Category: PM News

The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has described corruption as Nigeria’s biggest stumbling block to development, even as the nation marked its 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Debo Adeniran, CACOL congratulated Nigerians for their resilience in sustaining democracy and nationhood despite decades of misrule.

However, the group lamented that the country’s story since independence had largely been one of ‘squandered opportunities, stunted growth, and unfulfilled potential.’

‘Since 1960, Nigeria has been blessed with abundant human and material resources, yet cursed by successive governments that have failed to manage them prudently. Corruption has remained the major albatross to our national development,’ Adeniran said.

The organisation pointed to how nations like Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea, which gained independence around the same period, have become economic powers, while Nigeria remains trapped in underdevelopment due to entrenched corruption.

CACOL listed the fallout of corruption as insecurity, poverty, infrastructural decay, unemployment, and an economy in perpetual crisis.

It cited a string of scandals ranging from fuel subsidy fraud to pension scams, arms procurement diversions, and the looting of COVID-19 palliatives as evidence of systemic rot.

The group called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight, demanding stronger independence for the EFCC, ICPC, and the judiciary, as well as the prosecution of corrupt officials without political bias.

It also urged that recovered loot be channelled into education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation.

‘True independence is not just about lowering the colonial flag. It is about liberating citizens from oppression, deprivation, and corruption,’ Adeniran stressed.

CACOL added that Nigerians themselves must take responsibility by demanding accountability from leaders and refusing to glorify looters.

‘Nigeria at 65 must not continue to crawl when others are running. If we confront corruption with seriousness, our nation can still rise to greatness,’ the statement read.

The Yoruba traditional institution, once upheld as the custodian of tradition and moral compass of society, is facing a new kind of storm, not from rival kingdoms but from the era of ‘ring lights’ and social media ‘clout chase’.

The recent rift between the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, has shifted what was once sacred royal discussion into hot topics for online in-laws and netizens.

In an Instagram video on Tuesday, Oluwo claimed that the Ooni conspired to ‘set him up’ through his estranged Canadian wife, Chanel Chin, whom he divorced in 2019.

According to him, the marriage was orchestrated as a plot to end his reign and even his life. He further claimed that the Ooni accommodated and lodged her in hotels after their separation.

What once would have been resolved within palace walls is now broadcast through smartphones, ring lights, and livestreams, leaving social media users as the new jury in matters of royal dignity.

Since ascending the Iwo throne, Oba Akanbi has been outspoken critic of the Ooni’s authority.

In 2018, he accused Ooni’s bodyguards of humiliating him during a public event in Port Harcourt, an incident the Ooni’s palace firmly denied. Later, he controversially argued that an Iwo prince could become Ooni, citing ancestral ties to Oduduwa.

In 2020, he was suspended for six months by the Osun State Council of Obas after a public altercation with another monarch. He dismissed the suspension as void but eventually accepted it.

More recently, in September, the Oluwo declared that Ile-Ife is not the origin of the Yoruba race. ‘Ife has no Yoruba culture,’ he said in a Facebook broadcast, adding that Iwo holds the ‘real history of the race.’

This statement stirred a response from Ife, with Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, stating that ‘no reasonable person will react to Oluwo’s comments.’

The Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ekiti, Oba Akinwande Ogundana, warned that Oluwo’s frequent derogatory remarks could undermine the sanctity of revered stools. ‘The Oluwo should be called to order,’ he urged.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke also cautioned monarchs against ‘acts capable of creating discord,’ stressing their roles as custodians of peace.

‘We cannot afford a situation where royal fathers are seen openly fighting one another,’ he said in a statement.

Once upon a time, kings settled disputes in palaces; today, they settle them on Instagram. What happened to the sacred thrones? If kings are fighting online like influencers, who then settles disputes in society?

Tragedy struck in Bauchi as police confirmed the death of a 24-year-old woman, Fatima Salihu Mohamed,m days after she was declared missing.

The Bauchi State Police Command said Fatima was last seen on September 24 when she left home to buy groceries at Birshin Fulani but never returned. Her father, Salihu Mohammed Chimo, 62, lodged a missing person report the following day at the ‘E’ Divisional Police Headquarters.

Police spokesperson, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, said detectives and surveillance experts were deployed to trace her whereabouts.

