Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have neutralised 16 suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in coordinated air and artillery strikes on three suspected terrorist enclaves in the Tunbunma area of South Lake Chad.

The operation conducted between 1 am and 2 am on Monday October 26 followed intelligence reports indicating the presence of key terrorist leaders and fighters at the locations.

The Acting Military Information Officer of OPHK Capt. Mohammed Goni said the operation deployed air and ground weapon systems against the identified targets.

According to Goni those killed included Abu Zubiru described by the military as an Arab national and two associates Baana Nglewa and Jindullah Sadiq.

He added that Abu Saleem identified as the Wali of Tunbunma sustained severe injuries along with seven other fighters during the strikes.

Goni said the battle damage assessment indicated that the military neutralised 16 ISWAP fighters across the three targeted locations.

He said the operation underscored the military’s continued efforts to disrupt terrorist networks operating within the Lake Chad Basin through intelligence-led offensive operations.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terrorist enclaves and restoring peace and normality to the Northeast.

It also urged the public to provide timely credible information to security agencies to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations stressing that terrorists have no hiding place.

Former Big Brother Naija housemate Ijeoma Emi popularly known as Mercedes has appealed to Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy for housing assistance citing safety concerns at her current residence.

In an emotional social media appeal the ex-BBNaija star said she no longer feels safe or comfortable in her current home.

Mercedes explained that contrary to public perception the reality show did not automatically bring financial stability and she has continued to struggle to establish herself since leaving the house.

The 26-year-old entrepreneur and performance artist said having her own place would give her the security independence and peace of mind she needs to focus on building her career.

She also said her current accommodation has limited her growth as a content creator and pole dancer.

Because of the low ceilings she can’t install her pole indoors and has resorted to practising on her balcony where sun and rain often disrupt her sessions.

She wrote ‘@DONJAZZY Sir I honestly don’t even know how to put this into words but I’m going to try.’

‘Since leaving the Big Brother house I’ve been struggling to find my feet again. People may see exposure and assume I’m living my dream but behind the scenes I’m working hard to rebuild my life. I don’t even see myself as a celebrity. I’m just a young woman trying to find her place in the world.

‘Sir I desperately want to move into a place of my own. I don’t always feel safe or comfortable where I currently live and having my own space would mean so much more to me than just independence. It would give me peace of mind room to grow and the freedom to finally focus on building my career.

‘I’m a content creator and pole dancer and dance is one of the things that makes me feel most like myself. But I currently practise outdoors on our balcony because our ceiling isn’t suitable for mounting my pole indoors. The sun rain and weather conditions constantly interrupt my training.

‘Having a place of my own where I could safely install my pole practise consistently create content and develop my craft would mean the world to me.

‘Sir I’m not asking for a luxury lifestyle. I’m asking for a chance to stand on my own feet feel safe and reconnect with the woman I know I can become.

‘If you could help me secure a place of my own and get this new chapter started it would mean more to me than I can explain. I know you must receive countless requests but I hope you can hear the sincerity in mine. Thank you for even taking the time to read this sir.’

Her appeal has since generated reactions online with many fans calling for support for the former housemate.

The Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Local Government Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development has begun installing boundary demarcation signposts along the State’s border lines particularly around Lagos boundaries as part of efforts to ensure peaceful coexistence among neighbouring and bordering communities.

The initiative according to the ministry aims to clarify ambiguities around boundary demarcations between communities and neighbouring States and prevent disputes that may arise from boundary encroachment.

Speaking at the commencement of the exercise the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development Kikelomo Bolarinwa said the state government is committed to ensuring that clear boundaries between communities and neighbouring States are properly indicated in line with the position of the Office of the Surveyor-General.

She reiterated that the state government has resolved to uphold the official boundary specifications provided by the Office of the Surveyor-General and that installing the signposts is a practical step towards achieving that.

She added that the installations mainly aim to check encroachment from neighbouring States and ensure residents in border communities are adequately captured for welfare provision as well as for infrastructure that will contribute to the local economy improve living conditions and reduce rural-urban drift in the state.

Bolarinwa urged residents of border communities not to vandalise the signposts or engage in actions that could lead to infractions or breakdown of law and order warning that anyone found demolishing any of the installed signposts would be punished.

