Category: PM News

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has explained how reckless motorists killed five of its operatives while on official duties at various parts of the country.

It also revealed that the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed has directed the immediate prosecution of the motorists involved in the incidents.

FRSC revealed this in a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer, (CPEO), Olusegun Ogungbemide on behalf of the Corps Marshall on Tuesday.

Mohammed said that the directive was to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice and to serve as a deterrent to others who undermined road safety and endanger the lives of law enforcement officers.

He said that the incidents occurred across its formations.

This, he said include Ekiti Sector Command on Sept. 6, Ogun Sector Command on Sept. 8, Taraba Sector Command on Sept. 15, Jos By-Pass Unit Command on Sept. 19, and Obollo Afor Unit Command on Sept. 24.

‘Their deaths are not mere statistics. They represent human lives which are dedicated fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and breadwinners, cut short in the line of duty while safeguarding Nigerian roads, ‘he said.

Mohammed expressed deep concern over the increasing risks faced by FRSC operatives, noting that in addition to speeding vehicles, personnel were also being subjected to kidnapping, violent attacks, and targeted assaults.

He warned that the Corps would no longer tolerate acts of recklessness that endangered its staff, stressing that offenders would face the full weight of the law.

Mohammed also charged personnel nationwide to exercise a higher level of alertness and prioritise their safety while on duty, pointing out that they needed to be safe and alive to save others.

‘In line with this, the Corps is intensifying engagements with relevant authorities on the protection of its personnel and installations.

‘This measure is not intended for aggression but as a safeguard to deter assaults and ensure that officers can perform their duties without fear of attack, he said.

On behalf of the management and staff, the Corps Marshal commiserated with the families of the deceased officers and saluted their courage and sacrifice.

He further urged Nigerians to honour the memory of the fallen operatives by obeying traffic laws, respecting FRSC personnel on duty, and supporting the Corps’ mandate to end avoidable deaths on highways.

‘Disregard for traffic laws and the safety of FRSC personnel will attract serious sanctions and legal consequences going forward,’ he warned

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, said the country is recording decisive victories against insecurity while rolling out bold initiatives to empower young Nigerians across education, technology, and the creative economy.

The President, in his national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, praised the armed forces and security agencies for their sacrifices in reclaiming territories once overrun by insurgents and criminals.

‘We are working diligently to enhance national security, ensuring our economy experiences improved growth and performance. The officers and men of our armed forces and other security agencies are working tirelessly and making significant sacrifices to keep us safe.

‘They are winning the war against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes. We see their victories in their blood and sweat to stamp out Boko Haram terror in the North-East, IPOB/ESN terror in the South-East, and banditry and kidnapping,’ Tinubu said.

He added that peace had returned to hundreds of communities in the North-West and North-East, with thousands of displaced persons safely resettled.

According to him, the government would continue to celebrate and honour the gallantry of those defending the nation.

Turning to young Nigerians, Tinubu described them as the country’s greatest assets and urged them to pursue their dreams with courage.

‘You are the future and the greatest assets of this blessed country. You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories in your various fields of science, technology, sports, and the art and creative sector. Our administration, through policies and funding, will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high,’ he declared.

He highlighted several initiatives designed to empower young people under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), he said, had already supported 510,000 students in 228 higher institutions across all 36 states and the FCT, with ?99.5 billion disbursed as loans and an additional ?44.7 billion provided as upkeep allowance.

Tinubu also cited Credicorp, which has granted ?30 billion in affordable loans to 153,000 Nigerians for vehicles, solar energy, home upgrades, and digital devices, as well as the newly launched YouthCred programme which he said has begun supporting National Youth Service Corps members with consumer credit to ease their resettlement after service.

Looking to the future, the President announced that the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme was ready for full rollout, backed by the Bank of Industry, the African Development Bank, the French Development Agency, and the Islamic Development Bank.

‘Over the last two years, we have collaborated with our partners to launch the programme, supporting our young builders and dreamers in the technology and creative sectors,’ he explained.

Tinubu reassured Nigerians that his administration’s twin focus on security and youth empowerment would lay the foundation for a stronger, more prosperous nation.

The U.S. government shutdown has sent ripples across global markets, and Nigeria, as an oil-dependent economy and frontier market, stands right in the middle of the storm.

This isn’t really another Washington drama. It’s a market event with real consequences. From Wall Street to Broad Street, from the dollar index to the naira, the tremors are already here.

What Happens At Global Scene?

Dollar weakens: As trading opened, the U.S. dollar index dipped, making way for stronger currencies and boosting gold.

Gold rallies: Investors ran for cover, pushing gold past $3,800/oz, an all-time high.

Oil wavers: Brent crude traded around $66.31/barrel; U.S. crude hovered at $62.63/barrel. The market is torn between fears of weaker demand and supply constraints.

