Category: PM News

Prominent leaders in Nigeria yesterday gathered at the Island Club 2025 Nigeria @ 65 Independence Lecture and Awards Night to emphasize the need for Nigeria to stand tall as the giant of Africa and strengthen the continent’s place on the global stage.

These were the central messages of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, and other stakeholders at the event with the theme, ‘Nigeria and the African Reawakening: The Giant That Must Not Sleep,’ held at the Peacock Hall, Island Club, Lagos.

Other dignitaries who spoke include: Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), Chief Wole Olaonipekun (SAN), Major General Ike Nwachkwu, Prof. Patrick Lumumba, and others.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, stressed that Nigerians need to join hands and fight to ensure that the country hits its potential in all areas of human endeavor to strengthen African unity, foster economic growth, and secure its rightful place as a global leader.

He added that Nigeria stands tall as Africa’s most populous nation with over 220 million people, a demographic dividend fuelling growth, adding that the figure, over 60 per cent, is believed to be young and in their productive stage, stressing that not many countries can boast of this youthful, productive, and vibrant demographic.

According to him, ‘We need to join hands and fight to ensure that Nigeria hits her potential in all areas of human endeavours. With private sector leadership or collaboration with captains of industry, like the esteemed Island Club members, this giant of a nation will wake up, move up, and stay up.’

The Governor noted that the theme of the event is a reflection on Nigeria at 65, which should be an exhibition of collective ideas on how this giant of a country can live up to its stature as a true giant, responsible and respected, honoured and valued at home and abroad.

Accordingly, the Governor reaffirmed that Lagos remains committed to contributing its quota as a hub of enterprise, creativity, and progress to Nigeria’s bright future and Africa’s awakening.

‘Nigeria has all that it takes to succeed. We are home to the largest number of millionaires in Africa – a true reflection of our economic vibrancy. Lagos State epitomizes entrepreneurial dynamism; a commercial heartbeat driving Africa’s economic pulse. It is working towards becoming Africa’s model megacity, one that is safe and secure, functional and productive. It has the ambition of becoming a global economic and financial hub in which businesses thrive and with high returns on investment,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

Highlighting Lagos’ pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic progress, Sanwo-Olu noted that the state now ranks as the second largest city economy in Africa with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $259 billion based on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), adding that the state GDP is more than 18.7% of Nigeria’s GDP and about 20% of the country’s non-oil GDP.

Similarly, Former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), called for a national consensus on what the ‘Nigerian Dream’ truly means, stressing the importance of defining clear standards for success and leadership. Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, addressing the audience at the Island Club 2025 Nigeria @ 65 Independence Lecture and Awards Night, held at the Peacock Hall, Island Club, Lagos, on Thursday, behind him are; Moderator, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae; Keynote Speaker, Prof. Patrick Lumumba and Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olaonipekun (SAN)

He emphasized that success is not static but must be redefined over time to reflect the nation’s evolving challenges and opportunities, urging Nigerians to establish a gold standard for leadership, so the nation can recognize and rally behind true visionaries.

Referencing Nigeria’s role in continental infrastructure, Fashola highlighted the country’s contributions to the Trans-African Highway and other projects, noting that three of the nine highways across Africa terminate in Lagos. From the Lagos-Badagry Expressway to the Kano-Maradi Railway, he explained that such investments reflect Nigeria’s responsibility in shaping Africa’s shared future.

In the same vein, the Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olaonipekun (SAN), underscored the importance of structural and constitutional reforms to rebuild Nigeria’s foundations.

Olaonipekun stressed that ‘The responsibility now rests on Nigerians and Africans themselves to define a new path. With a call for justice, unity, and moral rebirth. Nigeria must be born again, contextualized, structural, constitutional, and legal. Only then can we inspire Africa and the world.’

Also speaking, the Former Foreign Minister, Major General Ike Nwachkwu, noted the importance of strong opposition in safeguarding democracy, recalling how past opposition figures helped preserve Nigeria’s stability and accountability.

The Major General lamented the weakening of opposition politics today, warning that democracy cannot thrive without genuine checks, fairness, and focus. ‘With a call for Nigerians to unite, rise above selfish politics, and demand governance that prioritizes the collective good over personal ambition,’ he concluded.

The Keynote Speaker, an Internationally Celebrated Pan-Africanist and Thought Leader, Prof. Patrick Lumumba, challenged Nigerians to embrace their historic responsibility as Africa’s leader, warning that the nation can no longer afford ‘business as usual.’

