Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Nigerian Army has continued to record successes in its operations in Kwara and Kogi states, neutralizing bandits.

The troops under 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, a military onslaught against bandits/terrorists in the North West and part of North Central, rescued nine kidnap victims.

The victims were intercepted during a night patrol on Monday, along the Egbe-Okura road in Kogi State and the Okoloke-Patigi route in Kwara State, specifically in the Essalu community of Yagba West Local Government Area.

Spokesman of 2 Division, Lt.-Col. Polycarp Okoye, said the rescued victims, comprising four males, and five females, were kidnapped from their community, Matoku, in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State on September 24.

He said the feat was due to continue extensive clearance operations by troops of 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA around Esanlu, Patigi, Babasango, Etsuyum, and adjoining communities of Kogi and Kwara States.

Okoye said: ‘On interrogation, the victims revealed that about 3 weeks ago, terrorists raided their village, Matoku, in Patigi LGA of Kwara State, and kidnapped several persons. It was also disclosed that the criminals rustled an unconfirmed number of cattle.

‘The victims further narrated that the bandits who took them suddenly became apprehensive, resulting from their own troops’ sustained operations in the area. Consequently, they (terrorists) were compelled by circumstances to abandon them and flee.’

He revealed the names of rescued victims as: Abdullahi Umar, 35, Alhaji Umaru Sarki Fawa, 55, Labaran Abubakar, 45, and Umar Yanda, 30.

Others are: Mrs Hassana Muhammad, 25, Mrs Maryam Muhammad, 27, Mrs Aisha Idris, 20, and Mrs Zainab Ahmed, 12.

Okoye said that the rescued victims were administered first aid treatments and provided with food, after which the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division NA/Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General CR Nnebeife, addressed the victims before they were handed to Patigi Local Government to reunite them with their families.

‘The GOC, further proceeded to Lata, in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State where he applauded troops of both 12 and 22 Brigades for their continued synergy and collaboration towards achieving operational efficiency,’ Okoye said.

He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to rid the region of bandits and terrorists, and urged the public to provide troops with credible information to aid in combating insecurity and securing lives and property.

Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 17 for judgment in the sexual harassment case against the suspended Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Calabar (UNICAL), Professor Cyril Ndifon.

Justice James Omotosho fixed the date at Tuesday’s proceedings after lawyers to parties made their final submissions and adopted their final written addresses.

Ndifon is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) along with his former lawyer, Sunny Anyanwu on a four-count amended charge.

The two are accused of alleged sexual harassment, cybercrime and attempt to pervert the course of justice.

The prosecution alleged that Ndifon, while serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Law at UNICAL, asked the female Diploma student (whose identity was shield) to send him ‘pornographic, indecent and obscene photographs of herself’ through WhatsApp chats.

It later amended the charge and added Anyanwu as the second defendant upon an allegation that he called the prosecution’s star witness on her mobile phone during the pendency of the charge against Ndifon to threaten her.

The prosecution, represented by Osuobeni Akponimisingha, closed its case on February 14, 2024 after calling four witnesses, following which the defence Fanta made a no-case submission, which the court overruled in a ruling delivered on March 6, 2024.

Justice Omotosho, in the ruling, held that the prosecution was able to establish a prima facie case against the two defendants to require them to enter a defence.

The judge then, ordered Ndifon and Anyanwu to enter their defence, which they later

The Presiding Bishop, Victory International Church, Rehoboth Cathedral, Ibadan, Victor Adelakun, has called for what he described as a balanced, fair, and honest response between the government and university lecturers if there must be a lasting solution to the perennial strike in public universities in the country.

He spoke on Tuesday while fielding questions from reporters during a Press conference to announce events of activities to celebrate the 36th Anniversary of the Church, held at Wonder City, opposite Dominion University, Lagos Expressway, Ibadan.

The anniversary themed, ‘The glory of the latter house’, is slated for October 16th-19th, 2025.

Bishop Adelakun said the government must do beyond mere words and live by what it wants others to do in its bid to show sincerity.

He said, if the government is claiming paucity of funds to attend to the challenges facing public universities and the demands of the lecturers, such must also reflect in the lifestyle of those in public offices.

According to the National Vice President (Southwest), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, if the political class would cut down on the cost of governance and benefits of political offices, it would be easy to persuade the university lecturers to also sacrifice for the development of the sector.

On the other side, he challenged the university lecturers to do more in terms of research that can make an impact on society, which he said can foster economic development and prosperity for both the institution and society at large.

Bishop Adelakun said, ‘If the lifestyle of those in government does not change, we will keep coming back to strike. A nation that will not educate its youth is a time bomb.

‘If the members of the National Assembly and those in elective positions will not slash their benefits, income, and perks of office, members of the Academic Staff Unions (ASUU) and others generally will not agree that there is no money to meet their demands because they can see that those in government are allocating monies for themselves.

