Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have secured their place in the Round of 16 at the ongoing 24th FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Colombia in the early hours of Monday.

The seven-time African champions showed resilience and determination at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca. Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was instrumental in keeping the match level early on, making vital saves in the 23rd and 26th minutes.

While Colombia applied pressure in the opening stages, the Nigerians responded with a more adventurous approach. Tahir Maigana, Kparobo Arierhi, and Suleman Sani created numerous chances, even hitting the woodwork multiple times.

Colombia found the breakthrough in the 51st minute when Kener Gonzalez slotted home after a smart assist from Neyser Villareal. But the Flying Eagles refused to be rattled and ramped up the intensity. Defender Odinaka Okoro nearly equalized with a powerful header in the 76th minute.

The equalizer finally came in the 86th minute. A Colombian handball inside the box-following a goal-bound effort from Maigana-led to a penalty, which was confidently converted by captain Daniel Bameyi. Nigeria almost snatched a dramatic winner in the 89th minute, but Arierhi’s shot was blocked in a crowded box.

With the draw, Nigeria advance to face tournament hosts Argentina at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago on Wednesday.

The match will rekindle memories of their quarter-final clash in the previous edition, where the Flying Eagles defeated Argentina 2-0 in San Juan.

Meanwhile, Colombia will face South Africa, while Norway is set to take on Paraguay in the other Round of 16 fixtures.

Amanda Anisimova beat Linda Noskova 6-0, 2-6, 6-2 to win the China Open for her second title of a breakthrough year and fourth overall.

Yesterday, the third-seeded American survived a second-set wobble to overpower the Czech 26th seed in one hour and 46 minutes in Beijing.

She lifted the trophy in the Chinese capital almost exactly one month after reaching the US Open final, where she lost to world number one Aryna Sabalenka.

‘It’s been an incredible few weeks,’ Anisimova said. ‘I felt a lot of love,’ she added, thanking the crowd for their support at the centre Diamond Court.

The 24-year-old Anisimova is the third American to win the China Open after last year’s champion Coco Gauff and 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams.

Anisimova collapsed to the hard court in victory, lying on her back and putting her hands over her face.

Anisimova began ruthlessly, winning the first set in 23 minutes without dropping a game.

A defiant Noskova – contesting her first WTA 1000 final – found her feet in the second set, breaking early and powering to a 5-2 lead before closing out.

The two went toe-to-toe in the decider until Anisimova broke for a 4-2 lead, digging deep to reach the finish line with a winner on the first match point.

It’s been a stellar season for the world number four, who was also runner-up at Wimbledon.

This time last year, Anisimova was at world no. 43.

After her win Anisimova extended her gratitude to her coaches.

‘We’ve had a lot of challenges and despite that we also still have so much fun.

‘It’s crazy that we made it this far and to get the win today has been very special.

‘I’m excited for a lot more, and hopefully we can keep going.’

Anisimova dumped out second seed Gauff in the Beijing semi-finals, thrashing the two-time Grand Slam winner 6-1, 6-2 in 58 minutes.

Noskova, who started her Beijing run as world no. 27, said: ‘I definitely wasn’t coming here feeling like I was gonna play finals, so nice surprise.’

Anisimova congratulated her opponent whom she called ‘so young’ and said they ‘still have a lot of finals to play’.

Their match was the second WTA 1000 final in which both players were born during the 2000s.

Legend Internet Plc, an indigenous broadband service provider, has been assigned a long-term corporate rating of ‘Bbb-‘ and a short-term rating of ‘A3’ with a Stable Outlook by Agusto and Co.

Agusto and Co. noted that Legend’s strategic pause in customer activations during Abuja’s city-wide construction works has positioned the company to scale more efficiently as disruptions subside.

The recently approved 50 per cent tariff hike by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is also expected to boost earnings and cash flow in the near term.

Chief Executive Officer, Legend Internet Plc, Aisha Abdulaziz said the rating marked Legend’s inaugural rating since its incorporation in 2021 and represented a strong validation of the company’s business fundamentals and growth strategy.