According to her the state government will not be lenient with anyone who hampers social order peaceful co-existence and the ease of business that Lagos State is known for.

She assured that the State Government will continue to ensure that every community in Lagos State enjoys the dividends of democracy through the strategic cascading of the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda to communities across the State especially rural communities in line with the mandate of making Lagos a 21st Century Economy and achieving a Greater Lagos.

Since the installation began the Ministry has installed boundary signposts in Eredo-Epe around Mojoda Itokin-Ijebu Ode Road Ikorodu-Shagamu Road Ojodu-Alagbole Road Owode-Apa Road and the Seme Border.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the former governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-rufai to enter his defence if he so desires in his ongoing trial over his alleged unlawful interception of the telephone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the order on Monday while ruling on a no-case submission made by El-rufai.

Justice Abdulmalik dismissed the no-case submission on the grounds that there is sufficient evidence furnished by the prosecution to warrant the court to call on the defendant to enter his defence if he so desires.

The judge adjourned till November 25 for defence.

El-rufai is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) on a five-count amended charge.

During the hearing of the no-case submission on September 22 the prosecution represented by Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN) faulted it and urged the court to dismiss it and order the defendant to enter his defence.

Aladedoye argued that the defendant failed to address Exhibit ‘B’ which the prosecution claimed contains El-rufai’s admission in relation to the tapping of Ribadu’s phone.

He contended that since the prosecution has effectively established a prima facie case against El-rufai through its two witnesses the defendant is required by law to enter a defence.

Defence lawyer Akinyemi Aremu while adopting his client’s no-case submission argued that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against the ex-governor to require him to be called upon to enter a defence.

Ademu urged the court to uphold the no-case submission and discharge his client.

El-rufai opted for a no-case submission after the prosecution closed its case upon calling two witnesses – an operative of the DSS and a lawyer Deji Adeyanju.

Adeyanju who testified as a subpoenaed witness told the court that the ex-governor admitted during a television interview that he wiretapped the NSA’s phone lines.

The Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Local Government Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development has begun installing boundary demarcation signposts along the State’s border lines particularly around Lagos boundaries as part of efforts to ensure peaceful coexistence among neighbouring and bordering communities.

The initiative according to the ministry aims to clarify ambiguities around boundary demarcations between communities and neighbouring States and prevent disputes that may arise from boundary encroachment.

Speaking at the commencement of the exercise the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development Kikelomo Bolarinwa said the state government is committed to ensuring that clear boundaries between communities and neighbouring States are properly indicated in line with the position of the Office of the Surveyor-General.

She reiterated that the state government has resolved to uphold the official boundary specifications provided by the Office of the Surveyor-General and that installing the signposts is a practical step towards achieving that.

She added that the installations mainly aim to check encroachment from neighbouring States and ensure residents in border communities are adequately captured for welfare provision as well as for infrastructure that will contribute to the local economy improve living conditions and reduce rural-urban drift in the state.

Bolarinwa urged residents of border communities not to vandalise the signposts or engage in actions that could lead to infractions or breakdown of law and order warning that anyone found demolishing any of the installed signposts would be punished.

According to her the state government will not be lenient with anyone who hampers social order peaceful co-existence and the ease of business that Lagos State is known for.

She assured that the State Government will continue to ensure that every community in Lagos State enjoys the dividends of democracy through the strategic cascading of the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda to communities across the State especially rural communities in line with the mandate of making Lagos a 21st Century Economy and achieving a Greater Lagos.

Since the installation began the Ministry has installed boundary signposts in Eredo-Epe around Mojoda Itokin-Ijebu Ode Road Ikorodu-Shagamu Road Ojodu-Alagbole Road Owode-Apa Road and the Seme Border.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has advised the opposition to reach out to people directly through campaign rallies rather than reacting to what the All Progressives Congress (APC) posts on social media.

The governor who made this point in an interview with TVC a Lagos-based television station on Sunday night added ‘If you are campaigning to win elections you have to go out and meet with the people.’

According to him ‘The only party that I see reaching out through town hall meetings other than our party is probably APM. I’m surprised. I have seen them going round. But you cannot say the same with ADC and NDC.’

‘Are they reaching out to the public particularly the downtrodden? The answer is no. Have they come out with any campaign strategy? The answer is no. You can’t run a campaign by reacting to what another party is doing. Go and do your own campaign’ he advised.

The Governor noted that instead of canvassing for the people’s support the opposition is using digital technology such as Artificial Intelligence doctoring pictures and posting on social media to disparage APC.

He expressed optimism that the ruling APC is doing very well because ‘we are the only party that is reaching out talking to the people. So whether the opposition decides to come together or not it’s not our business.”

Governor Uba Sani recalled that APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatada had promised that the North would give President Bola Tinubu 70% of its votes and that Kaduna State would give a higher percentage.

‘In Kaduna State allowing any candidate to even get 25% of the votes is a failure on our side’ he pledged.

The governor cited various projects the president has sited in Kaduna State over the last three and a half years which the people never dreamt of adding ‘Now we can see development we can see intervention we can see support.’

He commended the president for handing over the Ahmadu Bello Stadium to the Kaduna State Government promising to reconstruct it into a FIFA-standard 33000-seat stadium.

Governor Uba Sani also highlighted the reconstruction of the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari 123 km road saying N178bn has been released for the project which had been abandoned for more than 40 years.

The Kaduna State Governor also thanked President Tinubu for the ongoing reconstruction of the Zaria-Soba-Kambuwa road and the proposed Kaduna metropolitan light rail project the second in the country.

He said $865m has been approved for the rail project and the contractor China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation has been mobilised with $300m.

Governor Uba Sani also disclosed that Kaduna State now has four federal universities including the upgraded Federal University of Education Zaria; the Federal University of Applied Sciences Kachia; and the proposed Shehu Musa Yar’adua University of Petroleum Studies Kaduna as well as Kaduna Polytechnic which has been converted into the Federal University of Technology.

According to him the only way the good people of Kaduna State can reciprocate this gesture is to vote en masse for President Tinubu.

The Organisation of Igbo Communities (OIC) has condemned the killing of 23-year-old Mmesoma Umeorini in Uga Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State and the reported killing of two Ebonyi State indigenes in alleged reprisal attacks.

The organisation also rejected calls for the expulsion of Ebonyi indigenes from Anambra warning that collective punishment could escalate tensions and threaten unity among Igbo communities.

In a statement signed by its President and Founder Mazi Chukwuemeka Major Ukason OIC called for thorough investigations into the killings and the prosecution of those found responsible.

It said Mmesoma’s rejection of a relationship could not justify her killing stressing that no personal disagreement or emotional grievance gave anyone the right to take another person’s life.

The organisation also condemned the reported killings of the two Ebonyi indigenes saying their families deserved justice and urging security agencies to arrest and investigate suspects.

‘Justice for Mmesoma must not become an excuse for injustice against innocent Ebonyi people’ the statement said adding that the killing of Ebonyi indigenes could not be justified as revenge for an earlier crime.

OIC described demands for the wholesale expulsion of Ebonyi people from Anambra as disproportionate and dangerous arguing that individuals should be held accountable for their actions rather than punished because of their state of origin.

It warned that adopting such measures across the South-East could undermine economic and social relationships among communities and deepen divisions within the region.

The organisation urged Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to intervene urgently through security and peace-building measures to prevent further killings threats and forced displacement.

It also called on the state government to protect all residents and make clear that individuals not entire communities bear criminal responsibility.

OIC urged traditional rulers community leaders youth groups women’s organisations and security agencies to work to de-escalate tensions.

It appealed to aggrieved Uga residents to seek justice through lawful channels and urged Ebonyi State residents to remain calm and resist retaliation.

The statement warned that the killings and calls for reprisals could develop into a wider inter-state and inter-community crisis if not urgently addressed.

‘We can demand justice without seeking revenge; we can mourn our dead without threatening the innocent; and we can condemn crime without condemning an entire people’ it said.

OIC reaffirmed its support for justice for Mmesoma and the two Ebonyi indigenes calling for the protection of innocent residents and the prosecution of those found culpable.

It urged the authorities to act swiftly to prevent further violence and preserve peaceful coexistence among communities in the South-East.

