Category: PM News

Nigerian artists Stanley Omah Didia, also known as Omah Lay, and Oluwafemi Oladapo also known as Slimcase, has cried out over the state of Nigerian music.

The artists claimed that Nigerian music and the afrobeats genre is becoming boring.

Slimcase who is popular for his hit song ‘Issa Banger’ with D’banj, first took to his Instagram page to air his opinion.

He claimed that artists focus too much on the quantity of songs being released rather than the quality.

‘Too many songs and albums. Una too Dey put una self for pressure for this Niger sha. Take a chill pill and be like Rihanna. Do other things, come back to give us a fresh vibe. Your sounds are getting boring because dem be coming too much in a year. I owe dem a song this year and that is it. It is only God that is New every morning. Everyday, and every second singles and albums dey kiiii afrobeats gradually it is not fun anymore,’ he stated in pidgin English.

Omah Lay on his Snapchat, also echoed his sentiments, adding that the music industry has become boring. He also promised to shake up the music scene soon.

‘Una music industry is boring AF! Spirit is coming to f**k up the continent in a bit,’ he wrote.

The Federal Government, on Thursday in Abuja inaugurated a National Digital Trustmark, a platform designed to provide a verifiable certification mechanism, badge of trust for e-commerce and other online platforms nationwide.

It was inaugurated during a joint news conference by National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Corporate Affairs Commission, (CAC), the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The initiative is expected to curb online frauds, identity theft, scamming, forgery thereby ensuring trust, competitiveness, integrity and reposing confidence in Nigeria online and digital business platforms.

Malam Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General, NITDA said the trustmark had become necessary following global concerns over online business activities of Nigerians.

Inuwa also said it would strengthen consumer confidence, promote fair competition and elevate Nigerian businesses to global standards.

‘It is sad for Nigerians to be classified as scammers and fraudsters especially in relation to how online businesses are conducted.

‘There are times citizens will make payments for goods online only to be blocked thereafter, or cases where whatever citizens purchased online are not delivered according to specifications.

‘The trustmark will be in form of a security seal granted by NITDA for certification and authentication of online or digital business outfits.

‘The security seal will be embossed on the platforms, letter heads and pages for authentication and identification as true registered companies or entities operating in Nigeria with at least one known office,’ he said.

He further said the initiative, though not compulsory would come with charges depending on the size of the business organisation and its area of specialisation.

The initiative, he said would be facilitated by the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) and the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, (NACIMMA).

According to him, the trustmark digital certification would be renewed annually to ensure transparency and accountability of the entire process.

He said both the public and private sectors with online businesses would be eligible for the security seal.

President of NACIMMA, Mr Jani Ibrahim, the seal marked a major step towards building a safer, more trusted and globally competitive digital economy for Nigeria.

He was represented by his Special Adviser on Digital Economy Trade Group, Mr Suleiman Audu.

He assured that NACIMMA in collaboration with other stakeholders would ensure seamless implementation of the policy, saying that it would be devoid of bureaucratic bottlenecks and other impediments.

Mr Chinedu Albert, GIZ Nigeria Consultant and Public Policy Expert, commended the initiative, saying Nigeria’s e-commerce market, currently valued at 13 billion dollars represented only 0.55 per cent of the 27 trillion dollars global market.

ý’The Digital Trustmark directly addresses this challenge because it aligns with the African Continental Digital Trade Protocol, which requires member states to establish mutual trust mechanisms.

‘This initiative will also strengthen Nigerian MSMEs’ competitiveness in global trade,’ Albert said.

A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect at noon local time on October 10, 2025, bringing an immediate halt to fighting for the first time since March and triggering the mass movement of displaced Palestinians returning to their homes in northern Gaza.

The ceasefire follows the Israeli government’s approval of the first phase of a U.S.-led peace plan and initiates a carefully sequenced process centered on the release of hostages and prisoners, a partial Israeli troop withdrawal, and a surge in humanitarian aid.

