Category: PM News

Comedian Emmanuel Ejekwu, popularly known as Sabinus, has opened up on the long road to getting his father’s approval for his career in comedy.

Speaking in an interview with VJ Adams, Sabinus revealed that his father strongly opposed his decision to become a comedian, insisting he study Law instead.

According to him, his father pushed repeatedly for a Law degree, but after several unsuccessful attempts at securing admission, he settled for Linguistics and Communication Studies at the University of Port Harcourt. It was there he discovered his comedy talent and began creating skits all without his father’s knowledge.

Sabinus said he kept his comedy hustle hidden throughout his university years. The truth only came out a year after his graduation, when his father saw his face on posters advertising comedy shows.

“He was very angry. He said, ‘Which comedy? Stupid business. Look at the boy I sent to become a lawyer,'” Sabinus recalled.

He noted that the turning point came when money started coming in. As he began supporting the family financially and gaining national recognition, his father’s resistance softened.

“It was when he started seeing the success and how I was helping out at home that he finally accepted,” he said.

Sabinus, who rose to fame through viral skits on social media, said his experience mirrors that of many young Nigerians whose parents push them toward traditional professions like Law, Medicine, or Engineering.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Europe-based Airbus has ordered urgent repairs on some 6,000 aircraft in the A320 family, more than half the global fleet, after a safety-critical software flaw threatened flight-control reliability.

The recall follows a serious mid-air incident involving a JetBlue Airways A320 on 30 October, when the jet experienced a sudden, uncommanded loss of altitude en route from Cancun to Newark.

Several passengers were injured before the aircraft made an emergency landing in Tampa, Florida. Investigators traced the fault to corruption of flight-control data, apparently triggered by intense solar radiation affecting the aircraft’s electronic systems.

In response, regulators led by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued an emergency airworthiness directive requiring carriers to revert affected jets to a proven older software version or install hardware safeguards before any further flights.

“Analysis of a recent event involving an A320 Family aircraft has revealed that intense solar radiation may corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls,” Airbus said in its statement.

The recall has sent shock waves across global aviation, forcing carriers to ground large portions of their A320-family fleets while maintenance teams roll out the fix.

In the United States, American Airlines, the world’s largest A320 operator, initially said some 340 of its 480 A320 jets would need the update. By late Friday the number was revised to 209, with most expected to be fixed overnight.

In Asia, airlines including IndiGo and Air India reported hundreds of A320s grounded. IndiGo’s regulator confirmed 338 aircraft were affected, though over half had received the update by Sunday.

Carriers like Jetstar in Australia cancelled roughly 90 flights after grounding 34 affected A320s.

irbus warned early on that the recall would “lead to operational disruptions to passengers and customers.”

Technically, the fix is not complicated, airlines must revert to a previous software version, a job that typically takes about two hours per aircraft.

In many cases, this can be done during overnight maintenance or between flights.

However, the sheer scale of the recall, affecting thousands of jets, combined with high holiday-season travel demand, means that scheduling, hangar availability, and coordination challenges threaten to produce widespread delays and cancellations for days.

In some worst-case scenarios, affected jets may also require hardware modifications, which could keep them grounded for weeks.

The A320 family, the backbone of short- to medium-haul aviation worldwide, remains grounded in large numbers. With more than 11,000 A320-family jets in service globally, the disruption touches major carriers in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Passengers may face flight delays, cancellations or rescheduling. Affected airlines are offering rebooking, refunds or alternate routing.

Airbus has reassured the public that safety is the top priority. The company apologised for the inconvenience and pledged to work closely with airlines to restore normal service as quickly as possible.

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately release 27 houses earlier seized by the commission over alleged links to unlawful activities.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the order while delivering judgment in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/348/2025, which was originally filed by the EFCC.

The anti-graft agency had obtained an interim forfeiture order on March 13, claiming the properties were acquired with proceeds of crime. Following the publication of the order in The Punch on April 4, James Ikechukwu Okwete and his firm, Jamec West African Limited, laid claim to 26 of the properties. Another claimant, Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo, asserted ownership of House No. 12, Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja.

