Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal almost became the youngest ever Ballon d’Or winner last week at 18, and tonight’s Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain offers the ideal opportunity to begin stating his case for next year.

PSG star Ousmane Dembele won the award for the best player in the world but is out injured and will miss the match at the Olympic stadium, leaving runner-up Yamal the floor.

Last season it was the then 17-year-old who inspired Barcelona’s charge to the semi-finals, and despite two outstanding displays against Inter Milan, Hansi Flick’s side fell just short.

They missed out on facing PSG in the final, as the French side crushed Inter to claim their first Champions League trophy.

Yamal pledged he would bring the cup to Barcelona, who have not won it since 2015 and the days of Lionel Messi.

Despite Yamal’s quality, already immense and still increasing, Barcelona have improved without him last season.

In the 2024/25 campaign they struggled when he was absent, depending far too much on him, but they have just won five games in a row, the first four of those without the teenager.

Yamal was sidelined with a groin issue but on his return against Real Sociedad on Sunday in La Liga made an instant impact when introduced in the 58th minute.

The right winger burst into the box and crossed for Robert Lewandowski to head home the winner, little over a minute after entering the fray.

It was the perfect way to reintroduce himself, shaking the crowd out of their stupor.

‘(Just) his presence on the pitch is a threat,’ said Real Sociedad coach Sergio Francisco. ‘He’s showing every day he’s the best player in the world. It’s a treat to watch him.’

Yamal’s impact against Real Sociedad was also a tonic for the club during a difficult week. They lost Joan Garcia and Raphinha to injury, the duo joining recently hurt duo Fermin Lopez and Gavi on the sidelines.

Barcelona were also denied permission to return to their renovated Camp Nou home by the city council, despite hopes they could host the La Real game there.

‘I’m happy to have him back, he showed it directly, his outstanding strength he has to create chances, to give the last pass. It’s good to have him back,’ said Flick.

Despite his age, Yamal has made over 100 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 27 goals, and winning two La Liga titles since his debut at 15 in 2023.

The Spain international, who won Euro 2024 with his country the day after his 17th birthday, is often compared to eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and Barcelona all-time great Lionel Messi.

Yamal inherited his iconic number 10 shirt at the start of this season, also worn by Diego Maradona and Ronaldinho among other historic Barca stars.

Only time will tell whether Yamal will be able to reproduce Messi’s longevity, but thus far he has risen to meet every challenge he has faced since his debut at just 15.

The Argentine did not win the Ballon d’Or until he was 22, with Brazil great Ronaldo the youngest ever winner at 21.

Yamal may have missed out this year, but if he wins the award in 2026 or 2027, he will still claim that record, as he has done so many others.

‘You have to climb to get to the top,’ said Yamal on Instagram after missing out in Paris, and facing PSG may be the first rung on the ladder.

UCL: TODAY’S MATCHES

Qarabag vs. Copenhagen

Saint-Gilloise vs. Newcastle

Arsenal vs. Olympiakos

Barcelona vs. PSG

Leverkusen vs. PSV

Dortmund vs. Athletic Club

Monaco vs. Man City

Napoli vs. Sporting CP

Villarreal vs. Juventus

Nigeria’s leading neobank, PalmPay, has shared N2million to the first set of winners in its Hustle Grant campaign. The campaign is a bold initiative designed to fuel the ambitions of small business owners and entrepreneurs across the country.

Launched on August 28, and running until September 29th, the Hustle Grant is more than just funding; it is PalmPay’s promise to stand beside everyday Nigerians as they transform their hustle into thriving enterprises that create real impact in their communities.

In this first round, four outstanding entrepreneurs emerged from thousands of entries, each receiving N500,000 to scale their dreams. The winners, a prolific community builder in Kebbi State, two budding fashion designers in Lagos and Jos, and a farmer, embody the spirit of resilience and innovation that drives Nigeria’s economy. With this support, they can now take their ideas from the ground up, creating impact that ripples beyond their personal success.

