Category: PM News

Niger State is bracing for a major disaster as four hydro-electric dams, Kainji, Jebba, Shiroro, and Zungeru have begun discharging excess water, sparking fears of catastrophic flooding across riverine communities.

The warning came from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), following a notification from the dam operators and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency.

NSEMA’s Director General, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah, in a statement on Thursday, urged communities along Rivers Niger and Kaduna to move to higher ground immediately. ‘The dams are releasing thousands of gallons of water per minute, and this could cause massive overflow. People must limit activities around river banks during this peak rainy season and relocate to safer grounds already identified,’ Arah warned. He added that NiMet’s latest forecast also predicts violent windstorms at the tail end of the rainy season, cautioning residents to avoid staying under trees during downpours and keep away from weak structures.

Already, parts of Niger State are reeling from the impact of the floods. Houses, farms, roads, and bridges have been washed away, with several local government areas – including Lavun, Magama, Rafi, Kontagora, Mokwa, Lapai, Katcha, Agaie, Suleja, Shiroro, Bida, and Bosso – badly affected.

NSEMA confirmed that lives have been lost in the disaster, though it did not disclose figures. Many families have also been displaced, while socio-economic activities in the affected communities have been paralysed.

‘This is beyond normal flooding. If people ignore the warnings, the consequences will be tragic,’ Arah said.

Galatasaray head coach, Okan Buruk, has shed light on why Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen was taken off during Tuesday night’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Liverpool in Instabul.

The Super Eagles forward was once again the hero for the Turkish giants as he netted the decisive goal in their narrow 1-0 triumph at RAMS Park. Osimhen, who has quickly become a fan favorite in Istanbul, showed his composure from the penalty spot in the 16th minute, calmly slotting home after Kerem Yilmaz was brought down in the box by Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai. The goal eventually proved enough to hand Galatasaray all three points against Arne Slot’s men.

However, Osimhen’s substitution later in the match raised eyebrows among fans and sparked fears of yet another injury setback for the powerful forward, who has had his fair share of fitness troubles in recent years.

He was replaced by Argentine striker Mauro Icardi with 19 minutes left on the clock. Coach Buruk was quick to allay those fears, explaining that the change was purely precautionary.

According to him, Osimhen was not injured but was only suffering from fatigue.

‘Osimhen was feeling tired and had a cramp in his foot, but we don’t think it’s anything serious,’ Buruk told the club’s official website. ‘There’s no negative information coming in at this time, so we expect him to be fine.’

The 26-year-old forward, whose energy and movement troubled Liverpool’s defense all night, was later named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance.

His decisive strike not only lifted Galatasaray’s Champions League hopes but also reaffirmed his status as one of the most lethal strikers in Europe.

For Galatasaray supporters, Buruk’s words will come as a huge relief, ensuring that their star man remains available for the crucial fixtures ahead in both domestic and European competitions.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed filed to challenge the state of emergency declared for Rivers State on 18 March 2025, by President Bola Tinubu.

Presiding Judge, Justice James Omotosho, while delivering his verdict in the case brought by Belema Briggs and four others, said the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to initiate the case.

Following a prolonged political tension in Rivers, Tinubu had declared emergency rule in Rivers State, citing a potential breakdown of law and order. The declaration entailed the suspension of the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. In their place, the president appointed a sole administrator to oversee the state’s governance during the emergency period.

Displeased with the move, the plaintiffs approached the court seeking to overturn the declaration and restore the suspended officials. However, the court held that none of the claimants had the legal authority to file the suit, noting that they did not represent any state institution or hold any office that would grant them such powers. But Justice Omotosho stated that the plaintiffs failed to contest the president’s rationale for imposing emergency rule, which was to avert an impending breakdown of law and order. He noted that the relevant provisions of the law were properly invoked by the president, and that no breach of fundamental rights could be established under the circumstances.

He further dismissed the claim that the lawsuit was brought on behalf of the people of Rivers State, stating that there was no evidence that the plaintiffs had obtained the mandate of the people, nor had they secured authorisation from the Attorney General of the state.

Describing the suit as ‘frivolous and baseless,’ the judge said none of the plaintiffs had suffered any special harm or injury beyond what might affect the general population of Rivers State.

Tinubu officially ended the emergency rule on 18 September 2025. In a speech, he revealed that over 40 legal challenges had been lodged in relation to the declaration, including a high-profile suit by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party currently pending before the Supreme Court.

Nigerian on-air personality and screenwriter, Dami Elebe, has opened up about a terrifying near-death experience she endured just weeks after giving birth to her first child.

In a post on her birthday, Thursday, October 2, 2025, Elebe expressed gratitude to God for sparing her life and allowing her to celebrate another year.

