Category: PM News

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga says those who have condemned the Lagos-Calabar Highway currently being constructed will be ashamed of themselves when it is completed.

Onanuga implied that the highway, a flagship infrastructure project of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, is already transforming commuting in Lagos.

In a post shared on Facebook, Onanuga described his recent experience traveling from Ajah to Isaac John Street in Ikeja, a journey that typically takes upwards of two hours during peak periods.

He said though construction is ongoing, the stretch from Ogombo to Ahmadu Bello Way has ‘greatly blessed users, slashing commuting time by more than 50 per cent.’

Onanuga wrote: ‘The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of President Bola Tinubu’s best gifts to Nigeria. Those who have condemned this historic project will be ashamed of themselves when the Tinubu administration completes the road. Though construction is ongoing, the stretch from Ogombo to Ahmadu Bello Way has greatly blessed users, slashing commuting time by more than 50 per cent.

‘On Friday morning, when I set out from Ajah to Isaac John in Ikeja, Google Maps first indicated the journey would last two and a half hours. But in a flash, it showed me an alternative route that will last just 70 minutes. I took the option and found myself on the Coastal Road. In less than 25 minutes, we arrived at the Ahmadu Bello end of the road. Except for the traffic snarl at the MRS fuel station caused by motorists queuing for Dangote petrol, the journey to Ikeja was smooth sailing.

‘We arrived in Ikeja in a record 65 minutes on a usually traffic-busy Friday. Blessed be the visioner and dreamer, and blessed be the contractors for the quality work on the road.’

The 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway could be described as among the most ambitious infrastructure projects undertaken in Nigeria in recent years. When completed, it is expected to link Lagos with coastal cities in nine states, enhancing connectivity, boosting commerce, and easing congestion in key urban areas.

The Kogi Police Command and banks are in strong synergy to counter any emerging financial security threats in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the synergy followed a collaborative discussion the command had with the members of bankers forum on Friday in Lokoja.

The commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Miller Dantawaye said the move was meant to address security concerns and also in enhance preparation for high-risk periods like Christmas and Sallah.

He said that it also provided avenues for both parties to review and improve on existing security strategies to counter emerging security threats.

He emphasised the importance of installing and maintaining effective CCTV system in and around banking premises to provide continuous monitoring.

‘There’s need for preventive measures against potential threats and ensure safety during the yuletide period.

‘As a forum, you need to ensure adequate police escorts for cash -in- transit and a stronger police presence in banking areas.

‘Again, deployment of armed security guards to patrol the bank premises, creating a strong visual deterrent against criminal activities is vital, ‘ he said.

Dantawaye warned the forum against compromising the security in and around the banking sector.

According to him, there is need for improved collaboration between the Police and the bankers forum to create a more secured financial environment.

NAN reports that the meeting had in attendance, members of the command’s management team, and representative of bankers forum, who represented the collective interest of the banking industry in the state.

Beninese-French singer-songwriter and Grammy-award winning icon, Angélique Kidjo, has praised Nigerian Afrobeats star, Rema.

The singer lauded Rema for his global success, stating that he embodies the global takeover of the Afrobeats genre of music.

While speaking about the artist’s latest honor, the TIME 100 Next honors, Kidjo revealed her love for Rema’s song, stating that it reflects African originality.

‘I fell in love with Rema’s Calm Down. It has a unique flow and feel, not mimicking Western pop,’ Kidjo wrote. ‘It is rooted in Africa but also catchy and virtuosic. I love to sing it. The young Nigerian superstar has accomplished so much. Rema is the embodiment of the international success of Afrobeats. Thanks to artists like him, African music is at the forefront of global culture,’ she wrote on Instagram.

Rema in turn, responded to the praises with a comment on the post.

Gratitude Queen. I’m honored,’ he wrote.

Jumia, Africa’s leading e-commerce platform, has been recognised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) for its dedication to consumer rights and service excellence.

The company received the Consumer-Friendly Business Award at the maiden edition of the Consumer Service Week Awards 2025, held on Tuesday, September 30, at Adeyemi Bero Hall, Alausa, Ikeja.

The event, themed ‘Fairness, Transparency, and Trust: Strengthening Consumer Confidence in the Marketplace,’ celebrated organisations that promote ethical business practices and safeguard consumer confidence.

Jumia was honoured for its seamless shopping experience, transparent return and refund policies, and responsive customer support.

Marilyn Oruwari, COO of Jumia Nigeria, described the recognition as a validation of the company’s customer-first approach:

‘Everything begins with the customer, from building digital tools that make shopping safer to resolving issues swiftly and fairly. This award reflects our team’s passion for innovation and integrity.’

