Category: PM News

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Ademola Lookman’s brilliance was once again on display on Tuesday night as the Nigerian forward rescued Atalanta with a stunning first-half strike in their hard-fought Serie A clash against AC Milan, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Playing before a packed home crowd at the Gewiss Stadium, Lookman equalised in the 35th minute after Mario Pasalic slipped him through with a clever pass.

The Super Eagles star darted into the box and unleashed a thunderous shot into the top corner, leaving Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan with no chance.

Earlier, Milan had taken the lead in the fourth minute through Samuele Ricci, whose long-range strike silenced the home fans.

But Lookman’s equaliser sparked Atalanta into life, as the hosts dominated possession and pressed relentlessly.

Despite several late chances, including a spectacular Zappacosta effort that was denied by Maignan, Atalanta couldn’t find a winner. Lookman remained a constant threat, tormenting Milan’s backline with pace, vision, and creativity until the final whistle.

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in November 8 Anambra governorship election, Chioma Ifemeludike, has said the people of the state will suffer if they don’t vote for her, but decided to return incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo to office.

The ACC governorship candidate, who is also a Nollywood actress and producer said this while calling attention to the state of roads in Uche Ekwunife Crescent, Awka in the state capital.

Ifemeludike claimed that while the road in Uche Ekwunife Crescent is totally dilapidated, Governor Soludo “went and built a new Government House with paved roads wide enough to contain him and his entire generations.”

She further accused Soludo of leaving the roads in the state capital in a total state of dilapidation.

“If you miss out, you people will suffer for it because Governor Soludo is not ready to deliver any form of good leadership or even quality social amenities for the people. All he is interested is to show off, showing you people the surface,” Ifemeludike said while presenting herself as the right choice for the people in the November governorship election.

“Oluatuegwu @ccsoludo why are you afraid to repair dilapidating road networks in the capital city of Anambra State,” Ifemeludike wrote on her Facebook page.

“A state capital should not be looking so rural and undeveloped. With the FAAC, state and local governments allocations, internally generated revenue (IGR) we should be seeing the Dubai/Taiwan roads and infrastructure projects in the state capital,” she said.

Ifemeludike therefore advised therefore advised residents of Anambra ‘not to be deceived’, but to come out en masse on November 8 to make a better choice for the next leader of the state.

“On 8th of November, you have a choice and do not say you don’t have a choice and that choice is Chioma for governor 2025.”

16 parties contesting Anambra governorship seat: INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC had earlier said 16 out of 19 registered political parties in the country will participate in Anambra governorship election.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and host nation Morocco have announced the venues, dates, and kick-off times for the African Qualifiers of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Inter-Continental Play-off Tournament.

The mini-tournament will take place from 13 to 16 November 2025 in Rabat, Morocco, featuring Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).

The semi-finals are scheduled for Thursday, 13 November, at El Barid Stadium and Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex.

draw on 30 October 2025 will determine which match will be played at each venue.

The opening match will see Nigeria face Gabon at 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT). The second semi-final between Cameroon and DR Congo will follow at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT).

The final is set for Sunday, 16 November 2025, at the Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium, kicking off at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT). Fixtures

Match 1: Nigeria vs Gabon 17:00 Match 2: Cameroon vs DR Congo 20:00

The winner of the mini-tournament will qualify for the FIFA Inter-Continental Play-off in March 2026, where they will compete for Africa’s 10th and final spot at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

By Jethro Ibileke

former publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Edo, Chris Nehikhare, has said that former Governor of the State, Godwin Obaseki, is not on the run and he is ready to respond to any of the anti-corruption agencies if necessary.

He made the remark on Tuesday in Benin, while answering questions from journalists.

He noted that the former Governor is giving his successor, Monday Okoebholo, a “space and opportunity to prove his worth to the people of the state”.

He said: “Former Governor Obaseki’s presence in Edo will make Governor Okpebholo’s administration uncomfortable, as he doesn’t want Okpebholo to be judged on daily basis of his (Obaseki) good performance.

“He is not on the run and if anybody wants him, including the EFCC, ICPC and others, they can write him and he would respond to whatever they want.

“Obaseki is doing his fellowship in a foreign university and there is a government in place in Edo, and his performance is not comparable to Okpebholo’s work now.

“Governor Obaseki is not coming back to Benin to run for Senate or any other position like other past governors. He has served at the highest level of governance in Edo and it is that honour he would continue to maintain.”

Nehikhare called on Edo people not to listen to the ranting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who he said is blaming Obaseki on a daily basis, adding that has made his marks in the governance of the state.

lso speaking, the newly elected State PDP publicity Dan Ogbegie, faulted the ongoing construction of a flyover at the Ramat Park in Ikpoba Hill, describing it as unnecessary.

Ogbegie who blamed the Okpebholo’s administration for abandoning its predecessor’s projects, noted that there are many roads inside the Government Reservation Area (GRA) and other parts of the that required attention.

The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has assured Nigerians that the commission will resolve all network challenges encountered during the mock accreditation exercise in Anambra State ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

mupitan, who presided over his first Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting on Tuesday in Abuja, said INEC was fully prepared to deliver a free, fair, and credible election.

“We recently conducted a Mock Accreditation Exercise in 12 selected polling units across six Local Government Areas of Anambra State using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS),” Amupitan said.

“Although we experienced some network challenges, efforts are underway to ensure a seamless election on November 8, 2025. We are ready for large-scale deployment on Election Day.”

ccording to him, the commission will deploy about 24,000 personnel across 5,718 polling units, with results collated at 326 ward centres, 21 local government area centres, and the State Collation Centre in Awka.

He also announced that PVC collection in Anambra would be extended from Wednesday, October 29 to Sunday, November 2, 2025, to ensure that no eligible voter is left out.

mupitan further disclosed that INEC had concluded logistics arrangements with transport unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), adding that 200 buses and 83 boats had been hired for the movement of election materials and officials.

He commended security agencies for their ongoing coordination and warned against voter inducement.

“Any attempt to induce voters before or during the election must be resisted. We must join hands to combat vote buying and protect the credibility of our democracy,” he said.

Representatives from security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies were also present at the meeting, which was co-chaired by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

mupitan expressed optimism that, with collective effort, the Anambra governorship election would “set a new benchmark for transparency and integrity in Nigeria’s electoral process.”

By Imelda Osayande

former deputy governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Omobayo, has been asked to return all government property and assets still in his possession within one week.

The Edo Government issued the one-week ultimatum to Omobayo in a statement by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Gov Monday Okpebholo on Tuesday in Benin.

ccording to the statement, Omobayo is still in possession of many official items, including vehicles, documents, and other state-owned assets assigned to him during his tenure were yet to be surrendered to the appropriate authorities, despite formal reminders.

It reiterated that all assets acquired or utilized in the course of public service remain the property of the state and must be duly returned upon cessation of office.

“The continued retention of such property by any individual constitutes a clear breach of public trust and unlawful possession of state assets.

“Accordingly, Mr Omobayo is hereby given a period of seven days from the date of this release to comply fully by returning all government property under his custody to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

“Failure to comply within the stipulated period will compel the state government to direct the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, to effect his arrest and ensure the immediate recovery of all State assets still in his possession through lawful means,” itadded.

The government said that the Edo Government remains committed to accountability, due process, and the protection of public property.

It said no individual, regardless of former position or political affiliation, would be permitted to unlawfully appropriate or retain assets belonging to the people of Edo State.

“This administration, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, will continue to uphold the principles of transparency, discipline, and integrity in public service, ensuring that all public officers are held to the highest standards of responsibility and probity,” he said.

The government urged Omobayo to respect this directive and avoid actions that could invite consequences or further embarrassment.

(NAN)

By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has projected further strengthening of the naira, sustained inflation decline and improved access to credit in 2026.

It also foresees an overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 4 per cent.

Dr Oluwasegun Osidipe, Director, Research and Economic Policy Division, MAN, made the projections on Tuesday in Lagos at a news conference on the 2025 MAN Think Tank Session.

He hinged the outlook on favourable oil prices, rising foreign investments, stable energy costs, and the effective implementation of key industrial and fiscal policies.

Osidipe stated that the projections, if actualised, would lead to higher manufacturing output.

“For manufacturers, naira is projected to appreciate further to N1,300N1,400/$, driven by global oil price recovery, stronger external reserves, robust export earnings, increased foreign investments and remittance inflows.

“Headline Inflation will decelerate further to 14 per cent, supported by easing food prices, stable energy prices and appreciation of the naira.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is anticipated to implement further cuts in the benchmark interest rate to about 23 per cent, in line with dis-inflationary trend and to stimulate credit expansion and output growth.

“Further reduction in lending rates and completion of the bank recapitalisation exercise will enhance credit availability to manufacturers, strengthening investment and capacity utilisation,” he said.

Osidipe stated that for manufacturing output, real growth was projected to reach 3.1 per cent while contribution to real GDP was expected to rise to 10.2 per cent.

He hinged the expected gains on effective execution of new tax laws’ incentives, operationalisation of National Single Window Project and purposeful implementation of Nigeria Industrial Policy in close alignment with “Nigeria First” policy framework.

Osidipe said overall GDP growth was expected to reach 4 per cent in 2026 due to higher oil output and further improvement in fiscal space.

He added that expansion in financial and manufacturing sectors, and heightened consumption during the election campaigns in Q4 2026 would also spur GDP growth.(NAN)

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party on Tuesday said the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has been turned to into joke over its inability to stop inflow of illicit drugs into the country as as result of what he described as ‘corruption and poor regulation’.

Peter Obi said this in a statement his X handle on Tuesday while raising concern about use of courier and delivery services by traffickers to bring illicit drugs into the country.

He noted that the trend has continued to grow despite concerns raised by the NDLEA, a situation he said is a reflection of “how weak our institutions and relevant monitoring systems are,”

The former Anambra governor noted that drug trafficking remains a big danger to society and a serious international offence that cannot be overlooked as it destroys families, fuels crime, and corrodes the conscience of a nation.

