Category: PM News

The Federal Government has broken its silence on viral claims that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is no longer required for admission into tertiary institutions.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the reports as ‘false and baseless’ and said they did not originate from the Ministry.

‘At no point did the Ministry issue or authorise any statement suggesting that JAMB is no longer mandatory for admission into tertiary institutions,’ Alausa said.

He reaffirmed that JAMB remains the statutory, legally empowered body charged with conducting entrance examinations and coordinating admissions into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country.

‘The established admission processes through JAMB remain fully operational, and any contrary information should be disregarded in its entirety,’ the minister added.

Alausa urged prospective students, parents and school authorities to rely only on official channels of the Ministry and JAMB for accurate updates on admission policies. He warned media outlets, bloggers and online platforms against publishing unverified information that could cause confusion in the education sector.

The minister said the Federal Government will continue to work with JAMB and other relevant agencies to protect the integrity of the admission system and ensure that merit guides all admissions.

He reiterated: there has been no change to JAMB’s role, any report claiming otherwise is false and should be treated as such.

Mai Mala Buni, Yobe State governor, has approved the payment of outstanding gratuities for retired local government workers.

This approval was announced in a statement signed by Ibrahim Adamu Jajere, the Yobe State Commissioner for Local and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The governor also ordered that the payments be merged with the monthly financial schedule, to ensure that the fees are paid regularly. He approved a sum of ?2.1 billion to offset the outstanding payment.

‘On behalf of the state government. I described the move as a demonstration of the Governor’s compassionate and people-centered leadership, aimed at providing financial relief and dignity to senior citizens. The Ministry has commenced arrangements for the transparent and immediate disbursement of the approved funds to all eligible retirees’, the Commissioner said.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Institute will help address falsehoods and trace malicious campaigns.

Idris stated this at the Progressive Governors Summit for APC states’ Commissioners of Information in Maiduguri, which has the theme ‘FGN Synergy 2025: One Message, One Future.’

According to the minister, the upcoming UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja will equip teams to forensically debunk falsehoods, trace malicious campaigns, and saturate the digital space with credible, engaging content that reclaims our national story

‘Central to this effort is the National Values Charter, a critical agent of change and national reorientation that will soon be unveiled by President Tinubu.

‘The Charter, a creation of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) is structured to infuse patriotism, protect the country and citizens, and unify around one indivisible country.’

Idris further explained that the National Values Charter will be the most potent counter-narrative to negative foreign mischaracterization of Nigeria.

According to him, the Charter defines who we are: a people committed to unity in diversity, resilience, and mutual respect.

He urged stakeholders to ensure the Charter is made the foundation of all state-level communication, by using it to actively promote a narrative of shared identity that renders divisive labels meaningless.

‘Fellow party men and women, we must proclaim the great performance of the APC administration under President Bola Tinubu, a reformer second-to-none, who is gradually leading us towards economic efficiency.

‘This is translating policies into measurable impact, in relation to industrialisation, infrastructure, competitiveness, inclusion, sustainable institutions, and unlocking investment.

‘In other words, we are talking about the Renewed Hope Agenda, which first started with the emphatic removal of the rentier oil subsidy and the floatation of the naira,’ Idris said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Institute, sited in the National Open University of Nigeria would be certified in November at the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The National drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA has filed four count amended charge of drug related offences against a Lagos businessman, Ezeh Alexander Uche, alleged to have been on the run, but now apprehended.

In the amended charges filed before the court by the NDLEA, It was alleged that: Ezeh Alexander Uche Male, Adult on or about the 5th November 2024 during the examination of Cargoes to United Kingdom via Cologne – Germany, at National Handling Company (NAHCO) Export Shed. a Customs Area/Point of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja procured one Ekeocha Anayo Nelson to export 4.40kilograms of Cocaine, a Narcotic Drug concealed in food stuffs.

It was further alleged that Ezeh Alexander Uche, on or about the 12th May 2025 during the examination of Cargoes to United Kingdom at NAHCO Export Shed, a Customs Area/Point of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja – Lagos procured one Olowolehin Sunday Olabode to export 11.5Okilograms of Cannabis Sativa, a Narcotic Drug similar to Cocaine, LSD, Heroin concealed in packs of plantain chips.