‘How much has the government allocated to education? If the cost of governance is cut down, everyone will sit up and reason, but as long as the cost keeps increasing, they will also keep fighting for whatever interest they have.’

Apparently challenging the lecturers, the cleric who also doubles as the Chancellor, Dominion University said, ‘How many universities are still involved in research? Many of such should translate to an impact on the nation and its economy. The people in the academic sector need to wake up and do research of value to the institution and society.

‘With all the various departments and fields in the various schools, let it translate to an outcome that will benefit all.

‘Let’s balance it, we know those who are living large and asking others to live small. It won’t work. I believe ASUU members have facts on what those in government are spending and enjoying, and members of the society too can see.’

Speaking on the anniversary, the cleric said the Church has come a long way, from humble beginnings, which were despised by many, but have emerged to be a cynosure by the grace of God.

He said he would only be ungrateful if he didn’t acknowledge what God has done in the ministry in the last 36years, recounting the various challenges that the Church had faced and how God helped out.

He noted that, for the anniversary, God has only instructed the church to give him praise and worship, assuring that many wonders would be done in the lives of the people.

He said the event, a four-day ‘fearful praise’ and two mornings of ‘appreciation’ was instructed by God and would hold at the Wonder Hall at the Wonder City, as the main venue, while the Rehoboth Cathedral, Oluyole Estate, Ibadan, will be for virtual centre.

He also disclosed plans for the foundation laying ceremony of a 16,000 capacity mega city Cathedral, which would be completed within a year.

‘Anybody who is ungrateful will eventually be grounded. We have been on the journey for 36years and only the ungrateful will say God has not done anything.

‘From a congregation that was despised to the one that built the first Pentecostal Cathedral. We have reasons to praise God because when we started, many people were looking down on us.

‘If leadership is strong, there is hope. If leadership is selfless, there is hope. God asked us to give him four days of fearful praise and two mornings of appreciation’, he added.

ADEREMI: Dear Omobola, my name is Aderemi. The reply of PTAD to my complaint which was published on the March 12, 2O25 was correct. Truly PTAD called me and asked me of my account details. My caller said that the account did not reflect my name. He also asked for some other information but I was unable to provide as my documents were not with me and I didn’t know them offhand. He promised to call the next day but he has not called back.

PTAD: Dear Mr, Aderami, kindly note that we placed several calls to you, but were unable to get through as your phone was not answered. You can reach us via 02094621700 for clarification and resolution. Thank you.

RUFIANA: Good day, I am Rufina. My complaint is about short payment of my pension arrears since two years ago

PTAD: Dear Mr. RUFIANA, please send your verification slip to our email [email protected] to enable us to investigate and respond further. Thank you.

ANONYMOUS: Good day, I have been complaining of deduction of N9000 from my pension allowance since September last year. Kindly use your office to rescue me from this situation. l have written several times for correction to no avail why.

PTAD: Dear PTAD PENSIONER, please send your verification slip to our email [email protected] to enable us investigate and respond further. However, note that PTAD obtained a directive for the re-implementation of the CPA based on grade level in line with the clarification from the NSIWC before implementing the new 20 per cent / 28 per cent increment as applicable. The CPA which was as a result of the minimum wage approval in April 2019 was implemented in May 2021 based on pay-band application with subsequent payment of 24 months arrears covering from April 2019 to April 2021. It is, therefore, instructive to mention that arrears reconciliation arising from the re-implementation of the CPA based on grade level is set aside pending further directive.

The clarification from the NSIWC which revised the implementation of the CPA to Grade level was taken into cognisance and accordingly implemented on the payroll before the application of the new pension increment of 20-28 percent as applicable which will take effect from September 2024.

Further to the above, the Executive Secretary gave directive to pay the 20per cent/ 28 per cent pension increment arrears to ONLY the pensioners whose monthly pension have been correctly computed and implemented as per the August payroll.

In line with the directive of the Executive Secretary, the Department reviewed the August 2024 pension payroll to ascertain that only pensioners who are on their correctly computed monthly pension are paid the 20 – 28% pension increment arrears and thereafter identified and excluded the following categories of pensioners:

Pensioners on the payroll with inherited monthly pension and whose monthly pension entitlement is yet to be computed to date;

Pensioners on the payroll with inherited monthly pension but whose monthly pension entitlement have been computed but not yet implemented;

Pensioners on the payroll with monthly pension figure that appears to be higher than the maximum monthly pension for their Grade Level.

OJO: Dear Omobola, I am one a Heritage bank customer at Ado Ekiti. I am one of those who were not paid their pension since May. I sent a message to you with all my particulars. Please, I am waiting for your help. Ojo from Ado Ekiti.

PTAD: Dear Mr. Ojo we are not in receipt of your new bank statement from UBA as we discussed with you and your daughter on the phone. Thank you.

