Category: PM News

Nigeria’s Rivers United have secured a place in the group stage of the CAF Champions League after a commanding 3-1 victory over Mozambique’s Black Bulls in the second leg of their second preliminary round clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

The result saw The Pride of Rivers, coached by Finidi George, overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit to advance 3-2 on aggregate – a remarkable comeback that cements their status among Africa’s elite clubs.

Rivers United began the match on a bright note, with Wasiu Falolu opening the scoring in the 15th minute. Maclyn Biokpo Jerewari converted from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute to double the lead before halftime.

The visitors struck early in the second half through Moctar Diallo, but Rivers United restored their two-goal cushion in the 76th minute when Timothy Zachariah fired home to seal the victory.

The achievement marks a significant milestone for the Port Harcourt-based side, making them the first Nigerian club in recent years to reach the CAF

Champions League group stage – a feat that rekindles optimism for Nigerian club football on the continental stage.

Meanwhile, Nigeria Premier Football League champions Remo Stars face a stern test in their second-leg tie against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria.

The Ikenne-based club trails 5-1 on aggregate after a heavy defeat in Abeokuta last weekend.

Head coach Daniel Ogunmodede’s men will need an exceptional display to overturn the deficit and keep their continental ambitions alive.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied releasing a timetable for its upcoming congresses that has been circulating online.

The fake document, titled ‘Draft APC 2025 Schedule of Nationwide Congresses and Related Activities,’ claimed that ward and local government congresses would hold on December 10 and 12, 2025. It also mentioned that state and zonal congresses would follow, leading up to a national convention between March 25 and 28, 2026.

However, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, released a statement on Sunday saying the document was fake.

‘The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to a false ‘APC 2025 Schedule of Nationwide Congresses and Related Activities’ circulating on social media,’ the statement read. ‘Our party wishes to make it clear that this schedule was not issued or approved by the APC and should be ignored.’

The APC last held its ward, local government, and state congresses in 2021. Its most recent national convention took place in March 2022, where Senator Abdullahi Adamu became national chairman and Senator Iyiola Omisore national secretary.

There are reports suggesting that the current National Working Committee (NWC), along with state, local government, and ward executives, may have their tenures extended beyond the 2027 general elections.

Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has described Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State as a ‘God-sent leader’ whose emergence was a divine intervention to restore peace, unity, and justice in the state.

Fani-Kayode stated this on Saturday at the 35th Anniversary Synod of the Diocese of Kafanchan, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

He said Sani’s administration had begun to heal the wounds of mistrust, discrimination, and insecurity that affected the state in the past.

‘The Governor you have today came as a consequence of prayer. I have known him for many years.

‘He is not an ordinary person,’ Fani-Kayode said.

The former minister recalled that Kaduna State once faced severe religious tension, adding that Christians were marginalised and victims of violence, especially during the 2016 Christmas Day attacks in parts of Southern Kaduna.

He said about 800 people were killed in four local government areas on that day, describing the incident as a ‘gruesome massacre’ that left lasting scars on the Christian community.

According to him, hospitals were shut and victims were neglected, while communities were repeatedly attacked without response from the authorities at the time.

Fani-Kayode said such experiences strengthened Christians to resist oppression peacefully and to continue trusting in God.

‘To be a Christian is not to be a second-class citizen or a slave. It is to be a child of the living God,’ he said.

He commended Sani for promoting inclusiveness and religious harmony since assuming office, stating that one of his first actions was to bridge divisions between Christians and Muslims in the state.

Fani-Kayode said, ‘He kept his promise by ensuring Kaduna belongs to both Christians and Muslims.

‘He also established the Kaduna Elders Forum, where Christians are now included.’

The former minister said peace had returned to Southern Kaduna under Sani’s leadership, noting that the killings and hostilities witnessed in the past had stopped.

He also praised the governor for showing respect to the Christian faith, recalling an instance when Sani removed his cap during a Church service as a sign of reverence.

Fani-Kayode urged the residents of the state to sustain the peace and continue promoting interfaith understanding.

He advised families affected by the past crises to show forgiveness and compassion across religious lines.

‘If you lost a child during the time of terror, find a Muslim child to adopt.

‘And if you are a Muslim who lost a child, adopt a Christian child,’ he said.

Fani-Kayode also called for continued unity between both faiths, stressing that the majority of Muslims and Christians in Nigeria desire peaceful coexistence.

He commended the people of Southern Kaduna for their resilience and faith, describing them as ‘extraordinary people who chose peace over violence.’

Dangote Refinery has announced plans to increase its production capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day.

When completed, this expansion will make it the largest refinery in the world, bigger than the Jamnagar Refinery in India.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Sunday, the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said the move shows strong confidence in Nigeria’s future and supports President Bola Tinubu’s goal of making the country a leading supplier of refined petroleum products.

‘We are more than doubling our capacity from 650,000 to 1.4 million barrels per day,’ Dangote said. ‘This will make ours the largest refinery in the world.’

He explained that the expansion demonstrates faith in Nigeria, in Africa, and in the continent’s ability to shape its energy future.

Dangote also praised the Federal Government for supporting local industries through policies such as Nigeria’s First Policy, the Naira-for-Crude Policy, and the One-Stop Shop Initiative. According to him, these policies have encouraged private investment and strengthened the downstream oil sector.

He noted that the government helped to resolve recent challenges at the refinery caused by union disruptions and sabotage.

The expansion project is expected to create about 65,000 jobs during construction and open new opportunities for local industries.

It will also boost production of polypropylene from 900,000 to 2.4 million metric tonnes a year, as well as increase the production of base oils and linear alkylbenzene, a major ingredient in detergents.

The upgraded refinery will produce Euro VI-standard fuels that meet top global environmental standards. It will also have improved power generation capacity to ensure uninterrupted operations.

‘Our aim is not just to refine oil but to create opportunities for Nigerians,’ Dangote added.

No More Fuel Shortages

Dangote assured Nigerians that there will be no fuel shortages during the festive period despite rising global oil prices.

He said the refinery is ready to maintain steady supply and stable prices throughout the year-end season.

‘For the first time in many years, Nigerians can look forward to a festive season without fuel worries,’ he said.

A Game-Changer for Nigeria

The Dangote Refinery was inaugurated in May 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who described it as a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy.

Production began in January 2024 after the delivery of six million barrels of crude oil. Since then, the refinery has supplied both local and international markets and helped reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petrol.

President Bola Tinubu congratulates Oloye Lekan Alabi, a veteran journalist and public relations guru, on his 75th birthday on October 27, 2025.

Oloye Alabi is the Abese-Olubadan of Ibadanland and Cultural Ambassador of the National Museum and Monuments in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

President Tinubu acknowledges Oloye Alabi’s distinguished journalism and public relations career and commends his remarkable achievements in both fields.

Oloye Alabi began his journalism career at the defunct Sketch newspaper. He later moved over to the Western Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation, which later became the Nigerian Television Authority, Ibadan. He subsequently joined Odu’a Investment Company Limited as Public Relations Manager.

The President notes that Oloye Alabi’s rare privilege of serving as Chief Press Secretary to four governors in the old Oyo State, and his years of service as Corporate Affairs Manager of Odu’a Company, reflect his professionalism, integrity, hard work, tenacity, and reliability.

Oloye Alabi has authored several books. A festschrift was recently launched in Ibadan to celebrate his 75th birthday.

President Tinubu prays for many more years of good health and renewed strength for the Abese-Olubadan.

A 36-year-old tenant, Akinola Babatunde, has been remanded by a Lagos Magistrate’s Court after being accused of fraudulently selling his landlord’s property for N45 million.

According to the police, Babatunde allegedly connived with others still at large to sell the property located at No. 7, Fagbile Estate, Isheri Oshun, to one Ernest Dumbri Igbinedion.

The sale was reportedly carried out with alleged forged documents.

The landlord was said to have initially accommodated the defendant in the building to deter suspected property grabbers.

However, the alleged fraud came to light when Igbinedion moved workers to the site to begin development, only for the landlord to confront them, insisting he never authorised the sale.

Following a petition from the complainant, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, ordered Babatunde’s arrest.

The defendant was later arraigned before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court sitting at Tinubu Magistrate’s Court on a three-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, and stealing.

Police prosecutor, DSP Francis Igbinosa, told the court that the offence occurred in March 2025, at Fagbile Estate, Isheri Oshun

. He stated that Babatunde’s actions contravened Sections 411, 314, and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges. Chief Magistrate A.O. Alogba granted him bail and adjourned the case for further hearing.

Veteran Nollywood actress Ngozi Nwosu has opened up on her experience with domestic violence, urging ladies to leave when an affair gets violent.

The actress while speaking on Real Life With actress Aunty Ayo Adesanya, revealed that she once endured physical abuse from her partner.

She recalled that she ended the relationship a day before her wedding because of the physical abuse.