They all filed objections to the EFCC’s bid for a final forfeiture order. In a judgment delivered on October 31, Justice Abdulmalik upheld their objections, dismissed the EFCC’s application, set aside the earlier interim forfeiture order, and directed the commission to release the properties without delay.

The judge ruled that Okwete’s affidavit to show cause had “merit,” adding that the EFCC did not object to Oladapo’s claim to the Wuse property. “I forthwith set aside and vacate in its entirety the interim order of forfeiture granted on March 13, 2025,” she held.

She further declared the EFCC’s motion for final forfeiture “otiose.”

Despite the court’s clear orders, counsel to Okwete and Jamec Ltd, Serekowei Larry (SAN), has petitioned the EFCC Chairman, alleging non-compliance by the agency.

In a letter dated November 27, Larry reminded the commission that the judgment delivered in the presence of EFCC counsel, led by Maryam Hayatudeen, had not been obeyed.

By Nehru Odeh

Prince Yemisi Shyllon, philanthropist and the largest collector of art in Africa, has given a facelift to the exhibition hall at the National Museum of Unity in Ibadan. Shyllon, who recently donated a life-size statue of educationist Tai Solarin to the Tai Solarin University of Education , commissioned the refurbished exhibition hall at the museum in Aleshinloye, Ibadan on Thursday November 27, 2025.

It’s important to note that Shyllon has impacted numerous lives and institution too numerous to mention via his philanthropic interventions in Nigeria and abroad.

Yet he is set to donate a larger then life-size statue of Chief Obafemi Awolowo to OAU Ile-Ife on December 5. He has also received several honorary doctorates and awards from reputable universities across the country for hic contributions to human development..

By virtue of Shyllon’s philanthropic gesture and contribution to art and culture, the refurbished hall has been named the Omoba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Exhibition Hall.

“For this reason, the leadership of the National Commission for Museum and Monuments under the capable and forward thinking direction of our Director General Mr Olugbile Holloway, graciously approved that this hall be named after him.

“This is not just a naming. It is an immortalization. As long as the National Museum of Unity Ibadan stands, the name Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon shall be spoken, remembered and honoured,” Mrs Oriyomi Pamela Otuka, Curator of the museum, said, describing Shyllon as “a man who did not wait for history to write his name but wrote it himself on the walls of legacy.”

However, the remarkable thing about the facelift of what used to be a dumping ground, is that the first art exhibition in which the works of 15 artists including Suzanne Wenger’s are currently on display was held there after the refurbishment..

Still, aside giving the hall a structural facelift, Shyllon also donated lightings, a solar inverter and a generator that runs 24 hours daily and can power at least three air conditionings and the lightings in the museum.

Distinguished guests present at the event included Mrs Oriyomi Pamela Otuka; Dr Adeola Balogun; Mr Dunmade Ayegbayo, CEO, Constance and Sons Art Gallery; and Dr Peacemaker Efeoghene

Delivering his welcome address, Mr Dunmade Ayegbayo expressed appreciation to Shyllon for not only refurbishing the exhibition hall but also for his total contribution to the development of art and culture in Nigeria and all over Africa.

“My heartfelt appreciation goes to Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon, whose generous sponsorship made the renovation of this new exhibition hall a reality. His commitment to Nigerian art and heritage has gifted us a dignified space where our stories can be preserved and shared,” Ayegbayo noted.

Ayegbayo also thanked Mrs Pamela Oriyomi Otuka, the Curator of the National Museum of Unity and event host “who thoughtfully, with vision and expertise brought this exhibition together with clarity, heft and elegance.”

In his acceptance speech, Shyllon expressed appreciation specifically to Mr Olugbile Holloway, Director- General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments in Nigeria for encouraging him to embark on the project and Mrs Oriyomi, Pamela Otuka for giving him the opportunity to refurbish the exhibition hall.