Reality TV star Chizzy Francis has urged people to stop attacking former Big Brother Naija winner Phyna online, following a viral video of alleged involvement in a violent altercation at an Abuja hotel.

In a tweet, Chizzy emphasised that Phyna is human and deserves kindness and respect, especially given her recent loss of her sister.

Chizzy acknowledged that Phyna is not above criticism but believes that online bullying will not solve anything.

He called on the public to show empathy and understanding, reminding everyone that they don’t know what someone is going through behind closed doors.

He wrote: ‘Defending PHYNA isn’t optional. She’s human, she’s grieving, and she deserves respect. Bullying her online won’t make you stronger, it’ll just show how weak you are. Choose kindness, or choose to be ignored.

‘To everyone jumping to conclusions and criticizing PHYNA let’s take a step back. We’ve all been through tough times, and we don’t know what someone’s dealing with behind closed doors. She just lost her sister, and the last thing she needs is hate. Let’s focus on spreading love and support instead. We don’t know what we’d do in her shoes. Let’s be kind.’

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has confirmed the appointment of 5,000 contract teachers under the State’s Ministry of Education as permanent staff.

The teachers were initially engaged by the previous administration on a contract basis and received a monthly stipend of ?65,000.

Governor Okpebholo, who supervised the distribution of appointment letters at a ceremony held on Wednesday at the Government House, said the move reflects his administration’s commitment to valuing and empowering educators.

He emphasized the critical role teachers play in shaping the future of Edo State and reaffirmed his government’s dedication to improving their welfare and working conditions.

According to him, ‘Teachers, I am happy to see you. I wanted it this way, because, I had asked several times if you had received your letters. The answer was no. So, I decided to supervise the process myself. As you collect your appointment letters today, you will also receive transport fare because I know many of you have traveled long distances.

‘You are very important to us. Your reward is no longer in heaven; it is here, under our watch.’

Edo Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, who thanked the teachers for their perseverance, said neautiful schools without teachers were useless.

‘Today, an angel has come, a leader who thinks about your welfare day and night.’

‘He met Ambrose Alli University with a ?41 million subvention and increased it to ?500 million. Right now, a 1,500-capacity lecture theatre and a 600-capacity hostel are under construction.’

Dr. Iyamu said the EDU-Rescue Programme was launched to give children from poor backgrounds access to quality education.

Actor Yomi King, popularly known as Opebe, has opened up about some of his early struggles in the movie industry, revealing that many of the beatings he received on set were not scripted but real.

Speaking in a recent interview on Behind The Fame Podcast on YouTube, the comic actor recalled that some of his experiences during filming went far beyond acting.

‘Those sufferings were beyond acting; they were real beatings. That’s what they call acting, you have to do it well and real for people to know it truly happened. Baba Suwe doesn’t mind. Anyone that knows him well knows he will beat you directly; ask the director,’ he said in Yoruba, translated to English.

Opebe recounted one particular incident involving his colleagues Baba Suwe and Yinka Quadri, which turned serious during the production of the Yoruba movie Eku Meji.

‘A sample happened in a year, I won’t say the name of my boss Yinka Quadri, I won’t mention his name. They had a misunderstanding, real, I thought of it – that if I don’t support Baba Suwe, who would I support? Is it a stranger? I supported Baba Suwe in fighting Yinka Quadri.

‘If he passed, I would neglect him because we were all together in Lagos. He’s like a big brother to me in Lagos. We all grew up in Lagos, do you understand? He’s a big brother. I began to support Baba Suwe.

‘Baba Suwe had a job -PM used to call actors. We wanted to do a movie called Eku Meji and we would shoot it at Meiran. Meiran was like a village, Meiran at Ijaiye -it wasn’t civilized then.

‘That movie Eku Meji, I had a role with Yinka where he ought to fight me and beat me. And you know that Opebe is lame. And I and Yinka didn’t talk to each other. But when we got to the set, and it was a beating role, I had abused him earlier. When he replied me, it was a slap and a severe beating. I began to shout, ‘Cut! This isn’t a movie anymore.’ I was angry.’

The actor said he soon realised the beating was personal, stemming from his decision to take sides in their earlier dispute.

‘He laughed and said, ‘In your life, you won’t interfere in people’s fights again.’ The person I supported -Baba Suwe- was laughing at me. That day, I said to myself, ‘If you abuse each other, it’s none of my business.’ Since then, I know my boundaries.’

A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Oyedele Alao, has slammed Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent criticism of Minister of Works David Umahi of ‘dancing around the cost’ on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

He described Makinde’s remarks as hypocrisy, alleging the governor must first account for his inflated road contracts before attacking anyone at the federal level.

A statement by Alao, an engineer, said the costs of roads by Makinde’s administration defied logic, accusing him of turning road construction into a cash-draining adventure that had produced some of the highest cost-per-kilometre projects.

