Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Several persons have been injured in a clash between Hausa and Benin youths in Ogheghe community, Egor local government area of Edo State over the killing of a suspected yahoo boy identified as Chizi Benz.

Chizi Benz was said to have been stabbed to death by a Hausa youth of over a sour deal.

Details of the deal were not available as of press time.

The killing of Chidi Benz sparked outrage as youths stormed the streets with dangerous weapons in a revenge mission.

Sources said many ‘Abokis’ were injured in a reprisal attack while others fled for safety.

News of the killing spread to nearby communities of Uwelu along the Siluko Axis.

Hausa youths who do petty trading and rides okada closed their businesses and fled for safety.

Policemen who were deployed to the area fired tear gas to disperse the angry youths.

Edo Police Spokesman, Moses Yamu, who confirmed the incident, promised to send detailed statement.

He was yet to do so as of press time.

The Federal Government has allocated fertiliser worth over ?450 million for sale to farmers in Jigawa State at subsidised rates.

The drive, according to Governor Umar Namadi, is part of ongoing efforts to boost agricultural productivity and ensure food security under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He spoke at the Citizens’ engagement programme in Miga, the headquarters of Miga Local Government Area.

According to him: ‘Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government has allocated 20 trucks of fertiliser to Jigawa State to be sold at subsidised rates to farmers.

‘This initiative is aimed at supporting farmers with essential inputs and equipment to enhance food production and agricultural business across the state.’

Namadi noted that Miga, being an agrarian area with vast arable land suitable for year-round farming, stands to benefit significantly from the Federal Government’s agricultural support.

He explained that his administration’s 12-point agenda aligns with the Renewed Hope vision, with agriculture and food security as top priorities.

‘To complement President Tinubu’s efforts, we have introduced several innovations to modernise and transform traditional farming into a mechanised system,’ he said.

The Governor also revealed the establishment of the Jigawa State Farm Service Mechanisation Company Limited, to provide affordable and efficient mechanisation services to farmers across the state.

‘The company will operate a network of service centres equipped with modern tractors, combine harvesters, and other agricultural machinery. We are also seeking qualified and motivated individuals to manage and operate these centres effectively,’ he added.

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has said energy sent out to the 11 electricity Distribution Companies ( DisCos) rose to 4,871MW on Monday 27th October, 2025 from 4,783MW of Sunday, 26th October, 2025.

This was made known in the Grid Performance Dashboard of the NISO.

Similarly, the document said total energy generated rose to 4,923MW on 27th October, 2025 from 4,783MW of 26th October, 2025.

Meanwhile, as at 16:00 hour on 28th October, 2025, NISO sent out 4,783MW to the 11 DisCos.

According to the load distribution profile of the NISO, 732MW was allocated to Abuja DisCo while 390MW was sent to Benin DisCo.

The document said Eko DisCo got 613MW as Enugu DisCo got 372MW and Ibadan DisCo received 573MW.

NISO added that Ikeja DisCo got 732MW, Jos DisCo 270MW as Kaduna received 309MW.

Kano, said the document, received 321MW, Port Harcourt DisCo got 339MW as Yola DisCo got 139MW.

At 16:00 hours on 28th October, 2025 energy generated by 16 plants was N3,141.58MW.

Lionel Messi wants to play for Argentina in next year’s World Cup, but he says he will listen to his body before deciding whether he can make that dream come true.

The 38-year-old striker for Inter Miami of MLS led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and yearns to be on the field when the ‘Albiceleste’ defend the crown next year in North America.

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi told NBC News in an interview broadcast on Monday that he will see next year how his body feels before deciding on whether or not he can play in the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

‘It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup and I would love to,’ said Messi, who turns 39 next June.

‘I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there.

‘And I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful to the group, to the national team, and then make a decision.’

Messi, who has been playing professionally since 2004, wants the chance for one more star turn on football’s biggest stage.

‘I’m really eager because it’s a World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last World Cup and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions.’

Messi, who debuted with Barcelona in La Liga at age 17, joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and moved to MLS in 2023.

‘The truth is that I like everything about living here,’ Messi said of Miami.

‘I spent a lot of time in Barcelona, which for me is an extraordinary city, where I grew up and had many spectacular moments, and which we miss a lot.

‘But Miami is a city that allows us to live very well, that makes us enjoy life, that allows us to be calm, that allows the kids to be themselves and live day to day.’

