Category: PM News

Nigerian fintech company Paystack has suspended its co-founder, Ezra Olubi, following the resurfacing of controversial tweets attributed to him.

Some of the tweets have drawn widespread criticism, including one that read: “I judge my female friends by the sound of their pee make. Thanks to the audio in my bathroom,” while another stated: “Save water. Take a bath with your neighbour’s daughter.” Another tweet, posted on May 23, 2011, read: “Monday will be more fun with an ‘a’ in it. Touch a coworker today. Inappropriately.”

ccording to a report by TechCabal on Friday, Paystack confirmed it had opened a formal investigation into the matter.

In a statement to TechCabal, the company said: “Paystack is aware of the allegations involving our Co-founder, Ezra Olubi. We take matters of this nature extremely seriously. Effective immediately, Ezra has been suspended from all duties and responsibilities pending the outcome of a formal investigation.”

The firm added that it would not offer further comments while the investigation is ongoing, stating: “Out of respect for the individuals involved and to protect the integrity of the process, we will not be commenting further until the investigation is complete.”

Founded in 2015 by Olubi and Shola Akinlade, Paystack is a leading Nigerian fintech company providing online and offline payment infrastructure to businesses across Africa. The company became the first Nigerian startup accepted into the Y Combinator accelerator in 2016 and quickly scaled to serve tens of thousands of merchants.

In 2020, Paystack was acquired by global payments firm Stripe for over US$200 million, marking one of Nigeria’s largest fintech exits. Olubi, as co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, was instrumental in developing the company’s technology architecture and scaling its operations across Nigeria and beyond.

Former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has told Nigerians and well-wishers that he is alive, hale, and in excellent condition.

Rumours of his death flooded social media on Friday.

In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Obiano said: “My beloved Ndi Anambra, friends, and well-wishers, I woke to hear of a rumour making the rounds about my wellbeing.

“Let me assure you personally: I am alive, hale, hearty, and in excellent health. By the special grace of God, I am doing very well.”

The former governor lamented the persistence of misinformation, noting that some individuals continue to spread falsehoods.

“It is unfortunate that some individuals still find joy in spreading falsehood simply for reasons yet to be established. But we will continue to rise above such mischief,” he said.

Obiano expressed gratitude to those who reached out to him amidst the rumours, acknowledging their concern and support.

“To everyone who reached out with calls, messages, and prayers, I sincerely appreciate your concern. Your love and goodwill mean more than words can express. Please disregard the rumour entirely,” he added.

He concluded his message with words of faith and reassurance: “We remain focused, grateful, and guided by God’s grace. Daalu nu, and may God bless you all.”

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has announced an indefinite nationwide strike over the Federal Government’s 12-year delay in implementing the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

JOHESU National Chairman, Mr Kabiru Minjibir, disclosed the decision on Friday in Abuja at the conclusion of the union’s Expanded National Executive Council meeting.

He said the strike, set to commence at midnight Friday, was a unanimous resolution directing all affiliate unions in federal health institutions to withdraw services.

“This 12-year delay is unacceptable. Health workers have shown maturity and patriotism, but government inaction has made this strike inevitable,” Minjibir said.

“Our members will remain on strike until the adjusted CONHESS structure is fully implemented. We cannot continue working under a violated agreement that disadvantages our workforce.”

Minjibir explained that despite numerous engagements with the Federal Government since 2014, including memoranda, conciliation meetings, and dialogue, the government has failed to make meaningful progress. The inaction on the High-Level Body report on CONHESS, submitted in 2022, has fueled frustration among health workers.

The JOHESU chairman further stated that state councils of the union have been instructed to issue 15-day strike notices to their respective governments, in line with labour laws, assuring full national support once state-level actions commence.

“We apologise to Nigerians for the disruption, but the government’s delays have left us no choice. We also warn against any form of victimisation of our members participating in the strike,” he added.

Minjibir stressed that JOHESU remains open to dialogue with the government. He noted that swift implementation of the salary structure could lead to a suspension of the industrial action, preventing further escalation.

