Category: PM News

American reality TV star and singer Kanye West’s estranged wife, Kim Kardashian, has finally opened up on a recent brain diagnosis.

While speaking during the premier of the seventh season of ‘The Kardashians’, Kim expressed her concern for her children, noting that they are her top priorities.

She also revealed that a ‘little aneurysm’ was discovered in her brain during an MRI scan. She stated that it was probably a result of the stress she went trough during her split from Kanye West.

‘I feel more stressed probably just because I have to protect my kids. Everyone around can handle, but I just want to protect my babies’, she said.

Nigerian comedian, actor and content creator Nosa Afolabi, popularly known as Lasisi Elenu has announced the arrival of his second child.

The comedian, on his Instagram page on Thursday, announced that his wife Nonso Adibua, delivered a baby boy. While expressing his joy and excitement, Lasisi gushed over the newborn named River.

‘Meet our son RIVER ELROI. Our River of flowing waters is here, our joy, our testimony, our gift from God,’ he stated.

This announcement quickly stirred happy reactions from his fans. They congratulated him for the new addition to his family.

Spanish police have recovered a Pablo Picasso painting that went missing earlier this month while being transported to an art exhibition.

The 1919 artwork, titled ‘Still Life with Guitar,’ is valued at about pound 600,000 ($700,000) and belongs to a private collector in Madrid. It was supposed to be displayed at the CajaGranada Foundation in southern Spain but was found missing when the delivery truck was unpacked on October 6.

According to police, early investigations suggest the painting may never have been loaded onto the truck in the first place. They did not reveal where the artwork was eventually found.

Photos released by authorities showed forensic experts examining the recovered package.

The CajaGranada Foundation said all other items delivered to the museum had been under video surveillance since their arrival, adding that it hopes to include the Picasso painting in its exhibition, which opened on October 9 and runs until January 11.

Picasso’s works are among the most valuable in the world and often targeted by thieves. Two of his pieces recently sold for over $140 million at auction

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has advised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to focus its 2027 campaign efforts on the South East and parts of the North, warning that the South West will be a difficult terrain for the party to penetrate.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele cautioned the ADC against ‘wasting campaign energy’ in the South West, stressing that winning any state in the zone would be almost impossible.

‘ADC, don’t waste your campaign in the South West; it will be very difficult to win in those states. Focus on the South East and some parts of the North. Make sure you pick a candidate who can remain loyal to your party – don’t pick a hungry candidate. The South West will be very difficult,’ the cleric warned.

Primate Ayodele further urged the party to be strategic in its choice of candidate, noting that internal betrayal could pose a major threat to its success.

The prophet also highlighted the political influence of President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a ‘formidable political force’ with the capacity to neutralize opposition parties.

‘Tinubu isn’t an easy person; he is a big masquerade with the political strategy to take you out. Some of your stakeholders will betray you,’ he stated.

On the South-South, Primate Ayodele predicted that the region would also pose significant challenges for the ADC but added that with the right candidate, the party could secure at least one state.

‘The South-South will also be difficult, but you can win one state there because the people want PDP and APC out – it all depends on your candidate. With the right person, you can achieve that,’ he said.

He also cautioned the party to be mindful of some Fulani-dominated states, predicting that support there would be minimal.

‘In some Fulani states, you won’t get votes. Kano may be difficult except the APC fails to do the right thing,’ Primate Ayodele added.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, describing the development as a ‘major milestone’ in the nation’s ongoing economic and institutional reform journey.

The FATF, the global watchdog against money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing, announced Nigeria’s delisting during its Plenary in Paris, France, on Friday.

The decision officially removes Nigeria from the list of countries under increased monitoring.

President Tinubu said the move reflects Nigeria’s strengthened anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework, following more than two years of rigorous reform, inter-agency coordination, and sustained effort under his administration.

‘In February 2023, Nigeria was placed on the FATF grey list. Rather than see it as a setback, we viewed it as a call to action. Today’s delisting demonstrates our resolve to build credible, transparent, and accountable institutions,’ the President said.

The success was achieved through coordinated efforts led by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) in collaboration with key ministries and agencies, including the offices of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and the Minister of Interior.

Tinubu commended the Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Ms Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, and her team for their dedication, which earned Nigeria international recognition for strengthening its anti-financial crime measures.

