Category: PM News

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced a strategic partnership with Chinese investors aimed at enhancing the state’s energy infrastructure and expanding its industrial capacity.

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, the governor revealed that discussions were held with the Jiangsu-based energy company Cteec. Talks focused on financing opportunities, technical expertise, and the company’s readiness to deliver key energy projects in the state.

Governor Abiodun noted that the engagement centred around three major areas of collaboration: Strengthening power transmission and distribution across the state; establishing an Industrial Park designed to attract Chinese manufacturers and integrate power solutions, and installing a free 3MW power plant at the Gateway International Cargo Airport to support immediate operations.

‘Our discussions highlighted three critical components of our partnership: the reinforcement of Ogun’s electricity infrastructure, the creation of a manufacturing hub powered by reliable energy, and the installation of a 3MW power facility at our airport, which will immediately catalyse activity at that important location,’ Abiodun stated.

The governor also disclosed that the Chinese delegation would inspect ongoing distribution and power infrastructure projects executed by Sahara and Powergen, as part of wider efforts to secure a stable energy supply for the state.

According to Abiodun, Cteec already has an existing investment portfolio of 100MW in Nigeria and is now seeking to expand its footprint. The company’s interests include power generation and distribution, investment in a dedicated state transmission network, and the development of an Industrial Park to attract further Chinese manufacturers to Ogun State.

‘This partnership is yet another testament to our unwavering commitment to building the energy backbone that will support Ogun State’s industrialisation and long-term economic development,’ the governor added.

In related developments, the Gateway International Airport in Iperu-Ilishan is gearing up for commercial operations. Reports indicate that inaugural flights from the airport to Abuja have sold out, with tickets for subsequent days also fully booked , signalling strong demand and readiness of the facility to serve as a key aviation hub in Nigeria.

‘Our vision has always been to leave a legacy of sustainable development and inclusive growth. From constructing roads that ease transportation of people and goods, to developing affordable housing, we remain committed to improving the quality of life for our citizens,’ said Abiodun.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority officially granted the Gateway International Airport its Aerodrome Operational Permit in August 2025. Passenger flight services are scheduled to commence on 7 October 2025, with Value Jet Airline operating flights twice weekly.

Chelsea grabbed all three points in dramatic fashion after edging Liverpool 2-1 in a heated Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night.

Moises Caicedo was the hero for the Blues, scoring twice, including a 95th-minute stunner that sent the home fans wild.

The midfielder gave Chelsea an early lead in the 14th minute with a fine strike from the edge of the box after a clever pass from Malo Gusto.

Liverpool drew level in the 63rd minute through Cody Gakpo, who finished off a neat move from Alexander Isak’s assist.

Just when it looked like both sides would share the spoils, Caicedo struck again deep into stoppage time to hand Enzo Maresca’s men a massive win.

Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai was booked late on for a rough challenge on Marc Cucurella, while Chelsea’s defensive troubles worsened after Benoît Badiashile limped off injured – leaving all six senior centre-backs sidelined.

The victory extends Chelsea’s unbeaten run to three league games and lifts the mood around Stamford Bridge after a dramatic finish..

Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice were the stars of the show as Arsenal cruised past West Ham United on Saturday, marking Mikel Arteta’s 300th game in charge with a dominant 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium.

Rice opened his account for the season against his former club, finishing neatly after Eberechi Eze’s shot was parried by Alphonse Areola. The goal came shortly after captain Martin Odegaard was forced off with an injury, the third straight home game the midfielder has failed to finish.

Despite the setback, Arsenal maintained full control of the match. Their attacking intent was clear from the start, with Arteta fielding an adventurous midfield of Rice, Odegaard, and Eze, showing the depth of a squad strengthened by a £250m summer overhaul.

The Gunners sealed victory in the second half after Jurrien Timber was brought down by El Hadji Malick Diouf inside the box. Saka, making his 200th Premier League appearance, calmly converted the resulting penalty, his 55th league goal for the club.

The win sent Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table, overtaking Liverpool ahead of their clash with Chelsea later in the day.

For West Ham, new boss Nuno Espirito Santo is still searching for his first win. His side showed flashes of discipline and organisation but were ultimately second best against a superior Arsenal team.

Niclas Fullkrug went close from a corner, while Lucas Paquetá fired over the bar, but the visitors rarely threatened Guglielmo Vicario’s goal.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed viral claims suggesting he accused the late President Muhammadu Buhari of having ties to Boko Haram, describing the reports as ‘twisted and misleading.’

The rumours began circulating after Jonathan’s remarks at the public presentation of a book by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (retd), were allegedly misrepresented by some media outlets.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan said his words were deliberately taken out of context.

‘At no time did Dr. Jonathan suggest, imply, or insinuate that President Buhari had any connection with Boko Haram or that he supported the group in any form,’ the statement read.