Entrepreneurs across the country continue to submit their entries on social media with the hashtag #PalmPayHustleGrant. From these, the top entries will be shortlisted, with four more winners set to be announced in the final round.

For PalmPay, this initiative is a reflection of its core mission: building tools that don’t just make financial services smarter but make ambitions possible. The Hustle Grant is a platform for turning bold ideas into impact stories, ensuring that Nigerians chasing their dreams have the resources to reach the next level.

As the company celebrates its 6th anniversary, the Hustle Grant reinforces PalmPay’s role as a brand that doesn’t just process transactions but empowers transformation.

For every Nigerian who chooses PalmPay, the brand proves it is more than a digital banking platform, it’s a trusted financial partner committed to their growth.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has described Nigeria as fortunate to have President Bola Tinubu at the helm of affairs, commending his bold economic reforms and developmental strides.

Speaking on Wednesday at the 65th Independence Day celebration held at the Arcade Ground in Akure, Aiyedatiwa said Nigeria is on the right path under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He added, ‘Our country is blessed at a time like this to have a visionary leader like His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

‘We must continue to appreciate Mr. President for his bold economic reforms, social re-engineering, and massive infrastructural development.

‘Indications are that Nigeria is certainly making progress and on the path of glory under the Renewed Hope Initiatives,’ he said.

Reflecting on the essence of Independence Day, the governor urged Nigerians to remember the courage of the nation’s founding fathers and to draw lessons from the country’s journey since 1960.

‘This celebration is not just about remembering a date in history. It is about reflecting on our journey as a people. Independence gave us more than self-rule – it gave us the dignity of identity, the right to dream as Nigerians, and the opportunity to chart a course for our future,’ he noted.

Aiyedatiwa said his administration has remained committed to its promises under the ‘OUR EASE’ agenda, highlighting key projects across the state, including the dualisation and rehabilitation of roads, improvements in the health sector, bursaries and scholarships for indigent students, and support for security agencies.

‘None of these projects and programmes would have been possible without your trust, patience, and support. To the good people of Ondo State who believe in this administration, and even to those who watch silently, I say thank you,’ the governor said.

He further urged the people to remain optimistic, resilient, and united in the face of challenges, stressing the need for peace, love, and hard work in building a prosperous nation.

‘Let me assure you, in the coming months, you will see more progress. As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us remember that freedom comes with responsibility. We must remain united as a people, committed to peace, and focused on building a better future.

‘Ondo State is moving forward, Nigeria is moving forward; the sun of a new dawn is rising over our state. Let us walk together into that dawn with love, diligence, courage, and faith,’ he concluded.

Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo has said that actions and decisions of President Bola Tinubu is moving the country towards economic stability and growth

Governor Okpebholo, in a statewide broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary, said the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President was true reflection of independence.

The Edo Governor said he has remained focused on the journey to rebuilding Edo State into a land of peace, opportunity, and progress.

He said his administration has worked hard to make Edo safer as well as rebuilding roads, upgrading schools, hospitals, and creating opportunities for the youths.

According to him, ‘This is just the beginning, but they show that Edo is moving forward.

We are grateful to the President and Commander-in-chief, our father, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his efforts to reposition Nigeria for greatness.

‘Within just two years of the President Tinubu administration, Nigeria has been freed from the chaos of long fuel queues, and from the satanic subsidy rackets who siphoned our national wealth and leaving the masses in abject poverty.

‘The Renewed Hope has also expanded our economy and freed the states from having to queue for bailouts in Abuja before they could pay workers’ salaries. That era is over. We can only be grateful for these and several other interventions of the Tinubu administration.

‘Mr. President, Edo stands with you.

Dear compatriots, Independence is not only about freedom from foreign rule. It calls for unity and teamwork in order to maximise the opportunities that come with freedom. We must always remind ourselves that we can achieve more if we come together as Edo people.

