Category: PM News

Hundreds of worshippers were left horrified on Friday morning after a man brazenly urinated on the Altar of Confession inside St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City’s holiest Catholic site.

The disturbing act took place around 9 a.m., according to the New York Post, when the unidentified man scaled the steps of the sacred altar where the Pope traditionally celebrates mass, dropped his pants, and urinated in full view of stunned tourists and worshippers.

Videos circulating online show the man calmly pulling up his jeans moments after the act before Vatican police tackled and escorted him out of the basilica. It remains unclear if he has been detained or charged.

The incident has been described as a grave desecration of one of Christianity’s most revered sites. Sources told the Post that Pope Leo XIV was ‘deeply shocked’ upon learning of the event, though the Holy See Press Office has yet to issue an official statement.

The Altar of Confession, located directly above St Peter’s tomb, is reserved exclusively for papal masses and key liturgical ceremonies.

This is not the first time the altar has been defiled. Earlier this year, a man smashed several candelabras on the same spot, and in June 2023, a Polish protester stripped naked atop the altar with ‘Save children of Ukraine’ scrawled across his back. That incident prompted Vatican officials to re-sanctify the altar in a special penitential rite.

Nigerian singer and songwriter, Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, popularly known as Iyanya, has opened up on some of the struggles men face despite being wealthy and famous.

Iyanya on his X page, revealed that some men in the entertainment industry suffer without asking for help due to societal expectations.

He added that celebrities struggle more to get back on their feet after hitting rock bottom

‘Celebrities are humans with deep feelings and struggles like everyone else. Beyond the media glamorisation is a person simply yearning to be human like the rest of us. For male celebrities, there’s often an even deeper struggle to bounce back when one hits a low. Men are wired not to show weakness, not to ask for help, or they risk being called soft,’ he wrote.

The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, wants stronger regional collaboration among Northern states to drive sustainable development and attract large-scale investments across the region.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Bauchi Investment Summit 1.0, Comrade Gwarzo commended Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad and the people of Bauchi State for successfully hosting what he described as a groundbreaking event that showcased the region’s untapped economic potential.

Representing the Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, he said the summit had set a new benchmark for strategic governance and innovative economic planning in Northern Nigeria.

He applauded the Bauchi State Government’s foresight in convening the summit, noting that its success reflected meticulous organization and a deep commitment to inclusive growth.

The Deputy Governor urged other Northern governors to replicate Bauchi’s model by organizing similar investment-driven initiatives capable of transforming the region’s economy through partnership and knowledge sharing.

According to him, ‘Northern Nigeria is not a region dependent on others, but one rich in human and material resources. I’m very happy to hear you emphasizing that we are nobody’s parasites. We have never been and will never be, Insha’Allah. The surest way out of our challenges is through the support of our leaders and the effective utilization of our God-given resources.’

Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, in his closing remarks, described the summit as a transformative learning experience that broadened his understanding of governance, investment, and sustainable growth.

He noted that the deliberations and interactions had deepened his appreciation of the role of knowledge in governance, saying, ‘I am more educated than I was before. How I wish this investment sermon was convoked when I came into government. That is what knowledge can do.’

The governor further highlighted Bauchi’s vast tourism and natural resource potential beyond the popular Yankari Game Reserve, citing archaeological and historical sites that, if properly developed, could significantly boost the state’s economy.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining a peaceful environment conducive to investment and inclusive development.

A Statement by the Deputy Governor’s Press Secretary, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, indicated that the Bauchi Investment Summit 1.0, which was declared open by Vice President Kashim Shettima, featured key sessions on multi-state economic opportunities, agriculture, solid minerals, and tourism.

The two-day event attracted prominent national and international investors, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, as well as delegations from Tunisia, China, Saudi Arabia, and other countries.

It recorded the signing of 47 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and secured investment commitments worth over $5 billion, signaling a major step toward repositioning Bauchi as a hub for investment and sustainable growth.

The Kogi West FGYB Legacy Group, comprising stakeholders from the seven Local Government Areas of Kogi West Senatorial District, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for a second term in office.

