Category: PM News

Popular Nigerian rapper Temidayo Omoniyi, professionally known as Zlatan Ibile, has revealed that he quit smoking four years ago.

The ‘Zanku’ crooner made this revelation during an interactive session with fans on Snapchat, where he candidly responded to a follower’s question about his smoking habits.

Responding to the fan who asked if he still smokes, Zlatan wrote:

“A day can’t pass without someone asking me this question. Yes, I quit smoking 4 years ago. And I have no issues with smokers.”

The Renewed HopeNational Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (RHNHGSFP) has launched the “Snacks for Thought” Breakfast Initiative in selected primary schools across Kano State, aimed at ensuring every child begins the school day nourished, focused, and ready to learn.

The pilot schools benefiting from the initiative include Sumaila Special Primary School, Kofar Nasarawa Primary School, Ganduje Nomadic School, and Magwan Primary School.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at Kofar Nasarawa Primary School, the National Programme Manager of RHNHGSFP, Dr Princess Aderemi Adebowale, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places children at the heart of national development.

“This is more than food, it is love, dignity, and a declaration that the Nigerian child matters,” Adebowale said, adding that “Every day, too many children learn on empty stomachs. ‘Snacks for Thought’ ensures that every pupil starts the day with nourishment, focus, and the freedom to dream.”

She explained that while the federal school lunch programme continues to empower smallholder farmers, support women food vendors, and engage youth in monitoring, the new breakfast initiative leverages corporate social responsibility, philanthropy, and community participation to enhance sustainability.

“Each breakfast served today builds human capital, strengthens educational outcomes, and invests in the productivity of tomorrow’s workforce,” she said, calling for collective action to ensure no child learns in hunger.

debowale commended public and private organisations, including the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), TechnoServe, and members of the business community, for their partnership and commitment to the initiative.

She also praised the Kano State Government for its support, noting that “Kano remains the heart of learning and commerce in Nigeria; when a programme succeeds here, its impact resonates nationwide.”

By Aderogba George

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) says it will commence monthly psychiatric evaluation for all prison inmates across the country from November 2025.

The Vice President I of the association, Dr Benjamin Olowojebutu, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a visit to the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

The visit also featured the donation of re-useable sanitary pads to all female inmates nationwide.

The initiative was supported by Diatom Impact/Platform Capital, a Nigerian company that manufactures the sanitary products.

Olowojebutu said the psychiatric evaluation would ensure that every inmate had access to mental health tools, while the sanitary pad donation aimed to promote the dignity and wellbeing of female inmates.

“Today marks a great day for me personally, in July, we met with the investigative panel and heard touching revelations about the condition of inmates, especially the hygiene of women.

“I made a vow that day that NMA would provide sanitary pads to support them,” he said.

He noted that the association’s findings also showed that inmates required consistent psychological support and psychiatric assessment to aid rehabilitation.

“With our continued collaboration with the NCoS, we are confident that the lives of inmates; both male and female will improve.

“We have agreed, together with our partners at Diatom Impact/Platform Capital, to continue being our brothers’ keepers”.

In his response, the Controller-General of the NCoS, Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, commended the NMA for its commitment to improving the welfare of inmates and for sustaining its partnership with the Service.

He said the NMA’s donation and its pledge to provide ongoing medical and mental health support showed sincerity and professionalism.

Nwakuche also praised Diatom Impact/Platform Capital for building an incubation centre at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, where inmates are receiving training and certification in digital skills, including Cisco programmes.

“Our inmates are not the dregs of society, They come from all walks of life and deserve opportunities for rehabilitation.

“We must continue to involve NGOs and well-meaning Nigerians in making life better and more meaningful for them”.

On his part, Dr Akintoye Akindele, Chairman of Diatom Impact/Platform Capital, said supporting inmates was a moral obligation, as many found themselves in prison due to circumstances beyond their control.

“Everybody deserves dignity, hope, and a chance at life. It’s an honour to partner with the NMA because they are the real heroes doing the work of nation-building.

“We must focus on positive stories and support good initiatives that uplift our society,” Akindele said.

He added that inmates should not be treated as outcasts but as citizens deserving of respect and rehabilitation.

“Prisoners are human beings first,” he said. “They are in correctional facilities to learn and become better. We must build a country that treats every life with dignity”

( NAN)

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo Police said they have recorded another success in the battle against criminal elements with the rescue of a kidnap victim and arrest of two suspects in a raid at Omu-Aran Forest in Kwara state.

The spokesperson for Kwara Police Command, SP. Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi announced this in a statement on Thursday in Ilorin.