Lumumba noted that despite its vast resources and human talent, Nigeria has yet to achieve its true potential, pointing to persistent challenges in governance, education, healthcare, electricity, and the economy. ‘The day Nigeria wakes up is the day Africa wakes up,’ said the erudite scholar. The lecturer emphasized that leadership at all levels must rise above self-interest and tribalism to deliver real transformation.’

He therefore urged Nigeria to take bold steps in diversifying its economy, reviving local industries, strengthening education, and investing in innovation, rather than relying on imports.

Naija, hold your breath! The air in the BBNaija house is so thick with tension, you can slice it with a knife. As the grand finale descends upon us, the entire BBNaija season 10 fanbase is split into two mighty camps: #TeamImisi and #KoyinNation. This is a declaration of war on what we value most, the quiet, relentless hustle or the spectacular, can’t-look-away drama.

The question on every lip is simple: Who will sit on the coveted throne?

Imisi: The Oyo State Slayer Riding on Grace

Let’s talk about the queen of survival, Opeyemi ‘Imisi’ Ayanwale. This 23-year-old fashion designer from Oyo State has been selling us one thing and one thing only: pure, unadulterated authenticity. ‘No filters, no hiding,’ she said, and by Jah, she has lived it!

Verily verily, this babe has been on the nomination chopping block more times than we can count. Yet, like the proverbial cat with nine lives, Naija keeps saving her! This proves she is gifted with a powerful, loyal fanbase that connects with her emotional intelligence and low-drama grind.

Her masterstroke is that crucial Week 8 envelope win! That was a deep revelation in. It screamed, ‘I’m not just here to survive; I’m here to play and conquer!’ She represents the everyday Nigerian who fights their battles without making a noisy scene on social media.

Koyin: The Bold Wahala We Can’t Resist

Now, enter Koyin! Ah, this one! If the house were a pot of soup, Koyin is the pepper that makes you cough and ask for more. Described as fashion-forward and high-energy, this guy lives, breathes, and manufactures drama. He is the human embodiment of ‘no dull moment.’

He is known for his emotional outbursts that set X on fire to strategically snubbing fellow housemates, leaving them confused, Koyin is a headline machine. Remember when he told Sultana he felt a ‘spiritual warning’ about Imisi? That’s the kind of content that fuels our weekend conversations and keeps meme pages in business.

His strength is his unmissable presence. In a show built on attention, being the main topic of discussion is a powerful currency. But beware! That same boldness can be a double-edged sword. One wrong emotional swing or alliance betrayal, and the throne can slip away.

My Verdict: Who Get the Power?

After careful analysis of the facts on ground, my bet is on Imisi. Why?

Survival Instinct: Repeated nominations and surviving them is not beans. It shows a grassroots support that doesn’t fade.

Strategic Win: The envelope victory proves she has more than a pretty face, she has a sharp mind to win when it counts.

The ‘Jaiye’ Factor: Her calm, relatable vibe appeals to the silent majority who may be turned off by constant wahala.

But make no mistake, Koyin is a formidable contender. If he can channel his fire and form a last-minute alliance that doesn’t blow up in his face, he could snatch the crown in a spectacular upset. He represents the fire that many love to watch.

Final Gist:

Imisi offers the steady, rewarding grind. Koyin offers the thrilling, unpredictable rollercoaster. One is ‘the heart,’ the other is ‘the flame.’

As Naija decides, one thing is sure: come BBNaija finale night on Sunday, 5th October, 2025, only one name will walk away with the grand prize of N150 million. Let the best hustler win!

Justice James Omotosho of Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, refused to hear an application filed by Dumebi Kachiku against Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Sen. David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In the motion brought by Dayo Akinlaja, SAN, on his behalf, Kachikwu, the 2023 presidential candidate of ADC, is seeking an order compelling INEC to, forthwith, withdraw the unlawful publication of Mark and Rauf Aregbesola’s names as national chairman and secretary of the party pending the determination of the suit.

‘This court is not inclined to nullify anything at this stage whether done before or now. This is a political case.

‘I am not taking any interlocutory matter,’ he said.

Instead, Justice Omotosho held that all the processes filed by the parties, including the preliminary objections of the defence, would be taken together with the substantive suit.

All efforts by Akinlaja to have his application heard were rebuffed by the judge.

INEC had, recently, recognised Mark, the former senate president, and Aregbesola, ex-governor of Osun, as ADC’s national chairman and national secretary.

Kachikwu and others had, on July 7, filed the originating summons to challenge the purported appointment and declaration of Mark and Aregbesola as national chairman and secretary of the party.

Others in the suit include Adikwu Elias, Etimbuk Umoh, Muhammed Khala, Alaku Godwin William as 2nd to 5th plaintiffs.