The Egba prince noted that it was Holloway who wrote him a letter, recognizing Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, Chief Frank Okonta and himself for micromanaging the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos when they imploded a one-story building in the compound and set up the first digitalized inventory of a museum in Nigeria as well as the current display area in that museum.That was after some artists had tried to erase history by wiping off their names from the walls of the museum.

Citing Abram Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Shyllon, who is known for his wide erudition, said recognition, the third in the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is very important. That is why Maslow rates it higher than the security and physiological needs, which are in the rung of the ladder, the fourth and fifth level in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

“Recognition is a very important element of human existence, no thanks to the great Abram Maslow. If you recognize people you motivate them to do more. And that is what Hon. Olugbile Holloway did with his letter to me, recognizing the contributions of those two dead men and myself. Which is what brought me here,” Shyllon maintained.

Shyllon also hinged his philanthropy on his belief that giving is not only better than giving but also makes for purposeful living, which, according to him is the essence of existence.

He backed up his claims by referencing the school of positive psychology and quoting Winston Churchill and Confucius as well as passages from both the Holy Bible (KJV version) and the Quran extensively.

“I’m a disciple of the school of positive psychology. I believe that life is supposed to be lived purposely. The father of the school of positive psychology is a man called Prof Martins Seligman and also Prof Roy Baumeister of the Florida State University in United State.

“They both claim that you can only be happy in life if you give rather than receive.The more you give the happier you become. It’s a natural thing. So let us live a meaningful living as espoused by the school of positive psychology,” Shyllon noted.

Shyllon then extolled the virtues of the Mrs Oriyomi Pamela Otuka, the Curator of the National Museum of Unity, whom he described as honest, full of integrity and a great woman.

“I want to thank once again Oriyomi Pamela Otuka for giving me this opportunity. She has nothing to gain. And I have nothing to gain. But thousands of artists will exhibit here and make money They may never never meet me in their lives.

“Socrates said that the two attributes of noble minds are humility and gratitude. This woman (Otuka) is a humble woman in greatness. I used to come here. But since this woman took over this place, It has been transformed,” Shyllon enthused

Shyllon also noted that he had known Otuka for many years, adding that it was she who alongside Mrs Ashavi and others, took an inventory of his over 10, 000 art works and they couldn’t cover it for three days.

“The whole essence I want to leave is, do good, no matter the position God finds you. Do whatever you can. You don’t have to be rich to do good. But try and leave indelible good, not the ones people will forget when you are gone.”

Quoting the Quran, he continued, “‘Allah called Mohamed and said you will not be remembered for your wealth or your children. They are mere adornments. You will only be remembered for your good deeds, Shyllon averred.

Mrs Oriyomi Pamela Otuka, for her part, thanked Shyllon for not only refurbishing the exhibition hall but also for his immense contributions to her development.

“Today we are celebrating somebody that is very dear to me. He is someone that is a mentor, someone that taught me to be who I am today. If there is anything, he has helped me to build up my confidence. I’m talking about Omoba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon. Sir, it’s a great pleasure to have you here today.

“Today, we are not merely opening a hall, we are unveiling a legacy. We are gathered to commission the Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Exhibition Hall, a monumental space that will forever bear the name of the man whose passion, generosity, and commitment to the preservation of Nigerian and African art is unmatched.

“His unwavering love for culture and belief that art is a powerful custodian of identity motivated him to invest in this place not for personal applause but so hat generations yet unborn may have a sanctuary where stories, heritage and creativity are preserved and celebrated.

“Omoba has taught something profound, that art is not luxury, it is legacy, that heritage is not a memory, it is a responsibility. And that one individual, moved by passion can shift the cultural consciousness of a nation.

“This exhibition carries a message that unity isn’t an abstract idea. It is something that we must continuously renewed through culture, heritage and sheer expression. Art gives us that power to remember who we are, to imagine who we can become and to walk into our future with a sense of identity,” Otuka maintained.

