Category: PM News

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, has charged Nigerians on the need for unity and teamwork to achieve the purpose of independence.

He gave the charge on Wednesday, in a speech he delivered to mark the nation’s 65th Independence Day anniversary.

He noted that every October 1 reminds Nigerians ‘of the sacrifices of our founding fathers, who fought with courage and vision to give us a free nation’, adding that it is a day of pride, reflection, and, above all, renewed hope.

‘Independence is not only about freedom from foreign rule. It calls for unity and teamwork in order to maximise the opportunities that come with freedom. We must always remind ourselves that we can achieve more if we come together as Edo people,’ Okpebholo said.

Addressing the children and youths, the Governor who described them as the heartbeat of this State, charged them not to give in to despair.

‘Do not give in to despair. Your energy and talents are the key to our future, and this government will continue to invest in you. My message today is simple: A New Edo Has Risen. A New Nigeria Has Risen. Together, with courage and dedication, nothing can stop us,’ he concluded.

The United States has congratulated Nigeria on its 65th Independence Anniversary, describing the country as a ‘beacon of resilience and leadership’ in Africa and beyond.

In a press statement issued in Washington on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended the goodwill of the American people to Nigerians, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

‘On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my warmest congratulations to the people of Nigeria on the 65th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence,’ Rubio said.

He noted that Nigeria’s six-and-a-half decades of nationhood had been marked by remarkable resilience and a capacity for leadership that continues to inspire.

‘For over six decades, Nigeria has stood as a beacon of resilience and leadership. The United States values our enduring partnership, rooted in shared democratic principles, a growing commercial relationship, and a commitment to fostering peace and security,’ he said.

Rubio praised the entrepreneurial drive and cultural vibrancy of Nigerians, stressing that these attributes have made the country a vital partner in global affairs.

‘On this special occasion, we celebrate the rich cultural heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering determination of the Nigerian people,’ he added.

Looking ahead, the U.S. Secretary of State pledged that Washington would continue to work closely with Abuja to tackle regional and global challenges.

‘We look forward to continuing to deepen our collaboration in the years ahead as we work together to achieve our shared goals,’ he said.

The statement ended with renewed wishes for Nigeria’s peace, unity, and progress: ‘Congratulations once again on this milestone anniversary. May the year ahead bring continued progress and prosperity to Nigeria and its people.’

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has freed 36 prisoners from the Nigerian Correctional Service centres in Ilesa and Ile-Ife to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day.

The Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, made the announcement in a statement released in Osogbo on Wednesday.

Governor Adeleke used his constitutional power under Section 212 of the Nigerian Constitution, following advice from the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

In a proclamation signed on September 24, 2025, he officially forgave the remaining prison terms of the 36 inmates.

The proclamation instructed all authorities to recognise the amnesty as valid and binding under the seal of Osun State.

From the Ilesa Correctional Centre, 29 inmates were released, while 7 were freed from the Ile-Ife Correctional Centre.

Most of those pardoned had been jailed for minor crimes like stealing and conspiracy and had already served much of their sentences.

Governor Adeleke explained that the gesture symbolised compassion, justice, and a fresh start.

‘As a people’s government, we believe in justice but also in mercy. This amnesty is not only about freedom but also about rehabilitation and giving these individuals a second chance to live as responsible members of society,’ he said.

The Governor added that the decision was aimed at encouraging reformation and reintegration of former inmates back into the community.

Kogi Governor Ahmed Ododo has conveyed his heartfelt sympathy to the victims’ families and the entire Ibaji community over the recent boat mishap that claimed many lives.

The Governor expressed the sympathy during his visit to the Ejeh of Ibaji, HRM, John Egwemi on Wednesday.

Ododo was represented by his Deputy Joel Salifu, during the condolence visit to the palace of the Ejeh.

It would be recalled that a boat carrying scores of passengers on Sept. 30 capsized on the River Niger, leading to the death of over 20 persons with several others yet to be accounted for.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency and other critical stakeholders have been mobilised to the scene for fact-finding and rescue operations.

The governor assured the community that the state government would not relent until all efforts to rescue the remaining victims were fully exhausted.

‘We want to assure you that Ibaji is not alone; the government stands firmly with you in this trying period,’ he said.

He disclosed that a government delegation had already been dispatched to the scene of the incident to ascertain the level of casualties and provide immediate intervention.

Responding, the Ejeh of Ibaji, who is also the Chairman of Ibaji Area Traditional Council, described the tragedy as devastating, noting that accidents often occur without warning but leave behind deep scars.

Egwemi expressed gratitude to the governor for the visit and assured that the traditional council would continue to brief the state government on developments.

He confirmed that although many lives were lost in the mishap, some victims were rescued, while efforts were ongoing to recover others still missing.