‘To our youths and children: You are the heartbeat of this state. Do not give in to despair. Your energy and talents are the key to our future, and this government will continue to invest in you.’

Singer Victor Okafor popularly known as Mr. Real has expressed regret over featuring Idowest on his hit track ‘Legbegbe’, claiming it limited the song’s potential and his career growth.

In a recent interview on Hip TV Trending, Mr. Real revealed that he wished he had released the record as a solo project, stating that it would have elevated him to the same status as some of Nigeria’s biggest stars, including Wizkid and Burna Boy.

Mr. Real claimed that a potential remix collaboration with Wizkid on ‘Legbegbe’ was scrapped due to complications allegedly involving D’banj.

He said the missed collaboration with Wizkid would have significantly boosted ‘Legbegbe”s success both in Nigeria and globally.

‘Legbegbe’ released in 2017, became a huge hit across Nigeria, catapulting Mr. Real to fame.

However, the singer stated that certain choices made during its rollout prevented him from fully capitalising on the song’s success.

Mr. Real stated: ‘I regret bringing Idowest into that song. I wish I had sung that song alone. If I had sung that song alone, I’d be on the same level as Burna Boy and Wizkid.’ He added that Wizkid’s remix plan didn’t materialize ‘all because of D’banj.’

As an ocean of green and white sweeps across our streets, Independence Day reminds us that this day is not a mere ritual of rejoicing, but a solemn renewal of our covenant as a people.

My thoughts return each October 1 to the words of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in 1960: ‘This is a wonderful day, and it is all the more wonderful because we have awaited it with increasing impatience.we have acquired our rightful status, and Nigeria now stands well-built upon firm foundations.’

His words remain alive today, urging us not to rest in nostalgia but to labour with courage toward the destiny they envisioned.

Independence Day offers Nigeria a rare opportunity to pause and reflect. It is a moment to honour our profound history, but more importantly, to look ahead to the next chapter in our great story.

Despite the challenges of today, I remain optimistic when I consider the strides our country has made since 1 October 1960. Nigeria has grown from a population of about 45 million at independence to more than 237 million which is the largest in Africa and the 6th largest in the world today. We have moved from just a handful of universities in 1960 to more than 260 tertiary institutions today.

Our creative industries are global forces, with Nollywood supporting hundreds of thousands of direct jobs and, by broader estimates, over 1,000,000 direct and indirect jobs, and contributing roughly N1.9-N2.0 trillion to the economy.

Yet optimism alone will not carry us forward. For the twenty-first century will be the African Century, and it is not a question of if, but of when.

The true test is whether Nigeria will rise as the continent’s vanguard or stumble as a colossus with feet of clay. Without justice, scale becomes spectacle; and without equity, abundance breeds misery. Nowhere is this clearer than in the poverty that scars our land.

The National Bureau of Statistics’ Multidimensional Poverty Index revealed that 63% of Nigerians, some 133,000,000 men, women, and children, are deprived of health, education, and decent living standards.

The World Bank confirms that nearly one in three Nigerians live below the global poverty line of $2.15 a day. Humanitarian agencies further warn that about 31 million of our people face acute food insecurity, while a third of children under five suffer stunted growth. These are not abstract figures; they are broken lives, and they demand a national response as urgent as war.

Security remains the greatest test of our generation. Banditry, insurgency, and communal violence have sown terror across our land, displacing millions and crippling markets. United Nations data shows more than 2.3 million Nigerians internally displaced by the end of 2024.

Conflict trackers record thousands of violent incidents that have shattered livelihoods and hope. No nation can prosper while its people live in fear. Peace is not optional; it is the precondition for progress, the anchor of prosperity, and the oxygen of national renewal.

