Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has described as ‘huge moment’ his penalty goal in Tuesday’s victory over Liverpool in a UEFA Champions League match in Istanbul.

The former African Footballer of the Year made all the difference with the solitary winner after he struck from the spot in the 16th minute against the experienced Brazilian goalkeeper Allison Becker and he acknowledged that playing against the English champions was indeed a huge motivation for the Red and Gold.

‘I’m extremely happy about the performance we put in against one of the greatest clubs in the world,’ Osimhen told CBS Sports as per Liverpool FC News. ‘For us, we never get carried away because this is a true test that Liverpool gave to us. I’m really happy about this win.

‘It won’t take away that they are one of the best [teams] in the last decade. For us, it’s a really big motivation for us.

‘They made us even better and we know we have a lot of things to work on. I’m really happy for this win and the team.’

In what was his first goal of the campaign in the UCL, the former Napoli hitman explained further how he kept his cool under pressure to beat Alisson from the penalty spot.

‘You come face-to-face with one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Alisson,’ he said. ‘I have to be on high concentration for the place where I want to put the ball and I didn’t change it.

‘For me, it’s a huge moment. I came against him when I played for my previous club and he heard my penalty so I needed to be highly concentrated to do better.’

He added: ‘We have quality in our team and we just need to be focused in many games in this competition. This is a huge step for us and we won’t be carried away because we beat Liverpool. It’s a big motivation.’

Osimhen could have increased Galatasaray’s lead further when he went through one-on-one with Alisson Becker, but the Brazilian thwarted his effort, getting injured in the process.

A lawyer, Emmanuel Chinyere Orji, has sued the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for declaring him wanted without a court order.

Orji is asking for N1 billion in exemplary and general damages.

In a fundamental rights suit filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, the lawyer is praying for a declaration that the publication and hasty declaration of him as a wanted person with his name and photo published in The Nation Newspaper on August 20, 2025, Special Police Gazette Bulletin and official website of the police without any prior order or leave of a court of competent jurisdiction is illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.

He is urging the court to hold that the publication amounted to a gross violation of his fundamental rights to personal liberty, private and family life, freedom of movement and rights not to be subjected to inhuman treatment as guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 37, 41(1) and 46 of the 1999 Constitution and Articles 6 and 12 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights as ratified and domesticated by the National Assembly.

Orji is praying the court to declare that the IG lacks the statutory power to declare him a wanted person without first obtaining an order from a court of competent jurisdiction.

Through his legal team, led by Edwin Anikwem (SAN), Orji sought an order quashing the publications.

The applicant also sought an order directing the IG to publish an apology to him for the illegal, unconstitutional and gross violation of his fundamental rights in the publication and hasty declaration of him as a wanted person.

He sought an order awarding him N500 million only as exemplary damages for the flagrant violation of his rights, and another N500 million only as general damages.

Orji sought an order of injunction restraining the respondent or his agents from further infringing or violating his constitutionally guaranteed rights with respect to the subject matter of the suit.

It is on the ground that he has never been tried or convicted of any criminal offence in any court of law, nor has he ever jumped bail for any offence in Nigeria; therefore, he cannot be declared wanted by administrative fiat without any prior order or leave of court.

ýIn a supporting affidavit, Stephen Adekpe, a litigation officer in the applicant’s counsel’s law firm, stated that Orji is a legal practitioner of over 20 years’ standing.

ýýHe stated that the applicant is presently outside the country to treat a spinal cord issue.

The deponent stated that Orji, as a lawyer, has represented companies and individuals and has always discharged his obligations diligently and dutifully.

He stated that declaring the applicant a wanted person makes him a fugitive from the law.

Adekpe added: ‘Any person who knows about the fact of the applicant being declared wanted has a right to arrest him.

‘Arresting the applicant will lead to his liberty being constrained.

‘The applicant is not aware of any order against him from a court of competent jurisdiction that would warrant the respondent to publish Exhibit A (wanted declaration) against him.

‘The respondent has not followed the provisions of the law with regard to declaring persons wanted.

‘If the respondent is not restrained by an order of this honourable court, the respondent shall continue to circulate the unlawful and illegal publication.

‘The applicant is entitled to be indemnified in both exemplary and general damages, and most importantly, an apology from the respondent.