According to a statement by Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Olorunfemi Fanwo, the endorsement was made in a communique at the end of a meeting held in Kabba, Kogi State, on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

The communique was jointly signed and read by its drafting committee chairman, Fanwo; Secretary, Barr. Tanko Mohammed; and Member, Hon. Shaibu Ipinmisho on behalf of the group.

The stakeholders unanimously passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu, citing his bold economic reforms, efforts towards energy stability, and massive infrastructural development across the nation.

They pledged over 90 percent of the votes from Kogi West Senatorial District in future elections in recognition of his people-oriented leadership.

The meeting commended Governor Ododo for his impactful leadership and remarkable achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare delivery, agriculture, youth and women empowerment, and humanitarian development.

The stakeholders particularly lauded the governor’s strategic approach to tackling security challenges across the state, especially in Kogi West, and for fostering peace and stability in all communities.

The meeting applauded the governor for his ongoing and completed projects across Kogi West Senatorial District.

These include massive projects at the Kogi State University, Kabba, the Model Secondary School, Okebukun, and the Township Road reconstruction projects in Mopa and Ayetoro Gbede.

The stakeholders also commended the take-off of projects at the College of Education (Technical), Mopa.

The stakeholders expressed deep appreciation for the governor’s personal visit to troubled areas and his efforts in ensuring security in the Senatorial District.

The group called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and citizens to support government efforts towards restoring and sustaining peace across Kogi State.

They reaffirmed their unwavering support for the administrations of President Tinubu and Governor Ododo, pledging to mobilize citizens in support of government policies.

The meeting commended security agencies for supporting the governor in ensuring security in the district. Local hunters also commended for complementing security agencies in Kogi West.

The stakeholders resolved that leaders of every LGA in Kogi West should mobilize people to participate in Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and commended the stakeholders’ turnout.

Earlier, during the meeting, the APC Chairman, Kogi State, Hon. Abdullahi Bello said the party is for progressive people with loyal leaders.

He commended former Governor Yayaya Bello raising people at the grassroots and laid a solid foundation for the incumbent Gov Ahmed Ododo to build on.

He emphasised that APC stakeholders’ meeting would strengthen the party in the state and the country at large.

Bello urged members to be focused and united and beware of inexperienced and self-centered politicians.

The APC Chairman commended President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigerians and urged party members to sustain support for Tinubu and Gov. Ododo.

Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones and that of Finance and Budget Planning, Asiwaju Idris; Environment and Ecological Management, Olusegun Joseph who spoke on behalf of Kabba-Bunu, Yagba East, and Yagba West, respectively, lauded Gov. Ododo and President Tinubu’s achievements.

The meeting was attended by all Commissioners, LG chairmen, Assembly members, federal lawmakers, and former and present political appointees from Kogi West, as well as former Sen. Smart Adeyemi.

Other signatories for each of the seven LGAs are Aliyu Umar Yusuf, Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly – Lokoja LGA; Cdr Jerry Omodara retd, State Security Adviser – Kabba/Bunu; Mrs Folashade Ayoade, Secretary to the State Government – Yagba East; Kingsley Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications – Mopamuro LGA; Engr. Bashir Gegu, Commissioner for Solid Minerals – Kogi LGA; Engr. Olusegun Joseph, Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management – Yagba West, and Dr. Helen Adeniyi, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology – Ijumu LGA.

Nollywood actress Adesua Etomi-Wellington, has opened up on some of the struggles she faces after birthing her second son, Zekiah.

While celebrating his birthday with an heartfelt post on Instagram, Adesua opened up on the struggles of motherhood.

She expressed her gratitude to God for the life of her son, adding that his presence in her life and marriage has been a blessing.

‘We can’t believe today is your first birthday, Zekiah. We are all deeply in love with you, our strong-willed baby, our sunshine, our bundle of joy with a PhD in facial expressions. You are evidence of God’s faithfulness. He is indeed a promise keeper. You are so beautiful and have brought so much joy and laughter into our home. You are proof that God still answers prayers. but also steals your sleep. Proof that one can rule the house with maximum authority and two teeth,’ she wrote.

Adesua, however, added that despite the struggles she encountered during and after pregnancy, she would do it all again for her children. The actress also revealed that she suffered hair loss after birthing her second son.

The All Progressive Congress (APC) has waxed stronger in Jigawa state with over 66, 000 politicians from different political parties joining the ruling party during a grand rally hosted by Governor Umar Namadi.