LASCOPA said the award was designed to encourage consumer-friendly practices while spotlighting companies that uphold fairness, trust, and accountability.

Over the years, Jumia has strengthened consumer protection through educational campaigns, efficient dispute resolution, and after-sales support-efforts that not only safeguard shoppers but also advance Nigeria’s digital economy.

Oruwari added that Jumia remains committed to leveraging technology and transparency to make everyday life easier for Nigerians.

Contentions over leadership of opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives has assumed a new dimension with the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, filing a suit to stop alleged plan to remove him from office.

Some opposition lawmakers have faulted Chinda’s leadership, accusing him of being one of the reasons they have not been able to live up to the expectations of checking activities of the ruling party in the Green chamber, a situation that has resulted in the legislature being tagged a ‘rubber stamp’ to the executive.

Specifically, the minority leadership under Chinda has been accused of being overly cozy with the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, a situation which has rendered it unable to hold the ruling party accountable on pressing issues affecting Nigerians like crippling hardship, rampant insecurity, and widespread corruption.

Also, Chinda has been accused of refusal to convene any meeting of the Minority Caucus meeting since the inauguration of the 10th House of Representatives over two years ago.

He has also been criticized by his colleagues for granting media interviews that contradict the collectively agreed position of the PDP, and for allowing the Minority Caucus to be perceived as a lame duck Assembly.

Thus, there have been speculations that key opposition lawmakers are gearing up to demand for the removal of Chinda as their leader when the House resumes from its vacation next Tuesday, October 7.

However, having gotten wind of the move, Hon. Chinda has filed a suit against the speculated plan to remove him.

The Minority Leader named the National Assembly, House of Representatives, the Clerk, the Speaker and all minority parties, as defendants in the suit.

In the court document dated September 15, 2025, Hon. Chinda is seeking an injunction to restrain the defendants (the National Assembly, House of Representatives, Speaker of the House, all minority parties and Clerk of the House) and their agents from removing him as Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

The Rivers lawmaker alleged in the suit, according to the court documents, that the opposition against him was because of his close association with Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State.

Wike is notably the only PDP member in President Bola Tinubu’s APC-led cabinet.

However, some opposition lawmakers have faulted the suit, describing it as attempt at self-preservation that failed to take into consideration the collective good of the legislature and essence of opposition voice in a democracy.

The opposition lawmakers likened the suit to a classic case of the guilty fearing accountability.

By rushing to court, Hon. Chinda may be attempting to buy time and stall the removal process, allowing the Minority Leadership to mobilize resources to compromise the process.

Already, it’s alleged that some members, especially from PDP and Labour Party are being wooed with between $2000 and $5000 not to endorse the removal of the Minority Leader.

Despite this, opposition lawmakers have expressed concerns that the current minority leadership’s apparent compromise and collusion with the ruling party undermine their ability to provide effective oversight and hold the government accountable. This has raised doubts about their commitment to genuine opposition objectives and the interests of the people.

Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has expressed deep concern over the growing trend of Nigerian children, especially those of Igbo heritage, who can no longer speak their native languages.

The actor described the situation as a ‘failure that must be corrected,’ stressing the urgent need for parents to prioritize indigenous language preservation at home.

In a post shared on his official Facebook page, Edochie lamented that many Igbo children today struggle to communicate fluently in their mother tongue due to parental neglect.

‘Many of us who are Igbos, our children cannot speak Igbo. It’s a failure on our part that must be corrected moving forward,’ he wrote.

His remarks have since sparked heated debate across social media, with some users backing his call for cultural revival, while others argued that the dominance of English in schools and society has made it difficult for children to learn their native dialects.

Edochie further stressed the importance of embracing Omenaani (traditional customs), describing ancestors as ‘guardian angels’ and urging Nigerians to return to their cultural roots.

Bukayo Saka could hold the key to England’s World Cup hopes as Thomas Tuchel prepares to name his latest squad.

The Arsenal star, returning from a hamstring injury, has only featured once under Tuchel, in England’s 3-1 loss to Senegal in June. But he showed signs of his old self this week, scoring for Arsenal in their 2-0 win over Olympiacos.

Saka’s 12 goals for England make him the third-highest scorer in the squad behind Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford, and Tuchel is keen to integrate him back into the side ahead of crucial qualifiers and friendlies.

The 24-year-old occupies the right-wing position, a spot where he remains ahead of younger options like Noni Madueke, who is unavailable for this camp due to injury. With just three international breaks left before World Cup preparations, Saka’s experience and attacking threat make him central to Tuchel’s plans.

While minutes may be shared in midfield with returning star Jude Bellingham, Saka’s role on the right appears secure. Tuchel’s challenge will be balancing fitness, form, and squad chemistry as he builds what he hopes will be his best XI before the World Cup.