She said the rating reflected Legend’s satisfactory financial condition, supported by its cash-driven operations and low leverage.

According to her, the rating also reflected robust infrastructure investments across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), passing 250,000 homes with 22,000 connected and 10,000 currently active, improving profitability margins, with gross profit rising to 63.9 per cent in for year ending 2024-2025.

She pointed out that the exemplary rating was the outcome of cost optimisation measures and strong expansion prospects, including planned entry into Lagos via merger and acquisition, alongside organic growth in Abuja and future rollouts in Kano and Port Harcourt.

She said: ‘ This is first-time rating from Agusto and Co. is a milestone achievement for Legend Internet Plc. It validates our resilience, prudent financial management, and commitment to building Nigeria’s most reliable broadband network. As we expand into Lagos and other key markets, this rating reinforces the confidence of our investors, partners, and customers in Legend’s ability to grow sustainably while powering digital lifestyles across Nigeria’.

She said Legend Internet, which transitioned to a public limited company in April 2024, is advancing plans for a dual listing on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and the London Stock Exchange.

She added that the company continues to diversify its ecosystem with complementary solutions such as LegendMail-Nigeria’s first commercial email platform; MailPay – proprietary fintech application, and Legend Omni-Fibre-to-the-Room – (FTTR) services introduced in partnership with Huawei.

She said that with the rating, Legend Internet has strengthened its position as one of Nigeria’s leading broadband providers, building a stable foundation to accelerate growth, attract investment, and deepen digital inclusion nationwide.

Mahmood Yakubu, Professor of Political History and International Studies, and chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stands before the mirror of history.

What is discernable from the reflector? Opinion may be divided.

To many Nigerians, particularly voters, he is a patriotic, transparent and impartial umpire; a reformist, visionary, innovator, pacesetter and sanitiser; a courageous, dynamic and diligent worker, a principled referee and perceptive scholar, and a disciplined public servant who has defended the ballot box and upheld democracy and the rule of law in national interest.

To a section of the opposition, particularly desperate politicians, serial losers who lack the internal locus of control, and subjective critics and collaborators in the ‘pull him down scheme,’ there is no pass mark.

But in the final analysis, history is the ultimate judge -the final arbiter – and its verdict will be incontrovertible.

As Yakubu bows out of office after 10 years in the saddle, the challenge is getting another man or woman of exemplary character who can build on his imperishable legacy.

From independence to date, Nigeria has produced 13 chief electoral officers – Sir Kofo Abayomi (1959-1964), Eyo Esua (1964-1966), Chief Michael Ani (1976-1979), Justice Victor Ovie-Whiskey (1980-1983), Prof. Eme Awa (1987-1989), Prof. Hum ohrey Nwosu (1989-1993), Prof. Okon Uya (1993), Summer Dagogo-Jack (1994-1998), Justice Ephraim Akpata (1998-2000), Dr. Abel Guobadia (2000-2005), Prof. Maurice Iwu (2005-2010), Prof. Attahiru Jegs (2010-2015 and Yakubu (2015-3025).

To date, Yakubu is the longest serving INEC chairman, and to that extent, the most experienced. Also, the challenges that have confronted his predecessors paled into insignificance in the face of increasing political consciousness, renewed agitations for the sanctity of the electoral process, sabotage by few unethical staff, inclination towards manipulation by the political class, and global clamour for best electoral practices.

According to analysts, election has been a nightmare in Nigeria from the First Republic. Rigging, irregularity, subversion of procedure, manipulation by candidates and political parties, logistic problems and lack of technology created a deep hollow in the score card of the electoral agency.

Avoidable mistakes, including missing voter register, late coming for electoral duty, incompetent staffing, late announcement of results that led to suspence, doctoring or fslsification of figures, and violence have led to result disputation or outright rejection. Thus, the contest often shifted from the polling booths to courts.

When he assumed the reins, Yakubu promised to make a difference. There were puzzles: Will the past mistakes be corrected? Will card readers work? Will INEC staff report for duty promptly? Will the electoral agency conduct a credible poll?