He explained that his comments were meant to highlight how Boko Haram used deceit and manipulation in its early days to sow confusion in Nigeria’s political space.

‘The reference was to a well-documented episode when various individuals and factions falsely claimed to represent Boko Haram and named prominent Nigerians as possible mediators – without their consent,’ he clarified.

According to him, the terrorist group often invoked the names of respected figures like Buhari to ‘exploit political divisions and undermine public trust.’

Jonathan also questioned the logic of the false claims, asking rhetorically:

‘If indeed Buhari was their chosen negotiator, why didn’t Boko Haram end their evil campaign when he became president?’

He further stressed that both he and Buhari fought terrorism during their respective administrations, sharing ‘a common commitment to peace and stability.’

Jonathan urged Nigerians to disregard any political mischief or sensational distortion of his comments.

‘Dr. Jonathan remains committed to peace, unity, and the strengthening of democratic values in Nigeria. The nation’s progress depends on truth, not twisted narratives,’ his office said.

Less than 24 hours after learning his fate in federal court, music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is back in the headlines, this time facing a new sexual assault lawsuit filed in Los Angeles.

According to TMZ, the new lawsuit was filed by Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents over 100 alleged victims suing Diddy for sexual assault. The complainant, identified as Leiana Ripley, alleged the incident happened around November 1, 2016, at Club Playhouse in L.A.

Ripley claims Diddy approached her with a drink and ordered her to take it. When she hesitated, he allegedly snapped: ‘Bitch, I’m not asking you. Drink that st and shut the f up.’* Feeling intimidated, she said she complied – only for Diddy to allegedly put his arm around her, shove his hand under her skirt, and penetrate her with his fingers while saying, ‘Bitch, I do what I want, take that s*.’*

The lawsuit claims Ripley tried to push him off but Diddy laughed, appearing amused by her discomfort, before eventually letting her go. She reportedly left the club in shock, returned to her hotel, and later discovered bruising and a tear in her genital area.

Ripley says the incident left her traumatized and is seeking damages for emotional and physical distress.

Diddy’s legal team ,who were in a New York courtroom on October 3 for his sentencing in a separate criminal case have not yet responded to the latest allegations.

The Federal Government has distributed free inputs, including motorised and solar powered water pumps, sprayers, pesticides, fungicides, power tillers, multipurpose trashers, dehydrators, motorized weeders and others to 49 agricultural cooperative groups in Sokoto State.

The free inputs, distributed through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Sokoto state were part of the Federal Government’s initiative to increase food production.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, told beneficiaries that the initiative was designed to strengthen Nigeria’s food security especially among small holder farmers adding that the farmers’ groups were selected to benefit with free items across the country.

Represented by a Director from the ministry, Mr Abdulmajid Sule, the minister said all the beneficiaries would received the farming inputs completely free of charge.

He emphasised that President Bola Tinubu considered food security as emergency and aligned the agriculture sector among the Renewed Hope Initiatives to ameliorate food crises in the country.

According to him, the present administration was implementing numerous economic reforms to stimulate productive capacity, create jobs, and reduce cost of living among the citizens.

He reiterated that the Fed Government was prioritising the agricultural programmes and overhauled it through promoting profitable synergies with non governmental organisations, federal institutions and state governments in order the achieve the objective.

He explained that the beneficiaries included commodity groups, cooperatives, persons with disabilities, women and youths associations, and other agricultural stakeholders across the state.

Kyari warned the beneficiaries not to sell the inputs but to use them responsibly highlighting that agro-inputs and basic machinery were meant for small-scale farmers who were constrained by the hight market cost of the products.

‘The present administration developed agricultural sector toward improved agriculture and rural productivity as well as attaining objectives of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and zero hunger,’ Kyari said.

The Coordinator of Federal Ministry of Agriculture Office in Sokoto, Hajiya Hadiza Abdullahi, said all the cooperative groups were registered and drawn from the 23 local government areas of the state.

Abdullahi said the gesture would boost food production and improve the state’s role in national and regional agricultural output.

‘It is part of a national push to support smallholder farmers with critical tools and resources,’ dhe said.

Speaking also, the Programme Manager of Sokoto State Agricultural Development Project (SADP), Alhaji Abubakar Danmaliki, said the state government had opened more irrigation sites and procured 250 tractors to support agriculture production in the state.

Danmaliki said the inputs’ support had augmented the state government’s efforts adding that mor extension workers were recruited to support farmers in all parts of the state.

Speaking on behalf of benefiting groups, Alhaji Aliyu Maitasamu and Kabiru Dange, Chairmen of Onion Producers and Cotton farmers unions respectively, commended the Federal Government and assured that members would use the items to improve their yields.

The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Ben Kalu has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in what he called demolition of the houses and offices of South Easterners in Lagos State

Kalu made the request on Friday while speaking during the reception at the Enyimba International Stadium organised in honour of Tinubu after inaugurating some projects in Abia.

