Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday vowed to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of Arise News staff, Somtochukwu Maduagwu.

Wike commiserated with the management and staff of the Arise News Channel over the death of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, describing her death as tragic and painful.

In a statement on Tuesday, by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister, who prayed for the repose of the soul of Somtochukwu, assured that the Police will unravel the circumstances surrounding her death and bring those responsible to justice.

He said the death of Somtochukwu was not only a loss to the Arise News family, but to the Nigerian media and the entire nation as a whole.

The minister said from reports he received from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Mandate Secretary on Health, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, Somtochukwu was brought to the Maitama Hospital dead at about 4:30 am last Monday.

The minister said, ‘I feel pain that such a wonderful soul could be cut down in its prime. It is sad!

‘From the report by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Mandate Secretary on Health, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, Somtochukwu was brought to the Maitama General Hospital dead at about 4:30 am on Monday.

‘Preliminary medical reports will be made available to the police to aid their investigation, while all efforts will be made to unravel the circumstances surrounding her death.

‘Therefore, at this period, we will continue to pray for the continued support of the Almighty God for the staff and management of Arise News, especially the Chairman, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, and the family and friends left behind by the deceased.

‘It is my prayer that God in His infinite mercies will accept her soul and give her family members, friends, and associates the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss’.

Former Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate, Sabrina Idukpaye, has said she would have made it to the finals if not for her forced exit from the show due to health issues.

In an interview with The Beat FM, Sabrina expressed confidence in her performance and interactions during her time in the house, insisting she was destined to be a finalist.

Her exit followed hospitalization over undisclosed health concerns. Although later declared medically fit, she claimed the show’s organizers denied her re-entry.

Despite the setback, Sabrina expressed gratitude to MultiChoice and the Big Brother franchise for the platform and opportunity.

Colleagues of late ARISE News correspondent, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, have expressed outrage over reports that the 29-year-old journalist was denied medical care after sustaining injuries during a robbery at her Abuja residence on Monday.

During Tuesday’s edition of The Morning Show, anchors Ojy Okpe and Reuben Abati described her death as tragic and preventable, highlighting both the dangers journalists face and the gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Okpe recounted that Maduagwu had jumped from her home to escape 14 armed robbers and survived the fall, but later died after allegedly being refused treatment at a General Hospital in Abuja.

‘She jumped down from her home when she heard that 14 armed robbers had come to her house. She did not die on the spot.

‘She was taken to the hospital, but she was rejected. This really is a tragic, tragic incident. Sommie’s life could have been saved, but the hospital refused to treat her,’ Okpe said.

The hospital staff reportedly demanded identification documents before attending to her, which led to a delay in treatment.

The alleged denial of medical attention has sparked outrage among her colleagues, who describe it as a preventable death.

Dr. Abati condemned the hospital’s conduct, stating that it was a violation of medical ethics and the law, which requires immediate treatment for accident victims.

Abati said, ‘This is an issue of the law in Nigeria. Anybody who is a victim of an accident. should be treated immediately.

‘But those who were taken to the hospital were refused treatment because staff were looking for identification. It is the duty of doctors and nurses to stay faithful to their oath, which is to save lives.’

He added, ‘I hope the hospital is properly identified, and sanctions where appropriate are applied to those on duty. Lives could have been saved.’

Abati also reflected on the risks faced by journalists, describing the profession as one that ‘can lead to a pathway of death.’

‘This job that we do is a very dangerous one. Unfortunately, a young woman has fallen,’ he said.

Maduagwu’s death has sent shockwaves through the journalism community, with many paying tribute to her courage and professionalism.

Her final post on X in August, where she prayed that Nigeria’s challenges would not affect her or her loved ones, has resurfaced, adding to the emotional impact of her passing.

‘I pray from the depth of my heart that Nigeria never happens to me or anyone I care about’, she had written.

The FCT Police Command has launched an investigation into the incident, and there are calls for justice and accountability for those responsible.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday hosted the Russian Chapter of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance at the State House in Abuja, declaring Nigeria a fertile ground for global partnerships and a dependable ally of the BRICS bloc.

