Category: PM News

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, declared that the country has emerged from its most turbulent years and is now firmly on the path to recovery.

Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja, in a nationwide brodacast, the President reassured citizens that the painful reforms of the last two years were beginning to bear fruit.

‘I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. The worst is over, I say. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I salute your endurance, support, and understanding,’ he told Nigerians in his address.

Tinubu said the economy had begun to stabilise with encouraging indicators, pointing to the nation’s strongest growth in recent years.

According to him, the Gross Domestic Product rose by 4.23 percent in the second quarter of 2025, the fastest pace in four years and well above the International Monetary Fund’s projection of 3.4 percent.

He noted that inflation had slowed to 20.12 percent in August, its lowest level in three years, while food costs were gradually easing due to improvements in agricultural production.

The President also underlined what he described as ‘remarkable economic milestones’ achieved under his watch, including a healthier fiscal position, rising foreign reserves, a return to trade surpluses, and a stable exchange rate.

He said Nigeria’s external reserves had risen to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019, while the country had posted five consecutive quarters of trade surplus, with non-oil exports almost on par with oil exports.

Tinubu further drew attention to the rebound in oil production and the stabilisation of the naira.

‘The multiple exchange rates which fostered corruption and arbitrage are now part of history. Our currency rate is no longer dictated solely by fluctuations in crude oil prices. Nigeria is selling more to the world than it is buying, and this is strengthening our economy,’ he explained.

The President said his government had redirected billions of naira saved from the removal of fuel subsidy into investments in infrastructure and social welfare.

He announced that N330 billion had already been disbursed to eight million vulnerable households across the country, while rail and highway projects were progressing in every region.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s position in the global economy, Tinubu argued that the reforms had restored investor confidence.

‘The world is taking notice of our efforts. Sovereign credit rating agencies have upgraded their outlook for Nigeria, recognising our improved economic fundamentals. Our stock market is booming, and for the first time in years, the Central Bank has cut interest rates, signalling confidence in our macroeconomic stability,’ he said.

Tinubu reassured citizens that the sacrifices of the past were not in vain.

‘We are building a Nigeria that works. The journey ahead is brighter than the days behind. I will continue to work for you and justify the confidence you have reposed in me to steer the ship of our nation to a safe harbour,’ he declared.

The Cross River chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected claims of the National Working Committee’s (NWC) on the legitimacy of its recent state congress.

The PDP NWC had in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, faulted claims that a state congress has been held in Cross River.

Ologunagba described any such exercise as ‘hallucination’ and insisted that the process had been formally postponed by the NWC.

But in reaction, the Publicity Secretary of PDP in Cross River State, Mr Mike Ojisi, in a statemen issued in Calabar on Wednesday asserted that the congress conducted on Sept. 27 was duly authorised, monitored and attended by all party leaders and structures in across the state.

Ojisi said it was supervised by a panel constituted by the party and monitored by relevant authorities, including electoral umpire, INEC, the Police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

‘The said Congress was duly monitored by all duly constituted authorities including the INEC team of observers which was ably led by the Resident Electoral Commissioner himself, The Police and Civil defence,’ he stated.

He questioned the legitimacy of a purported National Working Committee (NWC) meeting that claimed to have taken a decision against the Congress.

He said that congresses do not hold at the ‘whims and caprices’ of the NWC or when the National Publicity Secretary says so.

‘A purported social media chat between five members of the NWC cannot constitute a National Working Committee of the Party, talk more of taking such a fundamental decision,’ Ojisi said.

He challenged the national leadership to disclose the venue, date, and approved memorandum of such a meeting.

Ojisi reiterated the party’s commitment to its ideals and loyalty to legitimate decisions taken in accordance with extant rules.

‘As law abiding party members we remain committed to the ideals of the party remaining loyal to all legitimate decisions of the Party taken in accordance with extant rules guiding the process towards taking them,’ he said.

‘No Congress’

Recall that Ologunagba, who also serves as secretary of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) said Cross River was one of the states where the state congress was shifted after due considerations.

‘For emphasis, there was none. There was no congress in Cross River State for the PDP, because it has been postponed, along with that of Plateau and Kebbi,’ Ologunagba declared.

He dismissed reports that party members gathered in Calabar for a Congress, saying such an event bore no legitimacy.

‘All these processes, particularly the setting up of an electoral panel, have not happened,’ he said.

Asked if the party would sanction organisers of the alleged exercise in Calabar, Ologunagba replied: ‘for anybody who has brought this party into disrepute, we know what to do.

‘There’s a constitution. We all subscribed to be members, and we swore to obey it. Enough is enough.