‘Marriage is not a do or die affair. When domestic violence becomes too much, it’s best to walk away. If you accept it once, be ready to keep accepting it for the rest of your life. My husband was a violent person. I remember one day he broke the kitchen door while I was boiling water, dragged me by my hair, and I started bleeding. That’s a day I’ll never forget. I don’t know where I got the strength from that day, but I picked up a pestle, ready to defend myself, I was ready to go to jail. My neighbours even saw me naked,’ she said.

Ngozi also advised ladies not to stay with an abuser even if he apologises. She claimed that if it happens once, it is bound to happen again.

‘Don’t stay with a man who beats you and apologizes later. Once it happens, it will happen again,’ she added.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced that its members will begin an indefinite nationwide strike starting November 1, 2025, following the Federal Government’s failure to meet their long-standing demands.

The association made this known in a statement signed by its President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, on Sunday. According to him, the decision was reached after a five-hour emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) held on Saturday.

Dr. Suleiman explained that the strike became necessary after the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum earlier given to the Federal Government to address key issues affecting the welfare and working conditions of resident doctors across the country.

He said the NEC had carefully reviewed the situation and concluded that the government had failed to take meaningful action on their grievances. As a result, the doctors resolved to embark on a total, comprehensive, and indefinite industrial action.

‘The NEC has unanimously agreed that we can no longer continue under these conditions. Therefore, all resident doctors are directed to commence a complete and indefinite strike action from 11:59 pm on Friday, October 31, 2025,’ the statement read.

The NARD President emphasized that the association had earlier presented its ‘minimum demands,’ which include improved salaries, payment of arrears, provision of medical equipment, and better funding for the healthcare sector.

He added that the government’s failure to act has left the doctors with no option but to withdraw their services nationwide.

Dr. Suleiman also appealed to the public for understanding, stressing that the decision to strike was not taken lightly but out of necessity to protect the integrity of the profession and ensure quality healthcare delivery in the long run.

He noted that the strike would continue until the Federal Government fully meets the association’s demands and shows genuine commitment to improving the welfare of doctors and the overall health system in Nigeria.

The Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested about 25 persons for allegedly organising same sex marriage in the Hotoro area of Kano metropolis.

Deputy Commander of the board, Mujahedeen Aminudeen, confirmed the arrest of the suspects in a statement on Sunday.

He said the suspects, comprising 18 males and seven females, were apprehended at the Fatima Event Centre located along Hotoro bypass in Kano metropolis on Saturday.

‘Today, Saturday, 25th October 2025, we got a report that some people are allegedly organising same sex marriage.

‘Our personnel stormed the Fatima Event Centre, the venue of the illegal event, and we successfully arrested 25 persons, 18 males and seven females,’ he said.

According to him, the suspects, including the groom, who hailed from Sheka, Yar Gaya, Kofar Nasarawa, and other places, were arrested at the event centre.

The Deputy Commander warned that the board would not fold its arms and allow undesirable elements to tarnish the good image and reputation of Kano State.

He called on members of the public to support the board by reporting immoral activities in the state.

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, and his Edo State counterpart, Monday Okpebholo, will on Monday oversee the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus affirmation congress in Ekiti State.

The event will confirm Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2026 election.

The Ekiti governorship election is scheduled for June 20, 2026.

Governor Oyebanji became the sole candidate after one of the two cleared aspirants, Mrs. Atinuke Omolayo Oluremi, voluntarily withdrew from the race and endorsed him.

The APC National Working Committee (NWC) had earlier changed the mode of the primary from direct to consensus, in line with the Electoral Act 2022 and the party’s constitution.

According to the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the decision followed Mrs. Omolayo’s withdrawal and endorsement of the governor.

She also stated her support for any legal process the party adopts to select its flag bearer.

The APC has informed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of this change, as required by law.

A Special Nomination Congress will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025, to officially ratify the governor’s candidacy. The event will take place at Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado Ekiti, by 10 a.m.

A 10-member committee, led by Governor Ododo, will conduct the exercise. Okpebholo will serve as deputy chairman, while Hon. Taiwo Sunmonu is the secretary.

Other committee members include:

Iyom Nikky Ejezie

Hon. Rufus Bature

Hon. Latifah Ibirogba

Dr. Chibuzor Nduagbua Agu

Chief Gabriel Oyebode

Chief Hope Dike

Engr. Shehu Umaru Dange

Tags: APC, Ekiti, Oyebanji, Ododo, Okpebholo