Kalu pleaded with the president to speak with the Lagos State governor to allow the Igbo people whose houses have not been destroyed already to regularize their documents.

He said that destruction at this time of hardship makes the hearts of victims bleed, stressing that the need for an amicable resolution rather than destruction of property.

‘I also want to say that the destruction and the demolition of the houses, the offices of our brothers in Lagos makes our hearts bleed,’ he said.

The Deputy Speaker also urged the President to grant a sea port to enhance trade in the Southeast zone.

‘Mr President, we want to thank you for what you are doing in our state through our governor and what you are doing around the south East.

‘But I must say it is about time that we had another sea port in the South East; South Easterners are mainly traders and We need a sea port to enhance our trading.

Kalu said governance is about partnership hence the state must partner the federal government and the federal government must partner the state.

He said although he is an All Progressives Congress (APC) party member, it is his character to support the governors of his state to ensure the state succeeded and promised to support Alex Otti to succeed.

‘I have gone with him from the morning, visiting all the projects till this evening and I have seen the state’s projects carried out by the governor and for that we commend him.

‘But as a member and citizen of this state, I request, like Oliver Twist, that the governor should do more,’ he said.

He thanked the president for his assistance in the projects in Abia and urged the Abia Information Commissioner and media houses in Abia to accord Tinubu his merited credits.

Kalu said this would induce the president to do more for the state and the South East which he had shown love to.

A section of the First Bank building on Library Avenue in Umuahia, Abia State, collapsed on Saturday afternoon, sending panic through the city’s commercial district.

According to a report by Punch, the incident occurred during off-working hours, forcing traders and passersby in the area to flee as parts of the structure suddenly gave way.

The affected area, which hosts several banks, offices, and shops, has since been cordoned off as emergency responders and security operatives moved in to assess the situation and prevent further danger.

As of the time of filing this report, details on possible casualties or the extent of the damage remain sketchy.

An eyewitness described the collapse as ‘sudden,’ saying the structure ‘just gave in and people started running for safety.’

Authorities of First Bank are yet to release an official statement on the incident.

Nigerian content creator and social media marketer Ushie Delight Agbo has lost access to her TikTok account after the platform issued a ban.

Agbo, known online by the aliases ‘Energy Goddess’ and ‘Queenlight,’ had been active on TikTok since 2021, gaining 2.2 million followers and more than 62 million likes prior to the removal. She was recognized for her energetic videos and frequent collaborations with brands through digital marketing campaigns.

The ban has prompted reactions from her supporters, many of whom expressed surprise at the sudden disappearance of her account. TikTok has not disclosed the reason for the enforcement action, reflecting broader concerns among creators about transparency in platform moderation and account security.

Agbo, who was born on August 9, 2000, is considered one of several young Nigerian influencers who have built large followings on TikTok in recent years. While the suspension marks a setback in her online career, industry observers suggest she could continue leveraging her profile and experience on other platforms as the creator economy in Nigeria expands.

The Borno State Police Command has warned that criminals are increasingly using tinted vehicles to commit robberies, kidnappings, drug trafficking, and even terrorism across Nigeria.

Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, made this known in a statement released on Saturday, saying data from the Command’s Crime Frequency Report revealed that many serious crimes were carried out using vehicles with darkened glass.

‘Our findings show that tinted vehicles have frequently been used to conceal or facilitate serious crimes. Armed robbers, kidnappers, drug traffickers, and terrorists have all taken advantage of dark glass to hide their identities or illicit objects,’ Daso stated.

He cited a shocking example involving a University of Maiduguri lecturer murdered on April 2, 2024, where CCTV footage captured the vehicle but not the suspects’ faces due to heavy tinting – delaying justice.

Another tragic case, he said, occurred on September 26, 2025, when three children died after being trapped inside a dark-tinted vehicle. Passersby could not see them in time to intervene.

Daso said these incidents show why regulation is critical:

‘Criminals exploit the anonymity that dark glass provides. Failing to regulate it leaves law enforcement handicapped and the public vulnerable.’

He, however, clarified that the regulation is not a total ban on tinted vehicles. Exemptions apply to factory-fitted tint, VIPs, and individuals with medical conditions such as photophobia.

Vehicle owners must now register for digital tinted glass permits, which will capture biometric data, NIN, and vehicle details to aid investigations.

‘This process creates a verifiable database that strengthens security. When a tinted car is linked to a crime, we can trace its owner swiftly,’ he said, assuring that the process will be transparent and corruption-free.

The police also warned officers against using the regulation as a means to extort motorists, urging the public to report unprofessional conduct through the Complaint Response Unit (CRU).

Meanwhile, the Force Headquarters said it had not yet received the Federal High Court order reportedly stopping the enforcement of tinted-glass permits.

Force PRO, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, clarified that enforcement continues nationwide, adding that vehicles without valid tinted permits risk fines and possible impoundment as of October 2, 2025.