Since its introduction in 1956 the men’s Ballon d’Or has become one of football’s most prestigious individual honours celebrating players whose performances have stood out across a season. Over the decades several countries and legendary footballers have shaped the award’s rich history.

On the individual list Messi leads with eight Ballon d’Or trophies while Ronaldo follows with five wins. France international Ousmane Dembélé won the latest edition in 2025.

Germany the Netherlands and Portugal also rank among the leading nations in the award’s history reflecting their contributions to football across generations.

Here is a look at the countries that have recorded the most men’s Ballon d’Or victories up to 2025.

1. Argentina – 8 awards

All eight of Argentina’s Ballon d’Or victories belong to Lionel Messi who won the prestigious award in 2009 2010 2011 2012 2015 2019 2021 and 2023.

Messi made history by winning four consecutive titles between 2009 and 2012. His eighth triumph came in 2023 following Argentina’s victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

2. France – 8 awards

France’s eight Ballon d’Or victories have been shared by six players: Raymond Kopa Michel Platini Jean-Pierre Papin Zinedine Zidane Karim Benzema and Ousmane Dembélé.

Platini won three consecutive titles from 1983 to 1985 while Dembélé became France’s latest winner in 2025 after an outstanding season with Paris Saint-Germain.

3. Germany – 7 awards

Germany has won seven Ballon d’Or awards including those won by West German players before the country’s reunification.

Franz Beckenbauer claimed the honour twice in 1972 and 1976 while Karl-Heinz Rummenigge secured back-to-back titles in 1980 and 1981. Gerd Mller Lothar Matthäus and Matthias Sammer complete the list of German winners.

4. Netherlands – 7 awards

The Netherlands’ seven Ballon d’Or victories owe much to Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten who each won the award three times.

Cruyff claimed the honour in 1971 1973 and 1974 while Van Basten triumphed in 1988 1989 and 1992. Ruud Gullit’s victory in 1987 completed the country’s tally.

5. Portugal – 7 awards

Portugal’s seven Ballon d’Or titles have been won by three players: Cristiano Ronaldo Eusébio and Luís Figo.

Ronaldo leads the Portuguese tally with five victories secured in 2008 2013 2014 2016 and 2017. Eusébio won the award in 1965 while Figo claimed the honour in 2000.

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has awarded a cash gift of N1 million each to the five students who represented the state and Nigeria at this year’s International Schools Debate Championship in Doha Qatar.

The governor also announced a full education sponsorship up to university level by the Alex Otti Foundation for the captain of the state’s contingent 15-year-old Miss Esther Christian who lost her father at the age of four.

Governor Otti announced the incentives at the Michael Okpara Auditorium Umuahia while hosting the victorious students.

He also awarded N1 million to Miss Onyinyechi Okonkwo of Ovom Girls’ Secondary School winner of the recent National Essay Competition; N750000 each to the officials who accompanied the debate team; and N1.75 million to Abia Model Basic Junior Secondary School Abayi Umuocham Osisioma Ngwa which produced the champions.

Receiving the champions’ trophies medals and certificates the governor reaffirmed his administration’s determination to transform the state’s education sector through sustained investment improved infrastructure and increased access to quality education.

The state chief executive congratulated the students saying celebrating outstanding achievements is part of Abia’s identity.

‘This is in the DNA of Abia State. We celebrate people. When you do well we celebrate you’ Otti stated.

The governor approved the students’ request to participate in next year’s edition of the competition noting that although considerable progress has been made in the education sector more work remains to be done.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education Elder Goodluck Ubochi said the achievements recorded so far are only the beginning and that the positive impact of the government’s efforts in education is gradually becoming evident.

He expressed confidence that investments in education would yield fruitful outcomes.

The Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) Mrs. Lydia Ezinne Onuoha who led the team to the international competition said the students did not just participate but dominated and became the centre of attraction at the global event.

She announced that during the final rounds the students were given impromptu topics with only 15 minutes to prepare and deliver their arguments; the team won four trophies and 12 medals defeating six countries.

According to her the team clinched the Best International School Debate Team Overall Best Team in the Junior Category Best Debater and Best Leadership awards.

The Abia State team also ranked among the top 10 speakers in the global competition which featured over 84 teams.

