Category: PM News

Nollywood actress and politician, Tonto Dikeh, has opened up about her short-lived music career, revealing that the negative influence of her closest friends was the major reason behind her failure in the industry.

The 40-year-old film star shared this on Friday, October 10, while singing ‘God Is Good’ by Don Moen in a video posted on her Instagram page.

Tonto, who ventured into music in 2013 with songs like ‘Hi,’ ‘Crazically Fit,’ and ‘Jeje,’ and collaborations with artists such as Solid Star and Terry G, said she never truly had the talent for singing but was pressured by friends who convinced her otherwise.

Reflecting on that period, she described her failed music attempt as a reminder of a time when she surrounded herself with the ‘worst kind of friends,’ warning her fans to be cautious about the company they keep.

She humorously claimed that if she actually had the voice to match her ambition, she would have outshined celebrated singers like Tiwa Savage, CeCe Winans, and Whitney Houston.

‘If I could sing ehn, una for don dey sick of me. Who is Tiwa? Who is Whitney? Who is CeCe Winans? Watching this video reminds me of the time I had the worst kind of friends who pushed me to release an album,’ she said.

Oyin Olugbile has been announced as the winner of the 2025 Nigeria Prize for Literature, taking home the prestigious $100,000 award for her captivating fantasy novel, Sanya.

The announcement was made at the Grand Award Nite held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Olugbile’s Sanya triumphed over The Road to the Country by Chigozie Obioma and This Motherless Land by Nikki May, both of which were strong contenders for the coveted prize.

Olugbile’s masterful debut explores themes of love-lost, found, and lost again, set in a richly imagined empire so enchanting that even the Òrì?à are held spellbound.

The judges lauded Sanya as a ‘fascinating novel’ with ‘an unrelenting pace and an intriguing plot that immediately grabs attention.’

Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Chairperson of the Advisory Board, described the shortlisted works as ‘exceptional,’ adding: ‘Each work distinguishes itself through masterful plotting, characterisation, and a command of language that transports readers into imagined worlds. These are not merely stories-they are carefully woven realities, compelling in beauty, stirring in emotion, and unflinching in their engagement with urgent societal issues.’

Olugbile holds a B.A. (Hons) in Creative Arts from the University of Lagos, postgraduate certificates from the Lagos Business School, Harvard Business School Online, and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG), as well as an MSc from King’s College London.

She currently works as a Social Impact Management Consultant and serves as the Chief Curator of the Experience Factory (EXF), an education enterprise curating out-of-classroom learning experiences for young people across disciplines including Arts, STEM, Health, and Financial Literacy.

Sanya is her debut novel.

The European Commission has launched a probe into U.S. tech giants, Apple, Google, YouTube, and Snapchat, over alleged failure to protect minors online.

EU Commission Vice-President Henna Virkkunen said on Friday that the companies may have breached the Digital Services Act (DSA) by not ensuring adequate privacy and safety for children.

‘EU law is clear – minors must have a very high level of privacy and security online. This is not always the case,’ Virkkunen said at a meeting of EU telecom ministers in Horsens, Denmark.

Brussels is demanding detailed information from the four platforms to assess how they protect young users.

If violations are confirmed, the companies could face fines of up to 6% of their global revenue.

The EU suspects YouTube’s age checks are easy to bypass and that its algorithms may promote addictive content to minors.

It also wants answers from Apple and Google on whether children can access gambling apps through their stores, and from Snapchat over claims that underage users can buy drugs on the platform.

The DSA requires tech platforms to swiftly remove illegal content and protect users, with tougher rules for larger firms.

Virkkunen stressed that while ‘kids have the right to connect and access information,’ online platforms must ensure their safety.

Tensions have risen between Brussels and Washington over the law, with U.S. President Donald Trump recently calling the EU’s digital rules ‘anti-competitive.’

This week has been Customer Service Week across the world, and as always, it is a time to celebrate customers and appreciate those who serve them. At the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the celebration has been full of colour, excitement, and unity. From themed dress days to fun activities, staff across the country took time to appreciate the people who make their work meaningful, the taxpayers.

But beyond the glamour and celebration, this year’s Customer Service Week has given everyone at FIRS another reason to reflect on the kind of leadership the agency has been blessed with. Since Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman, came on board, he has shown that leadership is not just about policy but about people, and when I say people, I mean the people of Nigeria. He has brought a human touch to tax administration and changed the way many Nigerians perceive the agency.

