Category: PM News

Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate, Faith Adewale, has emerged as the lucky winner of one of the most prestigious prizes of the show.

Faith, who has had a good run in the reality TV show, emerged victorious during an intense final week task. This victory automatically made him the owner of a brand new Innoson electric car.

Faith, while expressing his disbelief and excitement, revealed that this is his first automobile.

‘This is my first car,’ he said.

The housemate was also the winner of the SuperKomando challenge which was held earlier in the season.

If you’re jetting off to the United States this week, the ongoing government shutdown may not just be another headline, it could hit your trip hard.

Flights first. Air traffic controllers and TSA agents are still on duty, but they’re working without pay. The last time this happened, many called in sick, leaving travellers stranded in long queues and delayed flights. Don’t be surprised if the same chaos returns at airports.

Trains and buses safe. for now. Amtrak and local transit like subways, buses and ferries, are expected to run normally since they aren’t federally funded.

Tourist spots under threat. The US Interior Department says national parks will stay ‘partially’ open. In Washington and New York, the Smithsonian museums and National Zoo have only enough cash to stay open for one more week.

Back in 2018, a similar shutdown cost the Smithsonian nearly a million visitors.

For Nigerians heading to the US for holidays, studies or business, the message is simple: plan ahead, expect delays, and check if the attractions on your bucket list will even be open.

It all started in the early hours of Tuesday, as chaos swept through Washington after the United States government officially shut down after budget negotiations collapsed on Capitol Hill.

The shutdown, the first under President Donald Trump’s second term, has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees in limbo. From defense to health, workers were told to stay home, while essential services grind on under strained resources.

Trump doubled down on threats of sweeping job cuts if Congress fails to pass a spending bill that aligns with his administration’s priorities. The impasse has now thrown America into another round of political brinkmanship, with the lives of ordinary workers hanging in the balance.

A fire outbreak at Bariga Market early on Wednesday, destroyed 26 keeklamps shops, causing property losses worth millions of naira.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:05 a.m., according to a preliminary report from Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).

The fire, which started in one shop, rapidly spread to adjacent outlets due to wooden frameworks supporting and partitioning the keeklamps shops.

Despite the scale of the blaze, no lives were lost, and no injuries were reported, says Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary, LASEMA.

He said emergency responders, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos Rapid Response Unit (LRU) paramedics, and the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), collaborated to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the market.

‘Authorities also ensured the scene was managed to prevent secondary incidents and coordinated with market stakeholders for smooth operations,’ Oke-Osanyintolu said.

The preliminary report confirmed that the fire has been fully extinguished, and dampening down operations were completed. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

Officials have urged traders to implement fire safety measures and remain vigilant to prevent future incidents, noting that the rapid response helped avert a potentially larger disaster.

Nigerian singer and songwriter Seyi Shay, has spoken on the importance of children having a father figure while growing.

While speaking with the Honest Bunch podcast, Seyi Shay explained that having a father figures is important for stability and guidance.

She added that the narrative being spread about men’s importance is an agenda created to divide families.

‘Most women that have a father figure are generally more stable growing up. They have a lot more access to a lot more things like good education, good moral values and there’s a bar when they want to get married or when they choose male friends and stuff like that. All this agenda pushing of men are not important. You can do this. I think it’s bullshit because that’s just an agenda placed for there to be more disparity and more division in a home so that we can churn out more broken souls or more lost females and males,’ she stated.

Seyi Shay who is a mother of one also spoke on motherhood and the importance of timing before having kids.

‘Look at me. I’m just so very lucky that I didn’t have a child when I was like 20 or 23. My daughter would probably grow up to be a mess. Like, having her at this age means that I’m her cheat code. It means that I’m able to, like, put her on to certain things and she can avoid certain routes that I took. Because I’ve done them. I’ve been through them. I can tell her all about guys, all about certain friends and how and why and be real and honest with her, and hopefully she will be 10 million times better than me without having to also go through the tribulations and trials that I’ve been through,’ she added.

A popular Kano Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Lawal Abubakar Triumph, has been suspended from all teaching and preaching activities pending the investigation into the allegations of blasphemy levelled against him

Triumph, who was alleged to have made an inappropriate derogatory statement about Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was suspended by Kano State Shura Council

The council’s Secretary, Shehu Wada-Sagagi, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Kano on Wednesday after the committee reconvened to review allegations against the cleric.

He said the committee listened to and viewed both audio and video clips containing the allegations, adding that the evidence was carefully examined and documented.

‘Allegations without supporting evidence were set aside, while those backed with verifiable evidence have been duly recorded.

‘Even instances where he stammered or hesitated in the videos were noted in the report,’ Sagagi said.

He explained that the committee resolved to invite Sheikh Triumph to appear and defend himself, after which a formal report and recommendations would be submitted to the government for further action.

‘The cleric will be invited shortly and given adequate time to appear before the committee,’ Wada-Sagagi assured.

The U.S. government shutdown has sent ripples across global markets, and Nigeria, as an oil-dependent economy and frontier market, stands right in the middle of the storm.

This isn’t really another Washington drama. It’s a market event with real consequences. From Wall Street to Broad Street, from the dollar index to the naira, the tremors are already here.

What Happens At Global Scene?

Dollar weakens: As trading opened, the U.S. dollar index dipped, making way for stronger currencies and boosting gold.

Gold rallies: Investors ran for cover, pushing gold past $3,800/oz, an all-time high.

Oil wavers: Brent crude traded around $66.31/barrel; U.S. crude hovered at $62.63/barrel. The market is torn between fears of weaker demand and supply constraints.

Stocks stumble: Wall Street futures slipped, with traders worried about delayed U.S. economic data releases, including payrolls, that normally guide global interest rate expectations.

History tells us shutdowns rarely cause long-term market collapses. But in the short term, volatility is the rule.

Where Nigeria Stands

For Nigeria, this shutdown is a double-edged sword.

The good edge:

Oil is priced in dollars. When the dollar weakens, Nigeria earns more in local currency terms. This could temporarily lift dollar inflows and strengthen external reserves.

Higher gold prices usually signal a weaker dollar, a trend that makes Nigeria’s crude receipts more valuable.

The bad edge:

Investors fleeing risk could pull capital from emerging markets like Nigeria, weakening the naira and hitting the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).

If the U.S. slowdown drags global demand, oil prices could sink further, eating into Nigeria’s revenue despite the dollar advantage.

Currency pressures are already familiar. In April, the CBN had to sell nearly $200 million to stabilize the naira after global shocks. A prolonged shutdown could trigger similar interventions.

My Take

Nigeria doesn’t escape this spared. The dollar’s weakness looks like a gift, but it’s the kind that comes with strings. Yes, oil earnings may shine brighter in the near term, but capital flight and demand risks lurk in the shadows.

In the end, this shutdown is neither fully good nor completely bad for Nigeria. It is exactly what it looks like, a double-edged sword, and the sharper side depends on how long Washington keeps the lights out.

Anambra governor, Chukwuma Soludo has commended President Bola Tinubu over the reforms of his administration, including removal of subsidies, harmonisation of exchange rates, redesign of fiscal and tax policies as well as other structural reforms.

The Anambra Governor made the commendation on Wednesday while speaking during the march past organised by the state to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary as a sovereign state in Awka.

Speaking at the event, Soludo affirmed that President Bola Tinubu’s reforms are a necessary medicine for an economy that has long been distorted and papered over.

The Governor said this while noting that the reforms in the short term, are bound to have some disruptive effects, including pains and hardships.

He said: ‘I commend President Tinubu’s courageous national reforms, including removal of subsidies, harmonisation of exchange rates, redesign of fiscal and tax policies as well as other structural reforms.

‘These reforms, obviously, in the short term, are bound to have some disruptive effects, including some unanticipated pains and hardships.

‘However, they are a necessary medicine for an economy long distorted and papered over.

‘This is the time we must rebuild our nation on a firmer foundation and I urge Nigerians to stand firm, as the road to renewal requires sacrifice.

‘But beyond these current hardships, lies a Nigeria where our currency gets stronger, our economy becomes more productive and our resources serve the many, not just the few.

‘I encourage all Nigerians to support these reforms and demonstrate patriotism by obeying the law and paying taxes. This is the path to a more prosperous future,’ he said.

The governor described Nigeria’s independence as a symbol of hope, freedom and possibility for the Black race.

‘At 65, our national journey has been one of triumph and trials, progress and setbacks, conflicts and reconciliation.

‘Through it all, the indomitable spirit of the Nigerian people has endured,’ he said.

Soludo affirmed that his administration would continue to invest in human capital development, preparing the next generation to innovate, compete and thrive.

The Nigerian Police, Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency, Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra Brigade, Nigerian Girl Guides Association, Secondary and Primary school students were part of the National Day parade led by SP. Paul Igwenma, Parade Commander.

Some farmers’ associations have lauded the Federal Government’s efforts in stabilising food prices since last year but urged increased welfare and a better environment for local farmers.

The associations’ leaders made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Southwest and Lagos State, Mr Femi Oke, praised government efforts but sought stronger policies to boost productivity.

‘Looking at the food sector itself, we can say prices of commodities slightly went down. This was because the present administration was able to take some measures.

‘The import waivers by the President and other measures helped crack down some prices.

‘But apart from the prices going down, we farmers are not too happy, because we cannot sustain the food sector through imports.

‘It will not sustain us in farming, if more importation is being done.

‘The government still needs to take some measures, and the measures should recognise farmers, especially in provision of necessary inputs to all,’ Oke said.

According to him, provision of farm inputs, opening rural roads and creating an enabling environment will enhance productivity and ensure food security across the country.

‘The state governors should align with farmers, particularly heads of farmers’ associations, so they can identify critical routes in bad condition affecting produce transportation.

‘Also, the abandoned farm extension offices should be revived,’ he added.

On his part, Mr Godwin Egbebe, National Publicity Secretary, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), said achievements of the administration in agriculture carry two sides.

‘Basically, in the food sector prices have gone down. But the assessment is twofold, because not everybody has the purchasing power to buy produce.

‘As a sector, we used to experience egg gluts due to high productivity. Presently, many farmers are out of business because of costly inputs, so gluts no longer occur.

‘When people are out of business, scarcity of food results from reduced cultivation. Though prices are stable, many people cannot afford food,’ Egbebe said.

He explained that price stability was largely government-driven but remains artificial, as farmers still cannot produce as much as expected.

‘Our farmers need to return to farming. We cannot rely on food import waivers.

‘We can say food inflation is coming down, yet many still cannot afford to eat. The government must follow through on its policies.

‘Let people themselves testify to the impact of government policies on food, and not government declaring results when citizens cannot confirm them,’ he added.

Programme Director of the Bureau of African Labour, Human and Democratic Rights (BALHADER), Comrade Uchenna Uzoije says the moribund Southern Star Shipping and its successors- Flour Mills Nigeria Limited, Apapa Bulk Terminal Limited and their subsidiaries are still owing over 305 Nigerian Seamen deducted salaries, over half a century after.

Uchenna made this shocking revelation during a press briefing on Monday 29 September 2025 at the Akporo Community Hall, Ajegunle Apapa, Lagos.

While delivering his speech, entitled: ‘Over Half A Century Unlawful Deduction of Salaries of 305 Seafarers By NAT Scheme of Greece’, the human rights activist said all efforts to obtain justice for the hapless long-suffering ex-workers were yet to be fruitful.

Comrade Uchenna stated that the Bureau had written to the General Secretary of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), Mr. Steven Cotton, urging his intervention to recover the unlawfully withheld pension contributions deducted from salaries of the 305 Nigerian seamen by Southern Star Shipping Company between 1977 and 1982 under the Greece’s NAT scheme.

The Comrade said, though Southern Star Shipping was moribund, her successor, the Flour Mills of Nigeria, who acquired the assets and liabilities of the company should naturally take responsibilities over the entitlements of the acquired company employees.

Uchenna said: ‘Apapa Bulk Terminal operating berths 1-5 was financed by Flour Mills Limited making them equally culpable. Therefore, the numerous

denial by the Company Secretary of Apapa Bulk Terminal that their company has no business with the 305 Seafarers is totally a false statement aimed at misleading the general public.

‘Southern Star Shipping was incorporated in 1947 by Mr. George S. Cumantaros, with current address as 1370 Avenue, New York. The current President is Mr. John Coumantaros (since 2009) who succeeded his late father. In January 2025, Mr. John Coumantaros’ acquired all minority shareholders of Flours Mills making him the controller of the company.

‘The Apapa Bulk Terminal which operates Berths 1-5 of Lagos Port Complex is 100% owned by Flour Mills Nigeria Limited.

‘Also, the post-August 1978 Presidential Decree in Greece 913/1978 explicitly abolished coverage for thirdcountry nationals, making continued deductions legally unauthorized.

‘The question begging for an answer is why have the owners of Southern Star Shipping, Flour Mills, Apapa Bulk Terminal failed to remit the deducted wages in US dollars to these 305 Seafarers till date?’

Comrade Uchenna added that so far, a total number of 39 Seafarers have died and that 5 of them are critically ill as at the time of the press briefing.

He wondered how Mr. John Cumantaros and his management team were able ‘to sleep at night knowing fully well that their actions have in no small measure brought untold hardship and untimely deaths to these seafarers. The ill treatment of 305 Seafarers is ongoing despite being members of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN).’

He said that the concerned employers seemed to be getting away with the impunity because they were the ones who imposed the union leaders upon MWUN which he regarded as a violation of convention 87.

Testifying at the press briefing was Comrade Monday Young Jack, a Patron of BALHADER, stated that he worked with Southern Star Shipping for many years and that despite all appeals to the successor company to refund his wages deducted under the guise of NAT scheme of Greece, nothing has been done.

He used this medium to plead to well-meaning Nigerians to intervene by appealing to the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr. Thompson Oludare to have compassion on him about his salaries account and fixed deposit account with Heritage Bank that are already taken over by the NDIC.

‘I visited the NDIC Lagos office a total of 32 times in 2024. They always told me to come today, come tomorrow. BALHADER also wrote the former MD, Mr. Bello Hassan whose office promised to intervene. Up till now, nothing has been heard from them.

‘I served our fatherland for 54 years! Why am I being treated like nobody?’ The old man lamented.

Another member of the group, Comrade James Anoyomoh, clarified the situation concerning whether they were full time employees of Southern Star Shipping or not, as it was a contentious issue in the reply of the Company Secretary of Apapa Bulk terminal.

Comrade James stated that they were all full-time staff most of who, after seamen, worked in other subsidiaries owned by Cumantaros.

Comrade Francis Agbogbo, a member of the Professional Seafarers Association of Nigeria (PSAN), commended the ITF for the steps taken so far at seeing that justice prevails for them. He explained that the ITF recovered over $57 million in unpaid maritime wages in 2023 through its global network of 125 plus inspectors across over 100 ports in over 50 countries, demonstrating concrete enforcement capabilities applicable to pension recovery claims.

He admonished his colleagues not to lose hope that their plight shall end in praise.

The press briefing came to an end as the Labour coalition called for a speedy action from the ITF and other international bodies so as to compel Flour Mills Limited, Apapa Bulk Terminal and their subsidiaries to refund the deducted salaries of all the 305 seafarers.

In attendance at the conference were members of BALHADER executives, representatives of Over5000 Maritime Workers, representatives of PSAN and concerned Nigerians.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has explained how reckless motorists killed five of its operatives while on official duties at various parts of the country.

It also revealed that the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed has directed the immediate prosecution of the motorists involved in the incidents.

FRSC revealed this in a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer, (CPEO), Olusegun Ogungbemide on behalf of the Corps Marshall on Tuesday.

Mohammed said that the directive was to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice and to serve as a deterrent to others who undermined road safety and endanger the lives of law enforcement officers.

He said that the incidents occurred across its formations.

This, he said include Ekiti Sector Command on Sept. 6, Ogun Sector Command on Sept. 8, Taraba Sector Command on Sept. 15, Jos By-Pass Unit Command on Sept. 19, and Obollo Afor Unit Command on Sept. 24.

‘Their deaths are not mere statistics. They represent human lives which are dedicated fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and breadwinners, cut short in the line of duty while safeguarding Nigerian roads, ‘he said.

Mohammed expressed deep concern over the increasing risks faced by FRSC operatives, noting that in addition to speeding vehicles, personnel were also being subjected to kidnapping, violent attacks, and targeted assaults.

He warned that the Corps would no longer tolerate acts of recklessness that endangered its staff, stressing that offenders would face the full weight of the law.

Mohammed also charged personnel nationwide to exercise a higher level of alertness and prioritise their safety while on duty, pointing out that they needed to be safe and alive to save others.

‘In line with this, the Corps is intensifying engagements with relevant authorities on the protection of its personnel and installations.

‘This measure is not intended for aggression but as a safeguard to deter assaults and ensure that officers can perform their duties without fear of attack, he said.

On behalf of the management and staff, the Corps Marshal commiserated with the families of the deceased officers and saluted their courage and sacrifice.

He further urged Nigerians to honour the memory of the fallen operatives by obeying traffic laws, respecting FRSC personnel on duty, and supporting the Corps’ mandate to end avoidable deaths on highways.

‘Disregard for traffic laws and the safety of FRSC personnel will attract serious sanctions and legal consequences going forward,’ he warned