Otuka’s speech and the exhibition which followed signaled the end of the commissioning of the refurbished hall. And as the guests were taking round the 15 art works on display in that cosy environment, the great work that Shyllon had dawn by refurbishing what used to be an abandoned building indeed dawn on everyone.

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday met with one of his predecessors, Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa. The visit followed on Jonathan’s return to Nigeria from Guinea-Bissau where he went for election monitoring mission that ended up in military takeover of the country.

Jonathan who is the head of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission was stranded alongside other election observers following the coup.

There were concerns over his safety in Nigeria and many had called on Federal Government to initiate the process of evacuating the former President back to the country.

However, Jonathan eventually returned to Nigeria on Friday aboard an Ivorian aircraft. This resulted into criticisms from some Nigerians who accused the Tinubu’s administration of abandoning Jonathan in Guinea-Bissau.

However, Jonathan had in an interview faulted the criticisms as he revealed that that President Tinubu and Ca’te d’Ivoire’s President, Alassane Ouattara, had prepared to ferry him and his delegation out of Guinea-Bissau.

But he noted that Ca’te d’Ivoire was able to secure a landing permit earlier than Nigeria due to what he described as stronger regional links.

“Both presidents were to send aircraft to lift us, but somehow you know Ca’te d’Ivoire is closer to Guinea-Bissau, and there’s always some relationship between the Francophone countries and the Lusophones, who are among the Francophones. They were able to penetrate their system to get a landing permit before Nigeria could do that. So the Ivorian aircraft was already on its way to pick us up,” he said.

He added that by the time Nigerian government got the approval to fly into Guinea-Bissau, the Ivorian aircraft was already en route.

“So when we learnt that the Nigerian aircraft were about leaving, we asked them not to bother. That is why, if you see the pictures, I was brought by an Ivorian aircraft,” he said.

Jonathan therefore expressed his appreciation to leaders of both countries for their concerns for the well being of his delegation.

“I sincerely appreciate Nigerians, and I want them to hear directly from my mouth to appreciate their concern. And secondly, to thank my president, President Tinubu, and the Ivorian president, President Ouattara. So we thank the two presidents, President Ouattara and President Tinubu, and indeed thank Nigerians, young and old, for that,” he added.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa on Saturday on Jonathan’s return to Nigeria from Guinea-Bissau.

“President Jonathan went to the West African nation on an election monitoring mission.

“There were concerns about his safety following a military takeover in Guinea-Bissau,” spokesperson for the Nigerian President said in a statement while announcing the meeting.

The cultural heritage of Ibadan received a major boost on Thursday as Oba Abimbola Tajudeen Ajibola, the Balogun of Ibadanland, unveiled two major works — Giant Strides, Ibadan Hegemony and the Yoruba film Agbeni — at Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

The event attracted prominent traditional rulers, political figures, academics and cultural advocates.

Among the dignitaries was Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, who launched the books and film with a 5 million donation, describing it as “a personal commitment to preserving Yoruba cultural identity and celebrating Ibadan’s place in history.”

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, served as the Royal Father of the Day. At the same time, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, was the Special Guest of Honour.

Speaking at the event, Amb. Ajadi said Ibadan’s legacy in governance, culture and leadership makes its documented history worthy of collective support.

“Ibadan is not just a city; it is a symbol of strength, a home of wisdom, and a centre of Yoruba civilisation,” he said.

“Supporting these works is my contribution towards ensuring that the story of Ibadan — its struggles, victories and cultural heritage — continues to inspire present and future generations.”

He said, “On behalf of myself and the Bode Amao family, I launch the books and the film with the sum of 5million Naira.”

Ajadi commended Oba Ajibola for documenting Ibadan’s past and present through literature and film, noting that cultural documentation plays a vital role in strengthening communal identity.

“When our traditional institutions invest in knowledge, film and history, they are building a foundation for generations unborn,” he added. “I applaud Kabiyesi for leading this intellectual renaissance. Culture is not static — it grows when we pay attention to it.”