‘No amount of damages can compensate for the damage the Respondent has done to the Applicant’s reputation personally and in the practice of his profession.’

More opposition governors will soon join the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said.

He stated this in his goodwill message at the presentation of a book titled: ‘Ten years of impactful leadership of the APC administration in Nigeria’, written by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

President Tinubu inaugurated some projects as part of the event.

The APC currently has 23 out of 36 governors as members.

Delta State Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Govenor Umo Eno are the last to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.

Akpabio, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, said: ‘Mr President, with what you have done in the last two years, get ready to receive more governors from the opposition parties.

‘As I speak, there are several governors in Nigeria today ready to be received by you.

‘The students, farmers and businessmen are all speaking on the various reforms you have brought into governance, which are now yielding results, in the overall interest and benefit of the people.

‘If we say it, they will accuse us of rubber-stamping your achievements, but the beneficiaries are the ones talking about what you have done.’

Rivers Hoopers showed grit and composure to defeat Ebun Comets 65-49 and take a third win from as many games at the ongoing Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NBPL) Phase Two.

After a slow start, the defending champions picked up the pace to lead by five points at the end of the first quarter with the score at 19-14.

However, the second quarter was one to forget, as the KingsMen could only manage nine (9) points (their lowest tally for an entire quarter), and Comets scored double the points with eighteen (18). This meant the hosts would trail at halftime for the first time this season, as the score was 32-28 in favour of Comets.

Speaking during his post-game interview, Rivers Hoopers Head Coach Ogoh Odaudu admitted to his team’s slow start.

‘I think we started badly. I noticed before jump ball [that] the body attitude was not convincing; there was no energy at all. Everything was flat. That was why we struggled, and that’s something I have to work on.’

The KingsMen returned from the halftime break eager to prove a point and quickly regained the lead, with vice-captain Buchi Nwaiwu firing from deep for a three-point lead which the defending champions maintained as the score stood at 46-43 entering the fourth.

Rivers Hoopers closed out the game with a nearly flawless performance in the fourth, which pleased Odaudu, as they notched up nineteen (19) points while limiting Comets to a meagre six (6) points the entire quarter to wrap up the encounter 65-49.

‘Basketball is about stopping your opponent from scoring, not how many baskets you make.’ I emphasised a lot about the defence, and they came, and they did it perfectly,’ he said.

Up next for the KingsMen is a date with Lagos Legends, who are also unbeaten through the Phase Two games played so far, and with both teams already assured of their spots in the Playoffs Phase of the league (last eight), Odaudu said it will be a clash of egos, but one which he will treat like any other game.

‘It will be treated just like any other game.’ We’re going to do the same thing we always do, nothing different. It’s going to be a very intense game tomorrow because nobody wants to be beaten. It’s an ego battle right now, [and] we don’t want to disappoint our fans here at home. So we’re going to come all out and hopefully take the win,’ he stated.

The game between Rivers Hoopers and Lagos Legends will take place by 5pm on Thursday, at the Indoor Basketball Court, 59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt Township.

Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have threatened to withdraw their services if the federal government failed to meet their demands.

The union has extended its ultimatum by seven days to ‘allow the government room to respond.’

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) had issued a seven day ultimatum beginning from 15th September 2025, to the federal government to meet its outstanding demands.

The demands include: renegotiation of the 2009 FG/SSANU agreement, non-payment of withheld salaries and unjust disbursement of warned allowances.

In a communique signed by its National President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim at the end of its 52nd National Executive (NEC) meeting at Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri Imo state, the university workers expressed displeasure over government’s continued silence, as the ultimatum draws closer.

The communique reads, ‘NEC expresses deep disappointment over the continued silence and inaction of the Federal Government’s Renegotiation Committee regarding the 2009 FG/SSANU Agreement. NEC strongly calls on the government to honour the two weeks extension given by JAC of SSANU/NASU in order to avert the impending industrial crisis in the university system.

‘NEC strongly condemns the continued withholding of salaries of SSANU members who participated in the 2022 industrial action.

‘NEC therefore, urges the Federal Government to immediately release the outstanding two (2) months withheld salaries as a demonstration of good faith and commitment to restoring industrial harmony within the University system.