Today, FIRS is not just an agency collecting taxes across Nigeria; it is a people-driven institution that listens, understands, and responds. Through innovations such as the TaxProMax platform, electronic invoicing, and an active online presence, people and businesses can now file returns, make payments, or access information with ease. Every transaction is secured and verifiable through a unique Invoice Reference Number and QR code, while taxpayers without internet access can conveniently use the *829# USSD code to retrieve their TIN, verify tax clearance certificates, locate nearby offices, or make quick inquiries. It is now easy for anyone to pay taxes or ask questions, as FIRS experts are always ready to assist through the website, social media, or call centers.

The Tax Boss is a man who knows his onions and leads with direction and purpose. FIRS has built a strong culture of courtesy and service excellence. Staff are reminded that taxpayers are partners in progress and that respect, fairness, and timely service are necessary to good governance. This change has increased public trust and strengthened the agency’s reputation as a responsive institution. Today, if you ask ten Nigerians, nine will tell you they now understand taxes better and why they are important. We have never had it this good.

His calm confidence, intelligence, and people-first approach have changed the atmosphere within the Agency. Staff now take pride in serving, knowing that their work makes life easier for millions. Taxpayers, too, are beginning to see FIRS differently, not as a burden, but as an institution they can trust.

As this year’s Customer Service Week comes to an end, with the theme ‘Mission: Possible,’ Nigerians can agree that Dr. Zacch has made it more than just a theme; he has made it our reality. He has shown that change is possible in public service. He leads by example, puts people first, and ensures that FIRS has become a true model of what responsive governance should look like.

At the end of the day, Dr. Zacch is a tactical leader whose results speak louder than words. What he has built at FIRS tells its own story. It is a system that works, a team that serves, and a nation that believes again. Nigerians can now see that the mission is truly possible.

Happy Customer Service Week to the Tax Boss, the entire FIRS team, and the ever-supportive taxpayers across Nigeria. Together, we keep building a better country for everyone.

Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is the Technical Assistant, Broadcast Media to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

The Nigerian Navy has dismantled six illegal refining sites and seized over 11,000 litres of stolen crude oil in a fresh clampdown on oil thieves in the Niger Delta.

The operation, carried out by personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos, was part of Operation Delta Sanity II, a sustained push to boost Nigeria’s crude production and crush economic sabotage.

FOB Commanding Officer, Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, said the raid followed credible intelligence that led to the deactivation of the illegal sites in the creeks around Obodo Omadino, Warri South-West, Delta State.

‘We seized about 11,200 litres of stolen crude from 28 dugout pits and six polythene sacks, alongside a pumping machine,’ Okoloagu told journalists on Friday in Warri.

He said the operation, in line with directives from the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, reflected the Navy’s renewed commitment to protect national oil assets.

‘FOB Escravos remains unwavering in its drive to dismantle illegal refining networks and safeguard Nigeria’s oil wealth,’ Okoloagu added.

The Navy has intensified its offensive against crude oil theft, with multiple illegal refineries destroyed in recent months across the Niger Delta.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejoices with the former Vice President Namadi Sambo on his turbaning as the Sardaunan Zazzau by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, on Saturday, October 11.

Tinubu notes that the title of Sardaunan Zazzau-a position of great cultural and historical significance in Northern Nigeria-reflects the Emirate’s confidence in the former Vice President’s wisdom, integrity, and commitment to society’s progress.

The President describes the honour as a recognition of Sambo’s exemplary leadership and contributions to national development.

The President acknowledges Sambo’s record of humility, statesmanship and dedication to humanity, noting that his well-deserved investiture as Sardaunan Zazzau further underscores his deep-rooted service to his community and the nation.

Tinubu also commends the Emir of Zazzau for upholding the noble tradition of honouring individuals whose character, leadership, and patriotism embody the Emirate’s values and reflect the spirit of unity, service, and integrity.

While wishing the former Vice President success in his new traditional role, President Tinubu urges him to continue inspiring and guiding the younger generation, and to work closely with traditional and community leaders to advance peace and development in the country.

President Bola Tinubu congratulates Al’amin Muhammed Idris, chief executive of Interface Africa, on winning the NextGen Innovation Challenge.

Interface Africa, representing Kaduna, won a cash award of £1.5 million at the challenge’s grand finale, held on Thursday at the Hilton London Paddington.

The NextGen Innovation Challenge is a national initiative spearheaded by the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) in partnership with UKALD London.

Inspired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the challenge is designed to unlock Nigerian youths’ innovative potential

President Tinubu commends Interface Africa for its effort in providing affordable solar financing to small businesses in Africa, noting that the cash award will support the company’s mission to increase access to clean energy in underserved communities.

The President strongly believes that the innovative potential of Nigerian youths is boundless; hence, his administration’s deliberate policies and programmes to harness and catalyse this vital resource.

President Tinubu also commends the other 104 participants and encourages them to keep innovating, improving lives, and shaping humanity’s future.

Justice James Omotosho of Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced one Mr. Garuba Mohammed Duku, a retired Director of Finance and Administration with the Federal Capital Territory Administration to 24 years imprisonment after he was found guilty of N318 million fraud.

Duku was arraigned before the court by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on a six-count charge of corruption and money laundering involving the sum of ?318 million 2022.

Duku, who worked as Director of Finance and Administration with the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) under FCTA, according to ICPC, between 2012 and 2013 fraudulently diverted ?318,250,000 belonging to Council into his personal account, which was domiciled at Fidelity Bank Plc.

ICPC said its findings showed that Duku received multiple payments totaling the said sum, including ?56.25 million, ?71 million, ?53 million, ?54 million, ?46 million, and ?36.3 million, which were subsequently transferred to Bureau de Change operators and expended for unauthorized purposes.

During the trial, ICPC successfully demonstrated that the defendant’s method of fund release and withdrawal was fraudulent and in violation of extant government financial regulations.

The Commission also refuted Mr. Duku’s claim that the funds were disbursed to his superiors, as no evidence was produced to substantiate the assertion.

In his judgment, Justice Omotosho held that the totality of evidence and witness testimonies presented by the Commission proved the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Consequently, the court sentenced Mr. Duku to four years’ imprisonment on each of the six counts, or an option of fine equivalent to five times the amount stated in each count, totaling approximately ?1.6 billion.

The sentences are to run concurrently.

This conviction underscores ICPC’s unwavering commitment to holding public officers accountable and ensuring that those who betray the public trust through corrupt practices are brought to justice in accordance with the law.

Burkina Faso, under the leadership of a military junta fiercely opposed to Western influence, has publicly rejected a US proposal to accept deportees expelled under President Donald Trump’s renewed immigration crackdown.

Since returning to office, President Trump’s administration has intensified efforts to deport migrants to third-party nations, often with little or no ties to the individuals involved. Several African countries – including Eswatini, Ghana, Rwanda and South Sudan – have agreed to such arrangements in recent months.

However, Burkina Faso has taken a firm stand. On Thursday evening, the country’s foreign minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, announced on national television that the proposal had been firmly rejected.

‘This proposal, which we considered indecent at the time, runs completely contrary to the principle of dignity,’ he said.

Just hours before his statement, the US embassy in Ouagadougou declared it would suspend routine visa services for Burkinabe citizens. Those requiring visas are now being redirected to neighbouring Togo’s capital, Lomé.

In response, Traoré questioned the timing and motive behind the suspension: ‘Is this a way to put pressure on us? Is this blackmail? Whatever it is. Burkina Faso is a place of dignity, a destination, not a dumping ground.’

The rejection underscores a deepening ideological rift between Burkina Faso’s ruling junta and the West. Since seizing power in a coup in September 2022, Captain Ibrahim Traoré has repositioned the country’s foreign policy, cutting ties with France and pursuing closer relations with Russia. He has increasingly styled himself as a Pan-Africanist leader rejecting neocolonial influence.

The stance places Burkina Faso at odds with other African nations that have opted for closer cooperation with the United States in return for diplomatic or financial incentives.

As Washington doubles down on its controversial migration strategy, Ouagadougou’s defiance signals that not all nations are willing to play along.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has hailed President Bola Tinubu for granting state pardons to late nationalist Herbert Macaulay and 174 others, describing the move as a mark of ‘statesmanship, courage, and compassion.’

The party, in a statement by its spokesman Seye Oladejo on Friday, said the President’s decision reflects his belief in restorative justice and national healing.

‘This is yet another display of the President’s humanity, fairness, and statesmanship,’ Oladejo said. ‘By honouring Herbert Macaulay – one of Nigeria’s founding nationalists, the President has corrected a historical injustice and reaffirmed the dignity of those who fought for our freedom.’

President Tinubu on Thursday approved posthumous pardons for Macaulay and the late former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Maj.-Gen. Mamman Vatsa, as well as clemency for ex-lawmaker Farouk Lawan, among others.

The decision, endorsed by the National Council of State, also covered 82 inmates, with seven death sentences commuted to life imprisonment and 65 prison terms reduced.

Oladejo said the gesture reflects Tinubu’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda, which goes beyond infrastructure to building a humane, inclusive, and reconciled nation.

‘This pardon restores faith in our justice system, deepens reconciliation, and reminds us that a nation’s greatness lies not only in how it punishes but also in how it forgives,’ he added.

The APC commended the President for what it described as ‘true leadership – firm, fair, and forward-looking.’