‘I’m I dying? That was the question I asked my husband and the ER staff just a few weeks after I had my baby. I was having a heart failure. My lungs were filled with fluid. My body was drowning me. simply because I had given birth,’ she recounted.

Elebe revealed that she was resuscitated, admitted to the ICU, and placed on a ventilator. Despite the harrowing experience, she remained focused on small signs of recovery.

‘When I asked a nurse what to do because I wanted to use the toilet, she told me to do it on the bed. I couldn’t speak, so I scribbled that she should play a worship playlist. I intensified my prayers – I asked God to just heal me enough so I could use the toilet myself. I just wanted to go home, to be with my husband and my baby, and to live,’ she wrote.

She expressed immense gratitude for the timely intervention of medical staff, the support of her family, and the prayers of friends.

‘Every little sign of progress, every moment I felt a bit better, I thanked God. I was thankful that we got to the ER at the right time. Thankful that the doctors diagnosed me quickly. Thankful to simply be alive. And today. I’m here. To celebrate a birthday. To be loved and cared for. I am truly blessed,’ she said.

An Igbo group from the southeast region of Nigeria under the National Igbo union, has demanded that a fair trial be held for Nnamdi Kanu by the Federal Government.

The demands, made in statement released on Thursday, stated that the government should put sentiments aside while dealing with the case.

The Admin Secretary of the Igbo union INU-W, Mazi Austin-Mary Ndukwu, also claimed that the Nigerian Government have been bias towards the trial. ‘It was a disheartening scenario on 26 September 2025 when the Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Omotosho struck out the ‘no case submission’ brought by the legal team of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to the consternation of people with good conscience all over the world. By striking out the application of no case submission, the Nigerian Government at the centre and her security agencies had showcased their bias and intent over the trial of MNK who was illegally renditioned from Kenya in June 2021,’ he stated.

The secretary also questioned the freedom of Sunday Igboho and Bello Turji,, while stating that they were also charged with terrorism as Nnamdi Kanu.

‘Igbo National Union Worldwide once again urges for a fair and just trial for Kanu since the Nigerian Government has decided he has a case to answer. It will be counterproductive and also another ploy to jeopardize the works of MNK’s legal team led by Kanu Agabi, SAN. It could also be another excuse to get at Igbo youths by the security agencies. This time calls for a sober reflection by Ndigbo on who we are, our existence, and survival in Nigeria,’ the release added,’ the statement reads.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 24 passengers were rescued and 4 bodies recovered after a boat mishap on the River Niger in Ibaji Local Government Area, Kogi State.

The agency, however, says 42 people remain missing.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, NEMA stated the incident occurred on Tuesday, 30 September 2025, and involved a boat carrying approximately 80 passengers travelling from Onugwa community to Olushi village in Ibaji. Boat accidents remain a persistent and serious issue in Nigeria, particularly in riverine regions, where water transport is a primary means of movement. Overcrowded vessels, poorly maintained boats, and weak enforcement of safety regulations have claimed numerous lives over the years.

NEMA said: ‘The incident occurred at about 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday, when a boat with around 80 passengers capsized en route to Olushi village after departing from Onugwa community in Ibaji LGA.’ Upon receiving the distress report, NEMA Director General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, activated the Agency’s Abuja Operations Office, which immediately deployed personnel to support local rescue efforts. The operation highlights NEMA’s commitment to timely intervention and effective coordination with both state and community responders.

The Search and Rescue (SAR) operation led to the rescue of 24 passengers, while 14 bodies have been recovered. 42 individuals are still unaccounted for, and rescue operations are ongoing, with local divers supporting the mission. NEMA also stated that multiple agencies are involved in the response, including: The Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, the Local Emergency Management Committee (Ibaji), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the National Inland Waterways Authority, the Fire Service, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and local divers and community volunteers

NEMA officials, led by Mr Zakari Abubakar, Head of Abuja Operations Office, visited Chief Patrick Arome, traditional ruler of Onugwa, to commiserate with the community.

Earlier reports had suggested 26 fatalities, but NEMA’s updated figure stands at 14 confirmed deaths.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and other activists and passengers have been detained by the Israeli military while intercepting boats sailing towards Gaza with aid.

The aid, sponsored by the the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) was making an attempt to break Israel’s 18-year blockade of Gaza. The Israeli foreign ministry on, X, revealed that the people detained were safe and healthy and were being transported to Israel. He further revealed that they plan to begin their deportation process to Europe once they get to Israel.

‘One last vessel of this provocation remains at a distance. If it approaches, its attempt to enter an active combat zone and breach the blockade will also be prevented.Greta and her friends are safe and healthy,’ he stated.

The Niger State Government has issued a warning to residents in certain areas of the state to relocate to safer areas of the state.

The warning was issued on Thursday by the Director-General of The Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah. He highlighted areas along the River Niger and River Kaduna while explaining that a flood might occur due to the discharge of water from four hydroelectric dams.

‘The Nigerian Hydrological Services has advised communities along the River Niger and Kaduna to relocate. The dams are releasing thousands of gallons of water per minute, which could lead to the overflow of these rivers. The state government hereby advises our communities to limit activities around river banks during this peak rainy season to avoid being flooded. People living in riverine areas should relocate to safer grounds already identified,’ the statement read in part. Baba-Arah also warned against incoming windstorms, advising residents to stay away from trees during rainfall.

‘NiMet’s latest prediction indicated that the end of the rainy season will be accompanied by violent windstorms. As such, people should avoid standing under trees during rainfall and also avoid substandard structures,’ he said.

One of Africa’s leading music producers, songwriter, singer and entrepreneur, Temidayo Joseph Babatope, affectionately called Puffy Tee says Afrobeat music is hitting the right notes in Nigeria and the world.

Temidayo Joseph Babatope gave this verdict in his Nigeria @65 Independence Day message tagged ‘WE ARE PROVING OUR WORTH’.

He explained that Nigerian artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and other individuals in the entertainment industry are pulling the right strings and are singing from a similar hymm sheet. ‘We are halfway there, the journey to stardom for Afrobeats is still far.

Afrobeats is recognized globally, but only a few big time artists have made it to the top. But that’s not the desired height for Nigeria, the country is filled with talent, once these talents are harnessed properly we will be top 20s, 30s afrobeats artist in the world.

‘We are doing it right, when you look at the top 5 big artists or musicians on the continent we are there but we need to take control of the airwaves, that’s, having the top 20 or more,’ Puffy Tee stated in his Independence Day message.

He lamented that Nigerian artists are doing so much for the industry but financial returns leave much to be desired. ‘In the area of revenue, funds earned from Spotify, iTunes, Apple, etc, entertainment isn’t receiving the due funds.

The payback to artists for releasing songs is not at the right level, we are far behind in Nigeria, it doesn’t equate the hard work, put in by the artists, and the entire production team to release the songs.’

Temidayo Joseph Babatope, the man behind numerous hit songs including Yahooze, further explained that when the entertainment and showbiz world in Nigeria is more rewarding, more talented and gifted young ones will embrace its whole soul.

‘From the early 5Os down to our days, Nigeria – the Royal white and energetic Green has produced world class entertainers and we will continue to produce more as long as the environment and policies are right.’

Puffy Tee, therefore calls on all the three tiers of government in Nigeria to open up the entertainment industry space with well cut out policies programs, up to date infrastructural development and the much needed funding for the industry to thrive and compete favourably with Europe and America the hub of showbiz. ‘The private sector is doing their part, however, a lot more needs to come from them as well as from well meaning individuals with deep and fat pockets.

Tokenism form of support will only do more harm to us who toil night and day to make Nigerians sing and smile,’ Puffy Tee, a judge in the Next Afrobeat Stars Initiative said.

The entertainer and entrepreneur who has spent the last three decades in the industry, stressed that the government should keep a close mark on all digital music platforms and regulate them so that musicians and record label owners are not ripped off.

‘The idea is for it to be more rewarding, and until then we are not there yet. The real money is only flowing in a little circle, it’s not where it should be.’

The Ekiti state-born, music producer had some pleasant words for the initiators of Next Afrobeat Stars (NAS), ‘That is why platforms like NAS are there to do a little part of the work by discovering and grooming talents and sponsors like MTN back it up financially.’

Puffy Tee, also suggested that Nigeria should have multiple national and international annual Afrobeat Festivals, this he believes will enhance the art and culture industry.

‘We need more corporate bodies and individuals to help transform the music industry with events that host the continent and the globe at large.

We should be having afrobeats festivals across the country and on the continent, that brings together artists across Africa.’

‘I pray that we find our path and do not deviate from it, reggae was once a global sensation to the extent that a song was produced entitled ‘Nobody can stop reggae’, but now no one is after reggae again.

Now the story is different, it’s afrobeat and we need to sustain the momentum.’

Hellen Ati, the woman who claims to have a child with popular nightlife promoter Cubana Chiefpriest, has taken to social media in tears, lamenting his refusal to conduct a DNA test.

In a video shared on her Instagram page, Hellen expressed her frustration, accusing the socialite of manipulating public opinion against her. She said many now see her as a clout chaser, making her the target of online bullying.

‘He made people believe that what I am doing is clout chasing, content. Nobody believes me. Everybody is just dragging me every day,’ she said tearfully.