He added that the NNWC will constitute a Caretaker committee who shall run the affairs of the party in Cross River for some time.

‘Currently for Cross River, the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee will be overseeing the affairs of the chapter as earlier directed by the NWC,’ he said.

Author JK Rowling has lambasted actor Emma Watson in an angry response to the latter’s comments about their relationship, saying she is ‘ignorant of how ignorant she is.’

Rowling, author of the ‘Harry Potter’ made the remarks in her 700-word response to Watson on X after the actor reflected on their relationship while appearing on On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast.

J.K. Rowling and Emma Watson have been at loggerheads for years due to their differing views on transgender rights.

Watson had said, ‘I really don’t believe that having had that experience and holding the love and support and views that I have, mean that I can’t and don’t treasure Jo (JK Rowling) and the person that I had personal experiences with.’

She maintained that people who don’t agree with her opinion will love her, adding ‘I hope I can keep loving people who I don’t necessarily share the same opinion with’.

Rowling, in her long X post stated that Emma Watson and her co-stars had every right to embrace gender identity ideology.

Such beliefs, she emphasised, are legally protected, adding that she would not want to see any of them threatened with loss of work, or violence, or death, because of their beliefs.

She also claimed that instead of reaching out to her, Watson ‘asked someone to pass on a handwritten note,’ which read, ‘I’m so sorry for what you’re going through.’

She declared: ‘Emma had just publicly poured more petrol on the flames yet thought a one-line expression of concern from her would reassure me of her fundamental sympathy and kindness.’

Rowling also said, ‘Emma was ‘never likely to need’ to use the types of single-sex spaces she has campaigned against trans people having access to, such as changing rooms and public toilets.’

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, has charged Nigerians on the need for unity and teamwork to achieve the purpose of independence.

He gave the charge on Wednesday, in a speech he delivered to mark the nation’s 65th Independence Day anniversary.

He noted that every October 1 reminds Nigerians ‘of the sacrifices of our founding fathers, who fought with courage and vision to give us a free nation’, adding that it is a day of pride, reflection, and, above all, renewed hope.

‘Independence is not only about freedom from foreign rule. It calls for unity and teamwork in order to maximise the opportunities that come with freedom. We must always remind ourselves that we can achieve more if we come together as Edo people,’ Okpebholo said.

Addressing the children and youths, the Governor who described them as the heartbeat of this State, charged them not to give in to despair.

‘Do not give in to despair. Your energy and talents are the key to our future, and this government will continue to invest in you. My message today is simple: A New Edo Has Risen. A New Nigeria Has Risen. Together, with courage and dedication, nothing can stop us,’ he concluded.

The United States has congratulated Nigeria on its 65th Independence Anniversary, describing the country as a ‘beacon of resilience and leadership’ in Africa and beyond.

In a press statement issued in Washington on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended the goodwill of the American people to Nigerians, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

‘On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my warmest congratulations to the people of Nigeria on the 65th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence,’ Rubio said.

He noted that Nigeria’s six-and-a-half decades of nationhood had been marked by remarkable resilience and a capacity for leadership that continues to inspire.

‘For over six decades, Nigeria has stood as a beacon of resilience and leadership. The United States values our enduring partnership, rooted in shared democratic principles, a growing commercial relationship, and a commitment to fostering peace and security,’ he said.

Rubio praised the entrepreneurial drive and cultural vibrancy of Nigerians, stressing that these attributes have made the country a vital partner in global affairs.

‘On this special occasion, we celebrate the rich cultural heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering determination of the Nigerian people,’ he added.

Looking ahead, the U.S. Secretary of State pledged that Washington would continue to work closely with Abuja to tackle regional and global challenges.

‘We look forward to continuing to deepen our collaboration in the years ahead as we work together to achieve our shared goals,’ he said.

The statement ended with renewed wishes for Nigeria’s peace, unity, and progress: ‘Congratulations once again on this milestone anniversary. May the year ahead bring continued progress and prosperity to Nigeria and its people.’

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has freed 36 prisoners from the Nigerian Correctional Service centres in Ilesa and Ile-Ife to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day.

The Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, made the announcement in a statement released in Osogbo on Wednesday.

Governor Adeleke used his constitutional power under Section 212 of the Nigerian Constitution, following advice from the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

In a proclamation signed on September 24, 2025, he officially forgave the remaining prison terms of the 36 inmates.

The proclamation instructed all authorities to recognise the amnesty as valid and binding under the seal of Osun State.