“The Federal Government must prioritise workers’ welfare. Timely resolution of disputes in the health sector is critical to service delivery and national stability,” he concluded. (NAN)

Former Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, is alive and in good health, despite viral social media reports claiming he had died.

His former Commissioner for Information, Mr C. Don Adinuba, on Friday dismissed the speculation as entirely false, describing it as a deliberate attempt to cause panic.

dinuba said he had personally spoken with the former governor and confirmed that Obiano is “hale and hearty” and currently residing in the United States, not the United Kingdom as suggested in the online reports.

Obiano has never lived in the United Kingdom. He lives in the United States of America. I just spoke with him now,” Adinuba said, urging Nigerians to ignore what he called misleading and mischievous rumours.

Two Nigerians identified as Ike Isaac, also known as Alex Kwesi Brown Appiah and Emmanuel Innocent Egbe, also known as Innocent Emmanuel Kodom have been handed o 12 months jail term each for attempting to use forged documents to obtain Ghanaian National Identity Card.

The two Nigerians were jailed after they were found guilty of providing false information and possessing forged documents during the Ghana Card registration process by the Madina District Court II, presided over by Her Worship Susana Nyakotey according to a statement by Ghana’s National Identification Authority (NIA).

ccording to a statement signed by Williams Ampomah E. Darlas, Head of the NIA’s Corporate Affairs Directorate, the convicts Ike Isaac and Emmanuel Innocent Egbe were charged with Providing False Information to National Identification Registration Officials under Section 40(1)(a) of the National Identity Register Act, 2008 (Act 750), and Possessing Forged Documents under Section 166 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

The Madina District Court II in a judgment delivered on Friday, November 7, 2025 sentenced the two Nigerians to 12 months’ imprisonment for providing false information and 13 months for possessing forged documents.

The sentences are to run concurrently.

The court further ordered that the convicts be deported to Nigeria after serving their sentences.

The two Nigerian are now serving their jail terms at Nsawam Prisons.

“This conviction reaffirms our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the Ghana Card registration process as the single credible source of identity for all lawful residents,” the NIA said in its statement.

NIA also commended the Ghana Police Service, the CID Unit attached to the NIA, the Office of the Attorney-General, and other stakeholders for their collaboration, which led to the successful prosecution of the offenders.

It also also cautioned the public that providing false information, impersonation, and the use of forged documents are serious criminal offences and will be met with the full rigour of the law.

“The NIA remains steadfast in working with security and judicial agencies to detect, investigate, and prosecute offenders,” the statement added.

Nollywood actor and activist Yomi Fabiyi has stirred controversy following a lengthy Instagram post on Friday celebrating the release of fellow actor Baba Ijesha and alleging a series of inconsistencies and misconduct in the high-profile child sexual assault case.

Fabiyi, a vocal supporter of the embattled actor since his arrest in 2021, announced You are now officially FREE AND OUT. Baba Ijesha is not just back but BETTER.He also claimed that the Lagos Appeal Court had cleared the actor of allegations of sexually assaulting a minor, describing the original case as a “charade.”

Baba Ijesha, born lanrewaju James Omiyinka, was convicted in July 2022 for the sexual assault of a minor and sentenced to five years in prison after the court found him guilty on four of six counts related to indecent treatment and sexual assault. His conviction stemmed from a viral CCTV video recorded in the home of comedian Damilola Adekoya (Princess), the victim’s foster mother.

Fabiyi claimed there was “no proof” the victim was 14 years old during the 2021 incident, calling the case a “weaponised” attempt to destroy the actor.

He alleged that one Damola Adekola, described as a neighbour and associate of Princess, was not prosecuted despite “confessing” to a sexual relationship with the girl.

Fabiyi accused the comedian of rooming child pornography, and traumatising the minor by installing cameras and recording the pre-arranged meeting with Baba Ijesha.