Yakubu is not a friend of politicians. Bold and brave, he also resisted undue political influence, always bent on discharging his duties without fear or favour. His goal is the integrity of the electoral process, being guided by the constitution and the electoral act. When it is required, Yakubu has been sensitive to public mood. He has been swift to cancel and postpone polls when disaster loomed. On those few occasions, he owned up to certain flaws and apologised to the nation.

Never willing to allow the commission to operate from the armpit any power-loaded President, he is privileged not to be at the helm of affairs in those days of do-or-die, reminiscent of Obasanjo era, when losers were declared winner by Returning Officers. No favouritism. No preferential treatment. No higher or lower bidder. INEC regulation under Yakubu became a leveller.

Stiff resistance to undue influence by the ruling and opposition parties have marked him out as an unbiased referee. Thus, when he issues commands, parties can only ignore the guidelines to their peril.

The greatest mark of INEC under the leadership of Yakubu is its respect for the rule of law. The electoral body is never at a cross road. At critical moments, the commission escaped inter-party cross-fires by taking solace in legal compass. Through its consistent obedience to court orders, INEC has demonstrated the quality of a democratic institution worthy of pride and emulation.

Two incidents have attested to Yakubu’s firmness as the boss. Due to internal squabbles, the All Progressives Congress (APC) mismanaged its governorship primary in Zamfara State. The troubled chapter failed to submit the name of its candidate and running mate before the deadline. The two ‘factions’ led by Governor Abdulazeez Yari and Senator Kabiru Marafa were working at cross purpose. They also underrated INEC. But, following the expiration of the deadline for submission of candidates’ list, INEC wielded the big stick. Yakubu told Nigerians that the chapter has forfeited the chance to participate in the poll. In its view, the Zamfara APC did not hold primary for the selection of a flag bearer.

Reflecting on the verdict, the former national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, said although the agency was unfair to APC, the party has decided to abode by its decision.

The Rivers State chapter of the APC also failed to learn from the Zamfara mistake. The two camps, led by Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi and Senator Magnus Abe, failed to put their house in order. The genesis of the imbroglio was the party’s rancorous parallel congresses for the election of party officers. Two parallel leadership emerged in the state. During the parallel primaries, two candidates – Abe and Tonye Cole – also emerged. Both headed for the court. Following the chapter’s inability to meet the deadline, INEC applied the hammer, denying the two factional candidates due recognition. Yakubu explained that, following the breach of the guidelines on deadline, the chapter will not field candidate for the governorship election.

However, the chairman clarified that, since the two factional contenders for the ticket have gone to the court, he would wait for the outcome. INEC was vindicated by the position it had taken. The Supreme Court verdict implied that Rivers APC conducted its primaries in error, having violated the previous order of the lower court barring it from conducting the exercise.

The lessons are twofold. Since the consequence of violation of internal democracy by parties is known, their leadership have to take precautions. Also, INEC’s firm and principled position on primaries restored discipline.

A ‘no-nonsense’ chairman, Yakubu has also tried to maintain discipline in INEC. He told reporters in Lagos that the bad eggs who had dented the name of the commission would be sent packing. To demonstrate its commitment to rid the commission of bad elements, some unscrupulous INEC workers were tried and convicted for aiding and abetting rigging. It was a signal that an agency that can surrender its staff for trial will not spare any politician or Nigerian who perpetuate electoral fraud.

Leadership and institutional stability

Yakubu was twice appointed, becoming the first INEC Chairman in history to serve two consecutive terms, thereby embodying continuity and stability. He supervised the largest number of elections ever conducted in Nigeria, including two general election of 2019 and 2023), 19 governorship polls, hundreds of by-elections, and three FCT Council polls Yakubu has built an enduring institutional memory, commissioning policy papers, reviews, and initiating Nigeria’s first election museum to preserve the nation’s democratic history.

Strengthening electoral administration

INEC under his tenure has regularised election dates, thereby creating certainty and predictability for citizens, parties, and observers. He has also expanded polling units for the first time in 25 years – from 119,974 to 176,846 -, widening voter access and reducing congestion.