From the Ilesa Correctional Centre, 29 inmates were released, while 7 were freed from the Ile-Ife Correctional Centre.

Most of those pardoned had been jailed for minor crimes like stealing and conspiracy and had already served much of their sentences.

Governor Adeleke explained that the gesture symbolised compassion, justice, and a fresh start.

‘As a people’s government, we believe in justice but also in mercy. This amnesty is not only about freedom but also about rehabilitation and giving these individuals a second chance to live as responsible members of society,’ he said.

The Governor added that the decision was aimed at encouraging reformation and reintegration of former inmates back into the community.

Kogi Governor Ahmed Ododo has conveyed his heartfelt sympathy to the victims’ families and the entire Ibaji community over the recent boat mishap that claimed many lives.

The Governor expressed the sympathy during his visit to the Ejeh of Ibaji, HRM, John Egwemi on Wednesday.

Ododo was represented by his Deputy Joel Salifu, during the condolence visit to the palace of the Ejeh.

It would be recalled that a boat carrying scores of passengers on Sept. 30 capsized on the River Niger, leading to the death of over 20 persons with several others yet to be accounted for.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency and other critical stakeholders have been mobilised to the scene for fact-finding and rescue operations.

The governor assured the community that the state government would not relent until all efforts to rescue the remaining victims were fully exhausted.

‘We want to assure you that Ibaji is not alone; the government stands firmly with you in this trying period,’ he said.

He disclosed that a government delegation had already been dispatched to the scene of the incident to ascertain the level of casualties and provide immediate intervention.

Responding, the Ejeh of Ibaji, who is also the Chairman of Ibaji Area Traditional Council, described the tragedy as devastating, noting that accidents often occur without warning but leave behind deep scars.

Egwemi expressed gratitude to the governor for the visit and assured that the traditional council would continue to brief the state government on developments.

He confirmed that although many lives were lost in the mishap, some victims were rescued, while efforts were ongoing to recover others still missing.

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, has charged Nigerians on the need for unity and teamwork to achieve the purpose of independence.

He gave the charge on Wednesday, in a speech he delivered to mark the nation’s 65th Independence Day anniversary.

He noted that every October 1 reminds Nigerians ‘of the sacrifices of our founding fathers, who fought with courage and vision to give us a free nation’, adding that it is a day of pride, reflection, and, above all, renewed hope.

‘Independence is not only about freedom from foreign rule. It calls for unity and teamwork in order to maximise the opportunities that come with freedom. We must always remind ourselves that we can achieve more if we come together as Edo people,’ Okpebholo said.

Addressing the children and youths, the Governor who described them as the heartbeat of this State, charged them not to give in to despair.

‘Do not give in to despair. Your energy and talents are the key to our future, and this government will continue to invest in you.

‘My message today is simple: A New Edo Has Risen. A New Nigeria Has Risen. Together, with courage and dedication, nothing can stop us,’ he concluded.

Nollywood actress Liz DaSilva has shared an emotional testimony after narrowly escaping a tragedy during a routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

The actress took to Instagram on Tuesday to reveal how she almost entered the MRI machine with hidden metal pins in her wig, a mistake that could have caused a serious accident.

‘I had an appointment this morning for 10:40 a.m.,’ she recounted in a tearful video. ‘I took off my earrings, bra, waist beads, and even asked for help to remove my chain. I was almost ready to go in when I remembered that my wig had pins inside.’

DaSilva explained that the attendant confirmed she was about to ask about the pins when she mentioned it. Overcome with emotion, she broke down in tears, thanking God for what she described as divine protection.

‘Truly, God saved me. I can say it boldly anywhere. I am not ashamed, I am not afraid. If God had not protected me, who knows what would have happened? Maybe I wouldn’t even be here,’ she said in Yoruba.

An MRI machine uses powerful magnets to create detailed images of the body, and any metallic object can be extremely dangerous inside the scanner.

The conflict in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has ended after the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) suspended its strike against Dangote Refinery.

The strike was called off after Dangote Refinery agreed to bring back workers who were sacked for joining the union.

The decision followed a two-day meeting between the Federal Government, PENGASSAN, and Dangote Refinery.

Nigeria’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, reminded both sides that workers have the right to join unions under Nigerian law.

After the meeting, it was agreed that Dangote Group would immediately begin re-assigning the disengaged staff to other companies within the Group without loss of pay, and no worker would be punished for their role in the dispute.

PENGASSAN also confirmed it would begin the process of ending the strike.

PENGASSAN had announced the strike on Sunday, asking its members to cut gas and crude oil supply to Dangote Refinery after the company dismissed workers for joining the union.