Welcoming the delegation led by Anna Nesterova, Chairperson of the Alliance, Mrs. Tinubu described Nigeria as ‘a very interesting place that you will find rewarding for partnerships.’

She assured the visitors of her office’s continued advocacy for women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship while clarifying the statutory role of government ministries in driving concrete economic engagements.

‘My office will continue to provide advocacy and encouragement, but the ministries have the statutory responsibilities and budgets to support your mission.

‘I do a lot of programmes through my foundation, but when it comes to women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship, the ministries are the right partners. My role is to complement, advise, and facilitate’, she said.

The First Lady highlighted her humanitarian work through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), noting personal commitments to education, women, and children.

She recalled dedicating her 65th birthday to fundraising for a national library project and announced plans to distribute sanitary kits to schoolgirls in Gombe State as part of her outreach to rural communities.

In her remarks, Nesterova praised Mrs. Tinubu as ‘an incredible woman who not only changes lives for the better but also paves the way for a prosperous future for the Nigerian people.’

She disclosed plans by the Alliance to establish a regional office in Nigeria to serve as a gateway for women entrepreneurs into international markets.

She also announced a donation of 1,000 labour and delivery kits to support maternal health in Nigeria, while highlighting the Alliance’s global reach: ‘Our Common Digital Platform currently connects more than 3,000 businesswomen from 60 countries, and last year, the BRICS Women’s Startups Contest attracted 50 applications from Nigeria alone.’

The Russian delegation included senior executives and academics such as Ms. Liudmila Shcherbakova of VET PHARM Group, Ms. Natalia Vershinina of United Migration Center, Prof. Liudmila Popova of Orel State University, and Ms. Anna Meshcheryakova of Third Opinion AI.

They expressed readiness to collaborate in areas ranging from pharmaceuticals and labour mobility to financial literacy and AI-driven healthcare solutions.

Following the courtesy call, the visitors joined Nigerian officials at a technical session in the State House Banquet Hall focused on ‘Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Exploring Investment Opportunities between Nigeria and Russia.’

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the engagement as a new chapter in Nigeria-Russia relations.

‘This gathering must go beyond symbolism. It should deliver actionable frameworks for cooperation, joint ventures, and enduring networks between Nigerian and Russian women entrepreneurs’, she said.

She linked the talks to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope foreign policy agenda, stressing that empowering women is ‘not just a moral duty but a strategic investment in national growth and stability.’

Also speaking, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, recalled over six decades of Nigeria-Russia cooperation in education, technology, defence, and energy.

She noted that Nigerian women own over 40 percent of small and medium enterprises and constitute nearly 39 percent of registered exporters.

‘With Nigeria’s demographic strength and entrepreneurial dynamism, and Russia’s technological expertise, our two nations can pursue mutually beneficial partnerships in agriculture, food security, mining, energy, the digital economy, and healthcare,’ Oduwole said.

She underscored Nigeria’s gateway role under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), offering investors access to a $3 trillion market of 1.3 billion people.

Other speakers included the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulieman-Ibrahim, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who both stressed the importance of women and youth in driving innovation and inclusive growth.

Sir: Picture a crocodile by the riverbank: powerful, fierce, and built to rule the waters. Yet this creature, chained with heavy bonds, is unable to move, hunt, or lead its territory. Its strength is wasted, its potential wasted. This is the tragic image of governance in Nigeria today.

Governors, who ought to be the engines of development and the closest link to the people, have become like that bound crocodile. They carry mandates meant to transform society, but invisible chains of godfatherism, party politics, and vested interests hold them down. Instead of bold leadership, we see hesitation, compromise, and stagnation.

The tragedy runs deeper when governors who genuinely wish to serve find themselves trapped. One ‘godfather’ or party leader can summon them to heel, threaten them with political extinction, or strip them of support. They are forced to choose between serving the people and preserving their careers. Inevitably, the people lose. Projects stall, policies are abandoned, and elections become hollow rituals. Leaders take oaths, but the spirit of democracy is nowhere to be found.

Good governance must begin at the state level. This is where education policies can be tailored to local needs, where hospitals and clinics can be strengthened to save lives, and where infrastructure can unlock economic opportunities. States should be the laboratories of progress. Yet when governors are more loyal to political patrons than to citizens, priorities shift. Instead of innovation, we get inertia. A bound crocodile cannot hunt, and a politically captured governor cannot deliver.

This crisis is not uniquely Nigerian. Across Africa, the same story unfolds. In most countries on the continent, domestic chains are reinforced by foreign ones. Neo-colonialism, though less visible than in the past, continues to shape politics and policy. International institutions, foreign governments, and multinational corporations subtly dictate directions. Loans and aid arrive tied to conditions that often undermine local priorities. Instead of resisting, many African leaders comply, turning themselves into administrators of external agendas.

The result is a continent rich in resources but poor in outcomes. Africa’s wealth benefits others more than its own citizens. Its leaders, caught between local godfathers and foreign benefactors, fail to assert the sovereignty needed for genuine development.

If Nigeria and Africa are to move forward, these chains must be broken. The first step is political liberation. Godfatherism must be dismantled, and systems must be built to make governors accountable primarily to the people. Internal party democracy must be strengthened so that candidates emerge based on merit, not loyalty to a benefactor. Anti-corruption institutions must be insulated from political interference so they cannot be wielded as weapons of blackmail.

Secondly, citizens must reclaim their power. Democracy is not a four-year ritual; it is a daily responsibility. Civil society, the media, and grassroots movements must hold leaders accountable long after the campaigns end. Promises must be tracked, performance must be measured, and failure must be exposed. Leaders will only fear the people when they are united and can no longer be ignored.

Finally, Africa must rethink its relationship with the outside world. Cooperation and partnership are necessary, but submission is not. Trade is essential, but must be fair and equitable. Aid should not come with strings that compromise sovereignty. African leaders must learn that independence is hollow if policies are subject to foreign influence.

Nigeria stands at a crossroads. We can either continue as the bound crocodile-powerful yet paralyzed-or we can break the chains that hold us down. The choice is stark. The cost of bondage is not abstract: it is visible in underfunded schools, collapsing hospitals, potholed roads, and unemployed youth. It is measured in lost lives, wasted potentials and eroded hope.

The metaphor of the crocodile is not accidental. Like the reptile, Nigeria has the raw strength to dominate its waters. Our natural resources, our human capital, and our cultural wealth give us all we need to thrive. But without political liberation, strength turns into frustration. Without sovereignty, potential turns into dependency.

To break free, governors must rediscover their courage, parties must rediscover internal democracy, and citizens must rediscover their voices. The crocodile must remember its nature: not to be bound, but to rule the waters with confidence and independence.

Nigeria’s story does not have to remain a tragedy. Africa’s story does not have to be one of wasted potential. But change will not come by accident. It requires deliberate choices: to resist godfatherism, to challenge corruption, to reject external control, and to place the people at the centre of governance.

Lecturers at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), owned by Ondo State Government, have threatened to disrupt the planned resumption of students and the forthcoming convocation, if their outstanding salaries are not paid.

The lecturers, under the umbrella of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), embarked on strike last month over the non-payment of their salaries and arrears, a development that has since paralysed academic and social activities on campus.

The Chairman of AAUA ASUU, Dr Boluwaji Oshodi, said the lecturers had exercised enough patience over the alleged refusal by the government to address their plight.

‘We have been patient and tolerant for long, but this time, we won’t be again. Our people have been pushed to the wall. We are not seeing any effort that can signal that the state government is ready to do the right thing,’ Oshodi said.

He said efforts to meet with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had been unsuccessful.

According to him, lecturers had endured harsh conditions, including conducting examinations ‘on an empty stomach.’

Reacting, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, dismissed claims that the government had abandoned the institution.

He said the state government had been engaging with the striking lecturers to resolve the dispute and assured people that the issues would soon be addressed.