Closely linked to insecurity is Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit, which the African Development Bank estimates at over $100 billion. Our power sector is a glaring example. While South Africa generates more than 40,000 MW of electricity, Nigeria struggles with less than 4,853.69 MW on average for a population four times larger. Our roads tell the same story: more than 30% of federal roads are in poor condition, and only 1 in 5 rural communities is linked to an all-season motorable road. Broadband penetration stands at just 45%, far below global averages. This infrastructure gap is not an abstract figure; it is the barrier that prevents farmers from getting produce to market, prevents young entrepreneurs from accessing digital opportunities, and prevents patients from reaching hospitals in time. Infrastructure should be our launchpad into greatness, yet it has become the chain holding us down.

Corruption makes this tragedy complete. When public funds become private spoils, classrooms stay empty, hospitals remain broken, and electricity never flows. Illicit financial flows bleed our treasury of billions that should be building schools, clinics, and power plants. This is not merely inefficiency; it is treason against our future. Nigeria is estimated to lose $18 billion annually to illicit financial flows, funds that could have built hospitals, schools, and power plants. Instead, they are siphoned into private pockets, deepening poverty and eroding trust in government. Corruption does not only weaken our institutions; it undermines the very belief that progress is possible.

However, even in the midst of these staggering challenges, hope is not extinguished. If we can forge peace, everything else becomes possible We can still bend the arc of history if we commit to three urgent tasks. First, to place security at the heart of national renewal: forging a unified, accountable doctrine that integrates military force, intelligence, policing, and community peacebuilding, while safeguarding human rights. Second, to launch an infrastructure revolution which will be financed with transparency, driven by public-private partnership, and executed with the discipline of a nation on a mission. Third, to uproot corruption with finality, ensuring that every naira is traceable, every contract enforceable, and every official accountable, regardless of station.

Above all, we must lift the young. With over 70% of our people under 30, Nigeria’s future stands in classrooms, vocational centres, farms, and tech hubs. We must bind education to enterprise, scale digital and vocational training, and direct meaningful budgetary commitments to youth employment and innovation. This is not welfare. it is the master strategy for national greatness.

On this day, as the words of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa echo in my head, I remain unshaken in my optimism. For Nigeria to take its next great step forward, any government of the future must place security at the very heart of its agenda. Without peace, nothing else can flourish. We must develop a coherent national security strategy, one that unifies the military, police, and intelligence services under a single coordinated doctrine, and equips them with the modern tools of surveillance and response, from drones to satellites, that will allow us to outsmart insurgents and restore peace to our land.

Peace will unlock the infrastructure we so urgently need. It will allow roads and railways to connect our towns and cities. It will enable power grids to light up homes and factories, and digital networks to support a modern economy. It will allow schools to reopen without fear and hospitals to function without interruption. But this will only be possible if we also confront corruption head-on, ensuring that every naira budgeted for development is accounted for. Citizens must be able to track public spending openly, and no official must be above the law.

Nigeria has never shied away from its challenges. Our history is full of obstacles that once seemed insurmountable, yet we overcame them. In each season, we rose because we chose courage over fear, unity over division, and hope over hopelessness. The urgent task before us now is to build a Nigeria where no Nigerian is left behind, and where no community is consigned to despair. If we meet this test, we will awaken the Nigeria of our dreams: a nation where schools and hospitals are beacons of service, where roads and railways stitch our land into unity, where power grids illuminate every home, where digital networks link us to the world, and where we can banish and say a total farewell to hunger and poverty not as slogans, but as lived reality.

This is the true promise of independence. This is the noble vision our founding fathers entrusted to us. This is the vision we must dare, together.

Nigeria is 65. She struggled for her independence, but never fought for it. That has made all the difference in her appreciation of her nationalism, unity and democracy. Also, Nigeria fought a civil war to stay united, but because the agonizing consequences of that war were not equally felt, the appreciation of the war’s underpinning value varies.

The choice of Nigeria becoming a democracy was not one made by Nigerians. It was a convenient and not-so-hard choice made on their behalf by colonial masters. As surmised by one writer, ‘Nigeria is a nation that insists on playing in the theatre of democracy, while the script is being written elsewhere.’ Nigeria’s present ethnic composition, defaults respectively to the feudal, monarchical, and republican system. If Nigeria was predicated purely on linguistic and ethnic considerations, there would have been, perhaps, five nations: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, and Fulani. Other smaller ethnicities might have also qualified as confederations. Efik-Ibibio would be one such nomenclature.

Because some things only happen in Nigeria, the nation is what it is, by expedient experimental foreign design. That is the stark reality. A corollary, is that in Nigeria, the defence of democracy or lack thereof, is quite often driven her fractured nature, systemic ethnic biases and by the ever-present irony of ignorance. Oftentimes, these ironies border on political idiocy. Nigeria is a perfect case study of a nation that has experienced colonial rule, self-rule, authoritarianism, military anti-politics and a dual subset of participatory democracy; as a parliamentary system and now, a presidential system.

The debate about Nigeria’s trajectory as a united nation has always been animated. Historically, Nigeria has tethered on the brink, but hardly ever reaching the tipping point. The presumptive basis for consolidated nation building has been dissected in all forms and manner, usually under the rubric of restructuring. Not even the Aristotelian dictate that emphasizes equality amongst equals and proportionality amongst the unequal seems to have helped.

As a nation of over 250 languages, with many ethnic groups and a surfeit of minorities, the dominant Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo tribes (WAZOBIA), have held the leadership sway since her independence in 1960. Yet, as unlikely as it seemed, by a twist of natural attrition and constitutional fiat, a member of a minority tribe, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, fortuitously led the nation as president in the Fourth Republic.

Yet, discussing past, present, and future of democracy in Nigeria inevitably yields mixed results. Why? Because Nigerians covet democracy, but seem incapable of living up to its ideals. Some now even consider the military era, as more constructive, productive and cost-effective in developmental terms. Perhaps, democracy in Nigeria calls for putting new eyes on old ideas and controversies that hobble the nation.

The practice of democracy in Nigeria tends to negate the concept ‘of government predicated on the principle that power should be vested in the people.’ Also, democracy for Nigerians is no longer predicated on political beliefs as much as it’s driven by ethnic and social identities. Such identity paradox creates unending dissonance in democratic politics and governance. By extension, it amplifies Nigeria’s ‘growing distrust of and frustration with democracy.’ But then, Nigeria is not by any means the only nation where democracy has caused hyper-divisions in her political landscape.

A recent op-ed I wrote elicited the following rebuttal from an octogenarian, who was born in pre-independent Nigeria, lived in Biafra and served in her army, and consequently served as a career Nigerian Foreign Service Officer, rising to the rank of ambassador. His words: ‘If this Nigeria doesn’t die, a rebirth of a new Nigeria might be a hoax.’ His perspective is Biblical and Botanical.

Biblically, we read about destroying the temple and rebuilding it in three days, which for believers, is epitomized by the consequent death and rise of Jesus Christ. Botanically, seeds die in order to regenerate and germinate and bring forth new plants and growth. Another interlocutor asked: ‘How will Nigeria not die or be saved when Nigerians are afraid to die or even make sacrifices for the sake of saving her.’

These observations are beyond rhetoric. The debate about Nigeria’s fate and future tends to be schizophrenic: blunt and dodgy at the same time. Nigerians covet democracy but are unwilling to make sacrifices that underpin its efficacy, robustness and survival.

The desirable quest for a New Nigeria is aimed at amplifying and consolidating her democracy, with its consequential rights, liberties and equality for all. The defence of democracy in Nigeria is all about finding common cause and equity in an egalitarian society. Ironically, that quest is frequently subsumed and subjugated by the notion that democracy works well, only when a certain ethnicity is in charge. As such, various ethnicities are fixated on the notion that Nigeria only work well, if not better, under their leadership. Again, such ironical thoughts negate the fundamental notion that democracy is the government of the people by the people. Such ironies are born of ignorance or primordial considerations.