Messi has 195 appearances for the Argentine national team, scoring 114 goals.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the Instruments of Clemency and Pardon, formally exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy while directing the exclusion of individuals convicted of grievous crimes from the list of beneficiaries.

The President’s final approval, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, came after consultations with the Council of State and extensive public input.

It followed a comprehensive review of an earlier list of 175 names, which had generated public criticism over the inclusion of individuals convicted for serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession of firearms.

Following the review, the list was pruned to 120 beneficiaries distributed across four categories: 15 persons granted full pardon (including pre-independence nationalist Sir Herbert Macaulay and the Ogoni Nine), four whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment, 15 granted clemency, and 86 inmates whose prison terms were reduced.

Onanuga said the President’s decision was guided by ‘the seriousness and security implications of some offences, the need to respect the feelings of victims, to sustain public trust, and uphold Nigeria’s bilateral obligations.’

He added that the President viewed justice as a ‘three-way traffic’-balancing the rights of offenders, victims, and society.

Among those whose sentences were reduced under the Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy (Reduced Terms of Imprisonment and Sentence, 2025) are several inmates convicted of manslaughter, culpable homicide, fraud, firearms, and conspiracy offences.

Notably, Maryam Sanda (37), convicted of culpable homicide and sentenced to death in 2020, had her sentence commuted to 12 years imprisonment ‘on compassionate grounds, in the best interest of her children, and for good conduct.’

Others include Yusuf Owolabi (36) and Ifeanyi Eze (33), both serving life sentences for manslaughter, now reduced to 15 years each; Markus Yusuf (41), whose 13-year term was cut to 8 years; and Alhaji Abubakar Tanko (61), whose 30-year sentence was reduced to 20 years.

Under the drug and narcotics category, Patrick Mensah (40) had his 17-year sentence cut to 13 years, while others such as Obi Edwin Chukwu, Tunde Balogun, Lima Pereira Erick Diego, and Uchegbu Emeka Michael received reduced terms of 12 years each.

Dias Santos Marela Christiana (44), a foreign national convicted of importing cocaine in 2017, had her sentence cut from 15 to 12 years ‘for remorsefulness and deportation.’

In financial and fraud-related cases, Buka Adamu (40) saw his 20-year term reduced to 9 years, while Mustapha Ahmed, Inibong Imayen Nuikidem, Ada Audu, Chief Jonathan Alatoru, and Umannah Ekatte received varying reductions for age, remorsefulness, and good conduct.

In firearms-related offences, Abubakar Mamman (38) and Muhammed Bello Musa (35) had 10-year sentences cut to 7 years, while Nnamdi Anene (67)’s life sentence was commuted to 20 years.

Under maritime and conspiracy offences, 10 convicts – including Bright Agbedeyi, Babangida Saliu, and Jude Saka Ebaragha – had their 12-year terms reduced to 8 years, with fines waived ‘based on remorsefulness and impecuniosity.’

For unlawful mining, at least 45 inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Agodi, Oyo State – including Yusuf Alhassan, Abdullahi Isah, Zayanu Bello, and Habeeb Suleman – had their sentences reduced from three to two years following rehabilitation assurances facilitated by Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis.

The President also approved a major structural reform: the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.

He directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to establish new, stricter guidelines for future clemency exercises, including mandatory consultation with prosecuting agencies to ensure only deserving individuals benefit.

Onanuga said the reviewed list and signed instruments have been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.

According to the statement, President Tinubu thanked Nigerians for their vigilance and engagement on the issue, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to strengthen the justice system and ensure that the prerogative of mercy ‘remains a symbol of fairness, not a loophole for impunity.’

The Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), has sworn in its 23rd President and Chairman, Governing Board, Mrs. Ekeoma Ezeibe.

Ezeibe was sworn in as the third female president of the council in its 63 years of existence. She takes over from Babatunde Oguntade, who served for two years.

The Chairman of the occasion and doyen of insurance, Olola Olabode Ogunlana while speaking at the ceremony, called for collaboration within the sector and beyond.

Ogunlana said that ideally, there should also be linkages across all sectors of the Nigerian financial system.

He stated that this collaboration must extend to insurers, regulators, and governments alike.

He said: ‘Up to now, we have neglected insurance education for potential insurers. We must now go out of our way to make insurance a household word. Schools, higher institutions of learning, marketplaces, work sites, and wherever potential insurers may be. We must reduce our dependence on government insurer portfolios. The current free-for-all approach neither recognises merit nor encourages innovation or skill enhancement.

‘We must stop worrying our heads and time on those with deep pockets and their collaborators. Of course, we are not giving agriculture the enthusiasm and innovation it deserves. We must prioritise settlement of claims.’

He charged the new NCRIB President to pursue her agenda with vigour, adding, ‘We shall all support you.’

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Insurance/Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission, Olusegun Omosehin, said the emergence of Ezeibe was a powerful statement on inclusion.

‘The emergence of Ezeibe as the third female president in the 63-year history of this council is a powerful symbol of progress and inclusion. It is of quiet strength and strategic impact, both at the NCRlB and generally within the Nigerian insurance industry. Of note is her strategic leadership as the chairperson of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Committee on AfCFTA. Under her guidance, the committee has championed industry enlightenment, capacity building and policy advocacy to ensure the Nigerian insurance industry is well positioned to harness the opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area,’ he said.

Omosehin went on to urge the NCRIB to work with it on microinsurance and Takaful options.

‘Inclusive insurance models also become very critical, so we would like to partner with the NCRIB to develop broker-led micro insurance and takaful solutions for our public. NAICOM’s stance is simple. Deliver only what you can support and support everything you deliver. Clear promises and prompt service build trust, and trust drives penetration.

‘We invite the NCRIB, under the leadership of Mrs. Ezeibe, to actively partner with the Commission in implementing the provisions of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act, 2025. NAICOM, therefore, remains open to dialogue and committed to harmonising the roles of all industry players.’

Meanwhile, the immediate past President of NCRIB, Prince Babatunde Oguntade while reeling out his achievements as the president of NCRIB in the last two years said brokers have strategically partnered stakeholders including regulators, industry associations, and international organisations to deepen penetration.

Oguntade said these partnerships opened up new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and business development.

He stressed that his regime broke several new grounds with constituent bodies where insurance had never been mentioned, particularly in the entertainment and housing environment, believing his successor would sustain the tempo.

The wife of of Ikeja Local Government Chairman, Mrs. Fausat Dauda, has reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to promoting quality education and nurturing academic excellence among pupils within the council area.

She made this known while addressing participants and guests at the preliminary stage of the 2025 Spelling Bee Competition, held at the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, Ikeja, yesterday.

Mrs. Dauda described the Spelling Bee as ‘a remarkable platform designed by the Lagos State Government to showcase the spelling skills, intellect, and confidence of pupils and students across the state.’

She announced that the winner of the primary school category would serve as One-Day Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, while the first and second runners up would assume the positions of Vice Chairman and Leader of the Legislative Arm respectively.

‘It’s a way to motivate them and let them know that excellence comes with responsibility and recognition,’ she added.

According to her, the competition, which had been inactive for some time but is now fully restored, represents ‘a celebration of language, learning, and the incredible dedication of our young learners.’

She explained that the Spelling Bee serves as a preparatory ground for pupils to face future academic challenges, in line with the directives of the Office of Education Quality Assurance, under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

Mrs. Dauda noted that each of the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across Lagos State is mandated to conduct the preliminary stage of the competition to select outstanding representatives for the state finals.

‘At Ikeja Local Government, we believe in transparency and objective representation. This is why our Education Department, in collaboration with the Quiz Team, visited each of the eight public primary schools to conduct the intra-school stage. The best three pupils from each school are the contestants you see here today,’ she said.

Mrs. Dauda urged the winners to give their best performances and embrace sportsmanship at the grand finale of the competition.

‘Not everyone can emerge as the winner. But every participant here today is already a champion. Those who do not win this time should take it in good faith, as greater opportunities will still come their way,’ she said.

She also used the occasion to highlight her husband’s administration’s recent educational support initiatives.

She recalled the ‘Back to School’ distribution exercise, during which school bags, notebooks, mathematical sets, and water bottles were given to pupils in public primary and junior secondary schools within the local government.

She explained that the gesture was part of efforts to cushion the effects of the current economic situation on parents, especially those of indigent pupils, and reaffirmed that more educational interventions were underway as dividends of democracy.

Mrs. Dauda expressed appreciation to teachers and education officers for their dedication to nurturing pupils and making the event a success, adding ‘We can see the impact of your hard work on these children. Beyond human appreciation, I believe the Almighty God will reward you abundantly.’

Miss Zainab Ismail, who emerged as the overall winner, said: ‘I feel good. My mummy gave me time to learn, and my auntie encouraged me.’