He said Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration had continued to release monthly subventions to state-owned tertiary institutions, including AAUA, without delay.

ARISE New Channels was thrown into mourning yesterday when a female member of staff, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, died during an armed robbery.

The incident occurred at her residence in Katampe District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja yesterday.

According to a statement signed by Hadiza Usman-Ajayi on behalf of the management of ARISE News Channel yesterday evening.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the management said has, however, launched an investigation into the incident.

Beyond the airwaves, ARISE News Channel described the 29-year-old journalist referred to as Sommie as ‘a lawyer who was a professional and supportive colleague and a friend to many.’

‘It is with heavy hearts that the management and staff of the ARISE News Channel announce the passing of our beloved colleague, News Anchor, Reporter and Producer, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu. Sommie tragically passed away in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025 following an armed robbery incident in her residence in Katampe area of Abuja that is being investigated by the Nigeria Police.

‘Sommie, 29, was not only a cherished member of the ARISE News family but also a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with our viewers.

‘We extend our deepest condolences to Sommie’s parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time. Sommie’s voice is now silent but her spirit, passion and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory.’

We remain in shock and call for a speedy investigation, apprehension and prosecution of the culprits,’ Usman-Ajayi stated.

Also confirming the incident, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, who spoke with our correspondent said the police have started investigating the matter, adding though no arrest has been made.

Adeh said: ‘yes, we (the police) are aware of the incident and we are investigating it. Nobody has been arrested but all I can say is that we have commenced investigation’.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF)’s Component of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), Sector 3, has conducted successful airstrikes on hostile elements in Kwara State.

Its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said this in a statement yesterday.

According to the statement, the air component carried out multiple coordinated missions on Sunday across Kakihun, Oke-Ode, Babanla, and surrounding areas.

Reconnaissance and close air support operations were launched to deter threats, targeting hostile elements spotted east of Babanla.

Ejodame added that concurrent surveillance flights covered key settlements and military positions, gathering vital intelligence to support ground operations.

‘These missions reaffirm NAF’s commitment to protecting troops and civilians, maintaining air superiority, and sustaining pressure on hostile actors.

‘All operations were completed successfully,’ he said.

He further assured Nigerians of the Air Force’s resolve to defend the nation’s territorial integrity and protect communities from threats.

‘Citizens are encouraged to remain confident, vigilant, and supportive of the Armed Forces as decisive actions continue to restore lasting peace and security across the country,’ he added.

Also, the Kwara State Police Command, in collaboration with the National Forest Security Service (NFSS), has started manhunt for the killers of 12 persons in Kwara community.

Gunmen suspected to be bandits last Sunday invaded Oke-Ode community, Ifelodun Local Government Area and shot dead a monarch and 11 vigilance members.

The spokesperson of the state Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said: ‘Manhunt operations are ongoing, and the command assures residents that those responsible will be brought to justice.’

The state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised the spate of killings and kidnappings.

The party expressed ‘our deepest sorrow and outrage over the gruesome massacre of innocent citizens in Oke-Ode community by heartless bandits.

‘To us, this is a despicable and senseless act and it is the height of man’s inhumanity to man which must be condemned by all people of conscience,’ PDP’s Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, said in a statement.

Adewara added that ‘the PDP condoles with the entire Oke-Ode community, particularly the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this callous onslaught by criminals that appear to have overpowered the Kwara State Government and are tactically taking over the state.

‘Our hearts are broken for the families and friends of those brutally killed and the many now struggling in hospitals. The gruesome videos of the casualties circulating online make it look like Kwara is at war.

‘It is painfully clear that these criminals have overpowered the Kwara State Government and are basically taking over our state. What makes this tragedy even worse is the casual, ‘levity hand’ way the Kwara State Government is treating the whole situation.

‘A responsible and responsive leader should visit Oke-Ode, stand with the mourners, and assure citizens of decisive action.’

‘Sadly, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has chosen to focus his energy on attacking the opposition, particularly Senator Bukola Saraki, rather than confronting the deepening insecurity ravaging the state.