The upcoming fixtures – a friendly against Wales and a World Cup qualifier against Latvia – will give Tuchel the chance to see Saka back in action and determine how the England side shapes up around him.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s one-day state visit to Imo State on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, was warmly received by the people of Imo State and the Southeast region. The visit provided an opportunity for open dialogue with Igbo leaders of thought at the 6,000-capacity Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Center, which the President commissioned after inaugurating projects executed by Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration in Imo State. Among these projects were the Assumpta Cathedral Twin Flyover and the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia Interststate road.

The master of ceremony, comedian, and Eze-elect, Chief Okey Bakassi, set the tone of the event while welcoming the President to Imo State. ‘Ndigbo are the cement that holds the Nigerian nation together through their industrial and economic activities all over the country,’ he said. He continued with a common joke that any town one visits and does not find an Igbo person is considered uninhabitable.

The joke was met with thunderous applause from the guests in the hall. Such jokes serve as important reminders, especially in today’s climate where it appears Ndigbo are under threat. Recently, their businesses and assets have come under attack, as seen in the demolitions at Trade Fair Market in Lagos, shops at Mandilas on Lagos Island, and ongoing demolitions of estates in parts of Lekki and other areas in Lagos.

When he took the podium to welcome the President and guests, and to speak about his book: A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria, host Governor Senator Hope Uzodinma acknowledged that ‘reforms are hard, painful, and sometimes misunderstood. They are also necessary and the only path to long-term prosperity.’

He praised President Tinubu for his visionary and determined leadership, stating, ‘None of the achievements and developments in his book happened in a vacuum. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has led with clarity, making brave decisions that others might avoid, and allowing states to flourish. The reforms he has championed are not easy, but they are already producing results that Nigerians can feel. For this, I extend my deepest gratitude-on behalf of myself and millions who now see hope where there was only despair.’ He added that Ndi Imo have resolved to support President Tinubu for a second term in 2027 because of the ‘transformative impact of his government on the lives of Imo people.’

In his remarks, President Tinubu expressed his love for Ndigbo and reaffirmed that his administration is committed to fostering shared prosperity and social justice. ‘The Nigerian economy has turned the corner,’ he said.

Continuing, he said that the projects inaugurated by him and constructed by the government of Governor Hope Uzodinma are more than brick and mortar. ‘They are symbols of progress, resilience, and a shared commitment to unity. They represent our Renewed Hope Agenda in action, which is about connecting communities, shared prosperity, opening new frontiers of opportunity, and showing that no part of Nigeria will be left behind’.

President Tinubu said that the last decade was a time of change, and the coming decade will be one of renewal and stability. ‘Together, Nigeria will win’, he remarked.

He said that there is no religious persecution in Nigeria. ‘Our churches, mosques, and the Nigerian people of all walks of life, will keep standing side by side, not as rivals but as pillars of the unity that binds us. Outsiders must never define us; we will stand together, protect every citizen, and prove that our diversity is not our weakness, it is our greatest strength’.

Concluding, President Tinubu reeled out the achievements of his two-year administration; ‘With steady reforms, our economy is turning the corner: growth at 4.23% in Q2, inflation at its lowest in three years, external reserves at $42bn, and exports surging. These are not abstract numbers. they show Nigerians are producing, competing, and building a nation of pride and purpose’. ‘Nke anyi ga-eme, ga-adi mma. What we do together will endure in goodness’, he thundered.

Many expect that President Tinubu and his government will address some concerns raised by attendees, including perceptions of neglect of the Southeast in political appointments and infrastructural development. The unsettled Mazi Nnamdi Kanu issue continues to trouble Ndigbo, and the ongoing demolitions of property owned by Ndigbo in Lagos demand urgent presidential intervention.

President Tinubu understands the pain of being denied equal opportunities and social justice. He fought against military oppression during the NADECO days, which led to his exile. As Lagos State Governor, he faced federal persecution when President Olusegun Obasanjo withheld federal funds meant for Lagos. Even before the 2023 elections, he battled internal party forces trying to block his emergence as the APC candidate.

I believe President Tinubu should take decisive steps to address these concerns, which would help calm nerves and reassure Ndigbo of his commitment as the father of the nation. He has shown love for the Igbo nation in the past. For example, during the Igu-Aro festival in Enugwu-Ukwu, under the reign of Igwe Osita Agwuna, President Tinubu, then Lagos State Governor, was among the guests at Obu Ofor Nri.

He explained to journalists that he chose to honour the invitation from Ndi Enugwu-Ukwu over attending his cousin’s wedding because of his deep respect for Igbo culture and his longstanding relationship with Ndigbo. He facilitated the appointment of Ndigbo into his cabinet and in his successor Babatunde Fashola’s cabinet.

Ndigbo would like President Tinubu to fully accept Ndigbo as long-term partners in Nigeria’s development, recognizing their role as vital contributors to the nation’s growth.

Dr. Uche Nworah is a public affairs analyst and wrote in from Abuja.

English Football League assistant referee Gareth Viccars has been jailed for more than 13 years after admitting to a series of child sexual offences involving teenage girls he groomed online.

Viccars, 47, who officiated in the EFL and FA Cup, targeted three 15-year-old girls between November 2021 and October 2024.

Using Snapchat, he lied about his identity, claiming to be a teacher and built emotional connections with the victims before engaging them in sexual communication and arranging meetings.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court, Judge Caroline English described his behaviour as ‘predatory and deliberate,’ noting that he sought out vulnerable teenagers and manipulated them for his own gratification.

She sentenced him to 13½ years in custody with a 3½-year extended licence period, warning that Viccars posed a continuing risk to young girls.

Prosecutors revealed that Viccars sent hundreds of sexualised messages and voice notes, exploiting the victims’ trust and convincing them to keep their interactions secret.

On one occasion, he was said to have nearly isolated a victim from her peers and family through his manipulation.

During the proceedings, the court heard how the abuse left the teenagers traumatised. One victim described feeling ‘trapped and confused,’ while another said she feared nobody would believe her if she spoke out.

In addition to his prison term, Viccars has been placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and made subject to a sexual harm prevention order.

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which oversees referees in the professional leagues, confirmed he was immediately suspended and struck off their list once allegations surfaced.

The organisation condemned his actions, stating that his conduct was ‘abhorrent and incompatible with the values of football.’

The Metropolitan Police believe Viccars may have had other victims and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

‘This case is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online grooming,’ said Detective Inspector John Stevens.

‘Viccars exploited his position of trust and authority in sport to prey on vulnerable young girls. We urge anyone who may have been affected to contact us in confidence.’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent a goodwill message in which he assured the world of Nigeria’s commitment to sustainability and clean energy. Besides, he praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the various sponsors for making the race a reality.

He said Lagos is making history as the host of the E1 Lagos GP, as the first city in Africa to host the powerboat racing championship, joining the ranks of Monaco, London, Jeddah and Venice.

President Tinubu, in his goodwill message on the E1 Lagos GP on Friday, said the event underscores his administration’s commitment to the blue economy as a catalyst for growth.

Tinubu said Nigeria is ready to lead in the great transition to clean energy and sustainable prosperity, noting that ‘By investing in our coastal infrastructure, marine tourism, and renewable energy, we create jobs, open new opportunities for youth, and strengthen Nigeria’s place in the global community.’

He said: ‘I am excited because, despite being Nigeria’s President; a job that I am truly honoured and privileged to have, I remain a proud Lagosian. The state is, once again, affirming its place as a bold, forward-looking city and a gateway to innovation, technology and global sporting excellence.

‘This championship is not merely a thrilling spectacle on water but a statement of intent. The E1 Powerboat series combines world-class entertainment with clean energy innovation, showcasing electric-power vessels that point the way to a greener and more sustainable future.

‘As a nation committed to renewable energy and environmental stewardship, Nigeria welcomes this pioneering event as a fitting complement to our drive toward a low-carbon economy.

‘Lagos, the cultural capital of Nigeria, the heartbeat of our economy, and a symbol of our resilience, is the perfect host. Its vibrant waterways and dynamic people embody the spirit of competition, creativity and hospitality.

‘I commend Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, his team, and all partners, particularly the E1 and sponsors of this event, for the vision and hard work that made this possible.’

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the event at Lagos Boat Club, Ikoyi, Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that President Tinubu, who is currently in Lagos, is excited about the E1 Lagos GP, and he has made known his readiness to watch the participating team during the final of the competition on Sunday in front of his private residence in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the championship underscores his administration’s commitment to sustainability, highlights its capacity to host world-class events and demonstrates the remarkable potential of Lagos waterways.

He said: ‘For us in Lagos, the E1 Lagos GP, the first to be held in Africa, is a befitting accolade to a sports-loving people and a government that knows the place of sports in human development.

‘E1 Lagos GP is more than a race; it is a celebration of Lagos’ dynamism. The Spirit of Lagos. Besides, it is a vivid testimony of our growing influence and energy.’

The E1 Lagos GP kick-started on Friday with a boat regatta led by Governor Sanwo-Olu and other State Government officials. It was followed by a shakedown on water by the competing teams.