According to him, his human rights organisation “never condones sexual abuse” but will continue to fight “selective justice” and organised crime.”

Baba Ijesha was arrested in April 2021 after a hidden CCTV camera allegedly captured him engaging in inappropriate behaviour with the minor, who had been previously abused at age seven.

He was handed a total of 16 years imprisonment but was to serve five years due to concurrent sentencing.

In 2024, the Lagos Appeal Court reportedly upheld parts of his conviction while adjusting some counts.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo are set for a historic, winner-takes-all battle on Sunday, with a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the line.

This CAF playoff final marks the first time the two nations have ever met in an official competitive World Cup qualifier. Their past, built only on 6 friendly matches, shows an almost even split, promising a tightly contested final where history offers little precedent.

;hMomentum vs. Discipline;/h Nigeria soars into the match riding a wave of momentum and attacking firepower. Their path to the final was sealed with a dramatic 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon. The team’s confidence is at a peak, largely fueled by the heroics of Victor Osimhen. The star striker exploded for two extra-time goals in the semifinal, cementing his status as Nigeria’s primary goal threat.

Complementing Osimhen is a surge of fresh talent. Chidera Ejuke announced his arrival on the big stage by coming off the bench to score his first Super Eagles goal, providing a significant boost to the team’s offensive options.

Likewise, new defensive and midfield pillars, like Benjamin Fredrick, are also making their mark, adding vitality and solidity to the squad.

For DR Congo, their strength lies in a disciplined tactical setup and steely resolve. They ground out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cameroon to reach the final, with their experienced captain, Chancel Mbemba, scoring the decisive goal. Mbemba embodies the Leopards’ spirit, a leader and a match-winner who makes his team a constant threat, especially in high-pressure, neutral-venue games like this final.

;hThe Deciding Factors;/h While the historical record is remarkably even that is, Nigeria has won twice and drawn once, while Congo has defeated the Eagles three times, the scales may tip slightly in Nigeria’s favour due to their potent attack and proven ability to perform under extreme pressure. The Super Eagles have demonstrated they can find another gear when a match goes beyond 90 minutes.

DR Congo, while formidable and organised, possesses less experience in a playoff decider of this magnitude. Their hope lies in disrupting Nigeria’s rhythm and capitalising on set-pieces or swift counter-attacks.

Nigeria vs Congo: Prediction

ll signs point toward a fiercely contested match. Expect Nigeria to draw first blood through Osimhen or Lookman, only for a resilient DR Congo to claw back an equalizer. However, the Super Eagles’ superior firepower and momentum should ultimately see them through, potentially sealed by a late goal from an impact substitute like Ejuke or another moment of magic from their main man.

Final Score PM News Prediction: Nigeria 2 1 DR Congo

Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has heaped praise on young defender Benjamin Fredrick following Nigeria’s 41 extra-time triumph over Gabon in the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup African playoffs.

Reacting on X on Friday, Oliseh singled out Fredrick as “the most influential player” on the pitch for Nigeria, applauding the 20-year-old’s awareness, speed and clarity in decision-making, as well as his calm, uncomplicated style of defending.

“I personally found Benjamin Fredrick to be the most influential player yesterday versus Gabon for the Super Eagles. Always well-positioned, pacy, decisive and played simply,” the former national team coach wrote, joking that victories always make mornings feel better.

He said, “Let’s enjoy today, but from tomorrow Congo should be our next victim. Boy, it feels great when Naija do well, sha! Abi I lie?”

Nigeria now await the outcome of the Cameroon versus DR Congo fixture, with the winners to meet the Super Eagles on 16 November. The victors of that tie will progress to the inter-continental playoffs for a shot at the 2026 World Cup.

Monday Okpebholo of Edo has called on the Muslim community in the state to “stand firmly behind the President Bola Tinubu reform-driven leadership, ahead of the 2027 general elections”.