The activation of the ceasefire has set in motion a precise 72-hour timeline for the release of hostages and a significant withdrawal of Israeli forces.

The Israeli military stated it has pulled its forces back to new ‘updated deployment lines’ as outlined in the agreement.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed the completion of this first phase of withdrawal. This new boundary, often referred to as the ‘yellow line’ in the U.S. plan, leaves the Israeli military in control of approximately 53% of the Gaza Strip.

With the ceasefire in effect, a 72-hour countdown has begun. Hamas is now required to release all remaining hostages held in Gaza by Monday at noon local time.

Of the 48 hostages still in captivity, 20 are believed to be alive, while 28 are deceased. The release is to be conducted ‘without any public ceremonies or media coverage’.

In exchange for the hostages, Israel has agreed to release 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, many convicted of attacks on Israelis, and an additional 1,722 Gazans detained during the war.

An official list has been published by Israel, though it does not include high-profile prisoners like Marwan Barghouti. Concurrently, humanitarian aid is set to increase significantly, with up to 600 trucks of aid expected to enter Gaza daily.

The ceasefire prompted an immediate and emotional response from Gaza’s displaced population. Thousands of Palestinians, who had been ordered to flee south weeks ago, began the long journey on foot back to Gaza City and its surrounding areas.

Despite the bleak surroundings, the mood was jubilant. ‘The crowds are unbelievable,’ said Shamekh al-Dibs, who was returning with his family.

‘People are so happy, even if what they’re going back to is destruction’.

Many, like nursing student Mousa Rajab, were returning to see the condition of their homes for the first time.

‘We just want to see if our homes are still standing,’ he said, expressing a cautious hope that this ceasefire would be the last.

The Israeli military has permitted this movement along major roads but issued stern warnings for people to avoid areas where troops remain active, stating those zones are ‘extremely dangerous’.

Leaders on both sides and the international community have responded to the development, with U.S. President Donald Trump playing a central role.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant address, stating that Hamas agreed to the deal only when it ‘felt the sword resting on its neck’.

He reiterated his core demands, asserting, ‘Hamas will be disarmed and Gaza will be demilitarized.’ He added a threat of renewed force, saying, ‘If this is achieved the easy way, so much the better. If not, it will be done the hard way’.

A senior Hamas official, Khalil al-Hayya, stated that the group received assurances from the U.S. and mediators that this agreement means the war ‘has ended completely’.

President Trump’s administration was heavily credited with brokering the deal. Netanyahu’s office publicly stated that Trump ‘deserves’ the Nobel Peace Prize, and a relative of a slain hostage said the president ‘deserves 48 Nobel Prizes’.

Trump is scheduled to visit Israel on Monday to address the Knesset, with thousands of officers being deployed for his security.

While the initial phase is underway, the broader U.S. peace plan outlines several challenging future steps.

The proposal calls for Gaza to be demilitarized and initially governed by a temporary committee of Palestinian technocrats, with governance eventually handed over to a reformed Palestinian Authority.

Hamas has historically refused to lay down its arms, and the extent of further Israeli troop withdrawals is vague, with the plan indicating subsequent pullbacks but no clear timeline for a full withdrawal.

Furthermore, the Israeli military has made it clear it is ‘well prepared to go back into combat’ if Hamas retains control.

For now, the ceasefire has brought a fragile hope to a region weary from two years of war, but the path to a lasting peace remains fraught with uncertainty.

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Lagos State has congratulated Prof. Joash Amupitan on his nomination as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Mrs Abiola Adeyemi, IPAC Secretary and Lagos State Chairperson of the Action People’s Party (APP), congratulated Amupitan while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

She urged the new INEC chairman to use the opportunity of his appointment and time to enhance integrity of elections and build confidence in the electoral system.

According to her, Nigerians are disenchanted with the electoral process, hence the recurrent voter apathy during elections.

