Category: PM News

The ripple effect of the United States government shutdown has reached Nigeria. On Wednesday, the U.S. Mission in Abuja announced it was suspending updates on its official X account, citing the lapse in appropriations that has grounded several government services back home.

In a notice to Nigerians, the Mission said only urgent safety and security advisories will be posted until ‘full operations resume.’

Despite the blackout on social media, the Mission clarified that passport, visa, and transit services both in the U.S. and in its Embassies and Consulates abroad would continue ‘as the situation permits.’

‘Due to the lapse in appropriations, this X account will not be updated regularly until full operations resume,’ the statement read.

The U.S. shutdown, triggered by a bitter budget impasse in Washington, has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees in limbo and now threatens to disrupt international diplomatic engagements.

For Nigerians planning trips to the U.S., the advice is clear: monitor official notices, but don’t expect daily updates from the Mission’s social handles until the logjam is cleared in Congress.

The Federal High Court in Enugu has ordered the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to suspend all admission activities for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The ruling came from Justice A.T. Segun-Bello after a group of students took the matter to court.

The applicants Chibuzor Success, Oyeleye Zainab Ayomide, Adedeji John Samuel, Monsura Aliat Aduragbem, and Bassey Daniel Nsikak filed the case on behalf of many other candidates who sat for the post-UTME examinations in the two universities.

They asked the court to issue an urgent order to stop the institutions and JAMB from releasing or approving admission lists until their complaints are heard.

According to them, allowing the schools to continue with the process would affect their chances and make the case useless.

Justice Segun-Bello agreed that the issue raised by the students was important and needed to be carefully considered.

The judge therefore directed that both the universities and JAMB must be formally notified to respond.

Meanwhile, he ordered that all parties should maintain the current situation and not take any further steps with the admission list until the case is resolved.

This means that no admission list for the 2025/2026 academic year can be released or finalized by UNILAG, OAU, or JAMB until the court gives a final decision.

The case has been adjourned to October 28, 2025, when both sides are expected to present their arguments.

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has joined millions of citizens at home and in the diaspora to celebrate the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Femi Oyewale, NASRE acknowledged some of the ongoing reforms and initiatives of government, particularly in areas such as education, youth empowerment, fiscal reforms, and infrastructural development.

The Association pointed to achievements like the expansion of tertiary institutions, improved oil production, rising non-oil exports, and the disbursement of student loans as commendable steps toward national progress.

‘Ongoing data and developments show that Nigeria has made progress in expanding access to education, boosting infrastructure, and introducing policies aimed at long-term economic recovery. These reforms, though sometimes difficult, are beginning to show glimpses of promise that cannot be ignored,’ Oyewale said.

However, the NASRE President expressed concern that while macroeconomic indicators may look promising, ordinary Nigerians are yet to feel the impact in their daily lives. He pointed to the high cost of living, insecurity in some regions, poor electricity supply, unemployment, and rising poverty as pressing challenges that government must confront with greater urgency.

Citing insecurity, Oyewale condemned the recent killing of an Arise News Anchor, describing it as a painful reminder that journalists and ordinary Nigerians alike remain vulnerable to violent crimes.

‘When a journalist whose duty is to inform the public is brutally murdered, it tells the deep cracks in our security architecture. Government must do more to ensure that no Nigerian, regardless of status, lives in fear.

‘It is not enough to point to GDP growth, trade surpluses, or foreign reserves. The true measure of progress is food on the table, safety in our communities, reliable electricity in our homes, and dignity for every Nigerian. Until these are achieved, Independence Day speeches will ring hollow to the common man,’ he stressed.

Oyewale urged the federal, state, and local governments to translate reforms into tangible relief for citizens, stressing that policies must prioritize human welfare above statistics.

As the country celebrates 65 years of independence, the NASRE President called on Nigerians to remain hopeful, resilient, and united in demanding good governance and playing their part in building the nation.

‘On this 65th anniversary, we felicitate with the Nigerian people, the true heroes of democracy whose patience, resilience, and faith continue to hold the nation together.

‘May the labours of our heroes past not be in vain, and may Nigeria rise to fulfil its destiny as a land of peace, justice, and prosperity,’ Oyewale concluded.

Rivers governor, Siminalayi Fubara on Wednesday sacked all commissioners and other appointees of administration affected by the Supreme Court’s judgement which declared the three-man factional House of Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo unlawful.

The commissioners and appointees affected were those screened and approved for appointment by the factional Oko-Jumbo Assembly.

Fubara was reportedly working with 19 commissioners whose appointments were confirmed by Oko-Jumbo before he was suspended on 18 March following declaration of state of emergency on the state by President Bola Tinubu.

The apex court had in its judgment recognised the 27-member Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule as the lawful legislative body in Rivers State.

The Court also nullified passage of budgets, screening and confirmations of commissioners and other public officers holders by the 3-man Oko-Jumbo Assembly.

The sack of the commissioners and other appointees was announced by Fubara during a valedictory session he organised for his cabinet to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday at Government House, Port Harcourt, according to a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi.