In the fourth count charge the defendant on or about the 12 May 2025 during the examination of Cargoes to United Kingdom, at NAHCO Export Shed, a Customs Area/Point of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Ikeja – Lagos without lawful authority exported 11.5Okilograms of Cannabis Sativa, a Narcotic Drug, similar to Cocaine, LSD, Heroin concealed in packs of plantain chips.

The offences alleged to have been committed by the defendant are contrary to sections 20(1)(a),21(2)(d) and punishable under section 20(2)N30 Laws of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Cap N30 Law of the Federation of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the court has fixed 27th of November, 2025 for the arraignment of Uche.

A speeding dispatch rider attempt to hastily manoeuvre across the railway track in a bid to access the GRA axis of Ikeja, Lagos State resulted in his death on Thursday as he collided with a moving train.

This was confirmed in a statement by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

In the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the dispatch rider, who was on a motorcycle with registration number AGL 179 QR, was killed while trying to cross the PWD Railway Level Crossing in Ikeja.

‘Preliminary investigations conducted by security personnel at the scene revealed that the dispatch rider, reportedly travelling at excessive speed, attempted to hastily manoeuvre across the railway track in a bid to access the GRA axis of Ikeja.

‘In the process, he collided with an oncoming train. The impact proved fatal, as the rider died instantly, while the train continued its movement along the track,’ he said.

He said that LASTMA personnel, being the first respondents, promptly cordoned off the scene of the incident to avert secondary mishaps and ensure the free flow of vehicular movement within the area.

He added that this was done with support from security personnel from Shogunle Police Division.

‘The State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) was immediately contacted and arrived at the scene to evacuate the remains of the deceased for appropriate action,’ he said.

Bakare-Oki expressed profound sympathy to the bereaved family, describing the incident as a distressing reminder of the dire consequences of impatience and disregard for traffic safety rules, particularly at railway level crossings.

He appealed to all dispatch riders and the motoring public to exercise utmost caution, patience, and discipline while on the road – especially around railway intersections.

He emphasised the importance of strict compliance with all traffic signals and government-installed warning signs, not only across Lagos State but throughout the federation, to prevent avoidable road tragedies.

The general manager further reaffirmed LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to continuous public enlightenment, proactive enforcement, and safety advocacy in its mission to ensure sanity, discipline, and orderliness across the Lagos metropolis.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of the renowned unionist and rights activist, Comrade Abiodun Aremu, describing him as a fearless, courageous and passionate patriot.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, sympathised with the labour movement and the civil society organisations on the passing of the late Comrade Aremu.

Sanwo-Olu, who also condoled with the family, friends and associates of the departed labour activist, described Aremu’s death as shocking and a great loss to the country.

He said: ‘It is with a deep sense of sorrow that I commiserate with the family, friends and associates of the late Comrade Abiodun Aremu. He was undoubtedly a great Nigerian, a passionate rights activist, a respected unionist and a champion of a true Nigeria.

‘Comrade Abiodun Aremu was a fearless, courageous and bold activist. As an uncompromised unionist, he lived a fulfilled life by making a positive impact in the lives of the ordinary people during his lifetime. He spent his life in the service of humanity and particularly for the emancipation of the Nigerian people.

‘He was a committed fighter, an advocate of good governance and better welfare for the citizens. During his lifetime, he devoted his time, energy, and resources to the empowerment of workers and fought tirelessly in defence of the masses and the interests of the downtrodden.

‘On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Lagos State, I express my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, associates and members of the civil society movement and labour unions in Nigeria. I pray that God will give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant Comrade Abiodun Aremu eternal rest.’

FCMB Group Plc has outlined the strategic framework and financial rationale for its ongoing ?160 billion public offer during a ‘Facts Behind the Offer’ presentation at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) in Lagos.

The session, which drew capital market operators, fund managers, investment analysts, and other stakeholders, provided an in-depth look into the Group’s financial fundamentals, growth trajectory, and recapitalisation roadmap.

This engagement followed the Analyst and Investor Session held on October 9, where FCMB’s leadership discussed the Group’s performance trends, long-term strategy, and progress in creating sustainable shareholder value.

Launched on October 2, 2025, the ?160 billion offer comprises 16 billion ordinary shares priced at ?10 each and is scheduled to close on November 6, 2025. The capital raise is designed to help First City Monument Bank Limited, one of the Group’s subsidiaries with a national banking licence, meet the Central Bank of Nigeria’s new ?500 billion minimum capital requirement for international banks.

