Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on election of two Nigerians as secretary-general and president of the 2026 Ministerial Meeting at the 27th Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Doha, Qatar.

At the meeting, Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), Dr. Philip Mshelbila, was elected as Secretary-General of the GECF and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, emerged as President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting.

Ambassador Tuggar, in a statement yesterday, described these dual milestones as Nigeria’s historic diplomatic achievement and clear testaments to President Tinubu’s proactive foreign policy engagements and his strategic vision to restore Nigeria’s influence in global energy diplomacy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He further highlighted the pivotal diplomatic efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in support of Nigeria’s candidature through Nigeria’s missions to GECF member states, formally launching the campaign, and its engagement with African member states requesting unified support for Nigeria’s candidature.

‘In addition, Nigeria’s missions were activated to engage and lobby voting members, in close coordination with bilateral engagements conducted at key summits such as the BRICS Summit (Brazil) and the African Union 7th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (Malabo, Equatorial Guinea). The process also benefited from high-level political backing from the Presidency, ensuring Nigeria’s candidature received broad-based support,’ the minister said.

Ambassador Tuggar also hailed Mshelbila and Ekpo for bringing stellar credentials and experience to their new international roles, describing their elections as ‘victories not only for Nigeria, but for Africa’s collective voice in global energy governance’.

The minister was confident that both men will strengthen the GECF’s role in driving global energy transition, promoting equitable resource management, and advancing sustainable development.

The minister reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to continue aligning diplomatic engagements with President Tinubu’s broader vision of a reformed, respected, and economically vibrant Nigeria, whose foreign policy continues to deliver tangible benefits for its citizens.

The recent attempt to romanticize the so-called ‘re-enactment of Obaseki’s education reforms’ is not only misleading but also a desperate attempt to whitewash the failures of an administration that left behind a trail of disillusionment, deceit, and betrayal among Edo teachers. The ongoing narrative, deliberately sponsored and amplified by a few individuals nostalgic about the past government, seeks to misinform the public and distort the truth about the state of education in Edo. But facts, as always, are sacred and cannot be buried under political propaganda.

It is important to set the records straight: the Obaseki-led government did not reform education – it weaponized it for political survival. What was branded as ‘innovation’ was, in fact, a carefully packaged illusion that crushed the hopes of hundreds of young Edo teachers who were lured into the system without proper employment letters, pension benefits, or confirmation of their civil service status for more than three years.

These teachers were not treated as professionals shaping the minds of future leaders but as expendable pawns used to score political points and project a false image of progress.

Many of these teachers have since narrated their ordeals – how they were made to attend endless training sessions, often at their own expense, without any formal recognition of their employment status. They were paraded before cameras for political optics, yet denied the dignity and benefits of legitimate work. Their story is one of emotional trauma and betrayal – people who believed they were serving their state, only to realize they had been used as instruments of propaganda.

During the build-up to the last governorship election, these same teachers were promised permanent employment and improved welfare packages if they mobilized support for the governor’s preferred candidate. But when the political tide turned, they were abandoned. The promises evaporated. The administration turned its back on them, leaving behind a demoralized and frustrated workforce struggling to survive without certainty or hope.

The much-hyped EdoBEST initiative – which Obaseki’s media machinery continues to tout as a revolutionary success – was, in truth, a hollow project. It was a case of form without substance, of digital gloss masking institutional decay. Beneath the glossy tablets, colourful banners, and choreographed PR campaigns, lay a project riddled with inconsistencies and waste. Independent reviews and insider testimonies have revealed how EdoBEST became a convenient channel for financial mismanagement under the guise of ‘digital learning transformation.’

The programme created an illusion of progress, while the core challenges in the education sector – decaying infrastructure, poor teacher motivation, and lack of instructional materials – persisted.

In several rural communities, pupils continued to sit on bare floors. Classrooms lacked roofs, and teachers struggled to cope with overcrowded classes. The so-called ‘digital tablets’ distributed to a few schools became mere symbols for photo opportunities, rather than tools for real learning. Teachers were left frustrated as internet connectivity and maintenance support were non-existent. The entire project was built on presentation rather than performance, and on deception rather than development.