Speaking during a special Walimah, entitled “365 Days in Office Celebration Walimah of His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo” on Thursday in Benin, the governor also urged them to sustain their prayers and support for P

The celebration was part of the activities, lined up to mark Okpbeholo first anniversary in office.

ddressing the large gathering, Okpebholo announced his commitment to deliver a resounding victory for Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

“President Tinubu is a man of courage, character, and truth, committed to repositioning our nation through bold reforms.

“He deserves our collective prayers and support,” the governor said.

“I have promised the President that we will deliver 2.5 million votes to him in 2027,” Okpebholo said.

He expressed gratitude to them for their prayers, loyalty, and partnership with his administration.

He described their unwavering support as a vital pillar of his administration’s success.

He said: “It has been a long and challenging journey, but by the mercy of Allah, who presides over the affairs of men, we have come this far.

“From the beginning, we made it clear that Edo belongs to all of us, irrespective of religion or background.

“Our appointments and decisions are guided strictly by competence and capacity.”

The governor affirmed that the unity and prosperity of Edo remained his topmost priority.

According to him, governance must be driven by service and shared purpose rather than personal ambition.

“The interest of Edo is greater than any personal or sectional interest.

“That is why I continue to call on all to pray for our president. Nigeria is one.

He also affirmed his solidarity with the Muslim community, assuring them of continued engagement and support.

He pledged to remain open to their advice and also sustain collaboration with religious and traditional leaders across the state.

“One love binds us together as a people,” he said

Delivering goodwill message at the event, former Edo Deputy Governor, Lucky Imasuen, lauded the governor’s people-focused leadership.

Imasuen said that Okpebholo’s administration represents the unity and inclusiveness Edo had long desired.

NAN reports that major highpoints of the event included the conferment of an award to the governor, in recognition of his inclusive governance, humility and dedication to service.

(NAN)

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has officially launched the Electronic Physical Planning Process System (EPPPS), a digital platform designed to transform land administration, urban planning, and infrastructure management across the state.

Sanwo-Olu described the system as a key step towards improving transparency, efficiency, and accountability in governance.

Speaking at the Victoria Island launch on Friday, he said the platform is a necessary response to Lagos’ rapid population growth and urban expansion, noting that traditional paper-based systems can no longer meet the demands of a 21st-century megacity.

“The EPPPS is a bold move towards our Smart City vision–where systems are digital, processes are seamless, and citizens can access government services effortlessly,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“This system accelerates planning approvals, reduces human interference, curbs corruption, and provides accurate data for urban management, infrastructure planning, and environmental monitoring,” he added.

The Governor emphasised that EPPPS aligns with his administration’s THEMES+ Agenda, particularly in Technology and Innovation, as well as with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which promotes the use of technology to drive inclusive growth and efficient governance.

He also urged developers, professionals, and the public to embrace the platform to foster orderly, sustainable, and innovation-driven development in Lagos.

Dr Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser on e-GIS and Urban Development, hailed the launch as the culmination of a visionary project.

He said the platform will eliminate long queues, reduce processing times, and prevent revenue loss caused by human interference.

“EPPPS provides real-time, accurate information that is incorruptible and enhances efficiency for both government officers and developers,” he said.

Singaporean partners Raymond Tan and Steven Chan, Board members of LagosNet, which collaborated with Lagos State on the project, shared their experience with similar systems. Tan noted that Singapore implemented a comparable digital planning system in 2001, saving billions through efficiency and streamlined processes.

He reassured planning officers that EPPPS enhances professionalism and decision-making rather than threatening jobs. Chan highlighted that the platform would enable faster approvals, strengthen accountability, and advance Lagos’ digital transformation agenda.

Mr Adebola Adeyinka, Chairman of Innovacore Technologies PTE and LagosNet member, described the initiative as a demonstration of courage, innovation, and resilience.

Despite initial scepticism, he said EPPPS has proven to be a credible platform capable of elevating Lagos to higher standards of economic growth and governance.

The new system is equipped with over a thousand upgraded computers and digital facilities, providing planning officers with modern tools to support efficient, transparent, and data-driven urban development.