Adeyemi said: ‘We expect the newly appointed INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan champion and strengthen electoral reforms .Let the process be transparent and let election results reflect the will of the people.

‘The biggest task before him is the restoration of public confidence in the electoral process, because this is long gone.

‘We expect Amupitan to implement radical transparency and ensure legal backing for electronic transmission of election results from the polling units without glitches, to enhance election credibility.’

The IPAC scribe also advised the new INEC boss to leverage innovations, like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and others ,to eliminate all manipulative tendencies in elections.

‘He (Amupitan) should ensure that INEC’s is shielded from partisan pressure and political interferences. This is very vital to restore confidence.

‘Nigerians expect Prof. Amupitan to deliver credible, transparent, and fair elections, birthing an era of accountability and fairness in Nigeria’s democratic evolution,’ Adeyemi said.

She said that the electoral reforms that would made make Nigerians aspire, contest and votes without intimidation were needed to bring back public confidence.

Adeyemi urged him to find a way of addressing the nagging problem of vote buying and selling during elections.

NAN recalls that President Bola Tinubu on Thursday appointed Amupitan, a professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as the new chairman of INEC.

Amupitan’s appointment has also been ratified by the National Council of State.

His appointment followed the tenure expiration of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who had led the nation’s electoral body for statutory two-term tenure of five years each since November 2015.

Pressdia has joined as media partner for Tech Women Fest 2025, a major gathering celebrating women leading Africa’s technology and innovation space.

The event is scheduled to take place tomorrow, Saturday, October 11, at Solution Arena, Onipanu, Lagos.

Hosted by NezaTech Africa, Tech Women Fest 2025 brings together pioneers, founders, and professionals from across the continent to explore technology’s role in driving inclusion and solving real challenges.

The theme for this year’s edition, ‘Tech for Impact: Innovating Solutions for Africa’s Challenges,’ reflects a shared goal of empowering women to shape Africa’s digital future.

As a media partner, Pressdia is leading visibility and storytelling efforts for the event, ensuring that the voices, insights, and outcomes from Tech Women Fest reach audiences across major media platforms.

The partnership highlights Pressdia’s continued dedication to promoting African stories and strengthening the visibility of the region’s innovators.

According Olanrewaju Alaka, Chief Executive Officer of Laerryblue Media, parent company of Pressdia: ‘Tech Women Fest is a celebration of progress, resilience, and creativity. Partnering with NezaTech Africa allows us to play our part in showcasing the women building Africa’s technology ecosystem.’

In her remarks, Oluwatoyin Abioye, Founder of NezaTech Africa, said:

‘We’re pleased to have Pressdia join us for this edition. Their support in amplifying our work and sharing the impact of women in tech helps move our vision forward.’

The event features keynote sessions, panels, exhibitions, and networking spaces designed to connect and inspire women using technology to create positive change.

A 53-year-old Lagos teacher, Ayodeji Onoviran, was on Friday remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre for allegedly defiling a 13-year-old girl who was one of his students.

The defendant, a teacher, who resides at 13, Opare St., Orile Agege, Lagos, was arraigned before Ikeja Chief Magistrate Court for rape.

The prosecutor, ASP Adegoke Ademigbuji told the court that the offence was committed on August 2024 at a secondary school in Ijeshatedo, Lagos.

The prosecutor said that a 13-year-old girl, was attending a summer lesson organised by the defendant when he defiled her.

The prosecutor said that the victim’s aunty saw the changes in her behaviour and upon an enquiry, she opened up on how the defendant raped her.

The offence, according to the prosecutor, contravene Section 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr L. A. Owolabi, who refused to take the defendant’s plea, ordered that he should be remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

Owolabi adjourned the case until Nov. 20, for the Director of Public prosecution’s(DPP) advice.

Hollywood star Angelina Jolie has revealed why she vowed never to return to her and ex-husband Brad Pitt’s French estate, Chateau Miraval, after their bitter split.