In truth, EdoBEST was not an innovation – it was a refurbishing of tombs whose contents were academic carcasses. No credible data ever proved that learning outcomes improved significantly under the programme. Instead, available records showed declining literacy levels and poor comprehension among pupils. The gap between rural and urban education widened, and teacher attrition increased due to poor working conditions.

Contrary to the false claim that the present administration is simply ‘re-enacting’ Obaseki’s model, what is happening today is the exact opposite – a restoration of sanity, transparency, and meritocracy in Edo’s education system. The ongoing recruitment of teachers is anchored on merit and competence, not political patronage or godfatherism. For the first time in many years, candidates were screened through a transparent and standardized process. It was an open exercise where applicants were assessed based on qualification, teaching aptitude, and subject mastery – not on who they knew or which political camp they belonged to. All these were carefully and thoughtfully carried out before absorbing over 5000 Edostar teachers into the state civil service.

This deliberate reform is part of a broader agenda to rebuild public confidence in government employment processes and ensure that every classroom in Edo State is manned by a qualified, motivated teacher. Those who were smuggled into the system under the previous government – some without the minimum teaching qualifications – have been carefully filtered out. It is not vindictiveness; it is restoration of standards. The era of mediocrity and political favouritism in the education sector is over.

The new administration recognizes that education is the backbone of sustainable development. No serious government toys with the future of its children by reducing education to a publicity tool. Unlike the previous administration, this government is not interested in photo opportunities or social media applause. Its focus is on tangible outcomes – classrooms that are functional, teachers who are professionally trained, and pupils whose learning progress can be scientifically measured.

Today, efforts are being made to rehabilitate schools, update curricula, and retrain teachers using globally tested pedagogical methods. The emphasis is on content, not camera; on impact, not image. It is about restoring dignity to the teaching profession and returning education to its rightful place as the foundation of societal progress.

Unlike the previous administration, the current government will not sustain fraudulent legacies or reward criminality disguised as policy. The days of using development as a cover for deception are gone. The new administration’s education policy is driven by accountability, transparency, and evidence-based planning. Funds meant for schools will reach schools. Teachers will be trained, paid, and respected. Pupils will be taught, not used as backdrops for political theatre.

The truth remains that Obaseki’s so-called education reforms were built on falsehood, manipulation, and exploitation. The Edo people are no longer deceived. They saw the teachers who worked with meagre pay. They saw the schools that never received the promised upgrades. They heard the testimonies of those who were betrayed after years of service. And they now see a government genuinely working to repair the ruins left behind, a government that values integrity over image, performance over propaganda, and merit over manipulation.

Where there was deceit, this government is bringing transparency.

Where there was propaganda, it is instituting progress. Where there was exploitation, it is restoring dignity to Edo’s teaching workforce.

The era of empty reforms and borrowed slogans has ended. A new dawn has begun, a new Edo has risen, one defined by truth, service, and accountability. Edo’s education sector is being rebuilt, not rebranded. And that, indeed, is the difference between the past of deception and the present of genuine reform.

The National Orientation Agency NOA, has unveiled a new animation award as well as supporting the award with a total cash prize of N22,500,000.

The award was unveiled at the 9th Lagos International Festival of Animation, LIFANIMA.

The project is being implemented in partnership with LIFANIMA.

Speaking at the unveiling, the Director-General of National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu said the project is a unique opportunity for the creative community to engage with the Nigerian Identity Project-an initiative of the NOA aimed at promoting the ideals captured in the National Values Charter (NVC).

According to him, ‘The NVC outlines seven national promises and seven citizen codes that define who we are, what we stand for, and the values that unite us as Nigerians. Through this award, we invite our animators to interpret these ideals and express them through the powerful art of storytelling and animation.’

Speaking further at the event, he revealed the theme for this year’s challenge as: ‘Who is a Real Nigerian?’ a question which, according to him, goes beyond appearances or geography but invites reflection on the true spirit of the people – resilience, our optimism, our creativity, and our collective sense of responsibility.

To participate in the award, participants are required to create a three-minute maximum animated short film, using 2D, 3D, or stop-motion techniques, that creatively explores what it means to be a Real Nigerian. The focus is not on the form of animation, but on the strength of the narrative-the story that connects with our shared identity and national values.