The commision has modernised election infrastructure, built state Collation Centres across the federation and initiated a new INEC Headquarters in Abuja. It has introduced the Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) – a sophisticated hub tracking more than 1,000 indicators to ensure timely planning and coordination.

Technological breakthroughs

INEC under the outgoing chairman has delivered the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and replaced the flawed manual processes with fingerprint and facial recognition. He has unveiled the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), which now enables Nigerians to view polling unit results live. The move, according to ovservers, has strengthened transparency and rekindled public confidence in the commission.

The voter registration has been revolutionalised through IVED and ABIS. This has eliminated 2.7 million fraudulent registrations. INEC has also launched digital portals for candidate nomination, party agent registration, observer accreditation, and media access. Of importance also is the fact that Yakuku ensured that INEC became the first election body in Africa to establish an Artificial Intelligence Division, in preparation for the future of election management.

Expanding the Voter Roll

The chairman institutionalised the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) from 2017, giving Nigerians year-round opportunities to register. Now, over 23 million new voters have been added across two general election. Apart from introducing online pre-registration portals which empowers voters to transfer, update, or replace their voter cards with ease, INEC has published detailed voter demographics by age, gender, occupation, and disability. This is setting a new standard for transparency.

Legal and regulatory reforms

INEC had partnered with the National Assembly to birth the landmark Electoral Act 2022, heralding electronic transmission of results and stricter party regulations. The commission produced comprehensive guidelines and manuals, giving consistency to the conduct of elections. It also deregistered 74 under-performing political parties, thereby streamlining the political space from 92 to 18 active platforms.

Inclusivity

Under Yakubu, the electoral agency stablished the Department of Gender and Inclusivity to give structure and voice to representation. It reserved quota slots for women in senior management, breaking long-standing barriers.The commission also introduced voting devices – from Braille ballots to magnifying lenses – ensuring no Nigerian is left behind, and created and implemented legal frameworks for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to vote, which safeguards human rights even in times of crisis. In fact, INEC also employed persons with disabilities, underscoring its belief in inclusivity.

Stakeholder engagement

Yakubu has institutionalised quarterly consultations with political parties, civil society, security agencies, and the media. He introduced a Code of Conduct for security personnel on election duty, which ensures professionalism on the field. He has also strengthened partnerships with traditional rulers, faith leaders, and the National Peace Committee, embedding peace into the electoral process. The chairman has facilitated an enhanced communication through INEC News Online, daily press briefings, and far-reaching voter education campaigns.

Electoral diplomacy and regional leadership

Yakubu has taken Nigeria to the world electoral map. He revived and presided over the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC), a move that has positioned Nigeria as a hub of electoral thought leadership.

Besides, he has led solidarity and peer-learning missions across West Africa, providing technical, material, and moral support to sister commissions.

In recognition of his modelling leadership, he was honoured by Liberia’s National Electoral Commission (2023) for his outstanding contribution to electoral development. Yakubu also represented Nigeria at global forums from Washington to Berlin, London to Nairobi. These activities have amplified Nigeria’s democratic profile worldwide.

Staff development and welfare

The chairman Introduced merit-based promotions and gender quotas for directors, thus rewarding excellence. Under him, five INEC staff were elevated to Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a landmark recognition of internal talent. It means that they were very productive because of the conducive atmosphere he provided.

Yakubu rolled out welfare packages, including hazard allowances, bonuses, medical aid, and funeral grants. He built an INEC Creche last year for nursing mothers. It was a declaration of support for staff with young families. To boost morale, he also instituted Long Service Awards and Staff Recognition Nights, honouring the backbone of INEC’s success – its people.

Lasting legacy

Yakubu has positioned INEC as a technology-driven, reform-oriented, and people-focused institution. He has deepened public trust in the integrity of elections, elevated Nigeria’s status as a regional leader in electoral governance and diplomacy, and cemented reforms that will endure, ensuring future generations inherit a freer, fairer, and more credible democracy.

As a commentator said: ‘Yakubu’s decade-long leadership was not just about elections, but about transformation.