“The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has repeatedly raised concern about this trend, yet it continues to grow, apparently aided by corruption and poor regulation that have turned the enforcement body into a joke. Drug trafficking remains a big danger to society and a serious international offence that cannot be overlooked,” the former presidential candidate said.

He added that Nigeria, a country that is already battling insecurity, large youth unemployment, and hunger cannot afford a drug-normalised culture.

“Nigeria, therefore, needs stronger oversight and must rise above this dangerous decline and rebuild a system where laws are sacred, leaders are accountable, and no one is above justice. Nigeria will only heal when character, truth, and responsibility return to governance.” Peter Obi said in the statement.

Read his full statement below

Raising Drug Concern in our society.

The recent revelation that drug traffickers have infiltrated Nigeria’s courier and delivery services sector is worrisome and another sad reminder of how deep our national decay has become. When criminal networks can now use logistics companies to distribute narcotics across the country, it shows how weak our institutions and relevant monitoring systems are.

The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has repeatedly raised concern about this trend, yet it continues to grow, apparently aided by corruption and poor regulation that have turned the enforcement body into a joke. Drug trafficking remains a big danger to society and a serious international offence that cannot be overlooked.

It destroys families, fuels crime, and corrodes the conscience of a nation. A country already battling insecurity, large youth unemployment, and hunger cannot afford a drug-normalised culture.

Nigeria, therefore, needs stronger oversight and must rise above this dangerous decline and rebuild a system where laws are sacred, leaders are accountable, and no one is above justice. Nigeria will only heal when character, truth, and responsibility return to governance.

New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Danish billionaire and Founder of Bestseller Foundation, Mr Anders Povlsen, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reforms, noting that they were creating new and sustainable investment opportunities across Nigeria’s economy.

Povlsen who is Denmark’s richest man said this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.

The billionaire who also pledged to invest in Nigeria’s digital economy, entertainment and sports sectors was accompanied by the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Hansen, and other senior officials from the Danish Government to the presidential villa.

Povlsen stressed the need for deeper collaboration between both countries in technology, culture, creative economy and youth-driven innovation.

“We would love to invest. We clearly see opportunities. We see the talent. We see the creativity. Some of it we admire in our daily life in Denmark, whether it’s music, whether it’s fashion.

“We’re already talking, as Bosun mentioned, we’re already taking first steps in investing in future Africa and goodwill.

“And we’re supporting the Fashion Week in Lagos this week also. We’re looking forward to join that later.

He said plans are underway to invest more in his football academy in Nigeria, so as to churn out more talents for the national teams.

“So, football is one of them (where we hope to invest more). And I am honored to tell you that our academy have three players in the national team,” he added.

Earlier, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to encouraging investors, particularly those interested in technology and youth development.

“I must just say thank you very much for believing in us. We are a country that is hoping and willing to partner with many people like you, other countries that believe in recognition and placing their value in our youth, and particularly innovation and digital economy.

“Cultural value and sport is one of those aspects of Nigeria that we are trying to nourish. And we will partner with you. I promise that.

The President said his government’s reforms were designed to strengthen Nigeria’s position as Africa’s leading economy and innovation hub.

Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani thanked the Danish mogul for believing in Nigeria, while stressing the need for more partnerships.

“He’s a man that even before turning up for Nigeria, he’s invested significantly in a lot of ventures here, including the Future Africa Early Stage Fund, Aletheia Capital.

“And I think the most exciting, actually, is that he owns a football club in Denmark and a football academy in Shagamu,”

Tijani said that Denmark is deepening partnership with Nigeria in the area of digital economy and investment in the nation’s fiber optic network.

The meeting is part of ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment and expand NigeriaDenmark economic cooperation.

Povlsen’s visit is expected to open new opportunities for trade, technology exchange, and private-sector collaboration between both countries.

(NAN)

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid a glowing tribute to his longtime friend and political ally, Senator Abu Ibrahim, as the former lawmaker marks his 80th birthday.

“Since we first met in the Senate chambers in 1992, our friendship has only grown deeper and stronger,” the President said. “Our political partnership, rooted in shared ideals of justice, good governance, and democratic advancement, has always transcended party lines,” he added.

President Tinubu praised Senator Ibrahim’s steadfast commitment to democracy and nation-building, noting his courage during the struggle against military dictatorship in the early 1990s. He recounted how Senator Ibrahim stood firm alongside pro-democracy lawmakers following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

“When the authorities released him and left the rest of us in detention, Abu refused to leave, insisting that we must all be released together,” Tinubu recalled.

The President also commended Senator Ibrahim’s contributions to the growth of democratic institutions and his role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013. He noted that Ibrahim’s advocacy for peace and national unity within the party has been exemplary.

Tinubu further acknowledged the octogenarian’s support during the 2023 presidential election and his continued input in the implementation of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“As a patriot, Abu has lived a life of dedication to public service and the pursuit of a greater Nigeria,” Tinubu stated. “I thank him for his steadfast support and cherished friendship over the years.”

The President concluded by wishing Senator Ibrahim many more years of good health and strength to continue his service to the nation and humanity.