‘We re-echo the voice of our leader: the opposition is not the governor’s problem. His real challenge lies in his own incompetence, nonchalance, and confused handling of the state’s worsening security situation.

‘Under the governor’s watch, terror is reigning, kidnappers are taking over rural villages and nowhere is safe again

‘What Kwara is experiencing is unprecedented, unfortunate, and a monumental leadership failure.

‘While we pray for the repose of the souls of those killed in this senseless attack and wish the injured quick recovery, we urge Governor Abdulrazaq to wake up from his slumber and stop dismissing every call for action as mere politics.

‘The protection of lives and property is the primary responsibility of the government, and any leader who fails in this duty has failed woefully in every other area of governance.’

Super Falcons attacker, Gift Monday says her attention has shifted from her heroic of last weekend and now fully focused on Washington Spirits continental action against Gotham FC in the Concacaf Women’s Champions Cup tomorrow.

Monday also revealed that they also have San Diego Wave to slug it out this weekend in the league and cannot continue to dwell on her hat-trick of the past weekend.

The former FC Robo Queens striker etched her name into the history books on Sunday, scoring the fastest hat-trick from the start of a match in NWSL history to inspire Washington Spirit’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Houston Dash and book their place in the playoffs.

The 23-year-old forward struck three times inside the opening 36 minutes, underlining her reputation as one of the league’s most lethal finishers. She opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a calm finish past Abby Smith, doubled her tally three minutes later by pouncing on a rebound, and completed her treble with a deft strike from a Trinity Rodman assist.

Each goal was marked with Monday’s trademark bow-and-arrow celebration and dance routine, a gesture she explained carries a personal meaning.

‘Growing up, I didn’t have people who really believed in my potential,’ Monday said. ‘Each time I score, I shoot the arrow because I see myself more than how people see me – right there up in the sky among the stars.

‘I can’t continue dwelling on the goals I scored though I am thrilled about it. I am now more concerned about our upcoming games in the Champions Cup and the league.’

Her historic feat, assisted by U.S. internationals Rodman (two) and Croix Bethune (one), makes her only the second Spirit player after Crystal Dunn in 2015 to record a first-half hat-trick.

Signed earlier this year from UD Granadilla Tenerife in Spain, Monday has now netted eight goals in 19 appearances, keeping her firmly in the Golden Boot race alongside Orlando’s Barbra Banda and Chicago’s Ludmila.

The Spirit’s triumph was not only historic for Monday but also for the club, delivering their biggest-ever winning margin and stretching their unbeaten streak to 10 games – a new record.

The Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria, has unveiled plans for the Nigeria Transport and Logistics Leadership Summit and Awards (NTLSA) 2025, scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, in Abuja.

According to NITT, the summit, with the theme ‘Building Sustainable Transport and Logistics Infrastructure in Nigeria: Current Trends and Future Insights,’ will serve as a high-level platform for policymakers, regulators, operators, academics, investors, and industry leaders to shape the sector’s future.

The institute said the event will feature keynote addresses, strategic panel sessions, technical presentations, and networking opportunities, bringing together stakeholders from the road, rail, maritime, aviation, pipeline, logistics, and allied sectors.

It explained that the summit is expected to generate innovative solutions to Nigeria’s infrastructure and mobility challenges while also exploring opportunities for collaboration, investment, and growth.

A major highlight of the programme will be the Nigeria Transport and Logistics Leadership Awards, aimed at celebrating individuals, organisations, and institutions that have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and impact in advancing the sector.

Speaking ahead of the event, Director of the Transport Technology Centre, Dr Joshua Odeleye, who represented NITT Director-General/Chief Executive, Dr Bayero Salih Farah, said the summit was designed to stimulate dialogue and action toward sustainable transport growth.

‘By bringing stakeholders under one roof, we aim to promote efficiency, innovation, and sustainability across the entire ecosystem,’ Odeleye stated.

He added that winners of the Leadership Awards will be selected through a nationwide nomination and voting process conducted across multiple media platforms, including national newspapers.