Category: PM News

Nigerian award-winning singer, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has revealed the career path she would have chosen if music had not worked out for her.

During an interactive session with fans on X on Tuesday, the Grammy-winning artiste shared that she might have ended up in the classroom or the financial sector.

A curious fan had asked: “If music didn’t work, what else do you think you would be doing today?”

Responding, Tems wrote: “I might have been an accountant or a mathematics teacher.”

Tems, who has become one of Africa’s most influential global music exports, previously disclosed that she resigned from her job as a digital marketer in January 2018 to pursue music full-time.

She released her debut single, ‘Mr Rebel’, in July 2018, earning early recognition. Her international breakthrough, however, came after her feature on Wizkid’s hit track, ‘Essence’ in 2020. The song soared to global acclaim, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 following the remix featuring Justin Bieber.

Youth leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have called on Governor Seyi Makinde to begin preparing his handover note, insisting that the people of the state are ready for a new leadership direction ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The youths made the call during a press briefing at the APC Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan. Speaking on behalf of the group, the State APC Youth Leader, Comrade John Aremu, said young members of the party are mobilising intensely to reclaim the state from what they described as the shortcomings of the current Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration.

Gremu accused the Makinde-led government of keeping Oyo State “in bondage,” adding that APC youths are determined to drive the political change the state urgently needs. He urged the ruling party to prepare for its exit as a new generation of progressive leaders is ready to take responsibility for steering the state in a different direction.

On the recent political climate in the state, Aremu highlighted the reconciliation between Senator Teslim Folarin and the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, describing it as a major step toward strengthening party unity and enhancing the APC’s chances in the next election cycle.

He revealed that the forthcoming APC Youth Summit will focus on restructuring party units, boosting grassroots mobilisation, and aligning young members behind a shared progressive vision. According to him, the summit will unveil a youth-oriented strategic roadmap that includes digital advocacy, political mobilisation, community engagement initiatives, and issue-based campaigns targeted at reclaiming the state.

“The future of Oyo must be planned today,” Aremu stressed, reaffirming the readiness of APC youths to lead the transformation needed to advance development across the state.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the full list of referees and Video Assistant Referees (VAR) who will officiate at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Surprisingly, no Nigerian referee or VAR official was selected, a development that has raised questions among football fans and administrators in the country.

CAF named 28 centre referees and 14 VAR officials after months of assessment and training programmes across the continent.

The selected officials will handle matches throughout the tournament, from the group stage to the final.

Host nation Morocco, along with Algeria, Egypt and Mauritania, each produced two centre referees, highlighting the strong officiating structures in those countries.

Among the notable VAR officials chosen for the competition are:

Lahlou Benbraham (Algeria)

Mahmoud Ashour (Egypt)

Haythem Guirat (Tunisia)

Hamza El Fariq (Morocco)

Djibril Camara (Senegal)

Their selection reflects CAF’s effort to assemble experienced and technologically skilled officials for the tournament.

FCON 2025 will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, with Morocco hosting for the second time in history.

The host nation will kick off the tournament with an opening match against Comoros in Rabat on Sunday, December 21.

The absence of Nigerians on the officiating list may spark conversations within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) about the need to invest more in referee development and international certification.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Shooting in downtown Washington, DC, on Wednesday left two members of the West Virginia National Guard critically injured.

This prompted a major law enforcement response near the White House and temporarily halting air traffic at Reagan National Airport.

According to West Virginia officials, the Guardsmen were shot after engaging in gunfire with the suspect, who was later detained and transported from the scene on a stretcher.

Two law enforcement sources confirmed that the soldiers exchanged fire with the attacker before being struck.

The Metropolitan Police Department said the scene had been secured and confirmed that one suspect is in custody, urging the public to avoid the affected area as investigations continue.

The shooting also triggered a rare pause in civilian air traffic. The Federal Aviation Administration temporarily halted arrivals into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport for 19 minutes to allow medevac helicopters to operate safely near the scene, a spokesperson said. Normal airport operations later resumed.

The Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority added that passengers should expect delays due to the ongoing law enforcement activity downtown.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that two Guardsmen were shot, though early details on what led to the confrontation remain unclear. The National Guard has not yet issued a formal statement.

President Donald Trump reacted on Truth Social, describing the two Guardsmen as “critically wounded” and stating that the suspect was also “severely wounded.”

“The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen will pay a very steep price,” Trump wrote, praising the National Guard, military, and law enforcement.

Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the suspect or the motive behind the shooting. The FBI, Secret Service, and DC Metropolitan Police are coordinating as forensic teams process the scene.