A breakthrough came when the village head of Birshin Fulani relayed a report from one Bashar Adamu, who discovered a decomposing body on his father’s maize farm near the Federal Polytechnic Staff Quarters. Detectives led by CSP Yahaya Yunusa later confirmed the corpse to be that of the missing Fatima.

She was found with her shopping bags and groceries by her side. Her body was taken to the Federal Polytechnic clinic, where a medical practitioner confirmed her death before it was released to her family for burial.

Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered a homicide team to investigate the case thoroughly.

According to Wakil, the commissioner assured that the inquiry will be evidence-driven to ensure justice is served.

Manchester City were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against AS Monaco in a pulsating Champions League encounter that had everything, goals, controversy, VAR drama, and missed chances.

Erling Haaland once again proved decisive for City, scoring twice with trademark finishing.

The Norwegian opened the scoring in the 15th minute, controlling a cross from Josko Gvardiol before firing into the roof of the net.

He doubled his tally just before half-time, rising highest to head home Phil Foden’s delivery, giving Pep Guardiola’s men a 2-1 advantage at the interval.

Monaco, however, showed remarkable resilience. Jordan Teze levelled in the 18th minute with a thunderous strike from the edge of the box.

But the night’s defining moment came in the dying stages. In the 86th minute, Eric Dier went down under a challenge inside City’s penalty area.

Initially waved away, the incident was later reviewed by VAR. Referee Jesus Manzano overturned his decision and awarded Monaco a spot-kick, which Dier coolly dispatched in the 90th minute to ensure a share of the spoils.

The match was littered with missed opportunities and near misses. Tijjani Reijnders rattled the crossbar, Bernardo Silva saw a goal-line clearance deny him, while Haaland narrowly missed a hat-trick.

On the opposite end, Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a string of vital saves, keeping out Maghnes Akliouche and Folarin Balogun.

Tensions ran high throughout, with Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Savinho all booked for dissent and rough challenges, while Monaco’s Krepin Diatta also saw yellow.

For Guardiola, it was a night of frustration as City dominated possession but failed to convert their superiority into victory.

Nigerian reality star Cross Okonkwo, popularly known as Cross Da Boss, is officially engaged.

The former Big Brother Naija housemate popped the question to his girlfriend, Chinonso, in a romantic ceremony attended by friends and a few former BBNaija stars.

Following the proposal, the couple celebrated with an intimate dinner alongside their guests.

Sharing the moment on Snapchat, Cross wrote: ‘Guys, my love of my life said yes.’

The engagement marks a new chapter for the reality star as he and Chinonso begin their journey towards marriage.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on state governments and local councils to play an active role in consolidating the country’s reforms, stressing that nation-building must be a shared responsibility across all tiers of government.

The President, in his Independence broadcast to the nation, acknowledged the temporary pains citizens had endured due to economic reforms but insisted that they were necessary to prevent national collapse.

‘Fellow Nigerians, I have always candidly acknowledged that these reforms have come with some temporary pains. The biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living remain a significant concern to our government.

‘However, the alternative of allowing our country to descend into economic chaos or bankruptcy was not an option. Our macro-economic progress has proven that our sacrifices have not been in vain. Together, we are laying a new foundation cast in concrete, not on quicksand,’ he said.

Tinubu explained that the true measure of success would not be found in abstract figures, but in tangible improvements in daily life.

‘The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to economic statistics alone, but rather in the food on our families’ tables, the quality of education our children receive, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities.

‘Let me assure you of our administration’s determination to ensure that the resources we have saved and the stability we have built are channelled into these critical areas. Today, the governors at the state level, and the local government autonomy are yielding more developments,’ he noted.

Turning his message into a rallying call, the President urged sub-nationals to actively complement federal efforts in driving productivity and innovation.

‘On this 65th Anniversary of Our Independence, my message is hope and a call to action. The federal government will continue to do its part to fix the plumbing in our economy. Now, we must all turn on the taps of productivity, innovation, and enterprise.

‘In this regard, I urge the sub-national entities to join us in nation-building. Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. Let us patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say Nigeria first. Let us pay our taxes,’ he declared.

Reiterating his faith in the resilience of Nigerians and the country’s vast potential, Tinubu appealed for unity of purpose.

‘Finally, let all hands be on deck. Let us believe, once more, in the boundless potential of our great nation. With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here,’ he said..

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday said the All Progressives Congress (APC) saved Nigeria country from collapse during the 10 years it has been in power so far in the country.