Meanwhile, governance experts have adduced three kinds of democracy: ‘Constitutional democracy – governed by a constitution. Defensive democracy – a democracy that limits some rights and freedoms in order to protect its existence. Deliberative democracy – in which authentic deliberation, not only voting, is central to legitimate decision making.’ Nigeria has dabbled, I believe, in the first two and now seeks to find her grounding in deliberative democracy. General Ibrahim Babangida unwittingly, foisted a defensive democracy on Nigeria, with a restricted two-party system inclined ‘a little bit to the left, and a little bit to the right.’ That system flopped, courtesy of its originating dubious intent.

Still, it should matter little, who leads a nation in a true and vibrant democracy, if the leaders abide strictly to the rule of law, and give primacy to respecting the constitution, its dictates and legitimate decision-making processes. One of the beauties of democracy, is the holding of periodic, genuine and credible elections, in which the citizens decide who should rule them. Voting and transparently electing who should rule in accordance with the extant laws, is a form of defence for any democracy. Inherent in that process, is what ought to be the unfettered ability to vote out bad and underperforming leaders. Ironically, out of ignorance, miseducation, poor orientation, or blinkered bigotry, Nigeria’s voting population continue to default to ethnic considerations or financial inducement and other set of ironies predicated on ignorance.

A major challenge dogging Nigeria’s present day democracy is the seeming inability of her leaders to abide by constitutional dictates and legitimate decision making processes. Not only are constitutional rights eroded routinely, the pillars of any true democracy, the separation of powers are also holistically ignored. Above all, the core principle of making the people’s vote count has never been accorded priority, despite existing laws to that effect. It is this reality that has led to the endless quest for restructuring and electoral reform.

However, because the culture of impunity and sectionalism has eaten every reform and restructuring strategy (apologies to Peter Drucker), change has remained elusive. It is the culture eating strategy that has technically, emasculated political opposition and weakened national democratic institutions. Today, Nigeria is not only insecure, physically, fiscally and psychologically, the nation is progressively on a lawless boil. This is what makes Nigeria an ‘undemocratic democracy.’

Some Nigerians now advocate for a return to the parliamentary system. Their thesis is that the system ensures proportional representation in government based on votes won. The objective is to overcome the prevailing myth of representation that is essentially lineal and skewed unapologetically in favour of the winning party. The attraction of this proposition, beyond its cost-effectiveness, is that it ensures opposition’s concerted role within and outside the government. But it does not ensure the fealty of the system’s operators within and outside the corridors of power. It is this nexus between political idiocy and irony of ignorance, which quite often are fungible that compounds the lack of political will and shirking of sacrifices required for true nation building.

Whereas our democracy has advanced in numerical years, it is stultified in concrete terms and still operationally nascent. As such, Nigeria’s unchangeable past will consequentially instruct and define her unknowable future. Meanwhile, democracy is hard work. We have to work hard at it. But we can’t do so with the present cadre of political leaders, who are not only short-sighted, but utterly indifferent to the fundamentals ethos that undergird any sustainable democracy. Happy Independence!

As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence anniversary on Wednesday, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari, senior special assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on political and other matters, called on citizens to embrace unity and faith in the nation’s future.

In a statement, Masari expressed ‘unalloyed joy’ over how far Nigeria has come despite its diversity and challenges. He invoked the symbolism of the ‘broom principle’ to stress the importance of togetherness.

‘A strand of broom is easily broken, but a bunch of brooms is hardly broken. The important thing is that we are better and stronger together,’ he said, urging Nigerians to contribute positively towards the dreams of the nation’s founding fathers.

Masari praised President Tinubu’s leadership, describing the Renewed Hope Agenda as transformative.

‘Our faith in a collective Nigeria where everyone’s future is assured should remain unshaken, more so as the leadership of the country under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown strong capacity and commitment to returning the country to a path of progress with the Renewed Hope Agenda that is working beyond belief,’ he said.