Ejire-Adeyemi described the rescue of the kidnapped victim and arrest of the two suspects as yet another operational success in the police sustained onslaught against criminal elements in Kwara state.

ccording to the statement, acting on credible intelligence, a combined team of police operatives and vigilante group rescued one Haruna Ahamadu unhurt from kidnappers’ den in Omu-Aran forest.

“Two suspects, Ayisa Ibrahim and Yakubu Hassan are currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang. “The Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, commended the professionalism and dedication of the officers involved,” it sated.

Ojo assured members of the public that the command remained fully committed to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety of all residents.

He reiterated that investigations were progressing steadily with promising leads already being pursued. “The command acknowledges the purposeful leadership and strategic direction of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, whose policing vision continues to strengthen operational efficiency and inspire proactive crime-fighting efforts nationwide”, the statement read.

(NAN)

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has signed the official instruments granting pardon and clemency to selected individuals, formally exercising his constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy as enshrined in Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The President’s decision follows extensive consultations with the Council of State and a comprehensive review of public opinion regarding the initial list of proposed beneficiaries.

In the revised list, individuals convicted of serious offences such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession of firearms were excluded, while some previously approved pardons were converted to commutations of sentence.

ccording to the Presidency, the revision was guided by national security considerations, the rights and feelings of victims, and the need to maintain public confidence in the justice system.

The move also aligns with Nigeria’s bilateral obligations and the broader principle that justice must serve the accused, the victims, and society at large.

The updated list of beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in accordance with the duly signed instruments of release.

In a related development, President Tinubu has approved the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.

The relocation aims to enhance efficiency, ensure transparency, and align the committee’s work with the country’s legal and judicial frameworks.

The President has also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to issue new guidelines governing the exercise of the prerogative of mercy.

The guidelines will mandate consultations with relevant prosecuting agencies to ensure that only individuals who meet the full legal and procedural criteria benefit from future clemency actions.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation for the constructive feedback and engagement received from citizens and stakeholders, noting that such contributions strengthened the review process.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing judicial reforms and improving the overall administration of justice in Nigeria, stressing that the rule of law remains the cornerstone of a just and equitable society.

Performer popularly known asFake Flavour has addressed accusations of impersonating award-winning Nigerian highlife star, Flavour N’abania, stating that his stage name is merely a show of admiration and not an attempt to deceive or defraud the public.

Speaking in a recent interview, Fake Flavour clarified that he has never claimed to be the real Flavour, nor has he used the name to exploit unsuspecting fans.

“I’m not using Flavour’s name to scam people; I just love him,” he said. “People who book me know I’m doing my own thing.”

He revealed that his performance fee ranges from N700,000 to N800,000, emphasizing that the genuine Flavour would never accept such amounts, making it clear to event organizers that he is a separate act.

“Flavour would never perform for that amount. People who book me know I’m different, and I’m not pretending to be him to collect money,” he added.

MultiChoice Nigeria has intensified its campaign against content theft by taking its anti-piracy sensitisation drive to secondary schools, beginning with Kuramo Senior College, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The initiative aims to educate young Nigerians on the dangers of piracy while nurturing a culture that values originality and respects creative ownership from an early age.

During the interactive session, legal experts and creative professionals engaged students through storytelling, games, and open discussions about how piracy affects the creative ecosystem. They explained that piracy denies filmmakers, musicians, and writers their due earnings, discourages investors, and stifles innovation across Nigeria’s booming entertainment industry.

major highlight of the programme was a lively class led by intellectual property expert Mr. Obafemi Agaba, who simplified complex legal concepts such as copyright, trademarks, and creative rights. He urged students to appreciate and protect the hard work behind every film, song, or book.

“Every film you stream illegally or song you share without permission takes something away from its creator,” Agaba told the students. “If you love Nollywood and Afrobeats, then help protect them by saying no to piracy.”

Students responded enthusiastically, asking questions and pledging to become “cultural heroes” committed to safeguarding originality in their communities.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Caroline Oghuma, Executive Head of Corporate Affairs, MultiChoice Nigeria, said the initiative forms part of a long-term effort to build a generation that values creativity and rejects content theft.

“The fight against piracy must begin in classrooms,” she said. “The future of Nollywood and Nigerian music lies in the hands of these young people. If they learn to respect creativity now, they’ll help secure the future of our creative economy.”

Representatives from the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) were also present. Mr. Charles Amudipe, Deputy Director of Operations, commended MultiChoice for championing awareness at the grassroots level, noting that education remains the strongest weapon against piracy.

“By taking this message to schools, we’re not just enforcing laws; we’re shaping values that will protect creativity for generations to come,” Amudipe remarked.

Mr. Oyewale Taofik, Vice Principal of Kuramo Senior College, praised the programme, describing it as eye-opening for both students and teachers.

“Many didn’t realise that forwarding movie links or buying pirated CDs amounts to theft. Today, they’ve learnt that creativity deserves respect,” he said.

The sensitisation drive is part of a broader campaign by MultiChoice Nigeria, which continues on 27 November 2025 with a Walk Against Piracy in Lagos — an event expected to unite actors, producers, writers, regulators, and fans in solidarity ahead of National Anti-Piracy Day on 30 November.

Through such sustained initiatives, MultiChoice Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s creative industry, promoting originality, and ensuring that creators are rewarded for their work.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu I, the Oba of Lagos, on his 82nd birthday.

He described him as a pillar of stability, wisdom, and continuity in Nigeria’s traditional and civic life.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, President Tinubu lauded the monarch’s steadfast leadership and his unwavering commitment to preserving the rich heritage of Lagos while strengthening the bridge between the traditional institution and modern governance.

The President said Oba Akiolu has, over the past two decades, been a strong advocate of unity, equity, and justice, guiding Lagos with wisdom and fostering harmony among its diverse residents.

He noted that the state’s continued growth as a centre of commerce, excellence, and coexistence owes much to the monarch’s stabilising influence.

Tinubu also commended the Oba’s distinguished career in the Nigeria Police Force, where he served with discipline and integrity before ascending the throne, describing him as a symbol of honour and selfless service.

He acknowledged the monarch’s invaluable counsel to successive governments and his enduring commitment to the welfare and progress of Lagosians.

The President prayed that Almighty Allah grants Oba Akiolu many more years in good health, wisdom, and strength, so that his reign may continue to be a blessing to the people of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.

Veteran Nollywood actor Emeka Okoye has opened up about the challenges he has faced in his acting career, revealing that his body size has cost him several opportunities in the industry.

In an interview with Saturday Sun, Okoye, who began his acting journey in 1999, disclosed that movie producers have often overlooked him for certain roles because of his chubby appearance. Ironically, he said he also experienced similar rejection earlier in his career when he was slimmer.

“Yes, I have lost movie roles several times because of my looks. Ironically, when I was slimmer, I also lost roles because I was considered too small,” Okoye said. “But I’m content and grateful for every opportunity. It has always been God’s guidance.”

The To Kill A Monkey star recounted his early days in Nollywood, starting with the movie Prophet of Darkness in Asaba, where he faced numerous trials before finding his footing.

Despite the setbacks, Okoye said his faith and resilience have kept him going. He revealed that he often turns down roles that go against his covenant with God, noting that while he accepts “safe kissing” scenes, he avoids deep or tongue-to-tongue kisses.

“Since I started acting in 1999, I’ve turned down roles that go against my covenant with God. I do ‘safe kissing’ scenes like in Ms. Counselor but not deep ones,” he explained.

The Federal Government says 170 foreigners have applied to become Nigerian citizens but only those with “strong character and impeccable integrity” will be approved.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed this in Abuja after a meeting of the Citizenship Advisory Committee, which reviews and recommends citizenship applications to President Bola Tinubu for approval. Tunji-Ojo stressed that Nigerian citizenship is a privilege, not a right.

“Anyone who wants to be called a Nigerian must show honesty, good behavior, and true love for the country,” he said.

He explained that a top-level screening team made up of officials from the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs will carefully review all applications before final approval.

ccording to the minister, the Tinubu administration wants to ensure that only people who will make Nigeria proud are granted citizenship.

“We want a nation that inspires pride, trust, and respect both among our citizens and across the world,” Tunji-Ojo added.

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) announced that 153 Nigerians who voluntarily returned from Chad have safely arrived in Lagos.

The returnees brought home under the Assisted Voluntary Return Programme coordinated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Sunday, October 27, 2025, aboard an ASKY Airlines flight.

NEMA said the group included 105 adults (63 men and 42 women), 45 children (25 boys and 20 girls), and three infants, all girls. Immigration officers immediately registered and profiled them upon arrival.

The agency provided the returnees with food, water, medical care, and counselling to help them settle back home.

It also assured that the federal government remains committed to ensuring the safe and dignified return of all Nigerians abroad who wish to come home.

The joint operation was supported by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), as well as other partners.