The grand political rally which took place at the Dutse Stadium, on Saturday, saw Governor Namadi leading top national and state leaders of the APC and welcomed more than 66,000 defectors from opposition parties into the ruling party.

The event, attended by thousands of supporters, marked one of the largest political gatherings in Jigawa State in recent times.

Among the dignitaries present were the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; Governor of Yobe State and former APC National Chairman, Mai Mala Buni; Deputy Governors of Katsina and Sokoto States; Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political Matters; members of the National Assembly, and several other prominent figures.

Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Mai Mala Buni commended the massive turnout, describing it as a reflection of public confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.

He assured the new members of equal treatment within the party and reiterated the federal government’s determination to improve national security, infrastructure, and economic prosperity.

In his remarks, the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, welcomed the defectors and called for loyalty and unity among party members saying that the mass defection demonstrates the people’s growing trust in the APC-led governments both at the national and state levels.

Also in his address, Governor Namadi, revealed that the defectors came from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

He attributed their decision to join the APC to the success and inclusiveness of his administration’s policies.

Governor Namadi reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening party unity and advancing good governance in Jigawa State, as he lauded President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and dedication to Nigeria’s progress.

The event concluded with the formal presentation of APC membership flags to the representatives of the new members, symbolizing their official integration into the party.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has penned an emotional tribute to his son, as the younger man marks his 40th birthday today.

In a touching personal statement issued from the State House, President Tinubu praised his son’s character, accomplishments, and commitment to service.

Tinubu described Seyi as ‘a man of focus, courage, and humility’ who continues to walk the path of impact and leadership.

He wrote: ‘You have walked your path with focus, courage, and humility, and you have done so with a heart that seeks to build, serve, and uplift others.’

The President while recalling Seyi’s early ambition and entrepreneurial spirit, he commended his son’s transformation of ‘ideas into institutions’ and ‘challenges into opportunities’, citing his work in both business and service as evidence of a life built on substance and purpose.

‘True success is not measured by wealth or power but by the impact we make and the lives we touch,’ Tinubu said.

Describing 40 as a pivotal age, Tinubu extolled Seyi’s integrity, work ethic, and devotion to his own young family, including his wife Layal and their children.

He said, ‘Our entire family is proud of you.

‘You have carried your name with honour and have remained faithful to the values of discipline, integrity, and hard work.’

President Tinubu concluded his message with a prayer for continued wisdom, peace, and good health for Seyi, urging him to keep inspiring others and making Nigeria proud.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 52-year-old businessman, Ejiofor Godwin Emeka, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, after he excreted 127 wraps of cocaine concealed in his private part and stomach.

Emeka, who operates boutiques in Lagos and Onitsha, Anambra State, was apprehended on arrival from Bangkok, Thailand, via Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 941 on October 8, 2025, following credible intelligence.

NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi said a body scan confirmed that Emeka ingested illicit substances and concealed others in his underwear.

He added that a total of 58 wraps of cocaine were immediately recovered from his pants before he was placed under excretion observation and that over several days, he excreted 69 additional pellets in seven rounds, bringing the total to 127 wraps weighing 1.388 kilograms.

In another major breakthrough, NDLEA operatives intercepted three consignments of illicit drugs destined for the United Kingdom at a courier company in Lagos on October 9 and 10.

The first shipment contained 1.74 kilograms of methamphetamine cleverly hidden inside blocks of glass ceramics, while the second and third contained 114 grams of pentazocine, 168 grams of tramadol injections, and 48 grams of tramadol capsules concealed in Vitamin C containers.

The statement further said attempts by criminal syndicates to export other consignments were also foiled.

These included 2.6 kilograms of skunk and 422 grams of tapentadol tablets concealed in black soap heading to Turkey, 169 grams of cocaine hidden in ladies’ handbags bound for Australia, and 568 grams of ‘loud’ cannabis packed in containers of herbs destined for the United Arab Emirates.

At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, NDLEA officers intercepted 27,510 pills of rohypnol disguised in sachets of alcoholic drinks being smuggled to South Africa.