He also appreciated the support of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, members of the Federal Executive Council, the National Assembly, the Judiciary, and private sector representatives who participated in the National Task Force on AML/CFT.

Among the key contributors were the Central Bank of Nigeria, Corporate Affairs Commission, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Department of State Services, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force, and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

President Tinubu acknowledged the technical support provided by international partners, including the Governments of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Nations, and the European Commission.

He described Nigeria’s delisting as ‘not just a technical accomplishment, but a strategic victory for our economy and a renewed vote of confidence in our financial governance.’

Tinubu reaffirmed that his administration would sustain and deepen the institutional reforms that led to the achievement, ensuring Nigeria’s financial system remains credible and trusted globally.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Sanae Takaichi on her historic emergence as Japan’s first female Prime Minister, describing her victory as a landmark achievement and a reflection of her decades-long service to Japanese politics and governance.

In a statement released on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu hailed Takaichi’s rise to Japan’s highest political office as ‘a testament to her unwavering dedication and leadership,’ adding that her election shattered a long-standing gender barrier in one of the world’s leading economies.

Takaichi, a seasoned politician and former Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, clinched the top job after securing majority support in Japan’s parliament.

Tinubu, in a personally signed congratulatory letter, extended warm felicitations on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, noting that her victory signified the trust and confidence reposed in her by the Japanese people.

‘Your Excellency, on behalf of the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend to you my warmest congratulations on your election as the first female Prime Minister of Japan,’ the President said.

He continued: ‘Your victory as the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party and ultimately as Prime Minister constitutes a remarkable expression of the confidence reposed in you by the people of Japan. Your election is also a testament to your tremendous contributions to your political party and the governance of Japan.’

President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Japan, expressing optimism that both nations will continue to deepen cooperation in trade, technology, and development.

‘As you assume this mandate, please rest assured of Nigeria’s continued goodwill and support for Japan,’ Tinubu stated. ‘I look forward to working closely with you to expand the productive and strategic relationship our two countries have built over the years.’

He concluded by wishing Takaichi a successful tenure in office, expressing confidence that Nigeria-Japan relations would flourish under her ‘capable and visionary leadership.’

Nigerian rapper, Temidayo Omoniyi, also known as Zlatan Ibile, has opened up on how he plans to settle the ongoing beef between Odumodublcck and Blaqbonez.

While speaking in an interview with Yanga FM, Zlatan revealed that he intends to organise a boxing match for the two rappers.

He disclosed that he in currently in talks with promoters and organisers. Zlatan also emphasised the importance of the rappers settling their differences, stating that their ongiong beef has a negative impact on the Nigerian music industry.

‘I want to organise a boxing match for Blaqbonez and Odumodublvck. They are both my friends. I’m already talking to the organisers of the Speed Darlington vs Portable boxing match to organise a match for Odumodublvck and Blaqbonez this December. They are my guys. I sincerely hope they resolve their issues. I don’t want that energy between them. For my purposes, I don’t know, but in real life, I don’t like the beef at all. These are my friends. I’m certain that they would definitely reconcile and collaborate in the future,’ he stated.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has affirmed Nigeria’s important role in global gas exportation and energy stability.

This is contained in a statement issued by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Tuggar’s Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy.

The statement is against backdrop of the recent election of Dr Philip Mshelbila, Managing-Director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), as Secretary-General of the GECF, during the 27th Ministerial Meeting of the forum in Doha, Qatar.

Also Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) chosen as the President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting.

According to him, Nigeria’s growing role within the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) underscores the country’s centrality to shaping sustainable energy.

Tuggar said, ‘Nigeria’s growing stature in global energy diplomacy has been reaffirmed through its recent success at the 27 Ministerial Meeting of GECF.

‘Such is a gathering that brings together the world’s leading gas-producing nations to coordinate policies and promote energy security, and market stability.

‘Nigeria’s securing these global leadership positions was made possible through sustained energy diplomacy and strategic engagement led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

‘This outcome is the product of deliberate, quiet diplomacy and Nigeria’s sustained engagement with fellow gas-exporting nations.’

‘It validates the confidence of the international community in Nigeria’s integrity, competence, and leadership within the global energy transition space.’

He commended Mshelbila and Ekpo will represent Nigeria with distinction working closely with other member states to deepen cooperation, strengthen market stability, and advance balanced, inclusive, and sustainable global gas market.

‘Mshelbila’s election and Minister Ekpo’s new mandate both reflect our country’s commitment to promoting cooperation, market stability, and inclusivity across the gas value chain.

‘Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria continues to project responsible energy leadership rooted in democracy, development, and diplomacy,’ he added.

Tuggar highlighted the pivotal diplomatic efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with Nigeria’s embassies and high commissions, to have been instrumental in securing widespread support for Nigeria’s candidature.

He further said that such efforts were reinforced by bilateral engagements at key international fora, including the BRICS Summit in Brazil and the African Union’s Seventh Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

Also the campaign benefited from high-level political backing from the Presidency, ensuring Nigeria’s victory enjoyed continental and global endorsement.

NAN reports that Nigeria is Africa’s largest gas producer with proven reserves exceeding 210 trillion cubic feet (Tcf).

Nigeria has initiated policies like the ‘Decade of Gas’ to boost gas production, expand infrastructure, and leverage its position as a key energy supplier.

FirstBank has announced the successful integration of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) into its flagship digital banking platform, the LIT App.

The move allows customers to make instant, secure, and cost-effective cross-border payments across Africa in their local currencies.

Developed by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union and the AfCFTA Secretariat, PAPSS is a revolutionary payment infrastructure designed to simplify and accelerate trade across the continent by enabling real-time transactions in African currencies without dependence on foreign exchange conversions.

Speaking on the milestone, Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, e-Business and Retail Products at FirstBank, said the integration underscores the bank’s commitment to enhancing digital capabilities and promoting financial inclusion across Africa.

‘This partnership reinforces FirstBank’s mission to simplify financial transactions for our customers. By bringing PAPSS into the LIT App, we are enabling faster, safer, and more convenient payments that support trade and economic growth within Africa,’ Ezirim stated.

Echoing his sentiments, Mike Ogbalu, CEO of PAPSS, described the collaboration as a significant leap toward creating a unified African payments ecosystem.

‘Every time an individual or business sends money instantly within Africa in their own currency, we’re not just transferring funds, we’re connecting dreams and empowering growth. This partnership with FirstBank’s LIT App moves us closer to a borderless Africa where payments no longer stand in the way of opportunity,’ Ogbalu said.

The LIT App, known for its user-friendly features such as virtual cards, scheduled transfers, and multi-payment options, now extends its reach to facilitate cross-border commerce, particularly benefiting SMEs and entrepreneurs engaged in intra-African trade.

With PAPSS live on the platform, customers can now send money across African countries directly in naira, eliminating the need for US dollar, pound, or euro conversions. This integration reduces transaction costs, improves settlement efficiency, and enhances access to digital banking services, advancing financial inclusion and supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda.

By adopting PAPSS, First Bank reinforces its leadership in Africa’s digital banking landscape and its role in driving the continent’s economic integration through innovative financial solutions.

Established in 1894, First Bank of Nigeria Limited (‘FirstBank’) is West Africa’s oldest financial institution, with operations spanning Africa, Europe, and Asia. The bank maintains subsidiaries in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Senegal, as well as offices in London, Paris, and Beijing.

With over 43 million customer accounts and a network of 820 business offices and 280,000 agent locations across 772 local government areas in Nigeria, FirstBank continues to set industry benchmarks in innovation, financial inclusion, and corporate governance.

Activist Omoyele Sowore was reportedly re-arrested by the Nigerian Police moments after a Kuje Magistrate Court granted him bail on Friday.

Eyewitnesses said police officers dragged Sowore into a waiting vehicle despite the court’s approval of bail for him and 13 others arrested during the recent #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest.

According to reports, the incident occurred as Sowore’s legal team was finalizing his bail conditions. The police, led by CSP Ilyasu Barau, Officer in Charge of Anti-Vice under the DC-CID, FCT Command, allegedly punched Sowore and forced him into a police van.

Witnesses said the activist resisted the arrest, demanding to see a remand order, but officers refused to provide any documentation.

‘They really manhandled him,’ one eyewitness said. ‘The IPO punched him, dragged him on the ground, and forced him into the van,’ Dailypost disclosed.

Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id had earlier granted bail to Sowore, Aloy Ejimakor, lawyer to detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu; Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and 11 others.

The defendants face charges of unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace.