Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola’s eldest daughter, Tolani, has captured attention after flaunting a rare Japanese crown melon valued at £150 (about ?300,000) converted to nigeria currency

The rare fruit, weighing approximately 150 pounds, is highly prized in Japan for its meticulous cultivation.

Farmers are known to nurture each melon with exceptional precision and care, often comparing the process to raising a child.

In a video shared online, Tolani referred to it as a ‘special melon,’ expressing her admiration for unique and exotic fruits.

She praised its rich aroma and juiciness, noting her appreciation for its exceptional quality.

Playfully, Tolani joked that such luxurious treats could easily win her heart, admitting that she sometimes skips dates because ‘the way to her heart is through her stomach.’

Although she humorously questioned whether the hefty price truly matched the taste, she seemed delighted by the experience, calling it a unique culinary indulgence.

This is not the first time the billionaire heiress has attracted attention online.

She previously went viral after showcasing an exotic luxury mango she purchased.

She said ‘This melon was 150 pounds. This was a present that I received. If you know me, you know that the way to this girl’s stomach, no, the way to this girl’s heart is through her stomach, especially fruit, strange and crazy fruit.

She continued ‘So this is a crown melon. It’s one of those special melons that, you know, in Japan, they have these like people who tend to these melons like they’re their babies. That’s one of these.’

She expressed amazement at its juiciness and aroma, describing it as one of the most flavorful fruits she had ever tasted.

‘The melon is extremely expensive it costs about 150 pounds,’ she said,

adding that its rich taste and freshness made it a memorable experience. Tolani humorously noted that her enthusiastic way of eating was one reason she avoids dining out, before ending the clip by saying she needed to take the fruit inside to enjoy it properly.

Obviously, food is important to terrorists because it energises them. Therefore, it makes sense to arrest people who supply food items to them, and also seize food items being transported to them.

The Chief of Military Public Information Office, Lt. Col. Kamarudeen Adegoke, said in a statement that personnel of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), on October 11, intercepted 466 bags of food items, comprising 364 bags of beans and 102 bags of corn. They also arrested ’40 terrorist logistics suppliers’ on a suspected supply route in an operation against terrorist activities in the Lake Chad region, he stated.

He added that troops of 68 Battalion on a joint patrol with the Civilian Joint Task Force in the Mallam Fatori- Bandamari- Bari – Korarawon area, discovered and confiscated 12 bags of fish and nine donkeys allegedly used to carry supplies to terrorists in the Lake Chad basin region.

There are questions that demand answers. For how long have the arrested alleged suppliers been transporting food items to terrorists using the suspected routes? Why were they not caught before now? What will happen to them after their arrest?

Notably, the police, last year, had accused some arrested terrorism-related suppliers of criminal conspiracy. There is no doubt that such suppliers help terrorists to sustain their criminal activities. The fight against terrorism should be not only against terrorists but also those who aid them.

Such arrests should be a means of gathering intelligence that would advance the country’s fight against terrorism. It is not enough to arrest suppliers. Such arrests should lead to the capture of terrorists.

In a case that grabbed the headlines last year, the Force Intelligence Bureau -Intelligence Response Team (FIB-IRT) arrested members of a group that allegedly supplied drugs, bread and other food items to bandits operating in Zaria, Kaduna State and its environs.

They were apprehended at the Rigachikun base following a tip-off, and revealed that they usually supplied bread to bandits at Galadimawa, Damari, Kidandan and Awala camps in Birnin Gwari and Giwa local government areas, Kaduna State. One of them said they also supplied information to bandits which helped their kidnapping and cattle rustling operations.

Bakery owner Hassan Magaji, who was arrested, said: ‘The boom in my business began when I started supplying bread to bandits.’ He had an agreement with them that they would pay upfront for their bread supplies, and he made good profit doing business with them. ‘They started with bread worth N20, 000 and gradually increased it to N50, 000 a day,’ he said, adding that he made as much as N150,000 a week ‘after removing the cost of the ingredients.’

Nothing was heard about the food suppliers and their criminal customers after the report. There have also been reported arrests of suppliers of arms to bandits. Even, in one striking case, a housewife identified as Maryam Abubakar, in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was arrested for allegedly supplying women, including her daughters and nieces, to bandits in Galadimawa forest to satisfy their sexual needs. Lamentably, these arrests led nowhere.

The point bears repeating: It is pointless announcing the arrest of terrorism enablers, whether they are suppliers of drugs, food items, weapons or sex, if such arrests lead nowhere. Arresting suppliers should not be an end in itself, but should be a means to an end, which is the arrest of those who receive the supplies.

The large number of bags of beans, maize and fish seized from suspected suppliers recently can be said to suggest a great number of terrorists. Fighting terrorism must go beyond arresting suppliers. They should be tried and penalised. But ultimately, terrorists should be caught, prosecuted and punished.

A former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, has been interred in Benin City.

Arase was interred at a private ceremony witnessed by family members and close associates.

He was interred after a funeral mass, held at St. Paul Catholic Church.

In his homily, Reverend Father Andrew Obiyan urged the congregation to work towards making heaven after death.

Obiyan said people would want to go everywhere on earth, but refused to go to the House of God.

He expressed disappointment at the attitude of some humans towards donating to the work of God.

According to him, ‘Our own life is in heaven. We must never be distracted. We now see old age creeping into our lives daily, powerfully. It crept in to remind us of immortality. We study so hard to receive so many titles. At death, those titles mean nothing to God. The only title that means so much is a grace of battle.

‘We have the assurance that Arase will reap the fruit of baptism in the presence of the eternal King.

‘Sometimes we go everywhere, but we don’t want to go to the House of God except when we want to please people. We do not want to come to the House of God.

‘Late Arase feared and loved God. Policing is a profession with risk. We see a soaring crime rate; yet, many police officers are exemplary.

‘We give glory to God for Arase’s getting to the peak of his career. The Lord does not take from you what he cannot give.’

Governor of Bayelsa State, Duoye Diri, said the late Arase was of great service to the nation.

‘Moments like this are for us to know that one day we will lie down like this. We should be humble to serve our state and country to the best of our ability. All about him are great and good testament. From his professionalism and service to the country, his relationship with the rest of society marked his humility and spread love everywhere he went.’

Dignitaries at the event were Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa; Oba Ewuare II, represented by Chief Oseni Elamah; and Chief Uso Osaretin, the Usoh of Benin Kingdom; former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi; FRSC Zone 5 Commander, Stella Orakwe; Secretary to the Police Service Commission, Onyeabuchi Nnamani; IGP Kayode Egbetokun; Senator Neda Imasuen, amongst others.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council at the Pamo University of Medical Sciences(PUMS), Dr. Peter Odili has charged newly inducted graduates of the institution to be good ambassadors as well as uphold the virtue of excellence, hard work, honesty anywhere they go.

Odili spoke yesterday at a joint induction/oath-taking ceremony for graduating students of the Departments of Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), Nursing Science and Radiography and Radiation Science of the university in Port Harcourt, Rivers state capital.

A total of 28 of the students graduated, with 18 Nurses, seven MLS and three Radiographers, respectively.

The former governor had expressed gratitude to the state government for instituting the scholarship scheme that has given youths of the state the opportunity to train in PUMS, and promised to convey the gratitude of parents of the graduating students to the government.

Earlier, parents of the graduating students had expressed gratitude to Odili and the state government for giving their children and ward the opportunity to study in the best medical science university in the country presently and prayed for the sustenance of the school.

‘On behalf of Council what I want to say to our inductees who are now associates of their various professional bodies, is that you are a very lucky set, because you have parents that have done what no other group of parents have done. I will transmit the very hearty appreciation expressed on behalf of the parents to our governor. So for our 2025 graduates, the Board of Council has approved that each of you will receive N100,000,’ he announced.

While delivering the induction lecture, with the theme, ‘Balancing Innovation and Compassion: the place of Technology in Allied Medicine,’ the resource person from the Niger Delta University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Prof. Y. M. Tatfeng charged the nurses for compassion and not just sympathy for the sick.

Also speaking the Dean Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Prof. Bashir Bello charged them for hard work, accuracy, excellency, integrity and teamwork.

In the same vein, other speakers who spoke at the ceremony appealed to the medical professionals to pursue and seek help when in doubt, rather than use human beings for experiment.

Earlier in his welcome speech, the Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof. Smith I. Jaja disclosed that 18 nurses, seven MLS and three Radiographers were to be graduated and inducted into their various field bodies, assuring that the new inductees had passed through the best training they could have.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not demonstrated sufficient commitment to improving Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said.

The presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 election made the remark on Thursday during a meeting with a European Union (EU) delegation led by a member of the European parliament and head of the 2023 EU election observation mission to Nigeria, Barry Andrews.

His words: ‘It is worrisome that two years down the line, we are yet to see indications that INEC is committed to an improved electoral process,’ Atiku said in a statement via X on Friday.

‘Expectations are high that the Independent National Electoral Commission will urgently work with the National Assembly to give citizens election laws that guarantee transparent and credible elections, where every vote counts.’

Empahasising that Nigerians are eager for reforms that will ensure free, fair, and transparent polls, Atiku noted that only credible elections can safeguard democracy and produce leaders capable of uniting the country and driving economic growth.

Atiku assured that ‘we shall continue to support efforts by CSOs, local and foreign Election Observations Missions (EOMs), including the EU-EOM, that will lead to genuine electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 General elections.

‘We believe that only through credible elections shall we safeguard our democracy and recruit leaders that will ensure unity and economic prosperity of Nigeria,’ he added.

As Nigerians marked the historic National Independence anniversary on Wednesday, a clarion appeal has gone to both the Federal and state governments to urgently redouble their efforts and actions to tackle and reduce poverty in Nigeria.

This call was made by an elder statesman, Chief Adesunbo Onitiri in a statement issued in Lagos, Friday.

Onitiri appreciated the efforts of the Tinubu administration in revamping the nation’s already battered economy, but pleaded that both the Federal Government and states must redouble their efforts to bring the situation of poverty and insecurity under control.

He said with the plenty of revenues state governments are getting from the federation accounts presently, they have no excuse not to perform and give their people more developments and dividends of democracy.

In the statement titled: ‘Reminiscence And Expectations of Nigerians After 65th independent Anniversary’, the Elder statesman pointed out:

‘Most Nigerians claim there is nothing so far to celebrate except the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to Onitiri, Nigerians are so easy to govern. What they want are good potable water to drink; uninterrupted light supply; good roads, employment for young graduates and others; enabling the environment for businesses to thrive; and good care for the elderly.

Onitiri commended the great efforts of President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in revamping the economic quagmire, ‘and taking us back on track.’

He urged all Nigerians to be patient with him and cooperate with the present regime to take us to the Promised Land.

Fresh off a morale-boosting 1-0 win over English champions Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League during the week, Galatasaray will host Besiktas in the Turkish Super Lig at Rams Park this weekend.

The hosts are at the top of the standings with maximum points from seven league fixtures, while the away side are fifth in the table, after six league fixtures this term with Nigerian International striker Victor Osimhen expected to lead the line today.

Galatasaray started their Champions League campaign in less than impressive fashion, with a 5-1 defeat to German side Eintracht Frankfurt on matchday one.

However, that dismal result on the continent did not affect their performance in the domestic competition, having won two more league fixtures against Konyaspor (3-1) and most recently Alanyaspor (1-0) in their last outing in the Turkish top flight.

Back in European engagement on Wednesday, the Conqueror of Europe made a bold statement with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Liverpool, courtesy of Osimhen’s 16th -minute strike from 12 yards.

With their eighth league fixture coming up against a familiar foe, Okan Buruk’s men will be buzzing going into today’s encounter.

Another reason the Lions will be confident ahead of this contest is that they are firing on all cylinders in the attacking end of the pitch, with 17 goals plundered, while only two have been conceded since the start of the season.

Besiktas, on the other hand, have recorded four victories and two losses in six league matches this term. Those outcomes leave them fifth in the table with 12 points, four places adrift of the home side, as they head into this weekend’s fixture.

This recognition is deeply humbling. Personally, it affirms the years of passion and sacrifice behind the JoyfulJoy Foundation. Professionally, it validates our work on a global stage and opens new doors for collaboration to create even greater impact.

The foundation has been running for 13 years. Looking back, what were the toughest early challenges, and what keeps you motivated to sustain the vision today?

The toughest early challenge was convincing people that a small foundation could make a big difference. Limited resources and scepticism were real hurdles. What keeps me motivated today is the lives we’ve touched who no longer have to fear malaria. That hope fuels me every day.

The foundation was born from a personal tragedy – the loss of your sister to malaria. How have you turned that pain into purpose, and in what ways has the foundation prevented other families from going through the same?

Losing my sister to malaria remains the most painful moment of my life. But that tragedy ignited my resolve to ensure fewer families endure the same. Over the years, we’ve distributed thousands of mosquito nets, run awareness campaigns, and supported healthcare programs that have reduced preventable deaths. Each saved life honours her memory.

When you see Nigeria still battling malaria after decades, what thoughts come to mind? Do you believe enough is being done by the government and stakeholders?

It’s heartbreaking that malaria still claims lives after decades. Government and stakeholders are making efforts, but more can be done, especially in community education, stronger healthcare systems, and equitable access to preventive tools. Collaboration is key if we are to win this battle.

You recently co-executive-produced a movie with Burna Boy and his mother, Bose Ogulu. Can you tell us about the project and why it is significant to you?

That project was powerful because it merged art with advocacy. Storytelling through film is a way to spark conversations beyond borders. Working with Burna Boy and his mother was inspiring; they bring creativity and vision that align with my own passion for meaningful projects.

You share a warm bond with Burna Boy’s family. How did that relationship begin, and what lessons have you picked up from working with them?

Our relationship grew organically from mutual respect. They’ve taught me that success is rooted in discipline, authenticity, and never forgetting where you come from.

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As both an actress and a producer, how do you balance the creative and business sides of film? Which role stretches you more?

Acting stretches my emotions, while producing stretches my strategy. Balancing both is challenging but rewarding. I’ve learned that telling stories requires both heart and structure.

You are often celebrated as one of Nollywood’s most admired women, not just for your beauty but also for your depth in roles. How important is fitness and mental well-being in helping you deliver powerful performances?

Fitness and mental health are non-negotiables for me. They give me the energy, clarity, and emotional depth to fully embody the characters I play.

You once said relocating to Nigeria was a blessing. Beyond fame, what exactly made it a blessing and what sacrifices have you had to make to stay grounded here?

Nigeria gave me a deeper sense of purpose. It’s not just about fame, it’s about connection, culture, and contributing to home. The sacrifices? Privacy, and sometimes, comfort. But the blessings outweigh them.

Nollywood is growing globally. In your view, what must the industry do differently to compete with Hollywood and Bollywood on the world stage?

Nollywood must invest more in training, distribution, and storytelling that resonates universally while staying authentic. We already have the talent and creativity; now it’s about increased infrastructure and vision.

Many fans see the glamour, but what’s one side of Osas Ighodaro that people rarely get to see?

People often see the glam, but I’m actually quite goofy and down-to-earth. My close circle knows me as someone who loves to laugh and just be myself.

If you weren’t an actress, what would Osas be doing today?

I’d probably be in public health or philanthropy full-time. My passion has always been to help people and spread joy.

What does happiness mean to you at this stage of your life and career?

Happiness for me is balance: being present with my daughter, pursuing meaningful work, and staying grounded in faith and gratitude.

As a mother, actress, philanthropist, and producer, how do you navigate balance without losing yourself?

I don’t have it all figured out, but I prioritise what matters most in each season. I’ve learned to give myself grace.

What would you say has been your boldest career risk so far, and did it pay off?

Relocating to Nigeria and chasing my dreams was my boldest risk. It was scary, but it is paying off beautifully.

You’ve worked across Nigeria and the US. How has that shaped your outlook on life, culture, and even the roles you choose?

It’s given me a global lens. I see the strengths in both cultures, and it helps me choose roles that bridge worlds and tell richer stories.

What’s the one message you hope your daughter takes away from watching your life and career?

I hope she learns that strength and kindness go hand in hand and that she can achieve anything she puts her heart into.

Where do you see yourself and the JoyfulJoy Foundation in the next decade?

In the next decade, I see us scaling to more countries, innovating with technology for healthcare delivery, and continuing to inspire global action against preventable diseases. And above all, I pray that by then malaria will be alleviated, and we will live in a world finally free from its grip.

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Prof. Jide Owoeye, has called for proactive strategic collaboration between private and public universities, industry, donors, and international academic institutions for the development of the continent.

He wants governments, private sectors, and regional bodies to continue to implement and refine frameworks (such as those under the Addis Convention and HAQAA) that ensure comparability, accountability, and transparency in higher education.

Owoeye, in a convocation lecture titled: ‘Quality of Education in Developing Countries: Collaboration in Africa and the Role of Private Universities’ delivered at the 13th Convocation of Protestant University, Rwanda, said Africa’s journey towards transformation, through quality education is not just a goal, but one that is dependent on the mechanism by which development becomes sustainable, inclusive and dynamic.