‘This competition is exclusive to Nigerians, designed to empower local creators and strengthen national pride. Whether you are an individual animator, a small studio, or a creative company, this platform belongs to you. It is an open invitation to use your talent to inspire others and help shape the image of our nation through your craft,’ says Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu.

According to Mallam Issa Onilu, the NOA Animation Award 2026 offers N10 million for the first prize, N7.5 million for the second, and N5 million for the third, making a total prize value of Twenty-Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N22,500,000).

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed Saturday, October 24th, as the new date for the CAF Champions League second preliminary round second leg encounter between Rivers United of Nigeria and Mozambique’s Associação Black Bulls.

The highly anticipated fixture will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 p.m. local time (5:00 p.m. Mozambique time).

Meanwhile, CAF has also appointed Ivorian referee Kouassi Frederic Francois Biro to officiate the decisive match. He will be assisted by compatriots Prosper Adiouman (Assistant Referee 1) and Eba Médard Wenceslas Ettien (Assistant Referee 2), while Patrick Tanguy Jean Philippe Vlei will act as the fourth official.

Ghana’s Munkaila Nassam Adam has been designated as the match commissioner for the encounter.

Some Niger Delta kinsmen of former President Goodluck Jonathan have urged him not to run for president in 2027.

They enjoined the former leader to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu instead.

Prominent Niger Delta ex-militant commander, Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) is the arrowhead of the group persuading Dr. Jonathan to jettison his bid.

The ex-militant commander, who has visited the former President in his native Otuoke, Bayelsa State, last week, said the public mood does not support his aspiration.

The visit was Tompolo’s second public appearance in over a decade. He was accompanied by the Managing Director of his oil pipelines surveillance company, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), Chief Kestin Pondi, and the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general election in Bayelsa State, Joshua Maciver.

Sources said Tompolo told Dr. Jonathan that the psyche of his kinsmen in the Niger Delta was unfavourable to his rumoured ambition of returning to power.

Tompolo, who is the convener and founder of the ‘PBAT-Door-2-Door, also explained to him that his kinsmen were largely in favour of President Tinubu’s second term bid.

He said Dr. Jonathan may not secure the ‘home support’ if he insisted on running for president on the platform of any political party.

According to the sources, Tompolo impressed it upon Jonathan to support President Tinubu in the spirit of continuity. Tompolo urged former President Jonathan to borrow a leaf from his wife, Dr Patience, and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, who had joined the movement for the re-election of the President in 2027.

The sources also said the interests of the South, comprising the Southwest, the Southeast, and the Southsouth, should be considered.

‘Tompolo said the recent resignation of Diri from main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his anticipated defection into APC had made it imperative for Dr. Jonathan to team up with his team to ensure the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027.

A source said: ‘Tompolo came to see His Excellency, President Goodluck Jonathan, in his village, Otuoke, on Friday, October 16 in what was a happy reunion since they have not met in over one decade. Contrary to the reports in the conventional and social media that they discussed issues bordering on peace and security in the Niger Delta, far from that, the meeting was political.

‘Tompolo came and unequivocally appealed to him to shelve his rumoured presidential bid in 2027. Although Tompolo acknowledged that the ambition is coming into the public space as mere rumours, but he told Mr. President that he should shelve the idea if it’s true.’

‘Tompolo advised our leader not to be persuaded and not to give in to those political calculations that he could unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections. He stated categorically that the psyche of the citizens of the Niger Delta and indeed of the majority of Nigerians favoured the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2927.’

‘He made President Jonathan to understand that he won’t get the much-needed home support for his aspiration. He specifically pointed out the recent public statement made by his wife, Patience, endorsing President Tinubu for re-election and the recent resignation of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, from PDP and his planned defection to APC, as having diminished him.’

‘Tompolo told his host that nobody can defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a free and fair electoral contest in view of his superlative performance in less than 3 years in office. He said most reasonable and right-thinking Nigerians want President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to continue in office beyond 2027 to enable him to continue in the saddle till 2031.’