He also reaffirmed his commitment to youth development, creative arts and the preservation of Yoruba heritage.

“I hope that these works will travel beyond Nigeria and become reference materials for anyone seeking to understand the depth of Ibadan’s influence,” he said. “We have a duty to invest in knowledge-driven projects that strengthen our communities and secure our future.”

In his remarks, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Ajibola, expressed gratitude to all dignitaries and supporters, describing the books and film as “a collective inheritance for the Yoruba people.”

He said the project was motivated by the need to chronicle Ibadan’s evolution, political structures and its influence across Nigeria and beyond.

Governor Seyi Makinde also lauded the initiative, emphasising the importance of cultural infrastructure and creative industries in promoting state identity and stimulating economic development.

The event drew traditional rulers, scholars, filmmakers, youth groups and political leaders, who all commended the Balogun and applauded Ambassador Ajadi’s support.

The unveiling concluded with a cultural performance and a screening of excerpts from Agbeni, which blends historical narration with artistic interpretation of Ibadan’s political traditions.

By Jethro Ibileke

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen local capacity and promote sustainable development in the oil and gas sector, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Solidare Ltd, has successfully concluded a training programme on renewable energy integration for oil and gas installations.

The programme, held in Edo State, equipped participants with the knowledge and technical skills required to enhance local content development within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

It also trained participants on integrating renewable energy solutions into oil and gas facilities, in line with the global shift towards cleaner energy sources and the drive to reduce carbon emissions.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Engr. Felix Ogbe explained that the programme aligns with NCDMB’s commitment to train 10,000 Nigerians in high-demand skills, including through the Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme, as part of efforts to boost human capital development and local content promotion.

He noted that the Board has been working consistently to implement the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, which mandates the promotion of local content across the industry.

Ogbe added that the successful completion of the training is a testament to NCDMB’s dedication to fostering sustainable development and empowering young Nigerians in the oil and gas sector.

Participants expressed excitement and appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for supporting the initiative. They also commended NCDMB for empowering youths across the country through its various capacity-building programmes.

A 58-year-old man has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 23 years for the shocking murder of 87-year-old John Mackey, who was attacked and robbed for his shopping in Manor House earlier this year.

Peter Augustine, of Green Lanes, Hornsey, was found guilty on Thursday, 13 November, of murdering the pensioner in a brutal assault that took place on Goodchild Road at about 17:53hrs on Tuesday, 6 May. John, who suffered catastrophic injuries, died in hospital two days later, on Thursday, 8 May.

Detective Sergeant Glenn Peach of the Met’s Specialist Crime Unit, who led the investigation, described the killing as senseless and devastating.

“I hope that Augustine’s sentencing today is a small reprieve for John’s family,” he said.

“He will be remembered as a proud Irishman, an uncle and brother who will be sorely missed.

“His family has told me that John was funny and charming, a life-long Arsenal fan, who was adored by his family and was loved by his local community.

“It is a shameful tragedy that he was killed by Augustine, for a mere few items of shopping. He deserved better,” Peach said.

Augustine was caught after a meticulous review of nearby CCTV, which showed him observing John as he left a local shop before casually buying himself dinner at a kebab shop. He then followed the elderly man, violently assaulted him, and stole his bag containing a newspaper, corn flakes, cottage pie and John’s sausage-and-chips dinner.

The footage later captured Augustine travelling to a nearby hotel, where officers arrested him two days after the attack. Police said the killer showed no remorse, making threats, acting violently in custody, and even throwing hot coffee at an officer.

In interview, Augustine attempted to deny the killing, insisting: “I ain’t killed nobody mate.”

Detectives dismissed his claims and charged him with murder and robbery on Friday, 9 May.

Following a two-week trial that began on 3 November, the jury unanimously convicted him of both offences.

In an emotional tribute, John’s family expressed deep gratitude to the legal and investigative teams who worked tirelessly to secure justice.