On policies and frameworks, he said: ‘Today universities have come to play a pivotal role in the development of nations.

‘Africa already possesses robust policy frameworks that underscore quality education as central to development.

‘Under Agenda 2063, the African Union defines one of its key goals as ‘Well-Educated Citizens and Skills Revolution underpinned by Science, Technology and Innovation’.

‘This goal envisions universal access to quality early childhood, basic, secondary, and tertiary education, alongside a substantial increase in qualified teachers and technical, vocational, and entrepreneurship skills. The Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 2016-2025), aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), has likewise made clear that equity, inclusion, and quality must go hand in hand.’

He also encouraged private universities to invest beyond enrollment growth, because growth in numbers matched by investments in faculty development, infrastructure, learning technologies, research capacity, and curricular relevance is very critical.

Owoeye identified the strengthening of regulatory oversight in the education sector, quality assurance and collaboration between private and public universities as parameters for the transformation of Africa.

He wants an alignment of funding with quality imperatives because both private and public higher education will require more funding-‘not just for access, but to deliver quality: for research, for infrastructure, for teacher training, for quality assurance systems. Innovative financing (grants, endowments, industry-sponsored programmes) should be explored.’

In the area of monitoring of outcomes and ensuring accountability, he said robust metrics of graduate employability, research output, student satisfaction, learning gains should be tracked and published, while feedback loops must exist so institutions can adjust policies and practices in light of what works and what does not.

Stressing the powers of collaboration, he said private universities have demonstrated their potentials to supplement public institutions, to innovate, and to meet growing demand, but their full promise will be realised only when they do not act alone.

Underscoring the importance of inclusion and equity, he advised private universities to be mindful of access for less privileged or rural students; scholarships or financial assistance programmes can counterbalance high tuition fees and reduce inequality.

As a way of kicking off the suggested partnerships, Lead City University is offering full tuition scholarships to graduates of Protestant University of Rwanda who might wish to undertake their Post Graduate programmes in Nigeria.

In his response, the Chancellor of the University and President of the Presbyterian Church of Rwanda Revd (Dr) Pascal Bataringaya, appreciated Prof Owoeye for the convocation lecture and the promised scholarship.

From the stitched leather of 1930 to today’s AI-designed marvels, FIFA World Cup balls have evolved with the sport itself – blending innovation, design, and culture to define each football era.

Here are seven of the most iconic match balls that shaped World Cup history:

1. Tiento and T-Model (1930)

The first World Cup in Uruguay had no official match ball. In the final, Argentina’s lighter Tiento was used in the first half, while Uruguay’s heavier T-Model replaced it in the second – a switch that helped Uruguay rally to a 4-2 victory. This moment set the tone for decades of innovation to come.

2. Adidas Telstar (1970)

Introduced for Mexico 1970, the Telstar changed everything. Its 32 black-and-white panels improved visibility on television and made it an instant classic. It also marked the beginning of Adidas’ enduring partnership with FIFA – and became the template for all modern footballs.

3. Adidas Tango España (1982)

An evolution of the 1978 Tango, the Tango España debuted in Spain and was the last fully leather ball used at a World Cup. Its waterproof coating and symmetrical design set new standards for durability, paving the way for the synthetic materials that followed.

4. Adidas Tricolore (1998)

For France 1998, the Tricolore became the first multi-colored World Cup ball. Its blue, white, and red graphics celebrated French national pride while introducing synthetic foam layers for improved touch and responsiveness. It was a visual and technical breakthrough for its time.

5. Adidas Jabulani (2010)

Launched in South Africa, the Jabulani was engineered with only eight thermally bonded panels and marketed as the ’roundest ball ever.’ While its unpredictable flight drew goalkeeper complaints, it remains one of the most memorable – and debated – balls in World Cup history.

6. Adidas Brazuca (2014)

After the Jabulani controversy, Adidas redeemed itself with the Brazuca, tested by over 600 players worldwide. Its carnival-inspired design captured Brazil’s festive spirit, while its stable aerodynamics earned universal praise from players and fans alike.

7. Adidas Al Rihla (2022)

Meaning ‘The Journey’ in Arabic, the Al Rihla symbolized innovation at Qatar 2022. It became the first World Cup ball designed with data-tracking technology, allowing referees and VAR to monitor every touch in real time – a landmark in football’s digital evolution.