In new court papers, the 50-year-old actress said the property holds ‘painful memories’ linked to the events that led to her 2016 divorce from Brad.

‘The events leading to my need to separate from my ex-husband were emotionally difficult for me and our children,’ she stated in the filing obtained by People.

Jolie said she left Brad full control of their Los Angeles and French homes after filing for divorce, hoping it would calm tensions.

‘To this day, the children and I have never again set foot on the property,’ she added.

The former couple – parents to six children, Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne – have been locked in a years-long legal battle over the $64 million Miraval estate and winery.

Brad has accused Angelina of selling her stake in the property without his consent, while she insists she moved on to protect her family.

Their messy dispute continues in court, as both sides trade accusations over contracts and private communications.

The Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) extended its bullish run on Friday, with market capitalisation rising by 0.54 per cent or N497 billion to close at N93.295 trillion, up from N92.798 trillion recorded the previous day.

This marks the 11th consecutive session of sustained gains on the NGX, reflecting renewed investor confidence across key sectors.

Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) advanced by 793.70 points or 0.54 per cent, finishing at 146,988.04 points compared to Thursday’s 146,204.34 points.

The NGX Market performance was driven by impressive gains in Dangote Cement, NEM Insurance, Jaiz Bank, FTN Cocoa Processors, and 21 other equities.

Dangote Cement topped the gainers’ chart with a 6.48 per cent increase to close at N575 per share. FG202031S1 followed with a 6.18 per cent rise to N109.44, while NEM Insurance appreciated by 5.23 per cent to end trading at N29.15 per share.

Jaiz Bank gained 4.65 per cent to finish at N4.50, and FTN Cocoa Processors rose by 3.57 per cent to N5.80 per share.

However, the market breadth closed flat, with 25 gainers matched by 25 losers. Union Home Real Estate led the laggards with a 9.98 per cent loss to close at N51.85, followed by Meyer, which dipped 9.85 per cent to N15.10.

Sterling Nigeria declined 9.58 per cent to N7.55, while Cornerstone Insurance shed 6.90 per cent to N6.21. Etranzact International also fell 6.25 per cent to close at N15 per share.

Trading activity showed mixed performance, as market volume improved but deal value declined. A total of 386.6 million shares valued at N11.26 billion were exchanged in 21,842 deals, compared to 346.99 million shares worth N27.43 billion traded in 24,691 deals on Thursday.

Fidelity Bank once again led the activity chart with 47.3 million shares worth N959.3 million, followed by CHAMS, which traded 38.5 million shares valued at N169.8 million. Japaul Gold recorded 21.8 million shares worth N56 million, while Zenith Bank and FCMB exchanged 18.2 million and 18.1 million shares valued at N1.26 billion and N195.2 million respectively.

NGX Market analysts said the sustained rally signals growing investor optimism, supported by strong performances in industrial and financial stocks.

Former Benue governor and senator, Gabriel Suswam, has denied speculations that he is set to dump the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP FOR All Progressive Congress (APC).

The rumours followed invitation of some stakeholders in Benue, including Suswam to a state dinner by Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue.

Some online reports had indicated that that Suswam would decamp from the PDP into the APC during the event.

But in a statement by his media aide, Mr Bede Bartholomew, on Friday, Suswam denied the report.

Rather, Bede said that the former governor was only attending a state dinner organised by Gov. Alia.

He strongly denied insinuations that his principal was defecting to the APC.

‘Moments ago, I received telephone calls from well-meaning Benuelites and leaders, alerting me to trending news on Benue’s social media space purporting that the former governor of Benue, Sen. Suswam, has defected to the APC.

‘Some even alleged that Suswam will be received by Gov. Hyacinth Alia this evening at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi.

‘I debunk this unholy rumour with all vehemence, as it doesn’t represent the current interests of Suswam or that of his supporters across the state.

‘What I know is that two days ago, Alia respectfully extended an invitation to Suswam, among other stakeholders, expressing his desire to attend a state banquet slated for 10th October 2025.