They named INEC, ADC, Chief Ralph Nwosu, Mark, Aregbesola as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

When the case was called on Friday, Akinlaja informed the court that the matter was adjourned for hearing.

The lawyer, however, told the court that a motion was filed on Sept. 19 by the plaintiff.

He said the motion was hinged on the fact that despite the pendency of the suit in court, INEC chose to recognise the leadership of Mark and Aregbesola.

In the motion, the plaintiffs sought an order setting aside the purported recognition and publication of Mark and Aregbesola’s names as chairman and secretary of ADC.

They argued that the action, having been done during the pendency of the suit and in violation of the doctrine of lis pendens.

They also sought an order of injunction restraining Nwosu, Mark and Aregbesola from continuing to deal or relate with INEC in the capacity of national officers of the party.

Akinlaja, therefore, pleaded with the judge to have the motion taken but to no avail.

Shaibu Aruwa, SAN, who appeared for ADC, and other lawyers for the defence, opposed the application.

Justice Omotosho, who granted an application for joinder filed by Nkemakolam Ukandu, the deputy national secretary of ADC, made a consequential order for amendment of the suit to accommodate Ukandu’s name as a defendant.

The judge gave 48 working hours to the plaintiff’s to file their consequential amendment and seven days to the defence to respond.

He adjourned the matter until Oct. 23 for hearing.

Prince William, the Prince of Wales, has opened up on his plans for monarchy after his coronation.

While speaking with Eugene Levy for the Apple TV+ show, The Reluctant Traveler, Prince William revealed his agenda for when he is crowned King.

He stated that he plans to bring a much needed change to the monarchical system.

‘I think it’s safe to say that change is on my agenda. Change for good, and I embrace that, I enjoy that change. I don’t fear it, that’s the bit that excites me, the idea of being able to bring some change. Not overly radical, but changes that I think need to happen,’ he said.

William also spoke on the impact and role of history, while emphasising the need for people to live in the present.

‘I think if you’re not careful, history can be a real weight and an anchor around you, and you can feel suffocated by it, and restricted by it too much. And I think it’s important to live for the here and now. There are points when you look at tradition and go, is that still fit for purpose today? Is that still the right thing to do? Are we still doing and having the most impact we could be having?. So I like to question things, is what I’m really getting at,’ he added.

South African media personality and TV host, Nadia Nakai, has revealed that she will never date a rapper or anyone in the entertainment industry again following the tragic death of her late boyfriend, Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes.

In an interview with Fresh Men Magazine, Nakai said she now prefers a private relationship away from the public eye, stressing that the pain of losing a high-profile partner was overwhelming.

‘I will not date another rapper or anybody in the [entertainment] industry ever again. I never want to do that again. I want to have a very private relationship. I don’t want it to be public because if he had to die, that experience was terrible for me,’ she said.

The rapper’s ex-girlfriend explained that she disliked having to share her grief with strangers and social media users after AKA’s passing.

‘I didn’t like having to explain my pain to strangers at the airport. I don’t want to explain nonsense to people on social media. So, I will never date a rapper or anybody in the public eye,’ she added.

AKA was shot dead by a gunman outside a restaurant in Durban on February 10, 2023. The trial into his murder is still ongoing.

Nollywood veteran, Bukky Wright, is in a joyous mood as she celebrates her son, Eniola, who recently tied the knot with his partner, Sara.

The proud mother shared the happy news on social media on Friday, October 3, 2025, posting stunning photos from the wedding ceremony.

In an emotional message, Wright expressed gratitude to God for sparing her life to witness her son’s new beginning.

‘This is the day that the Lord has made! I rejoiced and was glad with so much gratitude to Allah for sparing my life to see my baby boy get married and start his life with his wife,’ she wrote.

The actress offered heartfelt prayers for the newlyweds, wishing them a blissful and lasting union.

‘I have seen the beginning of your life till date, I will not see your end insha Allah. Almighty Allah will make this union one made from heaven. He will continue to be with your family and by His grace you will never lack anything good in life. As you start the journey into real life with your wife, you will not know sorrow. Thanks for making me a proud mother,’ Wright added.

She also showered love on the couple, writing: ‘I love you guys @enichulo and @moya.moves.’

The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) on Friday launched ‘Operation Safe-Guard Roads (OSGR), ‘a vegetation control and drainage desilting initiative, along major federal highways across Ogun State.

The exercise began with the clearing of a 3-kilometre stretch on the Ishaga-Ilaro-Owode-Ado-Ikoga Road, aimed at improving visibility, enhancing road safety, and deterring criminal activities such as kidnapping along highway corridors.

FERMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Engr. (Dr.) Chukwuemeka Agbasi, represented by the Ogun Field Engineer, Engr. Fasoranti Bamidele, said the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on safety, infrastructure, and youth empowerment.

‘The road verges have been overtaken by bushes. By clearing these areas and desilting shoulders, we aim to give motorists clearer visibility and prevent criminal hideouts,’ Fasoranti explained.

He added that the initiative also seeks to empower Nigerian youth aged 18-45, employing them from within host communities as part of the ongoing operations.

‘This project doesn’t only enhance safety; it also creates jobs for our youth, allowing them to earn a living while contributing to national development.’

Motorists applauded the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary.

Mr. Taofeek Akinlolu, a motorcyclist, said: ‘This is safety at its peak. The road feels more secure already.’

Mrs. Animasahun Adedoyin, a native of Igbojila, also praised the effort, noting that miscreants would no longer have places to hide.

Mr. Momodu Jamiu, a truck driver, said the intervention had boosted confidence among road users: ‘This is a huge relief – we now feel safe while driving through these roads.’

Fasoranti assured that FERMA is actively sourcing funds to expand similar interventions to Ijebu and other federal road corridors in the state.

He appealed to motorists for patience during the exercise and urged host communities to cooperate with the agency as the project progresses.

Dame Sarah Mullally has been appointed the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the first woman in history to hold the Church of England’s most senior position.

The former Chief Nursing Officer for England, who was ordained in 2001, will formally assume office at a legal ceremony in Canterbury Cathedral in January 2026, followed by her enthronement service.

She succeeds Justin Welby, who resigned last year after criticism of his handling of the Church’s biggest child abuse scandal.

Accepting the role on Friday, Dame Sarah said she felt the ‘huge responsibility’ of leading the Church but added she had a ‘sense of peace and trust in God’ to carry her.

‘At every stage of my journey, through nursing and ministry, I have learned to listen deeply – to people and to God’s gentle prompting – to bring hope and healing,’ she said.

The new archbishop takes charge at a time of safeguarding crises, divisions over same-sex marriage, and falling church attendance. She has previously described the Church’s approval of same-sex blessings as ‘a moment of hope,’ while recognising deep divisions remain.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed her appointment, calling her ‘a safe pair of hands’ and praising the Church’s role in national life. Bishop Anthony Poggo, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, urged Anglicans worldwide to pray for her as she prepares to take up the post.

Dame Sarah, who was made a Dame in 2005 for her contribution to nursing, also sits in the House of Lords, where she has strongly opposed assisted dying legislation, warning it ‘fails in its central plank, that it delivers choice.’

She will now be the spiritual leader of the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Communion, in which the Archbishop of Canterbury plays a central unifying role.

Femi Soneye, respected journalist, media entrepreneur, and former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, has announced the launch of his new biweekly podcast, The Exchange with Femi Soneye.

The Exchange will spotlight some of Nigeria’s and Africa’s most influential voices, spanning politics, business, entertainment, and civil society.

With Soneye’s decades of media experience and insider access, the show promises bold conversations, rare insights, and candid perspectives on issues shaping the nation and the world.

‘The Exchange is more than just another interview program, it’s a space for open, meaningful dialogue,’ said Femi Soneye.

‘Listeners will hear the human side of leaders and changemakers, beyond the headlines.’

The podcast will feature 20-25 minute episodes released twice a month and will be available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Audiomack, and other major platforms.

A 33-year-old driver, Lawrence Kantiok has been sentenced to two months imprisonment in addition to paying N10 million compensation for stealing 50,000 thousand dollars from his boss, Chijioke Chukwu in Abuja.

Kantiok was docked before a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Wuse, Abuja on charges bordering on criminal breach of trust and theft by servant by the police.

The Prosecution counsel, Bale Nimnan, had told the court that the plaintiff reported the matter through a written petition addressed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 7, Abuja on Aug. 31.

Nimnan said that Kantiok, the driver to the plaintiff, stole the said sum from the car of his boss.

He said the boss had received the money from a Bureau de change to pay his children’s school fees abroad on July 10, 2023.

He added that Kantiok ran away with the car keys and switched off his phone until he was traced and arrested by the police.

The offence, he said, contravene the provisions of Sections 314 and 227 of the Penal Code.

Kantiok pleaded guilty and begged the court for mercy, saying that he took the money because his boss does not cater to his needs.

He also added that part of the money was also stolen from him.

The Magistrate, Abubakar Sadiq sentenced Kantiok to one month imprisonment on each charge to be served concurrently without an option of fine.

Sadiq ordered the convict to pay the sum of N10 million compensation to the complainant, Chukwu and warned him to desist from committing crime and be of good behaviour.