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, has charged Nigerians on the need for unity and teamwork to achieve the purpose of independence.

He gave the charge on Wednesday, in a speech he delivered to mark the nation’s 65th Independence Day anniversary.

He noted that every October 1 reminds Nigerians ‘of the sacrifices of our founding fathers, who fought with courage and vision to give us a free nation’, adding that it is a day of pride, reflection, and, above all, renewed hope.

‘Independence is not only about freedom from foreign rule. It calls for unity and teamwork in order to maximise the opportunities that come with freedom. We must always remind ourselves that we can achieve more if we come together as Edo people,’ Okpebholo said.

Addressing the children and youths, the Governor who described them as the heartbeat of this State, charged them not to give in to despair.

‘Do not give in to despair. Your energy and talents are the key to our future, and this government will continue to invest in you.

‘My message today is simple: A New Edo Has Risen. A New Nigeria Has Risen. Together, with courage and dedication, nothing can stop us,’ he concluded.

Nollywood actress Liz DaSilva has shared an emotional testimony after narrowly escaping a tragedy during a routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

The actress took to Instagram on Tuesday to reveal how she almost entered the MRI machine with hidden metal pins in her wig, a mistake that could have caused a serious accident.

‘I had an appointment this morning for 10:40 a.m.,’ she recounted in a tearful video. ‘I took off my earrings, bra, waist beads, and even asked for help to remove my chain. I was almost ready to go in when I remembered that my wig had pins inside.’

DaSilva explained that the attendant confirmed she was about to ask about the pins when she mentioned it. Overcome with emotion, she broke down in tears, thanking God for what she described as divine protection.

‘Truly, God saved me. I can say it boldly anywhere. I am not ashamed, I am not afraid. If God had not protected me, who knows what would have happened? Maybe I wouldn’t even be here,’ she said in Yoruba.

An MRI machine uses powerful magnets to create detailed images of the body, and any metallic object can be extremely dangerous inside the scanner.

The conflict in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has ended after the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) suspended its strike against Dangote Refinery.

The strike was called off after Dangote Refinery agreed to bring back workers who were sacked for joining the union.

The decision followed a two-day meeting between the Federal Government, PENGASSAN, and Dangote Refinery.

Nigeria’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, reminded both sides that workers have the right to join unions under Nigerian law.

After the meeting, it was agreed that Dangote Group would immediately begin re-assigning the disengaged staff to other companies within the Group without loss of pay, and no worker would be punished for their role in the dispute.

PENGASSAN also confirmed it would begin the process of ending the strike.

PENGASSAN had announced the strike on Sunday, asking its members to cut gas and crude oil supply to Dangote Refinery after the company dismissed workers for joining the union.

Nigerian video director ThankGod Omori Jesam, popularly known as TG Omori, has opened up on his celibacy journey.

While speaking on the impact of celibacy on his X handle on Wednesday, Omori revealed that he has had less problems since he became celibate.

The cinematographer known for expressing his opinions, also revealed that he took an oath of celibacy.

‘Since I became celibate, half of my problems got solved,’ he wrote.

This revelation quickly triggered reactions from other users. While some highlighted the advantages of practicing celibacy, others argued about the impossibility of such commitment.

English singer, Lola Young has cancelled her upcoming shows and performances after collapsing on a stage during a performance.

The incident which occurred in New York on Saturday, drew the attention of her fans towards her mental and physical health.

Lola, however spoke up after the fall, revealing that she was ok. She then announced on Tuesday, that she will be going away for a while.

While apologising to her fans for the inconvenience, Lola explained that they will be given a full refund for their tickets.

‘I’m going away for a while. It pains me to say I have to cancel everything for the foreseeable future. Thank you for all the love and support. I’m so sorry to let anyone down who has bought a ticket to see me, it hurts me more than you know. Obviously you will be entitled to a full refund. I really hope you’ll give me a second chance once I’ve had some time to work on myself and come back stronger. Love you all, Lola x,’ she wrote.

Lola also thanked her fans for their support, assuring them that she is doing ok.

Nigerian singer and songwriter Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, has broken new ground in her international career, becoming the first Nigerian female artist to sell over 10 million units in the United States.

The feat was confirmed on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, by Chart Data on X, which announced that her Grammy-winning collaboration with Future and Drake, WAIT FOR U, had officially crossed the 10 million sales mark.

The record places Tems in rare company, further solidifying her influence on the global stage. She has also etched another first, recently becoming the first African female artist to surpass one billion streams on Spotify.

Her rise to global stardom began in 2020 after her breakout feature on Wizkid’s Essence, and she has since amassed a string of accolades while embarking on a world tour that spans Africa, South America, and the United States.

For perspective, Wizkid remains the first Nigerian male artist to achieve a similar feat, after Drake’s One Dance hit Diamond certification in 2022.