She thanked her family and teachers for their support and advised her colleagues to ‘keep studying hard and never give up.’

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has reassured residents that no part of the state will be left undeveloped.

He promised that ongoing infrastructure upgrade will spread to all communities across the three Senatorial districts.

The government, according to a statement by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, is simultaneously working on four major highways in the Ifo, Sango Ota and Idiroko axis of the state.

He dismissed as mischief the claim in certain quarters that the government had left some bad portions on other roads unattended to, saying that the administration has plans to spread development as dividends of democracy to all parts, including the roads in Lafenwa-Itele Ayetoro areas of the state.

The special adviser noted that the 140-kilometer Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway is being fixed by the state government despited being a federal road.

He added that the, Sango- Ido Iroko, also a Federal Government road,is under construction by the state government.

He added that the government is attending to the Sango-Idiroko Highway, while it had completed about 22 kilometres between Ijoko, Agbado and Alagbole road

‘The area being mostly complained about -the Ota-Itele-Lafenwa stretch, which is about 24 kilometres – had been incorporated into the 2026 budget long before social media hoopla’ Akinmade clarified in the statement

The decision, he said, was a confirmation of Governor Abiodun’s determination to spread even development to all books and crannies of the state as fast as he is allowed to do by time and resources.

Akinmade further said the underlisted roads have been completed in Ifo- Ado Odo-Ota axis of the State.

1. Ikorita Meta, Adenrele/Olose Titus Vespa Road (3.1km)

2. Old Bank Road-Orita Meta – Coker Junction, Olumo Spur Road (1km).

3. Olusegun Osoba, Toyin, Agbado Road(2.4km).

4. Reconstruction of Sango, Ota- Oke Aro, Ojodu Abiodun Road, Lagos end (Yakoyo to Mr. Biggs) Phase 6(1.6km).

5. Reconstruction of Sango Ota, Oke Aro, Ojodu Abiodun Road (Sango Roundabout to Ijoko bridge) phase 1, (8.5km)

6. Akute, Denro, Ishasi Road (4.8km).

7. Alhaji Kosoko Street, Ojodu Abiodun (Sectional Rehabilitation,Resurfacing (1km)

8. Ajulo-Akute Road (3km).

9. Hercules-Giwa Road (1.3km).

10. Alagbole-Ajulo Road (1.7km).

11. Akute bridge- Oke Aro bridge)9.2km).

12. Atan – Lusada- Marogbo Toll Road (19.2km).

13. Lanfenwa – Osi, Ikola Road (7km).

14. Reconstruction of Bible College, Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government (3.89km).

He said: ‘While recognizing the rights of the good people of Ogun State to continue to demand for the dividends of democracy, the government warned the public to be wary of the antics of opposition politicians and their quest to call a dog a bad name in other to hang it.

‘In its determination to run a transparent and people-driven government, the Dapo Abiodun led administration will never fail to respond to public scrutiny. However, we are not unaware of the ongoing move by political detractors to tarnish the image of the government by whipping up unnecessary incitements.

‘The road is in question, like many others in Sango-Ota axis, had been in that deplorable state for many years before the coming of Governor Abiodun. They are part of the huge infrastructure deficit inherited by this administration in 2019.

‘Aside from the now trending Ota-Itele-Lafenwa road, other very important roads, including Sango-Ijoko-Agbado-Oke Aro-Lambe-Akute road; Sango Ota-Papalanto-Abeokuta road and Sango-Idiroko road were in terrible states of disrepair when Governor Abiodun took office.

‘Today, however, the story is different, as can be attested to by the good people of the area who daily pour prayers and appreciation messages on the current government in the state.

‘The Dapo Abiodun administration, rising up to the challenges posed by the huge road deficit in the axis, and moved by the cries of the people, embarked on a massive reconstruction of three out of the four major roads in the axis, almost at the same time. The remaining one, which is the now trending Ota-Itele-Lafenwa, is covered by the 2026 budget.

‘The Sango-Ijoko-Agbado-Oke Aro-Lambe-Akute road, which is about 30km; and 140km Sango Ota-Papalanto-Abeokuta road; as well as Sango-Idiroko road that stand at 63km, have all been turned into massive constructions sites where not less than 50 per cent progresses have been made.

‘But for the rains, work would have moved on at a much higher pace. Governor Abiodun has never left anyone in doubt of his determination to work assiduously till the very last minute of his tenure. The good people of Ogun State should be rest assured that the ongoing widespread development that is sweeping across the state will not exclude any part of the state.

‘At a time when our dear state is in the news for numerous never-seen-before feats, including a world class airport, a global standard Sports Complex, the largest cement factory in West Africa, and many others, we must not lose sight of the many reasons to be proud of our home state due to the antics of a few naysayers.’

founder and Chief Executive Officer of Small-Scale Enterprise, Adesola Jimmy-Eboma, is set to host the second MBA Business showers, to celebrate the cohort 2 graduates and heighten conversation on role of MSMEs in the economy.

The event: ‘Innovation. Inclusion. Impact: Redefining MSMEs in Nigerian Economy, holds tomorrow in GRA Ikeja, Lagos. Keynote address will be delivered by Mr Charles Odii, director-general and chief executive of SMEDAN, and Ms Esther Obiekwe, group head of Retail and SME Banking at NOVA Bank.

There will be a fireside chat, featuring Bunmi Kola-Dawodu, state manager of SMEDAN; Meksley Nwagboh, divisional head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity; Afolabi Solebo, general manager of LASCOPA; Ayomide Olofinjana, founder of Florence Richards Africa; and Adanna Uche, founder of Ady’s Agro Processing, to be moderated by Founder of Moore Organics, Mrs. Adebisi Odeleye.

At the programme, Jimmy-Eboma said, ‘participants will examine role of policymakers, financial institutions, and entrepreneurs on need to collaborate and unlock finances, strengthen quality and consumer protection, and accelerate international competitiveness.”

According to Adesola, ‘Nigeria has enormous potential locked within her people. If every state intentionally develops its local resources into finished goods by turning cassava into packaged flour, hibiscus into export tea, and shea butter into global beauty products, we can transform our economic narrative.

‘The MBA Business Showers has rapidly become a leading platform spotlighting innovation and entrepreneurial excellence in Nigeria’s small-scale manufacturing sector. Powered by SSE Lab, the initiative bridges the gap between vision and venture by equipping founders with practical structure, market-ready knowledge, and strategic support to thrive in today’s dynamic economy.

‘The Manufacturing Business Accelerator (MBA) is a 90-day intensive transformation program tailored for product-based founders and micro-manufacturers. Over three months, participants progress through a disciplined pathway of conceptualisation, product validation, branding, packaging, regulatory compliance, and market launch, transforming raw ideas into proudly made-in-Nigeria brands capable of competing globally.

‘Through the MBA Business Shower, we have built entrepreneurs who can make vision real because we have seen ordinary individuals like; traders, artisans, and dreamers become structured, compliant, export-ready businesses within 90 days. This is a statement of possibility.’

Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun says he is investing in infrastructural development across the state to fastrack economic development.

Adeleke said this while inspecting the Lagere flyover and other projects on Wednesday in Ile-Ife.

The governor said he believed that improved infrastructure would fast track economic development, hence, the various infrastructural development in the state.

Adeleke, who decried the neglect of Ile-Ife and abandonment of several projects by the previous administration, said the cultural capital of Yoruba people deserved the best roads and other infrastructures.

According to the governor, the flyover is strategically located at an economic nerve center of Osun East, connecting Osun West, Ijesahland and Ondo State through Garage Olode.

‘An economic hub is being created through this iconic flyover bridge.

‘Aside from the making of an economic hub, our administration is conscious of the tourism potentials and importance of Ile Ife to millions of Yoruba people at home and in the diaspora.

‘In our creative economy agenda, Ile-Ife occupies a prime place.

‘ The cradle of Yoruba nation thus deserves mass infra upgrade to support our vision of a cultural capital drawing multi billion dollar tourism opportunities in the near future’, he said.

Adeleke, however, threatened to terminate any non-performing contractor handling various infrastructural projects in the state.

‘I urge various contractors handling our various infrastructure projects to be up and doing.

‘I task them to show commitment to delivering on the awarded contracts. I expect those contractors to maintain presence and ensure memorability of the roads while the contract lasts.

‘Our administration will not hesitate to terminate any non- performing contracts.

‘Our people expect so much from the administration and we would not allow slack in the implementation process.

‘I task the officials of the ministry of Works to strengthen their monitoring of ongoing projects.

‘The public should be regularly updated on the state of each project. Project implementation reports should henceforth be issued on a monthly basis’, he said.