“On behalf of our Aunt’s Betty and Ellen and Uncle’s Tommy and Liam and the extended Mackey family, we would like to thank our legal team led by Jane Bickerstaff KCTh. e Met Murder Investigation Team led by Detective Sergeant Glenn Peach and our Family Liaison Officer DC Tufail Miah,” they said.

“The level of professionalism, kindness, empathy and support given to us as a family from our first contact has been above and beyond.”

Remembering John, they said: “He was the perfect uncle-funny, charming, mysterious and very definitely mischievous, never seen without his trilby hat and always immaculately dressed.

“He was an ally and friend to his 22 nieces and nephews taking us to see his beloved Arsenal, slipping a fiver to you whispering, ‘don’t tell your Mum and Dad.'”

They added that he was “always a proud Irishman,” who had lived in Finsbury Park for more than 65 years and was a much-loved figure in his community.

“He will always be remembered with love and a smile.”

Judge Sarah Whitehouse commended the family’s courage and the professionalism of the investigation team as she imposed the life sentence.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that the wave of fan protests against the club’s Pound 52m summer move for Noni Madueke ended up inspiring the winger’s strong start to life at the Emirates.

In July, more than 4,000 Arsenal fans signed a petition on X with the hashtag #NoToMadueke, urging the club to abandon the deal. But according to Arteta, the backlash only strengthened his resolve to make the signing a success.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s top-of-the-table showdown against Chelsea, Arteta said the online campaign “gave me more conviction and more will to help him and prepare everything around him in the best possible way.”

Madueke, 23, impressed early on but suffered a knee injury in the 1-1 draw against Manchester City in September, sidelining him for nine weeks. He returned in the north London derby last weekend, coming on in the 78th minute of Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Tottenham, and is now pushing for minutes against his former club.

Arteta noted that after a brief online backlash, fans quickly switched to support mode, something Madueke “valued” and used as “fuel.”

Meanwhile, the Arsenal boss has thrown his weight behind Declan Rice’s Ballon d’Or credentials, backing the midfielder after an “immense” start to the season. Rice delivered a standout performance against Bayern Munich in midweek and has two goals and six assists this season, thriving in a more advanced role.

Asked if Rice could win the Ballon d’Or, Arteta replied: “I hope so. That would mean we have won a lot. He’s been immense since the start of the season an incredible and crucial player for us.”

Dani Olmo scored twice on Saturday as Barcelona came from behind to beat Alaves 3-1 at the Camp Nou, sending the Catalans temporarily to the top of La Liga.

Alaves stunned the home crowd after just one minute when Pablo Ibanez pounced on a loose ball from a corner and fired past Joan Garcia. But Barcelona quickly responded, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal smashing into the roof of the net from a Raphinha assist.

Olmo put Barcelona ahead midway through the first half, drilling home another Raphinha cutback. The Spaniard then wrapped up the win in stoppage time after brilliant work from Yamal.

The victory lifts Barcelona two points clear of Real Madrid, who face Girona on Sunday.

Barca came into the match on the back of a painful 3-0 Champions League defeat to Chelsea, and without key players Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong. Coach Hansi Flick also benched Jules Kounde following his own goal at Stamford Bridge.

A phinha returned to the starting lineup after injury and delivered two assists, while 17-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal earned his first start since August 2024 after recovering from knee surgery.

Alaves pushed hard and could have equalised when Lucas Boye fired narrowly wide, while Barca’s Yamal struck the upright after rounding the goalkeeper.

Pedri also made a welcome return from injury, receiving a huge ovation from the 45,000 fans inside the partially reopened Camp Nou.

Barca were made to work for the win, with defender Pau Cubarsi producing a crucial late block to deny Boye before Olmo sealed the result.

“It’s a dream to play here and help the team win,” Olmo told DAZN after the match.

Alaves defender Jonny Otto admitted the visitors pushed Barcelona to the limit. “We had our chances. It’s not easy to make Barca ask for the final whistle,” he said.