The Coordinator of the President’s Schools Debate Championship Elder Oritu Dare hailed Governor Otti for the infrastructural development in the state stressing that there was a huge difference between his previous visits during past administrations and this year’s event.

He said the victory has created an opportunity for Nigeria to participate in the next edition of the competition in Singapore.

The Abia State Coordinator of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Mrs. Unyime Umoette praised Governor Otti for the positive changes in the state particularly in education noting that public schools were becoming more functional.

She urged public office holders to adopt public schools in their communities and support their development.

Speaking on behalf of parents of the champions Mr. Akamnonu Christopher thanked the governor for hosting the students and for his investment in education.

Christopher said he and other parents were proud of the students’ success at an international competition.

Responding the Team Captain Miss Esther Christian who narrated their success story thanked the governor for his commitment to education and the officials for believing in them.

She promised that they would continue to make Abia and Nigeria proud.

She requested the governor’s approval for their participation in next year’s edition of the competition which got the governor’s immediate approval.

The event was attended by parents of the champions and senior appointees of the state government.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council to intensify grassroots mobilisation and take the message of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other party candidates to voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Oborevwori gave the charge on Thursday in Asaba during the inauguration of the Delta State APC Campaign Council where he unveiled ‘MORE Plus’ as the theme of his re-election campaign.

Describing membership of the council as a call to service Oborevwori said: ‘I urge you to demonstrate unity discipline and commitment as we work together to secure victory for President Bola Tinubu myself and all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.’

He added: ‘We must move beyond rallies and meetings to engage voters directly through door-to-door campaigns and interactions with market women youths workers farmers and traders. Our campaign coordinators at the local government and ward levels must strengthen their structures and ensure our message reaches every polling unit.’

He urged members to highlight the achievements of the President Tinubu administration and his government’s M.O.R.E Agenda particularly in infrastructure education healthcare workers’ welfare youth empowerment and security.

‘Our achievements must speak for us but we must also be prepared to explain them convincingly’ the governor said.

He assured Deltans that political activities would not distract his administration from governance adding that ongoing projects and development programmes would continue throughout the campaign period.

The governor also urged politicians and their supporters to maintain peace shun hate speech and ensure that political differences do not divide the state.

Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme commended Oborevwori for aligning Delta with the Federal Government and urged APC members to consolidate the gains ahead of the elections.

Onyeme urged party faithful to highlight the Tinubu administration’s achievements in local government autonomy education funding grassroots development security electricity and road infrastructure.

Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who spoke on behalf of Delta North Senatorial District said expectations were high following the defection of political leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in April 2025.

He challenged the campaign council to demonstrate the party’s strength through impressive electoral performance.

He stressed the need for direct engagement with voters rather than relying solely on rallies.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo defended Tinubu’s economic reforms describing them as necessary measures to address longstanding economic challenges.

While acknowledging the hardship associated with the reforms Keyamo maintained that the policies were designed to tackle structural problems in the economy including the cost of fuel subsidies.

Delta APC Chairman Solomon Arenyeka said the inauguration demonstrated the party’s readiness to contest and win elections at all levels in 2027.

He urged council members to work together mobilise voters peacefully and translate the achievements of APC-led governments into electoral support.

Speaking for Delta Central Senatorial District a founding chieftain of the APC in Delta State Chief Emerhor O’tega welcomed the APC’s emergence as the ruling party in Delta and pledged support for the re-election of Tinubu and Oborevwori.

Former Secretary to the State Government Ovuozourie Macaulay who represented Delta South Senatorial District said the Oborevwori administration’s achievements would strengthen the party’s campaign.

He assured the council that the district would work towards delivering substantial votes for APC candidates.

Former APC National Woman Leader and Nigerian Export-Import Bank Executive Director Stella Okotete urged women to intensify grassroots mobilisation setting a target of at least 75 per cent of the votes for Tinubu and other APC candidates.

Responding on behalf of the campaign council its Director-General Senator James Manager pledged to work with party leaders and members to secure victory in the 2027 elections.

Manager described the assignment as a major responsibility requiring unity collective commitment and sustained grassroots mobilisation.

The campaign council is chaired by Oborevwori with Manager as Director-General and Chiedu Ebie as Deputy Director-General.

Other party leaders and stakeholders are also members of the council.