‘NEC also notes that third-party deductions from the already paid two months of withheld salaries have yet to be remitted and therefore calls for the immediate release of these funds.

‘NEC expresses deep concern over the Federal Government’s persistent disregard for Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), Memoranda of Action (MoAs), and other duly negotiated collective bargaining agreements entered into with SSANU.’

The union reiterated that such agreements, reached through structured dialogue and mutual consent, are binding and must be honoured in full.

The SSANU warned that if this pattern of neglect continued, it will have no choice but to ‘explore all lawful and appropriate avenues to compel compliance.’

The union also condemned the formula adopted for the disbursements of earned allowances (EA) that was released by the government.

It alleged that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had a larger share of the released EA.

The union further said, ‘SSANU frowns at the inequitable and negligible allocation of the N50 billion Earned Allowance, wherein only 20% which amounts to N10 billion was allotted to the three (3) non-teaching unions (SSANU, NASU and NAAT) as against the N50 billion agreed in the signed MoU/MoA before the suspension of the 2022 industrial action.

‘This allocation is unjust, discriminatory, and fails to acknowledge the indispensable role SSANU members play in the effective functioning of Nigerian Universities.

‘It is also in breach of the MoU/MoA signed with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NASU and SSANU in August 2022. NEC calls for an immediate release of the balance of ?40 billion Earned Allowance to reflect principles of fairness, equity, and inclusiveness across all non-teaching staff unions of universities and Inter-University Centres in line with the Memorandum of Understanding and Memorandum of Action signed with the unions.’

The union also deliberated on the state of the health sector and other sectors in the country.

It expressed deep concerns over the poor funding of the sector and deteriorating condition of critical sectors, the rising spate of insecurity including kidnappings, banditry, and communal clashes which have continued to disrupt daily life, displace families, and cripple economic activity.

SSANU also expressed concerns that, ‘Agriculture and food security are under severe threat, with an estimated 33.1 million Nigerians facing acute food shortages due to conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability.

Key recommendations made to federal and state governments include: granting full autonomy to university governing councils to reduce political interference and enable decisions that best serve the staff and students of the universities; strengthen existing research and innovation funds and make them accessible to all disciplines to ensure consistent support for groundbreaking studies and technological development; and provide a living wage with guaranteed, timely salary payments to attract, motivate, and retain top talents among both teaching and non-teaching staff.

Others are: increase budgetary allocations to health and education, and to ensure that all funds are fully and transparently disbursed; strengthen primary healthcare systems while improving working conditions to curb the brain drain of professionals; declare targeted security emergencies in high-risk states with the deployment of modern technology, intelligence gathering, and community policing, while addressing root causes such as poverty, youth unemployment, and land-use conflicts.

It also recommended support for farmers through provision of inputs, access to credits, storage facilities, and irrigation systems to safeguard food security and stabilise prices; prioritise infrastructure development by maintaining roads, ensuring reliable electricity, providing safe water, and implementing effective flood-control measures.

The union’s NEC called on all tiers of government to act with urgency and sincerity, noting that Nigerians deserved concrete action, not promises.

Reality TV star Anita Singh, popularly known as Nini, has organised a housewarming party to celebrate her newly acquired home.

The former Big Brother Naija housemate welcomed her fans and friends to her new home, stating that the newly acquired house has become her second-own mansion.

In a video posted on her Instagram page, she wrote, ‘One of the many blessings, another HOME’

The beautiful structure is a two-story building with multiple compartments.

Nini took her fans on a tour, starting with the sitting room, which features colorful furniture and chandeliers.

The first floor of the house features a modern kitchen fitted with a range of high-end gadgets and cooking utensils.

The top floor accommodates the reality star’s bedroom and an expansive walk-in closet designed for her clothing and footwear.

Her shoes are neatly displayed on a large rack, while her wardrobe spans almost the entire room, showcasing her extensive fashion collection.

The event featured an impressive spread of assorted dishes, cupcakes, drinks, and wine, all beautifully arranged for her guests.

A video from the celebration captured cheerful moments of Nini’s friends dancing, playing games, and enjoying the feast before departing.

Similarly, former Big Brother Naija housemate Mercy Eke also unveiled what she described as her third home, showcasing a large building in a viral video.