The latest public offer follows FCMB’s successful ?147.5 billion rights issue in 2024, which marked its first capital raise in 16 years.

That exercise was oversubscribed by 33% and attracted more than 42,800 investors, with 92% participating through digital platforms-an indicator of strong investor confidence in the Group’s long-term prospects.

According to analysts, the new offer represents the second phase of FCMB’s three-stage recapitalisation plan. Following the current exercise, the Group intends to finalise the sale of minority stakes in two subsidiaries, with the proceeds to be channelled into strengthening the bank’s capital base.

Upon completion, FCMB’s qualifying core capital is expected to exceed ?500 billion, paving the way for the Group to secure an international banking licence and enhance its competitive positioning within Nigeria’s financial services sector.

Investors can subscribe to the offer through various channels, including the FCMB Mobile App, retail and business banking platforms, the websites publicoffer.fcmb.com and invest.ngxgroup.com, FCMB branches nationwide, or through licensed stockbrokers such as CSL Stockbrokers (contact: 02012777628, cslservice@fcmb.com/ cslcsu@fcmb.com).

The Senate is set to screen Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan on Thursday(today) for the position of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

This was made known in in a circular issued on Wednesday by the Senate’s Director of Information, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, and made available to journalists in Abuja.

The development is coming after a formal request from President Bola Tinubu, whose letter urging the Senate to expedite Amupitan’s confirmation was read on the Senate floor on Wednesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The circular said, ‘The Office of the Secretary, Research and Information wishes to notify members of the press and the general public that the Senate will on Thursday, 16th October, 2025, conduct the screening of the nominee of President Bola Tinubu, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, as INEC Chairman.

‘The exercise is scheduled to hold at the Senate Chamber, National Assembly Complex. Members of the Senate Press Corps are kindly requested to provide their usual media coverage and support to ensure adequate dissemination of information to the public. Similarly, television stations are expected to provide live coverage of the event.’

Amupitan will replace Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC chairman for two terms of ten years. This follows Amupitan’s endorsement by the National Council of State last week.

In his letter tasking for the Senate confirmation of Amupitan, Tinubu had written: ‘I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission,’ while citing Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Zimbabwe’s head coach, Michael Nees, has praised Nigeria and Egypt as the two best attacking teams in African football.

Nees made the remark while discussing Zimbabwe’s chances ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Zimbabwe, who failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will face Egypt, South Africa, and Angola in the AFCON group stage.

The team had a difficult World Cup qualifying campaign, finishing bottom of Group C, which also included Nigeria, South Africa, Benin Republic, Lesotho, and Rwanda. They ended with five draws.

Despite their struggles, Nees believes his team is ready for the tough AFCON group.

He said:

‘We are in a very difficult group. South Africa are strong – we saw that last Friday when we managed to hold them. Egypt and Nigeria are the best attacking teams in Africa, while Angola are also dangerous.

Every team that qualifies for AFCON wants to make it past the group stage. No one goes there just to play three games and go home.’

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi has been honoured with the Golden Legends Honour Medal at the Allstar Charity Awards.

Taking to her Instagram page, the box-office star shared photos of herself proudly displaying the medal, expressing gratitude for the recognition.

She described the award as one given to individuals who continue to uplift and impact lives positively.

In celebration of the honour, Toyin announced her donation of five bags of rice towards the charity’s cause, noting that it was her way of keeping the spirit of giving alive.

‘Honoured to receive the Golden Legends Honour Medal at this year’s @allstarscharity – awarded annually to individuals who continue to uplift and impact the lives of others positively.

To keep the spirit alive, I’m donating 5 bags of rice towards the cause. Together, we say #GameOnHungerOff,’ she wrote.

The actress, fondly called Oversabi Aunty, added that she remains grateful for the recognition and opportunity to inspire others through her work.

Just days earlier, Toyin shared a message on social media, saying she needed God’s strength and direction now more than ever. She also declared herself a ‘prophet,’ explaining that her movies serve as a form of therapy and inspiration for many.

Earlier this year, Toyin’s movie Alakada Bad and Boujee ranked as the fifth highest-grossing Nollywood release of all time..

In March, she also received the Trailblazer Award at the Silverbird Man of the Year event