Stocks stumble: Wall Street futures slipped, with traders worried about delayed U.S. economic data releases, including payrolls, that normally guide global interest rate expectations.

History tells us shutdowns rarely cause long-term market collapses. But in the short term, volatility is the rule.

Where Nigeria Stands

For Nigeria, this shutdown is a double-edged sword.

The good edge:

Oil is priced in dollars. When the dollar weakens, Nigeria earns more in local currency terms. This could temporarily lift dollar inflows and strengthen external reserves.

Higher gold prices usually signal a weaker dollar, a trend that makes Nigeria’s crude receipts more valuable.

The bad edge:

Investors fleeing risk could pull capital from emerging markets like Nigeria, weakening the naira and hitting the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).

If the U.S. slowdown drags global demand, oil prices could sink further, eating into Nigeria’s revenue despite the dollar advantage.

Currency pressures are already familiar. In April, the CBN had to sell nearly $200 million to stabilize the naira after global shocks. A prolonged shutdown could trigger similar interventions.

My Take

Nigeria doesn’t escape this spared. The dollar’s weakness looks like a gift, but it’s the kind that comes with strings. Yes, oil earnings may shine brighter in the near term, but capital flight and demand risks lurk in the shadows.

In the end, this shutdown is neither fully good nor completely bad for Nigeria. It is exactly what it looks like, a double-edged sword, and the sharper side depends on how long Washington keeps the lights out.

Anambra governor, Chukwuma Soludo has commended President Bola Tinubu over the reforms of his administration, including removal of subsidies, harmonisation of exchange rates, redesign of fiscal and tax policies as well as other structural reforms.

The Anambra Governor made the commendation on Wednesday while speaking during the march past organised by the state to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary as a sovereign state in Awka.

Speaking at the event, Soludo affirmed that President Bola Tinubu’s reforms are a necessary medicine for an economy that has long been distorted and papered over.

The Governor said this while noting that the reforms in the short term, are bound to have some disruptive effects, including pains and hardships.

He said: ‘I commend President Tinubu’s courageous national reforms, including removal of subsidies, harmonisation of exchange rates, redesign of fiscal and tax policies as well as other structural reforms.

‘These reforms, obviously, in the short term, are bound to have some disruptive effects, including some unanticipated pains and hardships.

‘However, they are a necessary medicine for an economy long distorted and papered over.

‘This is the time we must rebuild our nation on a firmer foundation and I urge Nigerians to stand firm, as the road to renewal requires sacrifice.

‘But beyond these current hardships, lies a Nigeria where our currency gets stronger, our economy becomes more productive and our resources serve the many, not just the few.

‘I encourage all Nigerians to support these reforms and demonstrate patriotism by obeying the law and paying taxes. This is the path to a more prosperous future,’ he said.

The governor described Nigeria’s independence as a symbol of hope, freedom and possibility for the Black race.

‘At 65, our national journey has been one of triumph and trials, progress and setbacks, conflicts and reconciliation.

‘Through it all, the indomitable spirit of the Nigerian people has endured,’ he said.

Soludo affirmed that his administration would continue to invest in human capital development, preparing the next generation to innovate, compete and thrive.

The Nigerian Police, Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency, Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra Brigade, Nigerian Girl Guides Association, Secondary and Primary school students were part of the National Day parade led by SP. Paul Igwenma, Parade Commander.

Some farmers’ associations have lauded the Federal Government’s efforts in stabilising food prices since last year but urged increased welfare and a better environment for local farmers.

The associations’ leaders made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Southwest and Lagos State, Mr Femi Oke, praised government efforts but sought stronger policies to boost productivity.

‘Looking at the food sector itself, we can say prices of commodities slightly went down. This was because the present administration was able to take some measures.

‘The import waivers by the President and other measures helped crack down some prices.

‘But apart from the prices going down, we farmers are not too happy, because we cannot sustain the food sector through imports.

‘It will not sustain us in farming, if more importation is being done.

‘The government still needs to take some measures, and the measures should recognise farmers, especially in provision of necessary inputs to all,’ Oke said.

According to him, provision of farm inputs, opening rural roads and creating an enabling environment will enhance productivity and ensure food security across the country.

‘The state governors should align with farmers, particularly heads of farmers’ associations, so they can identify critical routes in bad condition affecting produce transportation.

‘Also, the abandoned farm extension offices should be revived,’ he added.

On his part, Mr Godwin Egbebe, National Publicity Secretary, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), said achievements of the administration in agriculture carry two sides.

‘Basically, in the food sector prices have gone down. But the assessment is twofold, because not everybody has the purchasing power to buy produce.

‘As a sector, we used to experience egg gluts due to high productivity. Presently, many farmers are out of business because of costly inputs, so gluts no longer occur.

‘When people are out of business, scarcity of food results from reduced cultivation. Though prices are stable, many people cannot afford food,’ Egbebe said.

He explained that price stability was largely government-driven but remains artificial, as farmers still cannot produce as much as expected.

‘Our farmers need to return to farming. We cannot rely on food import waivers.

‘We can say food inflation is coming down, yet many still cannot afford to eat. The government must follow through on its policies.

‘Let people themselves testify to the impact of government policies on food, and not government declaring results when citizens cannot confirm them,’ he added.

Programme Director of the Bureau of African Labour, Human and Democratic Rights (BALHADER), Comrade Uchenna Uzoije says the moribund Southern Star Shipping and its successors- Flour Mills Nigeria Limited, Apapa Bulk Terminal Limited and their subsidiaries are still owing over 305 Nigerian Seamen deducted salaries, over half a century after.

Uchenna made this shocking revelation during a press briefing on Monday 29 September 2025 at the Akporo Community Hall, Ajegunle Apapa, Lagos.

While delivering his speech, entitled: ‘Over Half A Century Unlawful Deduction of Salaries of 305 Seafarers By NAT Scheme of Greece’, the human rights activist said all efforts to obtain justice for the hapless long-suffering ex-workers were yet to be fruitful.

Comrade Uchenna stated that the Bureau had written to the General Secretary of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), Mr. Steven Cotton, urging his intervention to recover the unlawfully withheld pension contributions deducted from salaries of the 305 Nigerian seamen by Southern Star Shipping Company between 1977 and 1982 under the Greece’s NAT scheme.

The Comrade said, though Southern Star Shipping was moribund, her successor, the Flour Mills of Nigeria, who acquired the assets and liabilities of the company should naturally take responsibilities over the entitlements of the acquired company employees.

Uchenna said: ‘Apapa Bulk Terminal operating berths 1-5 was financed by Flour Mills Limited making them equally culpable. Therefore, the numerous

denial by the Company Secretary of Apapa Bulk Terminal that their company has no business with the 305 Seafarers is totally a false statement aimed at misleading the general public.

‘Southern Star Shipping was incorporated in 1947 by Mr. George S. Cumantaros, with current address as 1370 Avenue, New York. The current President is Mr. John Coumantaros (since 2009) who succeeded his late father. In January 2025, Mr. John Coumantaros’ acquired all minority shareholders of Flours Mills making him the controller of the company.

‘The Apapa Bulk Terminal which operates Berths 1-5 of Lagos Port Complex is 100% owned by Flour Mills Nigeria Limited.

‘Also, the post-August 1978 Presidential Decree in Greece 913/1978 explicitly abolished coverage for thirdcountry nationals, making continued deductions legally unauthorized.

‘The question begging for an answer is why have the owners of Southern Star Shipping, Flour Mills, Apapa Bulk Terminal failed to remit the deducted wages in US dollars to these 305 Seafarers till date?’

Comrade Uchenna added that so far, a total number of 39 Seafarers have died and that 5 of them are critically ill as at the time of the press briefing.

He wondered how Mr. John Cumantaros and his management team were able ‘to sleep at night knowing fully well that their actions have in no small measure brought untold hardship and untimely deaths to these seafarers. The ill treatment of 305 Seafarers is ongoing despite being members of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN).’

He said that the concerned employers seemed to be getting away with the impunity because they were the ones who imposed the union leaders upon MWUN which he regarded as a violation of convention 87.

Testifying at the press briefing was Comrade Monday Young Jack, a Patron of BALHADER, stated that he worked with Southern Star Shipping for many years and that despite all appeals to the successor company to refund his wages deducted under the guise of NAT scheme of Greece, nothing has been done.

He used this medium to plead to well-meaning Nigerians to intervene by appealing to the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr. Thompson Oludare to have compassion on him about his salaries account and fixed deposit account with Heritage Bank that are already taken over by the NDIC.

‘I visited the NDIC Lagos office a total of 32 times in 2024. They always told me to come today, come tomorrow. BALHADER also wrote the former MD, Mr. Bello Hassan whose office promised to intervene. Up till now, nothing has been heard from them.

‘I served our fatherland for 54 years! Why am I being treated like nobody?’ The old man lamented.

Another member of the group, Comrade James Anoyomoh, clarified the situation concerning whether they were full time employees of Southern Star Shipping or not, as it was a contentious issue in the reply of the Company Secretary of Apapa Bulk terminal.

Comrade James stated that they were all full-time staff most of who, after seamen, worked in other subsidiaries owned by Cumantaros.

Comrade Francis Agbogbo, a member of the Professional Seafarers Association of Nigeria (PSAN), commended the ITF for the steps taken so far at seeing that justice prevails for them. He explained that the ITF recovered over $57 million in unpaid maritime wages in 2023 through its global network of 125 plus inspectors across over 100 ports in over 50 countries, demonstrating concrete enforcement capabilities applicable to pension recovery claims.

He admonished his colleagues not to lose hope that their plight shall end in praise.

The press briefing came to an end as the Labour coalition called for a speedy action from the ITF and other international bodies so as to compel Flour Mills Limited, Apapa Bulk Terminal and their subsidiaries to refund the deducted salaries of all the 305 seafarers.

In attendance at the conference were members of BALHADER executives, representatives of Over5000 Maritime Workers, representatives of PSAN and concerned Nigerians.

Davido’s longtime manager, Asa Asika, has stirred conversations online after sharing lighthearted advice about marriage and football.

In a social media post, Asa revealed how his wife made his night easier by helping him find a link to watch his favourite Champions League match.

He described the gesture as a small but meaningful win, noting that marriage goes beyond romance and thrives on everyday acts of support.

According to him, choosing a partner who understands and complements one’s lifestyle makes a big difference.

‘Marry a woman who doesn’t drag with your love for football,’ he advised.

‘That’s why we all have to marry our best friends,’ one user wrote.

Another added, ‘Having a good wife is a big W.’

In contrast, a fan joked, ‘This is nice, but I’m not getting married anytime soon.’

Media personality and disc jockey, Florence Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy, has joined in the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary with an emotional tribute to her homeland.

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Cuppy proudly declared that if given another chance at life, she would still choose to be Nigerian.

‘Èmi ni Omo Naija. My birthplace. My home. My country. Nigeria turns 65 today. Through it all, our people keep pushing, persevering, and finding joy even in the toughest times. God didn’t rush when He made us. He gave us resilience, spirit, and endless energy. In my next life, I’d still choose to be Nigerian,’ she wrote.

The billionaire heiress praised Nigerians for their resilience, strength, and ability to thrive despite numerous challenges. She noted that her national identity is central to her brand and personal values, as it allows her to carry a piece of Nigeria wherever she goes.

This is not the first time DJ Cuppy has expressed deep pride in her roots. During last year’s independence celebration, she described Nigeria as her ‘superpower’ and a ‘piece of hope.’

As the United States battles through a government shutdown, rumours have gone viral that America’s borders are now wide open for illegal immigrants. But Washington has moved quickly to shut down the claims, insisting immigration laws remain intact and border enforcement as strict as ever.

In a statement issued on X, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement stressed that immigration laws and border enforcement remain fully intact despite the shutdown.

‘There is no change to U.S. immigration laws or border enforcement. Rumors that a shutdown will allow illegal immigrants to enter the United States are false,’ the advisory stated.

The ICE clarified that border security remains strict, and anyone attempting to cross without authorization will face the full weight of the law.

The message comes amid rising speculation online that the budget standoff in Washington had created loopholes at U.S. entry points. But authorities insist the shutdown only affects funding to some government operations and has no bearing on immigration enforcement.

Crossing America’s borders without legal clearance, they warned, ‘remains a crime.’

Nollywood actress and politician’s wife, Regina Daniels, has joined in celebrating Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.

In a video shared on social media, Daniels lightheartedly noted that Nigeria is now ‘older than her husband,’ billionaire businessman and politician Ned Nwoko.

Reflecting on past Independence Day celebrations, the actress recalled fond childhood memories of parades, green-and-white outfits, and children proudly singing the national anthem.

She expressed hope that the tradition of patriotic celebrations remains alive, stressing the importance of instilling national pride in younger generations.

Attempting to sing the country’s old national anthem during the video, Daniels stumbled on some lines, laughing at her mistakes but still emphasizing her love for the patriotic exercise.

‘Nigeria is 65. that’s a big number that’s a big number it’s older than my husband so yeah But you know, guys, I remember those days when it’s independence. Like you see every kid, the street is flooded. Myself, I’m dressed in green. Everyone doing their march pass, singing national anthems. You know, I hope it’s still the same. Like that practice. Like I hope it’s still the same. The joy to celebrate your country. I just hope it’s still the same. The fact that every school would have to go somewhere to sing their national anthem, it’s just, thinking about it now, it’s ridiculously patriotic. I love it. They don’t even sing our national anthem. Nobody should laugh here. Nigerians we hail thee, our own dear native land. Though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand. Nigerians all are proud to serve our sovereign motherland. Our flag shall be a symbol. That truth and justice reigns. In peace and battle honored. And this. In peace and battle honored. And handle. Shit. The next part is to handle. And hand on to a flag to our children without stain. Guys, fu.ck off. But I’ll still post this video because I don’t have enough time to do another one. But I’ll do another video.’