‘It should be noted that as a former governor of the state, Suswam is a stakeholder in the Benue project; thus, his reason for accepting the invitation,’ he said.

He said that there was no indication in the invitation letter that it was a political event or a decamping ceremony whatsoever.

‘The former governor advises his supporters and well-wishers to disregard this rumour, as it is baseless, aimless, and a lie from the deepest pit of hell,’ he said

New York Attorney General Letitia James, who orchestrated a landmark civil fraud victory against Donald Trump, was indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury on a single count of bank fraud.

The charges, stemming from allegations of mortgage irregularities in a 2023 Virginia home purchase, have thrust the case into the heart of a broader narrative about retribution under the Trump administration, with James’ allies decrying it as a ‘blatant’ act of vengeance.

The indictment, unsealed in the Eastern District of Virginia, accuses James of falsifying records to secure more favoUrable loan terms on a Norfolk property, including a power-of-attorney form where she declared the home her ‘principal residence,’ a designation that could have spared her higher interest rates typically applied to second homes. Prosecutors allege the misrepresentation occurred amid her purchase of the house, though the case remains under seal, limiting public insight into the full evidentiary basis.

James, 66, faces potential penalties including fines and up to 30 years in prison if convicted, though legal experts note such outcomes are rare for first-time, non-violent offenses.

The probe traces back to May 2025, when Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte, a Trump appointee, penned a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi urging an investigation into James’ real estate dealings.

What began as a narrow inquiry into mortgage documents quickly expanded, with the FBI subpoenaing records from James’ office related to her high-profile civil suits against Trump and the National Rifle Association. By August, a grand jury was convened, amid whispers of parallel scrutiny into other Trump critics, including California Sen. Adam Schiff and Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook, both probed for similar mortgage-related claims but not yet charged.

At the investigation’s core lies a contentious personnel shakeup: Career prosecutor Erik Siebert, who reportedly deemed the evidence insufficient after months of review, was ousted two weeks ago and replaced by Lindsey Halligan, a former White House aide and Trump personal lawyer with no prior federal prosecutorial experience.

Halligan, who also spearheaded last month’s indictment of ex-FBI Director James Comey on obstruction charges, personally presented the James case to the grand jury. Critics, including James’ attorney Abbe Lowell, have lambasted the move as emblematic of the Justice Department’s ‘weaponization,’ with Lowell writing in an August letter that such tactics violate policies against ‘using prosecutorial power for achieving political ends.’

Trump’s shadow looms large over the affair. The president, who has branded James a ‘partisan monster’ on social media and at rallies, openly demanded her prosecution last year, vowing at a campaign event that she and the judge in her Trump case ‘be arrested and punished accordingly.’

His administration’s pursuit aligns with a post-inauguration pattern of targeting perceived adversaries: Comey’s September indictment for allegedly lying to Congress, Schiff’s ongoing probe dismissed by his lawyer as ‘transparently false,’ and efforts to oust Cook via mortgage allegations.

‘It looks to me like she’s really guilty of something,’ Trump remarked to reporters this week, without evidence. James, who rose to national prominence by fulfilling a 2018 campaign pledge to probe Trump, ultimately securing a $454.2 million civil fraud judgment against him and his family business for inflating asset values, has vowed to fight the charges tooth and nail.

In a statement from her office, she framed the indictment as an assault on democratic norms: ‘Any weaponization of the justice system should disturb every American. We stand strongly behind our successful litigation.’ Lowell echoed this, calling the accusations ‘baseless and long-discredited,’ insisting James promptly corrected any clerical error on the loan form without intent to deceive.

The timing is no coincidence. Just months after a New York appeals court tossed the financial penalty in James’ Trump suit, while upholding the underlying fraud finding, now under cross-appeal, the federal case arrives as Trump consolidates power in his second term.

Legal scholars warn it could erode public trust in institutions, blurring lines between legitimate accountability and selective prosecution.