‘Consequently, he enjoined President Jonathan to join the vanguard for the re-election of Tinubu in 2027, that a contrary action will surely not going to be in his interest and in the overall interest of his people of the Niger Delta.’

‘He further counselled that former President Goodluck Jonathan does not have to defect to APC, that he can remain a statesman to work and deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term of office,’ added the source, who craved anonymity.

Another source at the meeting said Dr. Jonathan, who listened to his guest with rapt attention, promised to consider his advice.

According to him, Jonathan acknowledged wisdom in his submissions.

He said: ‘President Goodluck Jonathan appreciated Tompolo for his visit and acknowledged his wise counsel on the political permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‘President Jonathan promised to review his counsel and make public his decisions in the future.’

Tompolo did not address reporters after the visit.

But Dr. Jonathan, who addressed reporters afterwards, said Tompolo visited him to review the prevailing peace in the region.

He said: ‘Since I left office, we have not seen each other. Tompolo is one young man, who has played a key role in the unity of our people.

‘There are issues people have been complaining about, so I decided to ask him so that we can have conversations to ensure the Niger Delta remains peaceful. He (Tompolo) has contributed significantly to the peace and the protection of oil installations.’

Governors of the 36 States have expressed support for ongoing efforts by the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to restore price stability and strengthen confidence in the nation’s economy.

The Governors made this known after a briefing on the issue by the Deputy Governor (Economic Policy) of the CBN, Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, who represented the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso at the fifth meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) held in Abuja on Thursday night.

The Governors, in a communique by the NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, commended the leadership of the Department of State Services (DSS) for its proactive engagement with the sub-national authorities.

They assured of their commitment to deepen intelligence sharing and collaboration with federal security agencies to enhance peace and stability across the states.

The communiqué reads: ‘We, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), at our meeting held today, deliberated on issues affecting the country.

‘The forum received a presentation from the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, represented by the Deputy Governor (Economic Policy) Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, on the bank’s ongoing stabilization efforts to restore price stability and strengthen confidence in the economy.

‘The briefing highlighted recent policy measures, including the tightening of monetary policy, unification of exchange rate windows, and recapitalisation of banks, to curb inflation, enhance liquidity management, and consolidate macroeconomic stability.

‘Governors commended the CBN’s coordinated approach with fiscal authorities and underscored the importance of sustained collaboration to safeguard growth and state fiscal sustainability.

‘The rorum received a presentation from the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi on emerging security threats and intelligence-led strategies to strengthen subnational coordination.

‘The briefing focused on countering violent extremism, managing inter-communal tensions, and addressing security risks linked to economic hardship and political transition.

‘Governors expressed appreciation to the DSS for its proactive engagement and reiterated their commitment to deepen intelligence sharing and collaboration with federal security agencies to enhance peace and stability across the states.

‘The forum noted that the Reserved Seats for Women Bill (HB1349) will be voted on between November 4-6, 2025.

‘The Bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to create special constituencies exclusively contested by women in the National and State Assemblies as a temporary measure to enhance gender representation.

‘Governors were urged to engage their Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, and State Assemblies to support the Bill’s passage and affirm Nigeria’s commitment to equity and inclusive governance.’

Actress and producer Ruth Kadiri has opened up about how her journey into acting and screenwriting began, revealing that her first major step in the industry started with a visit to the National Theatre.

In a recent podcast with Jay On Air TV, Kadiri recalled how her passion for the arts led her to discover screenwriting.

‘Growing up in the slum and getting out of it wasn’t really easy and I remember going to National Theatre. I went there, I wanted to act. I got there and there were like 1000 people or more, I just look everywhere, I said, ‘there’s no way I’m getting this role. The crowd is so much, there’s a lot of people that are intimidating you,’ and then I saw a notice that says screenwriting and stuff, I think maybe it was God. I just sha went into the office,’ she said.

Kadiri explained that what followed was a stroke of luck that changed her life forever.

‘I got there, I saw the man, he had three students I think they were waiting for the fourth one that one wasn’t coming, I said ‘sir please me I want to write’ he’s like ‘you have to pay.’ I said ‘I don’t have transport to even go home.’ He said ‘okay you can come.’ So it was free. He added me to his class for free and he taught me the basics.’