The Kano/Jigawa command of the Nigerian Customs Service on Thursday handed over a suspect and a total of 261,750 capsules of Pregabalin (300 milligrams) and 228,700 tablets of Tramadol hydrochloride (225 milligrams) to the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The illicit drugs, concealed in five jumbo agro sacks, were seized by Customs around the border.

Area Controller of Customs, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, disclosed that the drugs were hidden inside 35 packets of Pregabalin and 28 rolls of Tramadol tablets.

Speaking while handing over the seized illicit drugs to the NDLEA representative, the Kano/Jigawa Controller, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, said the substances pose serious health risks to the body, including organ damage, addiction, and restlessness, particularly among the youth.

Abubakar warned about the wider social implications of drug abuse, linking it to violence, crime, immorality, economic loss, and insecurity in the region.

He said a male suspect was arrested at the scene with 455,500 Naira intended as a bribe, alongside a black-tinted green Nissan Pathfinder, marked DUT196AE

A cutting knife was also among the exhibits recovered from the suspect.

‘The seizure was in line with sections 55C and 234 of the Nigerian Customs Service Act 2023, which mandated the protection of public health and prohibited the possession of smuggled goods,’ Abubakar said.

Commander of narcotics Mohammad Maiaduwa Usman received the suspect and exhibits on behalf of NDLEA.

He said NDLEA will conduct further investigations for the prosecution of the suspect.

He reiterated the agency’s commitment to continued synergy with other security agencies in the fight against drug abuse.

In a world buzzing with complexity, where financial transactions often feel like navigating a maze, FlipEx was born with a singular vision: to simplify the exchange of digital assets while delivering a premium user experience.

Since our inception in 2016, FlipXpress Digital Technologies has been on a mission to redefine how people interact with their digital wealth whether it’s a gift card to Naira, crypto to Naira, or bill payment.

The name ‘FlipEx’ itself is a nod to our core ethos: flipping the script on traditional financial systems, making digital transactions effortless as a coin toss, yet as sophisticated as a tailored suit.

Our choice of black and white as our brand colors is no accident. Black, a tribute to our African roots – embodies strength, resilience, and pride. White complements it with clarity, purity, and simplicity.

Together, they create a visual identity that’s bold yet approachable, sophisticated yet unpretentious just like the service we strive to deliver. Our story is one of innovation, trust, and a deep-rooted commitment to empowering users across Nigeria, the UK, and the USA.

The idea for FlipEx emerged from a simple observation: gift cards and cryptocurrencies were becoming the currency of the future, yet the process of converting them into tangible value was anything but seamless. In 2016, as digital transactions began to outpace traditional banking, we saw an opportunity to bridge this gap. Why should someone with a $100 Amazon gift card struggle to turn it into cash? Why should trading Bitcoin or USDT feel like an ordeal?

These questions fueled our drive to create a platform that’s not just functional but transformative.

Based in Nigeria, with operations in the UK and USA, FlipEx was built to serve a global audience with a touch of African strength and resilience. We understood that users needed more than just a platform, they needed trust, speed, and reliability. That’s why every feature of the FlipEx app, from its sleek interface to its multi-layered authentication system, was designed with the user in mind. Whether you’re in Lagos trading a Steam gift card to Naira or in London flipping Litecoin to cash, FlipEx makes it happen with a few taps.

At the heart of FlipEx lies our commitment to accessibility. We believe that everyone, regardless of their tech savvy or financial background, deserves to harness the power of digital assets. Our mobile and web applications are designed to be intuitive, ensuring that even first-time users can navigate with ease. Want to sell an iTunes gift card? It’s done in minutes. Need to convert Bitcoin to Naira? The process is instant, secure, and transparent.

Our platform supports a vast array of digital assets, from cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, USDT, and Litecoin to gift cards from global brands such as Amazon, Apple, Walmart, Sephora, and Visa.

Whether you’re holding a Nordstrom gift card or a Google Play gift card, FlipEx ensures you get the best value with competitive rates and instant payouts. But we didn’t stop there. Recognizing the everyday needs of our users, we expanded our services to include bill payments, buy data, pay for electricity tokens, or settle your Cable TV subscription all within the same seamless app.

