Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Nigeria ‘s ace golfer Sunday Olapade on Sunday, September 28, won the professional round of the 2025 Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic with an impressive ten-under par score in 54 holes to win the event.

Golf Manager of Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate, Femi Olagbenro, said Olapade had a brilliant spell at the event and came close to breaking the course’s 54-hole record held by Vincent Torgah.

‘I believe every player showing up at Lakowe Lakes Golf Club puts in an extra effort to match the pedigree of the course and the tough field that is always on parade during at each Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic event.’

The 2025 event paraded some of the best professional players across West Africa, including Emos Korblah and Barry Yaw from Ghana, Oche Odoh, Kamalu Bako, Gift Willy, Godwin Okoko, Michael Ubi, and Francis Epe. This year’s event is supported by Oando Nigeria, GAC Motors, Providus Bank, ARM Holding Company, Mixtafrica, Newmark, International Breweries, were among others.

Olapade rounds were 69, 65, and 72 for the three days to beat Korblah with a five-stroke margin and pocket the 5 million naira purse and an additional ARM champion bonus of 2.5 million totalling 7.5 million for his victory.

‘This is a very satisfying win, given the effort I have put into my game in the past few months. I have just come back from a training round in Kenya. It’s been a very challenging routine, which is why this is satisfying. I want to thank everyone who has supported me this while, and believe in me.’

Youngster Godwin Okoko, also made the winner’s list with a third-place finish in the professional round while also leading his amateur team members to be crowned the Team Event winners. The members included Ikechukwu Boniface, David Maji, and Frances Omaruaye.

In the Team Event, Kingsley Oparaku led Roland Alexander, Terry Paul and Abe Ayodeji to the runner-up position.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chairman of Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate Deji Alli said that the game of golf has impacted on his person, and outlook of business for Lakowe Lakes project, despite the challenges of running a world-class facility like Lakowe Lakes Golf Club.

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) on Tuesday morning blamed the dip in electricity generation on the disruption of gas supply.

Its management in a statement said the disruption was due to the industrial actions of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) within the gas supply chain.

‘Public Notice on Generation Curtailment Due to Gas Supply Disruptions

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) wishes to notify the public of recent major generation shortfalls on the National Grid, caused by industrial actions of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) within the gas supply chain,’ the statement reads.

NISO further noted that the disruptions triggered widespread gas shortages, reducing available generation from over 4,300 MW in the early hours of Sunday, 28th September 2025 to about 3,200 MW at the lowest point.

In response, NISO said it has promptly deployed contingency measures to preserve the stability, security, and reliability of the National Grid.

According to the statement, key interventions include:

Hydropower Optimization: Strategic ramp-ups from major hydro stations, contributing over 400 MW of additional output to cushion the shortfall from gas-fired plants.

The statement added that ‘Generation Dispatch and Load Balancing: Real-time load adjustments to match available generation with system demand, while preventing a system frequency collapse.

Voltage and Frequency Support: Continuous deployment of reactive power compensation and reserve monitoring to safeguard system integrity.

‘Demand-Side Management: Selective load shedding, applied as a last resort, to avert a system-wide collapse and ensure fair power distribution.

‘These timely actions enabled the NISO NCC to minimize the impact of the labour-induced gas shortages, sustain operational security, and maintain supply to critical loads, thereby averting a nationwide blackout.

‘The System Operator reaffirms its commitment to proactive grid management, operational excellence, and the application of best-in-class practices to guarantee a secure and reliable electricity supply for the nation.’

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has praised Speaker Tajudeen Abbas as a nation builder and leader par excellence in a heartfelt message marking his 60th birthday.

Kalu described Abbas as a true democrat with a record of selfless service, whose pragmatic leadership has driven remarkable accomplishments while promoting empathy, humanitarian causes, and good governance.

He extended warm wishes for the Speaker’s continued health and fruitful years, dedicating the message on behalf of his family and constituents in Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State.

‘I wish to commend your exemplary, selfless, and all-inclusive leadership and commitment towards uniting the nation. Since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in June 2023, you’ve shown commitment to developing, sustaining Nigeria’s democracy and promoting good governance through effective representation.

‘The House, under your able leadership, has witnessed a peaceful atmosphere and tremendous progress. I am grateful for the confidence you reposed in me to serve and the overwhelming support we enjoy from our colleagues. I wish you many happy returns and more prosperous years ahead. Congratulations, Sir.’