Fubara had also at the event appealed to all stakeholders to work with President Bola Tinubu in building a peaceful, secured and prosperous country.

He also thanked members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the state in the last two years..

‘He called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all,’ the statement said.

The Governor also reiterated commitment to serve the State with renewed vigor and thanked all citizens for their support, and wished all Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.

It was also gathered that the Governor could consider the inclusion of some of them in the list of fresh nominees he was preparing to send to the House of Assembly.

Recall that the Rivers House of Assembly at its first legislative sitting following the lifting of the state of emergency on the state by President Tinubu asked Fubara to submit names of nominees for appointment as members of his cabinet.

The lawmakers at the session presided over by Speaker, Mr Martins Amaewhule, also resolved to invite Fubara for the presentation of 2025 Appropriation Bill without further delay.

Popular disc jockey and billionaire heiress, Florence Otedola, better known as DJ Cuppy, has joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

Taking to her official X account on Tuesday, the entertainer penned an emotional message about her love for the country of her birth.

‘My birthplace. My home. My country. Today Nigeria turns 65 ,’ she wrote.

Despite the challenges bedeviling the nation, Cuppy praised the resilience and unwavering spirit of Nigerians.

‘Through it all, our people keep persevering and finding joy even in the toughest times. God didn’t rush when He made us!!! He gave us resilience and spirit. In my next life, would STILL choose to be Nigerian,’ she added.

Her post has since sparked reactions online, with many users hailing her for her patriotic message while others called on leaders to make the country truly worth celebrating.

Nigeria marked 65 years of independence on October 1, 2025, with nationwide events and messages of hope from citizens both at home and abroad.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that at least 42 people have died in the Democratic Republic of Congo following a new outbreak of the Ebola virus.

According to the UN health agency, 64 cases have been recorded since the outbreak was declared in early September, with the Zaire strain of the virus identified as the cause. WHO estimates the current fatality rate at 45.7 percent.

In response, Congolese health authorities have rolled out a vaccination programme in the central province of Kasai, where the resurgence was first reported. The International Coordination Group on Vaccine Supply has also approved the shipment of 45,000 additional doses to support the effort.

WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, confirmed the figures in a post on X, stressing that while the risk of further spread is considered high at the national level, it remains moderate across the wider region.

The agency, however, warned that the outbreak is being fuelled by challenges such as insufficient protective equipment, incomplete contact tracing, late detection of cases, and unsafe burial practices. High population mobility and reliance on traditional healers have also increased the risk of transmission.

Ebola, first identified in 1976 and believed to have originated from bats, is a deadly viral disease spread through direct contact with bodily fluids. It causes severe bleeding, organ failure, and in many cases, death.

The DRC has faced multiple outbreaks of the disease, with the deadliest between 2018 and 2020 claiming nearly 2,300 lives.

American female rappers Cardi B and Nicki Minaj, have reignited their 7-year-long beef by throwing insults to each other online.

The drama which started on X on Tuesday, started with Nicki Minaj throwing shades at Cardi B’s pregnancy and music.

She claimed that the rapper inflated her album sales, while calling her out for having a forth child with Stefon Diggs, despite being legally married to Offset.

‘A b c d e f Gree. Sur ger ree to look like meee. A b c d e f g Rap like Barney still UGLEEE. Barney B. Raw doggin pregnant with da 4th babeeeee. Barney B.BV HPV allegedlyyyyy,’ she wrote.

Cardi B then responded to the insults by calling her out for not being on the same league with the set of artists she started music with.

‘Why do you keep bringing up my album? It’s not the gag that you think it is. You’ve been in the game like 16 years, you need to compare yourself to YOUR peers that started around your time. Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Drake, those are the numbers you should be competing with, and you can’t because you’re doing lower than all of them. I was in high school when you came out. wtf are you comparing yourself to me?,’ she wrote.

The rapper also claimed that Nicki Minaj was trying to shame her with her pregnancy but has been visiting fertility clinics to get pregnant.

‘Alright now, this is the third tweet talking about my pregnancy, like you weren’t going to different fertility doctors cuz you couldn’t reproduce from all the percs scrambling your eggs. NOT ALLEGEDLY, lord protect my babies,’ she added.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced its official timetable and fees for the 2governorship election holdung in Osun State in 2026.

The timetable, signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, was released from the APC National Secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to the timetable, the process will begin on Friday, October 3, 2025, with a notice of election to the Osun State chapter.

This will be followed by an update of the party membership register across the state from Monday, October 20 to Friday, October 31, 2025.

The APC said only members whose names appear in the updated register, and who have paid their dues for at least one year (up to February 2025), will be eligible to vote or contest.

The sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms will start on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, and end on Monday, December 1, 2025. Aspirants are expected to submit their forms and supporting documents before the deadline.

To encourage inclusivity, the APC announced concessions:

Women and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs): Only required to buy the Expression of Interest Form. The Nomination Form will be free.

Youths (25-40 years old): Will get a 50% discount on the Nomination Form.