Following the arrest of a freight agent and a cab driver linked to the shipment, a follow-up operation led to the arrest of 46-year-old Samuel Omoruyi, also known as Yellow, at Oyingbo Market, Lagos, identified as the mastermind behind the attempt.

The same day, an Italy-based businessman, Enehizena Augustine Uyimwen, was arrested while attempting to export 3,700 tramadol pills and 2,600 tapentadol tablets hidden in food items to Europe.

According to NDLEA, He confessed that he was trafficking the drugs on behalf of another person for a fee of pound 945.

Elsewhere across the country, NDLEA officers continued their crackdown on drug traffickers. In Edo State, a raid on the home of Emmanuel Sunday at Ugbekpe Ekperi, Etsako Central Local Government Area, led to the recovery of 47 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis.

In Osun State, two suspects were arrested at Omifufun village, Ife South Local Government Area, after 635 kilograms of skunk were found in their Toyota Hiace bus, while another 100 kilograms were recovered from two other suspects in the same area.

In Rivers, Kaduna, Niger, Katsina and Ondo states, operatives seized thousands of opioid pills, cannabis, and other controlled substances in separate operations, arresting several suspects in the process.

Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), commended the officers for their professionalism and resilience, urging them to sustain the momentum in the ongoing War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.

Former Governor of Ogun and the Senator representing Ogun East, Chief Gbenga Daniel, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Daniel spoke during the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Otunba Gbenga Daniel (BATOGD) Mid-term Community Assessment and Review tour to Ijebu Imushin in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun on Sunday.

The senator cited unprecedented progress in key sectors, particularly solid minerals, as evidence of Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to Nigeria’s economic transformation.

He commended the President’s bold reforms that had repositioned the mining sector. He explained that revenue from solid minerals had grown from N6 billion to N38 billion in just one year, saying it is a record-breaking achievement driven by efficiency, transparency and accountability.

‘The mining sector under President Tinubu has received greater attention and the revenue from the solid minerals sector has grown from N6 billion to N38 billion in just one year.

‘This was made possible by the President’s bold declarations that the era of exporting raw minerals is over and that mining licences will only be granted to investors who commit to local processing and value addition.

‘It’s a means of creating jobs for our local population and industries to ensure that prosperity derived from mining stays within Nigeria,’ he said.

Daniel urged the people of Ogun East to sustain their support for the ruling administration.

He stressed that continuity in leadership both at the federal and legislative levels was key to actualising long-held regional aspirations such as the creation of Ijebu/Remo state and the Ijebu Seaport project.

‘By God’s grace, President Tinubu will not disappoint us. What we’re hearing is that one new state will emerge from each geopolitical zone. Continuity of the President and your representatives will make this dream a reality,’ he said.

Daniel explained that the tour was not merely a political rally but a grassroots engagement mechanism designed to evaluate progress, gather feedback, and communicate federal policies directly to the people.

He listed several people-oriented interventions across Ogun East as some of his achievements, noting that over 4,000 residents across the senatorial district had benefitted from his eye-care programme.

Daniel urged continued collaboration with the Federal Government and key stakeholders to transform the region’s abundant natural resources into lasting prosperity for current and future generations.

The Federal Government has received 130 hectares of land from the Ogun State Government for the construction of the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port.

The project aims to boost Nigeria’s Blue Economy and reduce congestion at seaports in the western region.

The official handover took place during a signing ceremony in Ijebu-Ode. It marks a big step toward improving trade facilities, making cargo transport faster, and connecting road, rail, and water transport systems.

Olufemi Oloruntola, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, signed the land transfer on behalf of the Federal Government.

He said the project would help create jobs and promote economic growth in Ogun State and other parts of Nigeria.

LíkRepresenting Governor Dapo Abiodun, the State Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, said Ogun’s donation of 130 hectares shows its commitment to national development. He added that the port will improve transport links and boost trade in the Ijebu-Ode area.

The Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port is planned to serve as a major logistics hub for importers and exporters in southwestern Nigeria. It will handle cargo and provide customs clearance services closer to businesses in the region.

Top officials who attended the event included Dr. Mercy Ilori, Director of Maritime Services; Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council; and representatives from the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

According to the Ministry, the new port is part of the Federal Government’s plan to grow regional trade, expand maritime infrastructure, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global Blue Economy.