Tinubu said this in Owerri at the presentation of a book entitled: ‘One Decade of Progressive, Impactful Leadership in Nigeria.’

The forum held at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre.

Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo authored the book.

The president upon arrival in the state had inaugurated the 120 km Owerri – Umuahia Road, the Assumpta twin flyover as well as the 10,000 capacity Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Conference Centre.

In a speech, Tinubu said the book launch was significant as it reflected the collective efforts and sacrifices of progressive minds over the past 10 years, starting with late President Muhammadu Buhari.

He commended Uzodimma for his thoughtfulness, vision and achievements in infrastructure and for taking up the challenge of writing the book.

‘By recording the milestones and struggles of the 10 years we have gone through, he has given Nigeria a gift.

‘No nation can afford to forget its own journey and for which no leader should escape the beauty of confidence,’ he stated.

The president expressed confidence that Nigeria was no longer where it was 10 years ago under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said following the stabilisation of the nation’s economy, it grew by 4.23 per cent in the second quarter of the year.

Tinubu said: ‘That growth is with purpose, not just on paper. It is real growth.

‘Inflation has fallen to 20.12 per cent in August, the lowest in more than three years.

‘You may not feel it yet. Be patient. I thank you for your endurance, patience and perseverance.

‘Nigeria is changing for the better and you will feel the better days.’

He added that the nation’s external reserve currently stood at 42.03 billion US Dollars, the highest since 2019.

Tinubu noted that it was proof that the country was regaining its strength and credibility in the global economy.

‘Our trade surplus rose by more than 44 per cent in the last quarter while manufacture export surged by 173 per cent.

‘These numbers speak of a Nigeria that is producing, exporting, and competing more than ever before,’ he said.

He said the Naira had steadied under the exchange reform with new investment flows restoring confidence in the economy.

The president urged critics to have confidence in the progressive government, assuring them that the economy would eventually work for all Nigerians.

He debunked reports that religious persecution was thriving in the country, insisting rather of religious harmony among Nigerians.

‘The last decade was a time of change, the coming decade will be an era of renewal and stability that will ensure victory for the country,’ he said.

Tinubu lauded Uzodimma for his commitment and scholarship as well as the people of the state for the warm hospitality accorded him in the state.

In his remarks, Uzodimma said the book offered an ‘honest writing’ on APC’s journey in government from 2015 to 2025, detailing its milestones, challenges and lessons.

He further described the work as ‘a reference point for where the party has been and a guide for where we must go.’

The governor said he was inspired by curiosity and a duty to document APC’s performance after 10 years in office.

‘The party inherited a fragile economy, deep security challenges, and a weary citizenry,’ he noted.

He acknowledged that Tinubu’s ‘pragmatic ideas and decisive leadership inspired many of the chapters.’

Uzodimma recounted the president’s role as the ‘arrow head’ in the 2013 formation of the APC, which ‘ousted an incumbent government in 2015.’

He praised Tinubu’s ‘courage and clarity’ for shaping the progressive family and carrying the country through transitions.

‘His ideas and his persistence shaped the progressive family,’ the governor stated.

Uzodimma expressed surprise at the ‘depth and seriousness’ of the party’s efforts, which he said ‘doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves.’

The governor stressed the party was built on values ‘equity, inclusion, service and discipline.’

He said that events since the book’s May 2025 finalisation showed ‘tangible progress,’ including inflation dropping and the Naira regaining stability.

The governor cited a trade surplus for six consecutive quarters, which stood at over five trillion naira in the first quarter of the year.

For Imo, Uzodimma reported an ‘infrastructure renaissance’ and investments in people, proudly stating that Imo workers are ‘happier today than they were some years ago.’

Uzodimma called on all Nigerians to ‘rally behind this progressive extraordinaire, President Bola Tinubu, in 2027.’

Earlier, the National Chairman of APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said the party had proved that Nigeria needed more than previous political party had offered.

Yilwatda praised Uzodimma’s leadership and intellectual commitment, stating that he had through the book shown himself as a ‘stabiliser, chronicler and conscience of the progressive journey.’

The chairman also praised Tinubu for ushering a leadership that opened a new era for bold decisions that had transformed the nation’s economy.

In separate remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Obi of Onitsha congratulated Uzodimma over the book, describing the effort as a great service to the nation.

On October 1, 2025, Google celebrated Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day with a special doodle on its homepage.

The design used Nigeria’s green-white-green flag colours and featured an eagle. When clicked, the doodle showed key facts and milestones about Nigeria’s history.

In his Independence Day speech, President Bola Tinubu said he is confident that Nigeria’s economy is recovering. He noted that the country’s GDP grew by 4.23% in the second quarter – the best in four years. Inflation has dropped to 20.12%, foreign reserves are rising, and oil production has improved.

Tinubu also announced that the government has shared ?330 billion with eight million poor households through its social investment programme. He promised more work on roads, power, and other infrastructure.

The President urged Nigerians to live in peace, tolerate one another, and work together, saying that differences are normal but should not stop progress.

Maritime stakeholders have commended the Federal Government for approving and rolling out the Marine and Blue Economy Policy.

They shared their views on Wednesday in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary.

Highlighting the policy’s significance, they described the policy and the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as a turning point for the maritime sector.

The Marine and Blue Economy Policy was hailed as a landmark initiative expected to unlock Nigeria’s ocean resources for economic growth.

Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Mr Kingsley Igwe, praised the government’s foresight in creating the new ministry.

He noted that President Bola Tinubu recognised the value of the sector and acted swiftly to give it direction.

‘Before now, there was no clear roadmap for the maritime industry. Today, with this policy, we have direction, structure, and vision,’ Igwe said.

He added that the minister’s action plan, presented during World Maritime Organisation Day on Sept. 25, showed how Nigeria would generate revenue from its ocean resources.

Igwe also applauded efforts to secure Nigeria a seat in Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), calling it a step towards global maritime recognition.

He stressed that such recognition would elevate Nigeria as a leading African maritime nation and strengthen its voice in global shipping governance.

Beyond fishing, Igwe said Nigeria’s maritime sector now spans tourism and energy, which he described as a major leap forward in 65 years of independence.

Chairman of Global Transport Policy, Dr Olusegun Musa, urged that the policy be test-run for at least ten years to ensure adjustments and measurable results.

According to him, Nigeria had lost valuable time through inconsistent policies, abandoned investments, and lack of automation in port operations.

‘In Nigeria, we once had shipping capacity but abandoned it. Now, we are trying to revive it,’ Musa said.

He stressed the importance of port automation, international standards, and an enabling environment for investors, including disbursement of long-delayed funds such as the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF).

Amb. Florentina Ukonga, a maritime diplomat, congratulated Nigeria at 65 and stressed the country’s untapped maritime potential.

She said Nigeria’s youthful population, if properly guided, could harness maritime opportunities and position the nation as a dominant player in Africa’s blue economy.

Similarly, President of the Master Mariners Association of Nigeria (MMAN), Capt. Tajudeen Alao, said the policy would create opportunities for biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.

He urged the government to support indigenous shipping lines to fly Nigeria’s flag and strengthen its presence in the Gulf of Guinea.

‘There is hope that Nigeria’s Blue Economy will become a hub in Africa,’ Alao said, noting the importance of securing the IMO Category C seat.

He added that Nigeria must prioritise exports and value addition rather than depending on imports, to boost industries and improve gross domestic product.

The MMAN president also stressed the importance of biodiversity treaties, which would enable Nigeria to create marine protected areas and harness resources beyond national jurisdiction.

Alao called on investors to acquire vessels that would provide Nigerian cadets with sea time and international exposure.

He recalled that earlier generations of Nigerian shipowners had made remarkable contributions, which he said could be replicated if the CVFF is transparently disbursed.

The Flying Eagles will be aiming for victory against Saudi Arabia on Matchday 2 in the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile, after a painful loss to Norway in their first group game on Monday.

Despite dominating the game and creating a number of opportunities, the seven-time African champions were unlucky not to have equalized in the second half of the encounter, and probably taken the three points.

On two occasions, their appeals for penalty awards were turned down by the referee.

Victory against Saudi Arabia will put the two-time World Cup runners-up in a good position to qualify for the championship’s Round of 16, ahead of their clash with Colombia on Sunday.

Head Coach Aliyu Zubair is upbeat his wards have shaken off the defeat against Norway as their attention has shifted towards the confrontation with Saudi Arabia, to ensure the team gets the desired result.

With the availability of all key players, Coach Zubair may stick to his usual 4-3-3 formation with more focus on attack and ball possession.

Israel Ayuma, Daniel Daga and Charles Agada have all been booked and will have to play with caution to avoid missing the last group game against the Colombians.