He said: ‘These are not rumours; these are the governor’s own public figures. No civilised state should pay such outrageous sums without a clear Bill of Quantities or cost justification. Governor Makinde should publish the contracts.

‘Oyo people deserve to know where their money is going. Until the governor opens his books, he has no moral ground to lecture the Federal Government on transparency or efficiency.

‘As an engineer, I think the governor has an explanation to make on the roads and other infrastructural projects his administration has embarked on since 2019, most especially when the government has claimed it completed 14 road projects, totalling 224.32 kilometres between May 2023 and May 2025.

‘Leadership is by example, not about grandstanding or media drama. Makinde should clean up his own administration before pointing accusing fingers at others. The people of Oyo State are watching, and history will not be kind to those who squander public trust.’

Filmmaker and actor Lateef Adedimeji has reacted after his film ‘Lisabi’ secured seven nominations at the 2025 Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA).

The movie is recognised in categories including Best Visual Effects, Best Director, Best Make-up, Best Nigerian Film, Best Actor, Best Film in African Language, and Best Film Overall.

In a Instagram post, Lateef expressed overwhelming gratitude, noting how much these nominations mean to him.

He celebrated the collective effort behind Lisabi, thanking the cast, crew, distribution partners, and collaborators like Niyi Akinmolayan and Anthillstudios for bringing the project to life.

He also shared an inspiring message, encouraging others to persevere as recognition will come in time.

He wrote: ‘ALHAMDULILAH. I once again realised how much of a great work our last mega project, LISABI, is, as we bagged 7 nominations at the AMAA Awards.

‘To be nominated in seven categories alongside great movies from this continent means so much to me, and beyond words, I’m super grateful for the recognition.

‘I want to once again appreciate everyone who worked on the Lisabi project, from cast and crew to distribution partners and those who supported us one way or the other.

‘A big thank you to our wonderful partners, @niyiakinmolayan and @anthillstudios, for bringing our vision to life.

‘I hope this encourages someone to keep going, recognition will come someday. Thank you AMAA! Cc @akeemeffect etc’.

At the start of the session, the audience kept increasing by seconds. But, they were attentive and curious. The newly opened exhibition hall of Quintessence Gallery, on Akin Olugbade Street, Victoria, Island, Lagos, provided the ambience for the spontaneous illustrations performances. For three hours, Chamberlin Ukenedo, a visual artist cum Creative Director, Nitro121, kept his drawing pads busy, churning out images and forms that resonate with the imagination of many. The session tagged The Artivation: A live sketching, and illustrations performance was the artist’s special platform to express social and political themes while exploring human emotions and societal issues within his Nigerian environment.

Ukenedo has participated in both solo and group art exhibitions, salons, and has hosted art soirees, contributing to the art scene within and outside Nigeria. His first show was a drawing exhibition titled Dots in motion, a collaboration with Ibe Ananaba at Quintessence, Falomo Ikoyi, Lagos in 2001.

He returned to Quintessence with The Artivation, a bold new format. Rather than presenting finished pieces, he invited audiences into the heart of his creative process. Through live feeds, spontaneous creation, and direct interaction, he transformed the gallery into a living canvas-where viewers become part of the art’s evolution.

Chamber (as he is fondly called) is known for his work as a painter, illustrator, and cartoonist, often creating art that reflects his personal experiences and the complexities of the environment he lives in. He uses storytelling to address social issues. He is a versatile artist from the craft generation, working as a visual artist and as a Communications expert.

His words capture the spirit of this transformation: ‘Instead of his viewers standing in front of a frame, they’ll be part of the frame’s creation.’ It’s a call to experience art not just as a product, but as a shared moment of vulnerability, creativity, and connection.

‘Whenever I want to draw, I see quite a lot of crazy things.

So, in my dynamic images, I can throw up an image, and keep in mind for instance the story of him and the daughter. The story was about when I took a walk with my daughter who never hesitated to join me..a function of trust,’ he recalled of his experience he transferred on paper.

He noted that the skull remains a friend of the structure that he created. ‘So, once I had that understanding, I saw a different life,’ he said.

To demonstrate his skill in illustrations, he called on any member of the audience to sign or draw any image on his pad, which he skillfully turned into any image unimagined by the writer. Effortlessly, he developed a signature into a drawing everyone can identify with.

Other forms and images that dominate his sketches include football, abstract figures. In fact, he is literarily obsessed with images around football, a game he played as a young man. Recalling his experience during a football competition, he identified the use of non-existing code name as a strategy the opponent used to defeat his team.

‘I want to play with that football slowly. I compete a lot in football, I like the spirit and turning the mask away from me or turning the mask away and repeating what I prejudged that wasn’t real,’ he said as he illustrated some images around football on his white sketch pad.