The incident unfolded in one of the most heavily secured parts of the capital, intensifying concerns about safety in federal zones ahead of the holiday period.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

tragic shooting in downtown Washington, DC, on Wednesday left two members of the West Virginia National Guard dead.

This prompted a major law enforcement response near the White House and temporarily halting air traffic at Reagan National Airport.

According to West Virginia officials, the Guardsmen were shot after engaging in gunfire with the suspect, who was later detained and transported from the scene on a stretcher.

Two law enforcement sources confirmed that the soldiers exchanged fire with the attacker before being struck.

The Metropolitan Police Department said the scene had been secured and confirmed that one suspect is in custody, urging the public to avoid the affected area as investigations continue.

The shooting also triggered a rare pause in civilian air traffic. The Federal Aviation Administration temporarily halted arrivals into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport for 19 minutes to allow medevac helicopters to operate safely near the scene, a spokesperson said. Normal airport operations later resumed.

The Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority added that passengers should expect delays due to the ongoing law enforcement activity downtown.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that two Guardsmen were shot, though early details on what led to the confrontation remain unclear. The National Guard has not yet issued a formal statement.

President Donald Trump reacted on Truth Social, describing the two Guardsmen as “critically wounded” and stating that the suspect was also “severely wounded.”

“The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen will pay a very steep price,” Trump wrote, praising the National Guard, military, and law enforcement.

Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the suspect or the motive behind the shooting. The FBI, Secret Service, and DC Metropolitan Police are coordinating as forensic teams process the scene.

The incident unfolded in one of the most heavily secured parts of the capital, intensifying concerns about safety in federal zones ahead of the holiday period.

By Jethro Ibileke

The Edo State Police Cmmand said it has launched a manhunt for one Timothy Gilbert, who allegedly poured acid on her girlfriend, Angela Ogah.

The Command’s Spokesman, CSP Moses Yamu, who confirmed this to journalists on Wednesday.

He added that the incident occurred last weekend at Ihove quarters, in Ikpoba Hill area of Benin metropolis, Edo State capital

Yamu disclosed that the suspect poured the substance on his lover following an argument bordering on suspicion of infidelity.

“It is confirmed that a boyfriend poured acid on his girlfriend. The Command have commenced investigation to arrest and brought him to justice,” he said.

The Edo Police Spokesman opined that love is not by force, adding that it is better for lovers to part ways instead of engaging in abusive relationship.

Meanwhile, it was gathered that the 40-year-old victim who sustained serious injuries is currently battling for her life at an undisclosed hospital.

Kylian Mbappe produced a stunning four-goal performance on Wednesday night as Real Madrid battled to a 4-3 win over Olympiacos in a dramatic Champions League clash in Greece.

Madrid came into the game without a win in their last three matches, and things got worse early on when Chiquinho fired Olympiacos ahead with a sharp strike from outside the box.

But Mbappe soon turned the match on its head.

The French captain levelled in the 22nd minute after sprinting onto a pass from Vinicius Junior and finishing through the legs of goalkeeper Kostas Tzolakis. Two minutes later, he headed in Arda Guler’s cross to put Madrid in front.

Mbappe completed his hat-trick inside six minutes and 42 seconds — the second-fastest in Champions League history — by racing behind the defence again and calmly scoring past Tzolakis.

Only Mohamed Salah’s 2022 hat-trick for Liverpool was quicker.

Olympiacos pulled one back in the second half through Mehdi Taremi, who replaced the injured Chiquinho, with a powerful header past stand-in Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. The Ukrainian filled in for Thibaut Courtois, who missed the trip due to illness.

Madrid had never won an away match in Greece in seven previous attempts, but Mbappe ended that record when he tapped in his fourth goal after brilliant work from Vinicius down the left.

The strike took Mbappe to nine goals in five Champions League matches this season, putting him three ahead of Victor Osimhen in the scoring race.

Olympiacos refused to give up and reduced the deficit again when Ayoub El Kaabi scored with nine minutes left, but Madrid held on for their fourth win in the group.

Madrid’s victory also helped them recover from their Champions League defeat to Liverpool on matchday four.

By Jethro Ibileke

The Edo State Police Command has begun a manhunt for Timothy Gilbert, who allegedly poured acid on his girlfriend, Angela Ogah, during a domestic dispute in Benin City.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident to journalists on Wednesday, explaining that the attack occurred over the weekend at Ihove Quarters in Ikpoba Hill, within the Benin metropolis.

According to Yamu, preliminary findings indicated that Gilbert attacked Ogah after an argument triggered by accusations of infidelity.

“It is confirmed that a boyfriend poured acid on his girlfriend. The Command has commenced investigation to arrest and bring him to justice,” he said.

The police spokesman condemned the act, noting that no relationship should be forced and advised couples to walk away rather than resort to violence.

Meanwhile, sources revealed that the 40-year-old victim sustained severe injuries and is currently battling for her life at an undisclosed hospital as police intensify efforts to track down the fleeing suspect.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Chelsea produced one of their most commanding European performances in years on Tuesday night, outclassing Barcelona 3-0 in a pulsating UEFA Champions League League Phase clash at Stamford Bridge.

Goals from EstevaPound o and Liam Delap, alongside a Jules Kounde own goal, sealed a statement victory for Enzo Maresca’s side, who dominated the visitors across 90 frantic minutes filled with VAR drama, superb goalkeeping, and moments of pure individual brilliance.

Barcelona finished the game with 10 men after Ronald Araujo received two yellow cards before half-time, summing up a miserable night for Hansi Flick’s side.

Chelsea began with ruthless intent, putting Barcelona under immediate pressure. Twice they had the ball in the net early, first through Enzo Fernandez and then after a slick move, only for VAR to disallow both for offside.

But in the 27th minute, the breakthrough came in the most dramatic fashion. Enzo Fernandez fired from the edge of the box, and Jules Kounde’s attempted block wrong-footed goalkeeper Joan Garcia and trickled into the net.

Moments later, Barcelona threatened through the lively Lamine Yamal, but Robert Sanchez remained unflappable in goal.

Chelsea doubled their lead in the 55th minute thanks to a breathtaking solo effort from Brazilian teenager EstevaPound o. Dancing past two defenders, he created space inside the area before unleashing a thunderous strike into the top-right corner, leaving Garcia motionless.

It was a goal worthy of a Champions League classic and one that shifted total control to the home side.

Just minutes earlier, Chelsea thought they had scored again through Andrey Santos, but his finish was ruled out for offside.

Chelsea’s dominance continued as Barcelona’s defence crumbled under wave after wave of attacks. The pressure paid off in the 73rd minute when Delap finished clinically into the bottom-right corner after a crisp pass from Enzo Fernandez.

VAR intervened once more to check for offside, but the goal was confirmed. Chelsea celebrated with deserved confidence.

Despite their struggles, Barcelona nearly pulled a goal back in the 81st minute. Raphinha turned sharply inside the box and fired low, but Sanchez produced a stunning save, diving full stretch to preserve his clean sheet.

Olohundare Jimoh, Commissioner of Police, Lagos command, has declared the state “safe and secure”, citing strengthened covert and overt operations across all divisions.

Jimoh issued the assurance during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Ikeja on Monday.

He said the newly introduced Eko Strike Force was created by the Inspector General of Police to boost rapid response capacity across Lagos.

“The Eko Strike Force complements the Rapid Response Squad,” he said, stressing that both units were “mobile, highly trained, and focused on keeping Lagos safe”.

He noted that the unit was first deployed in Surulere, a strategic junction linking the Mainland and Island for swift response to threats.

Jimoh said more bases had been opened with support from local governments to widen their reach across the state.

He added that Lagos Tactical Taskforces had increased to 57 units, covering all councils and local development areas across Lagos.

“These squads form the covert arm of the Eko Strike Force, while the main unit acts as the overt wing,” he said.

He said combined deployments now give the police “capacity to manage any security situation everywhere in the state”.

Jimoh cited recent breakthroughs in Mushin, Akala, Olorunsogo, and Sangotedo, where weapons were recovered and notorious suspects arrested.

“There is no area we cannot penetrate. Anyone attempting crime in Lagos will be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.

He reported that crime levels remained low in September, October, and November, despite rising movement ahead of the festive period.

Jimoh said Lagos had now entered the final phase of its annual ‘Ember’ security operation, designed to deter seasonal criminal activity.

He highlighted progress on waterways security and confirmed that 26 gunboats had been deployed across critical marine routes.

The commissioner also announced a new marine tactical unit called the Submarine Tactical Taskforce to enhance safety on the waterways.

Jimoh said sustained deployments would continue on roads, public spaces, and communities throughout the festive season.

He warned the media against amplifying fear or misinformation, noting that some individuals try to cause panic through distorted reports.

“Journalists are vital partners in sustaining security and public confidence,” he said, urging accuracy and responsibility.

Jimoh reaffirmed the command’s commitment to keeping Lagos safe for residents, businesses, and visitors during the holiday season. (NAN)