He leaves behind an INEC that is stronger, smarter, and closer to the people than ever before.’

Unified business

At a conference in Abuja, Yakubu was inundated with complaints about vote buying that had characterised recent elections. INEC lacks the ability, skill and competence to stop it.

The factors that encourage the menace are impunity and poverty. Acknowledging the complaints, the chairman said some politicians are fond of inducing voters with money tucked in slices of bread on election days, urging the country to break the chain of voters’ inducement through legislation.

Security agencies, at the instance of INEC, are now more vigilant during the electioneering to fish out those who may be involved in voting commercialisation.

Decrying vote buying, Yakubu said it denies the people of credible representation and exposes the country to ridicule before the international community. ‘Vote buying is not acceptable. It must never be allowed to define our elections. It is illegal and morally wrong,’ he added.

Yakubu has been at the forefront of the struggle for the passage of the ‘Electoral Offences Tribunal Bill’ into law, as recommended by the electoral reforms committee headed by Justice Mohamed Uwais, Lemu and Senator Ken Nnamani. His argument is that the trial of electoral offenders in regular courts may take time as the courts are also busy with other cases.

That’s a very interesting question, with the ADC huff-and-puff; and PDP’s seeming very difficult rebirth – and just as well, with the havoc it wreaked during its best-forgotten ruling years! Karma never forgets!

But first, the antics of the opposition leading voices – and the ‘I’m hungry’ burlesque of Rotimi Amaechi, ex-passionate Transport minister, credited with Nigeria’s rail renaissance and former Rivers governor, is a fitting starting point.

A ‘hungry’ Amaechi, with a bulging pouch, and designer clothing, talk less of cars, is one riveting comedy image of the age! He has moved from that to yammering about how outgoing INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, is the ‘worst’ INEC chair ever! Even the dullest of political dunces know that’s eternally reserved for Maurice Iwu!

Someone should tell Amaechi, decent Rivers governor and energetic ‘rail’ minister, that his present whining, as living patron saint of the ‘Ebi npawa’ – we’re hungry – orchestra, ill defines his political essence. But then, that’s what desperation brings to the table.

Desperation? Take a dart, the tragic Goodluck Jonathan, the man that snatched redemption from conceding a presidential election defeat – first in Nigeria – to push at gobbling the old vomit of disgrace, by seeking a forlorn electoral ‘rofo-rofo’ encore!

Desperation – and maybe cynicism? – is solidly defined by Jonathan seeking automatic presidential ticket from his old party, PDP, and its new clone, ADC! Which gores most: Jonathan’s taunting of his old phalanx, PDP? Or romancing new mirage, ADC? Quintessential Jonathan!

Peter Obi? The more that one opens his mouth, the more he de-markets himself! With his China stats – and good helpings from Argentina, Egypt and Bangladesh: pray, how did Nepal miss out! – he establishes a pattern, hardly flattering.

He used and dumped APGA, despite eternal commitment vow to Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu. He left PDP after a vice-presidential defeat. His latest tryst with LP seems headed to end in tears, as he shops for a new platform to pursue his opportunism!

How can any good, on nation-building, come from eternal opportunism, spiked with cynical deceit of projecting with zeal what you’re not? That’s the Obi conundrum!

Atiku Abubakar? Perhaps the most delusional of the whole lot! From an unfazed candidate of the ‘North’ in 2023, he’s posturing as a born-again nationalist but still running on that same anti-South non-power-sharing anchor, with which he wiped out, almost wholesale, the PDP southern base in 2023! He carries out as if all is normal!

This pitiable ensemble – challenging for power on such slippery grounds? The Tinubu government will answer own ‘hunger’ problems. But is this funny bunch helping in that challenge at all?

Again, is this sound strategy or just blind panic? Year 2027 beckons!

Ahead of his departure for the international break, striker Akor Adams, underlined his readiness for the Super Eagles’ critical assignment on the 2026 FIFA World Cup double header against Lesotho and Benin by scoring for in their 4-1 rout of defending champions Barcelona on Sunday.

It was a memorable victory for Sevilla as they inflicted on Barca their first defeat in the La Liga this season in front of their home fans at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.

Ex- Barca Alexis Sanchez opened the floodgate for Sevilla from the spot after VAR adjudged Ronald Araujo to have upended Isaac Romero inside the penalty. After that moment, Sevilla had a number of chances to score again, with most of them falling to Isaac Romero. He squandered two big ones, but it was third time lucky as he made it 2-0 to the home side on 37 minutes.

Barcelona, however, struck before half time after Pedri delivered a wonderful cross into the path of Marcus Rashford, who volleyed home for his first La Liga goal.

The Hansi Flick’s side could have equaliser on 76 minutes when Alejandro Balde was fouled inside the penalty area by Adnan Januzaj. However, the effort was sent wide by Robert Lewandowski much to the joy of the home support.

But in the 90th minute, Sevilla sealed the victory as Jose Angel Carmona fired across Wojciech Szczesny and into the far corner, and it would get even better for Los Nervionenses deep into stoppage time as Akor Adams struck to make it 4-1 thanks to the assist by fellow Nigerian, Chidera Ejuke.

The goal was Adams’ second this season after opening his account against Rayo Vallecano last week, while Ejuke’s assist marked his first goal contribution of the season after an injury-hit start to the campaign.

The 25-year-old Adams is yet to be capped at full international after representing the country at the U-20 level.

The former Montpellier player who joined Sevilla in a 5.5million Euro deal in the January transfer window, was selected in Nigeria’s initial 39-man squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda and Zimbabwe Nigeria in March but was dropped in the final 23 by coach Eric Chelle.

Having been recalled to the national team for the World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, it’s hoped that Adams will replicate his new found form in Sevilla for Nigeria at the senior level, despite facing stiff competition for a spot in the Super Eagles’ attacking lineup.

A member of the House of Representatives, Olusola Fatoba, has applauded President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Forest Security Service, describing it as a bold step toward strengthening national security, revitalizing agriculture, and protecting rural communities across the country.

Speaking on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state capital, Fatoba, said the creation of the forest security guard was necessary following the incessant cases of attacks on farmers, kidnappings, and infiltration of Nigeria’s forests by criminal elements who use them as operational bases.

The chairman of the House Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values, noted that the security outfit would help address the country’s growing security challenges, particularly those affecting farmlands and forest areas.

Fatoba added that the newly established forest guard would not only safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians but also empower the farmers to return to their farmlands without fear, a development he said would restore confidence in agricultural production and help stabilize the nation’s food supply chain.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would create employment opportunities at the grassroots level and increase food production for both local consumption and export.

The lawmaker, representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II, called on the 36 state governors to promptly key into the federal government’s initiative by giving full support and cooperation to ensure its successful implementation in their respective states.

He emphasized that strong collaboration between federal and state governments would help reclaim the forests that have long been hideouts for kidnappers and terrorists and transform them once again into safe zones for productive activities such as farming, ranching, and tourism.

The lawmaker, representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II, called on the 36 state governors to promptly key into the federal government’s initiative by giving full support and cooperation to ensure its successful implementation in their respective states.

He emphasized that strong collaboration between federal and state governments would help reclaim the forests that have long been hideouts for kidnappers and terrorists and transform them once again into safe zones for productive activities such as farming, ranching, and tourism.

He said, ‘I wish to sincerely appreciate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership and approval for the establishment of the Nigeria Forest Security Services.

‘This bold and timely initiative is a significant step towards addressing the pressing challenges of insecurity, especially in our rural and agrarian communities.’

‘At a time when insecurity has deterred many from engaging in farming and discouraged foreign investment, this move will not only boost food security but also strengthen our economy through agriculture and non-oil financial inflows.

‘It sends a strong signal to both citizens and the international community that Nigeria is committed to creating a safe and enabling environment for investment and growth,’ he added.

Motherland 2025, Nigeria’s global homecoming festival, designed to connect Nigeria with its diaspora base, participated in the Nigerian Independence Day Parade in New York City as part of its ongoing international roadshow.