He pointed to what he described as more inclusive governance, with development projects and appointments spread across political zones. ‘This is a time that all Nigerians are being carried along. so the spirit of divisiveness should die a natural death,’ Masari declared.

Highlighting improvements in education, security, infrastructure, health, finance, and the economy, Masari asserted that Tinubu’s administration had ‘brought back the coaches of our national derailment back on track.’

He encouraged citizens to rally behind government efforts to accelerate growth and catch up with developed nations.

Warning against political distractions, Masari urged Nigerians to remain steadfast. ‘Every scheme to draw us back by any political consideration should not only be thwarted but resisted,’ he said, before assuring that better days lie ahead.

‘Happy Independence Anniversary to all Nigerians,’ he concluded.

Big Brother Naija star Cross Okonkwo popularly known as Cross Da Boss proposed to his girlfriend Chinonso on Tuesday.

The romantic proposal was witnessed by friends and fellow BBNaija alumni, including Liquorose, who shared clips from the event.

Cross got down on one knee and popped the question, and Chinonso said yes.

After the proposal, the couple celebrated with an intimate dinner with their guests.

Cross shared his joy on Snapchat, posting a video with the caption, ‘Guys, my love of my life said yes’.

He also expressed gratitude to God, captioning another post, ‘The most happiest man alive. Thank you Jesus’.

This comes after he announced last year that he had been ‘arrested by God’ and dedicated his life to Jesus Christ, stating that God had called him to do His work and build His Kingdom.

Erica Nlewedim, another BBNaija star, also congratulated the couple via FaceTime, sharing a video of the moment.

Fans and colleagues have taken to social media to offer their best wishes to the lovebirds as they prepare for marriage.

The national coordinator of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) Door-To-Door Movement, Sunday Adekanbi Asuku, has praised the President’s role in sustaining Nigeria’s unity.

Speaking during a peace walk in Lagos through the southwest coordinator to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day on Wednesday, Asuku said Nigeria’s journey is born out of sacrifice, vision, and the unyielding determination of the country’s founding fathers.

Asuku said, ‘On this glorious occasion of Nigeria’s Independence, we raise our voices in a thankful renewed hope for the journey of our great nation, a journey born out of sacrifice, vision, and the unyielding determination of our founding fathers.

‘Sixty-five years ago, our founding fathers stood tall with courage and hope, sowing the seeds of freedom so that generations unborn could inherit a land of dignity, pride, and boundless opportunity. Today, their legacy lives in us.

‘Nigeria is more than just a nation; Nigeria is the heartbeat of Africa, a tapestry of over 250 million resilient people whose strength lies in diversity, beauty in its culture, and whose destiny is greatness. From the sweat of our farmers to the brilliance of our innovators, from the courage of our youth to the wisdom of our elders, Nigeria continues to rise as a nation destined to lead.

‘We salute President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT), the people’s president, whose Renewed Hope Agenda is rekindling faith in a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.

‘We recognise the tireless efforts of our governors across the federation, who are working day and night to turn dreams into reality at the grassroots. Their leadership, together with the resilience of the Nigerian people, is a testament that the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain.

‘PBAT Door-to-Door Movement under the distinguished leadership of High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Alias Tompolo, GOC) remains committed to carrying this message of hope, unity, and progress to every household, every street, every community, until every door in Nigeria enjoys the dividend of democracy.

‘For we believe that the true strength of a nation is not only found in its leaders, but in the collective will of its people to build, to endure, and to triumph.

‘Today, we renew our faith in Nigeria. We pray for enduring peace, divine wisdom for our leaders, and prosperity in our economy, security in our land, and unity in our diversity. Let this Independence Day be a reminder that though our challenges may be many but our destiny is certain.

We will together build a Nigeria that stands tall among the nations of the earth. Happy Independence Day to all Nigerians at home and in diaspora!’