That opportunity, she revealed, became the foundation of her career.

‘Doing that basic literally got me to where I am today because when I wrote my first script, that movie became a hit. I wrote that script and the producer obviously did not believe in me. I think he sent it out. He sent it to Tonto Dike and Uche Jombo and a couple of them, and I think Tonto kept telling him ‘oh this script, I really like it, I really like it.’ He didn’t even want to pay me. I didn’t care, I was like ‘just give me small role’ so he came back and said ‘okay let’s shoot it. I was just happy that they were going to shoot my film, my script. That one was a hit and the next one. That’s how it just started,’ she said.

Real Madrid are set to welcome Barcelona in an El Clasico clash scheduled to take place on Sunday, 26 October 2025 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The two Spanish giants are set for a top spot battle in the La Liga standings with Barca looking to yet again defeat Los Blancos in arguably the most watched fixture in football.

Teams’ Form and Recent Performances

Real Madrid

Real Madrid have had an almost unblemished 2025/26 season under new head coach Xabi Alonso following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti.

The Spanish giants have been in scintillating form having won all but one of their matches across all competitions this season which culminated in them claiming top spot in the league standings as well as sitting pretty well in the top eight of the UEFA Champions League league phase table following a 1-0 win over Juventus in matchday three of the European competition.

Jude Bellingham gave Madrid a well deserved lead in the second half to continue their 100 percent start to the competition they have won a record 15 times.

Alonso’s side’s only loss of the campaign was the embarrassing 5-2 defeat to their city rivals Atletico Madrid in the league last month.

El Clasico will no doubt be Madrid’s biggest test as they face a side they have failed to defeat on four different occasions last season.

Barcelona

Barcelona started the 2025/26 season in an impressive fashion just as how they ended the 2024/25 campaign which saw them win the domestic treble ( La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de Espana).

However, the Blaugrana lost their two matches just before the last international break. A 2-1 loss at home to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League was followed by a shocking 4-1 defeat away to Sevilla.

It has been a different affair for Hansi Flick’s side after the break as they have won each of their two matches since then. A 6-1 home thrashing of Greek giants Olympiacos came right after a narrow 2-1 win against Girona in the Catalan derby.

Barca will now be going into the heavy clash with Real Madrid with some sort of confidence.

Head-To-Head Record

Real Madrid and Barcelona have met on 216 occasions across all competitions. Los Blancos hold a slender lead with 106 victories to Barca’s 104 wins while 51 matches have ended with the two teams sharing the spoils.

The last eight matches between these two sides have ended in four victories apiece with Madrid winning the first four while Barca have won each of the last four including a 4-3 triumph which puts them on the brink of winning their 25th top-flight title last term.

A brace from Raphinha as well as Lamine Yamal and Eric Garcia’s strikes meant Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick counted almost for nothing for Madrid, who lost four Clasicos in a season for the first time since the 1982/83 term.

Key Players To Watch Out For

Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe has been in a breathtaking form since the beginning of the season having scored 16 goals in all competitions.

The France international scored in each of his last 11 matches for both club and country. However, he was unable to extend this feat in the win over Juventus on Wednesday night.

Mbappe is currently the top goalscorer in the La Liga with 10 goals. He is also the joint-top scorer in the Champions League alongside Bayern Munich talisman Harry Kane with five goals each.

Vinicius Junior

Vinicius is another player Barcelona will be wary of in this El Clasico with his explosive pace, exceptional dribbling with his quick feet and agility, and improved finishing.

Despite nowhere near his best, the 25-year-old Brazilian has managed to score six goals and provide as many assists for los Blancos.

Barcelona

Lamine Yamal

Yamal is undoubtedly Barca’s golden boy, who is likely going to pose all sorts of troubles for Madrid’s defence. Despite having injury troubles which has limited him to just seven matches, the teenage sensation still has eight goal contributions (three goals and five assists).

An inverted right-footed winger who cuts inside, combined with exceptional dribbling, close ball control, and a mature playmaking ability, the 18-year-old has all the attributes to unlock Madrid and hand them their second loss of the term.