The fee structure is as follows:

Expression of Interest Form: ?10 million

Nomination Form: ?40 million

Total (Governorship Forms): ?50 million

Delegate Form: ?5,000

Forms will be available at the APC Directorate of Organization, National Headquarters, 40 Blantyre Street, Wuse II, Abuja.

The party also explained that only financial members with at least three months of active membership before the delegate congress will be allowed to participate.

Other key activities on the timetable include screening of aspirants, publication of results, appeal hearings, the primary election, and a congress to ratify the final outcome in line with the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended).

For more details, members and aspirants were advised to contact the party’s Directorate of Organization.

The Lagos State Government has unveiled sweeping legal reforms designed to ease rental disputes, formalise marriage registration, and reduce delays in civil litigation.

The reforms, officials say, will strengthen justice delivery and boost investor confidence in Africa’s largest city economy.

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), announced the measures during a press briefing on Tuesday to mark his second year in office.

He explained that three key Bills-the Tenancy Law reform, the Registration of Marriages and Dissolution Bill, and the Administration of Civil Justice Bill, have been forwarded to the Lagos State House of Assembly for consideration.

On tenancy, Pedro disclosed that a new law is being proposed to repeal and re-enact the existing Tenancy Law of Lagos State.

The Bill, which has already undergone public hearing, introduces measures such as compulsory registration of agents, a limit of three months’ rent advance for monthly tenants, automatic termination of tenancies after three months of arrears, and a simplified procedure for recovery of premises in court.

According to him, these changes are expected to strike a fair balance between landlords and tenants while encouraging private developers to invest in rental housing for the benefit of ordinary Lagosians.

Turning to family law, the Attorney General revealed that Lagos is set to become the first state in Nigeria to provide official registration and certification of customary, Islamic, and Christian marriages.

The proposed legislation, he noted, would give Lagosians the opportunity to obtain documentary proof of their marriages and provide greater legal certainty in family relations, particularly in cases of dissolution.

In addition, Pedro highlighted the state’s determination to reform the civil justice system, which he described as vital for protecting investments and enhancing economic growth.

The Administration of Civil Justice Bill seeks to ensure that litigation in Lagos trial courts is concluded within 18 to 24 months.

It introduces innovations such as allowing courts to decide uncontested motions in chambers, encouraging trials based on documents where appropriate, and setting strict cost penalties for unnecessary adjournments and frivolous suits.

These measures, Pedro said, would promote efficiency, deter abuse of court processes, and create a more predictable, business-friendly legal environment.

The Attorney General stressed that the reforms reflect Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to entrenching efficiency, fairness, and innovation in the Lagos justice sector, while also delivering tangible benefits to citizens and investors alike.

The Pro-Chancellor/Chairman Governing Council of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, has applauded the four lecturers of the institution recently named among the world’s top two percent scientists in the global ranking released by Top Scientists Network (TopSciNet).

Ndoma-Egba, who gave the applause in a statement, expressed great joy in the way FUOYE lecturers and students are redefining excellence in research and innovation, making the 14-year-old university proud through their outstanding accomplishments.

He said the feats of the lecturers have enhanced the institution’s reputation, and elevated its standing both nationally and internationally.

Noting that FUOYE, a highly rated young institution, has become one of the fastest growing universities in the country, the legal luminary said the Governing Council will continue to work with the management team to effectively manage the astronomical growth of the institution and ensure its sustainability.

The FUOYE Pro-Chancellor and ex-Senate Leader, stated: ‘I am excited, I am very proud and I am elated. I commend the four FUOYE lecturers who made the list for the 2025 world’s top 2% scientists. FUOYE is certainly on the path to national and, indeed, global distinction and recognition. We will keep our hands on the plough looking forward to greater glory and ignore the contrived distractions of the University by merchants of fake news.’

The Acting Vice Chancellor (VC) of FUOYE, Prof. Olubunmi Shittu, was reported to have also hailed the FUOYE scholars, noting that their global recognition validates the university’s efforts in fostering a culture of impactful research and innovation.

Prof. Shittu was quoted as saying: ‘Their achievements not only bring global visibility to our institution but also inspire young academics across Nigeria.’

According to FUOYE’s report on its website, the university’s lecturers that made the 2025 list of the world’s top 2% scientists are Prof. Olayide Samuel Lawal, Dr. Adeolu Adesoji Adediran, Prof. Bukola Olalekan Bolaji and Prof. Basiru Olaitan Ajiboye.

The report indicated that ‘The annual ranking identifies scientists whose research impact, citations, and productivity place them in the top 2% globally within their respective fields. This year’s list highlights the growing influence of Nigerian scholars on the international research stage.

‘The TopSciNet list, updated annually, evaluates millions of researchers worldwide across all disciplines, factoring in citations, h-index, and other standardized metrics. FUOYE’s inclusion affirms the university’s rising profile as a hub for cutting-edge research in West Africa.

‘This recognition adds to FUOYE’s growing reputation for academic excellence and its mission to produce research that addresses national and global challenges.’