Jose Mourinho’s latest return to Stamford Bridge ended in frustration as Chelsea secured a narrow Champions League victory over his new club Benfica thanks to Richard Rios’ first-half own goal.

Such is the affection Chelsea fans have for Mourinho they serenaded him before and during the encounter.

Mourinho, who replaced former Wolves boss Bruno Lage 12 days ago, responded by waving to both ends of the ground.

But he would doubtless have preferred Benfica not to provide a present to their hosts as Colombian midfielder Rios could not get out of the way when Alejandro Garnacho sent Pedro Neto’s-far post cross fizzing back into the six-yard area, giving goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin no chance of keeping the ball out.

Their was frustration for the Blues though as well, with substitute Joao Pedro sent off in the sixth minute of stoppage time for a second yellow card, Chelsea’s third red card in four games.

Although they dominated possession and had more shots than their opponents, Chelsea hardly threatened the Benfica goal, with Garnacho wasting a couple of opportunities on his second start for his new club.

Teenage substitute Estevao Willian did eventually force Trubin into a decent save near the end as he stretched for a header.

It was Chelsea’s first victory in the Champions League since March 2023.

More importantly, it ended a poor sequence of results in a month where their only victory came in the EFL Cup at League One Lincoln and provides Enzo Maresca some breathing space before Saturday’s Premier League encounter with Liverpool.

The Akwa Ibom State Government has procured 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and commenced the construction of ultra-modern terminals and bus stations across the state.

Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, disclosed this on Tuesday during a joint press briefing with the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, and the Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh.

Umanah also revealed that about 771km of roads are currently at various stages of construction, while 31 completed bridges are set for commissioning.

He noted that the achievements reflect the progress made under Governor Umo Eno’s administration in just two years, across sectors guided by the ARISE Agenda, as Akwa Ibom marks its 38th anniversary.

In the aviation sector, the commissioner said, ‘The aviation sector continues to soar with the acquisition of four new aircraft for Ibom Air, construction of the Aviation Village, and completion of the new Terminal Building and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Victor Attah International Airport.

On security, he said, ‘In security, the establishment of the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, recruitment of 4,500 community watch personnel, provision of gunboats and patrol vehicles, and creation of a Security and Command Centre have strengthened the State’s safety architecture’.

Speaking on tourism, the commissioner said, ‘ecological remediation of 70 hectares of gullies and construction of the ARISE Resort are underway, alongside works at the 5,000-capacity Ibom International Convention Centre and Hotel and the ARISE Shopping City.

‘In training and empowerment, more than 10,000 youths and SMEs have benefited, and the administration is constructing a 2,000-capacity Amphi-Theatre to host the Annual Christmas Unplugged Event.

‘In addition, the newly established ?100 million Creative Industry Fund is being deployed to strengthen talent development, drive capacity building, and expand opportunities for the entertainment and film sector, thereby positioning Akwa Ibom as a creative hub in Nigeria.

‘In roads and bridges, over 771 kilometres of roads are at various stages of construction, and 31 bridges have been completed.

Umanah disclosed that, ‘In agriculture, the State has established the Ibom Model Farm, rolled out the Arise Home Farms Scheme and the Back-to-Farm Initiative, while distributing inputs to farmers.

‘In healthcare, there are now functional health centres across all LGAs, a State Health Insurance Scheme, a 350-bed International Hospital under development, an Emergency Ambulance Service, a Medical Oxygen Production Plant, and an expanded workforce of medical personnel’.

Colonel Emmanuel Ola Arogundade (Rtd)is dead.

He died in the early hours of Friday September 19, 2025, according to a statement on behalf of the family by David Seyi Arogundade.

It reads ‘ It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather, brother Colonel Emmanuel Ola Arogundade (rtd) whose kindness, love, and impact touched many lives’

‘Please keep us in your prayers as we mourn his demise in this period. Further announcements will be made public in due course.’

The Rivers State Government has cancelled the parade to mark the 65th Independence Day in the State.

A statement by Sir Dede Friday of the Special Services Bureau, said the event earlier scheduled to hold at the Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt was called off.

The statement said the development was in line with the Federal Government’s decision to cancel a similar event.

‘We regret any inconvenience caused by this cancellation,’ the statement reads.