Marcus Rashford

Rashford is arguably Barca’s best player so far this campaign. The Manchester United loanee seems to have rejuvenated his career in Spain as his five goals and six assists including a brace against Olympiacos on Tuesday point to this direction.

The 27-year-old, who is in a rich vein of form, has the speed, versatility, dribbling and incredible finishing ability to hurt the league leaders.

Team News

Real Madrid

Real Madrid are set to be without Rudiger in this El Clasico as he remains sidelined due a muscular issue he sustained during the international break in September.

Alaba was substituted out of last weekend’s match against Getafe owing to a calf injury. The Austrian will not be available in El Clasico.

Dani Ceballos and Dean Huijsen are both expected to return to the team after missing out in the victory over Juve.

Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also expected to make a return to the team after being on the sidelines for quite a number of games.

Barcelona

Raphinha is anticipated for a return this El Clasico even as his hamstring injury has taken longer than expected.

Olmo will not return to action until at least the beginning of November after suffering a calf injury earlier this month while playing for Spain on international duty.

Goalkeeping duo, Marc Andre ter Stegen and Joan Garcia are out of this fixture due to injury leaving Wojciech Szczesny as the man in between the sticks for Barcelona.

Robert Lewandowski and Gavi are long term absentees therefore won’t be available for selection.

Possible Starting Line-ups

Real Madrid

Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Militao, Carreras; Tchouameni, Bellingham, Camavinga; Brahim, Mbappe, Vinicius

Barcelona

Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, De Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Rashford, Yamal

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, said former President Goodluck Jonathan has not informed him of any plan to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Wike stated this during a live media parley monitored by our correspondent, in Abuja while responding to questions about speculations that Jonathan was being pressured to return to the presidential race.

The minister said: ‘You’re the one telling me here. Jonathan has never told me; he has never called me one day .’Look, I’m being pressured to run, what’s your thinking?’ If he calls me and asks me, I will be able to tell him my mind and what I feel’.

He added: ‘I will not because you people put something on the pages of the newspapers, just like you said they flew me out of the country – then, I now assume it’s correct.’

On the emergence of former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as the consensus candidate for the position of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wike distanced himself from the development, saying he knows nothing about it.

‘I don’t know about Tanimu Turaki becoming chairman; maybe he becomes chairman for another faction – it’s not the PDP I know,’ he stated.

The PDP Northern stakeholders had recently endorsed Turaki as their consensus candidate ahead of the party’s national convention scheduled for November 15-16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Speaking further, Wike dismissed the upcoming convention as illegal, hinting that he would not attend.

‘How do you want me to attend a convention that I know by law that there is no convention?’ he queried.

In a world that rarely slows down, finding simple ways to clear your head can make all the difference. Whether you’re recovering from a long week or just need a mental breather, these small but powerful resets can help you recharge – no expensive wellness retreat required.

1. Take a digital detox hour

Delete one app that drains your energy – the one you open out of habit, not joy. Even a short break from constant notifications can calm your mind and help you reconnect with the real world.

2. Create a ‘brain dump’ playlist

Make a playlist that mirrors how you feel right now. Music that reflects your current state of mind can help you process feelings you didn’t even realize you were holding.

3. Watch something that challenges you

Instead of another comfort show, try a documentary, TED Talk, or even a local interview that shifts your perspective. Sometimes, hearing a new idea can refresh your mind more than a nap.

4. Change your scenery

Move your furniture around, work from a different café, or drive a new route. Your brain thrives on novelty -even small changes can reset your mood and creativity.

5. Say no- guilt-free

Cancel one plan or decline a favor without overexplaining. Protecting your time and energy is a form of self-respect, not selfishness.

6. Revisit an old hobby

Do something that once made you happy before adult life took over – paint, write, build, or play an instrument. Nostalgia can be deeply grounding.

7. Spend a Few Minutes in Silence

In a world that glorifies busyness, quiet moments are rare. Step away from your phone, switch off the TV, and let the silence do its work. Studies show that even five minutes of quiet can lower stress and improve focus

Resetting your mind doesn’t always require big changes. This weekend, focus on the small shifts that help you breathe, think clearly, and return to Monday a little lighter.