This latest appearance from the Motherland team at Africon in Atlanta and the United Nations General Assembly highlighted the energy and pride of Nigeria’s vibrant community in New York City.

The Motherland Roadshow is making its way through key global cities, including Atlanta, New York, Houston, Washington, DC, and London. At each stop, the team is sharing the festival’s vision while spotlighting Nigerian creativity, innovation, and economic opportunities.

Activities include community engagements, networking events, and cultural showcases aimed at strengthening ties between Nigerians abroad and at home.

In New York, founding team members Chidimma Nwankwo and Sandra Oboh joined the New York Nigerian community to celebrate Nigeria’s heritage and emphasised the importance of cultural exchange and deepening ties ahead of the inaugural Motherland festival in December in Abuja and Lagos.

At the parade, the Motherland team distributed hundreds of early-access passes, sparking a wave of excitement. Attendees shared their enthusiasm, with many already confirming travel plans.

‘Motherland is about creating lasting bridges and creating space for Nigerians at home and abroad to celebrate and promote our culture,’ said co-founder Chidimma Nwankwo.

‘New York has a vibrant Nigerian community, so it was important for us to include NYC on our roadshow schedule.

‘By joining events like the Nigerian Independence Day Parade, we are reaffirming our commitment to global Nigerians and inviting them to be part of the Motherland movement.

‘The buzz for Motherland 2025 is growing, and we are excited to open our doors to everyone visiting Lagos and Abuja this December. Today alone, we had hundreds of New Yorkers sign up to join us.’

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday, officially flagged off the National Measles-Rubella Vaccine Introduction Integrated Campaign in Abuja, declaring the exercise a collective resolve to end vaccine-preventable childhood diseases and safeguard the nation’s future.

The First Lady described the flag-off as ‘a declaration of our collective resolve as a nation to say ‘No More’ to the diseases that steal the future of our sons and daughters.’

She said measles and rubella remain among the leading causes of blindness, disability, and child mortality, noting that rubella infections during pregnancy could lead to blindness, deafness, or congenital heart defects in unborn children.

She emphasised that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to guarantee every Nigerian child a healthy start in life and ensure that no mother dies while giving birth.

‘A vaccine in a vial does not save a child. A vaccine in a clinic does not protect a community. Protection only becomes real when that vaccine is injected into the arm of a child,’ she stressed, urging mothers to take their children for vaccination and fathers to support them.

Tinubu also appealed to traditional and religious leaders to use their influence to dispel misinformation and encourage nationwide participation, noting their previous role in the success of the HPV vaccine rollout.

She reaffirmed her personal commitment to promoting vaccine uptake and pledged to mobilize State First Ladies, wives of Local Government Chairmen, and women’s groups to ensure no child is left unprotected.

She lauded the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and development partners-WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and the Gates Foundation-for their partnership and dedication to Nigeria’s public health goals.

‘With this vaccine, our children will be protected against two deadly diseases and enjoy a lifetime of safety and protection. These vaccines are safe, effective, and free,’ she assured.

Declaring the campaign open, the First Lady said the exercise represents ‘a pathway to hope and a promise of progress,’ praying for divine blessings on Nigerian children, mothers, and the nation.

The official flag-off of the campaign set in motion a nationwide drive expected to reach approximately 106 million children aged 9 months to under 15 years in two phases.

The campaign also integrates vaccination efforts against polio and the rollout of the HPV vaccine among adolescent girls, combining resources to optimize health impact.

Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Kuture, has shared why he was especially thrilled by Imisi’s victory in Season 10 of the reality show.

In a video, Kuture expressed genuine happiness over her win, saying many contestants in the house were ‘fake’ and often judged others based on their financial status.

‘I was very happy Imisi won. Most of these housemates are fake and rate you according to wetin deh your pocket, but God no be man,’ he said.

Imisi secured 42.8% of the total votes, making her the fourth female and second-youngest winner in the history of the Big Brother Naija franchise.

The 23-year-old actress and fashion designer was announced as the Season 10 ’10/10′ champion on Sunday, October 5, 2025, by show host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu.