mutually agreed line. In return, Israel will free several Palestinian prisoners, as confirmed by Qatar’s foreign ministry. Humanitarian relief is also a central part of this stage. Israel will allow 400 aid trucks to enter Gaza daily for the first five days, carrying food, medical supplies, and fuel to ease the humanitarian crisis.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have already begun ‘operational preparations’ to adjust their deployment lines ahead of the ceasefire’s implementation, the military said in a statement on Thursday morning.

How the Next Few Days Could Play Out

Today:

The Israeli cabinet will meet at 2:00 p.m. Jerusalem time (12:00 p.m. BST) to formally vote on the plan. If approved, the ceasefire will take immediate effect, and Israeli troops will start to withdraw from key areas in Gaza. A senior White House official told CBS News that Israeli forces are expected to complete their withdrawal within 24 hours. Once this is done, a 72-hour window will open for Hamas to begin releasing hostages. Monday:

The US expects the hostage releases to begin by Monday, though officials say Hamas could start the process sooner if logistics permit.

‘An Extraordinary First Step’

Former US envoy David Satterfield described the agreement as ‘quite an extraordinary first step,’ but cautioned that more complex challenges lie ahead – including Hamas’ disarmament, the formation of a transitional Gaza administration, and reconstruction efforts.

‘It’s the Middle East, where disappointment always lurks behind every positive development,’ Satterfield said. ‘But without this first step, you never have a chance of getting to the others.’

If successfully implemented, phase one of the deal could mark the most significant step toward peace in Gaza in over a decade – setting the stage for wider negotiations on long-term stability in the region.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said claim by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that it will win the 2027 general election sounds more like a comedy skit than a political strategy while affirming that Nigerians can barely recall the existence of the party.

The Lagos chapter of APC said this in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement, signed by Lagos APC spokesman, Mr Seye Oladejo, was issued in response to recent assertion by ADC that it will win the 2027 general election.

The opposition party had also boasted that ‘failure is not an option’ for it in the election during a press conference held after its inaugural National Working Committee meeting.

But the APC described the claim of ADC as laughable, mere mirage and political delusion with claim that the opposition party has been practically invisible on Nigeria’s political radar.

It added that the ADC’s statement can only be described as a tragicomic display of self-deception.

‘The ADC’s declaration sounds more like a comedy skit than a political strategy. Nigerians can barely recall its existence, let alone its relevance.

‘The last time the ADC made any national impact was when a few disenchanted politicians briefly used it as a temporary shelter before returning to their real homes.

‘The truth is simple – a party without structure, followership, or a recognizable ideology has no business speaking about winning elections.

‘The ADC’s boast of 2027 victory is akin to a political mirage; the closer they think they are to power, the farther it moves away. ‘If empty press statements and wishful thinking could win elections, perhaps the ADC would stand a chance. Unfortunately, democracy rewards substance, not self-praise,’ Oladejo said.

According to him, there is absolutely nothing on ground politically anywhere in the country to warrant the ADC’s ‘ self-deceit’.

He said that a party in perpetual crisis over membership discipline and identity could not be said to be setting its sights on national victory.

Oladejo said that the ADC remained ‘without question, the political joke of the coming national elections.’

He noted that Nigerians were not in the mood for political jokes.

‘They have seen the difference between a governing party with vision and competence, and the collection of direction-less groups that only emerge during election seasons to trade in fantasies.

‘Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria is experiencing a steady reawakening – from infrastructure expansion to economic stabilisation and renewed investor confidence.

‘These are tangible achievements, not mere slogans,’ he added.

Oladejo said that rather than proclamations of 2027 victory, the ADC should face the reality of its perpetual irrelevance.

Oladejo said: ‘A party that cannot win a polling unit should not delude itself about winning the presidency.’

The Federal Government has announced that the new Otakikpo Oil Export Terminal in Rivers State will make it easier to transport crude oil and increase Nigeria’s export capacity.

The $400 million facility, located in Ikuru Town, Andoni Local Government Area of the state, can handle 365,000 barrels per day. It is the first onshore oil terminal built in Nigeria in 50 years. President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described the project as a major step toward improving Nigeria’s oil production and export systems.

He said the terminal will also serve as a new route to move crude oil from Ogoniland and nearby areas.

‘This project supports our goal to increase oil production, expand export facilities, and promote local investment,’ Tinubu said. ‘It will unlock large oil reserves and add value to the nation’s economy.’ Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe, Chairman and CEO of Green Energy International Limited (GEIL), said the project was fully developed and completed by Nigerians within two years faster than expected. He explained that the terminal can store 750,000 barrels of oil, with room to expand to three million barrels, and can pump 360,000 barrels per day. Since operations began in June 2025, more than one million barrels of crude oil have already been exported through the terminal.

Adegbulugbe added that the facility could help produce oil from over 40 previously stranded fields in the region, which together hold about three billion barrels of reserves, potentially boosting Nigeria’s output by 200,000 barrels per day.

Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), said the terminal is a major success for local oil companies.

He noted that it gives producers another export option, reduces dependence on old facilities, lowers costs, and it will improve the overall efficiency of Nigeria’s crude oil exports.

The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate removal of squatters and illegal structures under the newly built Opebi-Mende Bridge, which is yet to be commissioned.

During an unscheduled inspection on Thursday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, directed security agencies to clear all occupants and dismantle the shanties erected beneath the bridge. Wahab, who was accompanied by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, and the newly appointed Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olatokunbo Oyenuga, described the development as ‘disheartening,’ adding that such illegal occupation undermines the government’s effort to provide safe and modern infrastructure.

‘It is unacceptable that an iconic project, nearly ready for commissioning, has been turned into a settlement for miscreants and squatters,’ Wahab said. ‘The government’s foremost duty is to protect lives and property, and we will not shirk that responsibility.’ He noted that some residents from nearby Cane Village had also set up unauthorised dwellings under the bridge, vowing that the area would be cleared and constantly monitored to prevent reoccupation.

Wahab further warned automobile mechanics who have converted open spaces near the bridge into workshops to vacate immediately or risk having their vehicles impounded. In his remarks, Engr. Daramola said the illegal occupation poses a serious environmental and security risk, stressing that immediate action was necessary to prevent the area from degenerating into a slum.

‘The State Government has invested enormous resources in constructing this bridge, and we will not allow undesirable elements to compromise public safety,’ he said.

He assured that the Office of Infrastructure would collaborate with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources to ensure sustained cleanliness and monitoring of the area after the eviction.