Our black and white aesthetic isn’t just about style; it’s a statement of intent. In a world of flashy colors and cluttered designs, we chose simplicity to stand out. Black represents the strength and pride of our African heritage, a reminder that FlipEx is an African product with global ambitions. White symbolizes clarity, ensuring that when you open the FlipEx app, you see exactly what we offer, no gimmicks, no confusion. Together, these colors reflect our promise: a premium service that’s straightforward yet sophisticated.

This design philosophy extends to every aspect of the user experience. From the moment you log in, the app’s clean interface guides you effortlessly through the process of trading gift cards or cryptocurrencies. Our multi-layered authentication system ensures your transactions are secure, while our instant payout feature means you’re never left waiting. It’s this balance of simplicity and sophistication that makes FlipEx more than just a platform; it’s a trusted partner in your financial journey.

Digital assets are more than just numbers on a screen; they represent opportunities to pay bills, invest in dreams, or simply enjoy the freedom of financial control. At FlipEx, we’re not just facilitating transactions; we’re empowering people to take charge of their digital wealth. Since 2016, we’ve helped thousands of users turn their gift cards and cryptocurrencies into real-world value, whether it’s cash in their bank account or a paid utility bill.

Our platform is built on trust. As a registered business in Nigeria, the UK, and the USA, we operate with transparency and accountability. Every transaction is backed by robust security measures, ensuring your assets are protected. But beyond security, we prioritize value. Our competitive rates for gift cards and cryptocurrencies mean you get the most out of every trade. Whether you’re selling a $50 eBay gift card or converting Litecoin to Naira, FlipEx ensures you walk away with the best deal.

The FlipEx app is more than a tool; it’s a revolution you can carry in your pocket. In a world where digital transactions are becoming the norm, we’ve created a platform that makes the process as natural as breathing. Need to pay for your DStv subscription? Done. Want to sell an Xbox gift card? Easy. Looking to convert USDT to cash? Instant. With FlipEx, you’re not just keeping up with the digital age, you’re ahead of it.

Our commitment to innovation drives us to constantly improve. We’re not content with being just another trading platform. We’re listening to our users, expanding our offerings, and refining our technology to stay at the forefront of the digital asset revolution. From supporting new gift card brands to integrating the latest cryptocurrencies, FlipEx is always evolving to meet your needs.

The story of FlipEx is still being written, and we invite you to be a part of it. Whether you’re a student in Abuja selling a Google Play card, a professional outside Nigeria converting Bitcoin to Naira, or a tech bro in Lagos paying bills with ease, FlipEx is here to make your financial life simpler, faster, and more rewarding. Our platform is more than a service, it’s a movement to empower people through the seamless exchange of digital assets.

As we look to the future, our vision remains unchanged: to bridge the gap between digital dreams and real-world value. With every gift card flipped, every cryptocurrency converted, and every bill paid, we’re building a world where financial freedom is just a tap away.

Join us on this journey. Download the FlipEx app today and experience the power of simplicity, the strength of security, and the joy of getting the best value for your digital assets.

Why choose FlipEx? Because we’re more than a platform we’re a promise. A promise to deliver a premium, reliable, and user-friendly experience. A promise to honor our African roots while serving a global audience. A promise to make every transaction, no matter how small, feels like a step toward financial freedom. With FlipEx, you’re not just trading, you’re flipping the script on what digital assets can do for you.

So, what are you waiting for? Step into the world of FlipEx, where black and white isn’t just a design choice it’s a symbol of trust, simplicity, and sophistication. Let’s flip the future of finance together.

Nigeria marked its 65th anniversary yesterday, without the commemorative parade, a major highlight of the yearly event. At 65, we have come some way as a nation. Our biggest test was the 1967-70 civil war. We came out of it united and indivisible. We have remained one since then. There have been other anxious moments after that, with

The annulment nearly plunged us into another war. We came out of it badly bruised, but unbowed. The military, especially Generals Babangida’s and Abacha’s evil plan to destroy democracy failed. They wanted to subject us to perpetual military rule, but the vigilance of Nigerians saved the day. Since 1999, we have enjoyed uninterrupted democratic rule, the longest ever in our chequered history. It has been 26 years and counting. We have seen that the worst form of democracy is better than the most benevolent military rule.

Things can only get better as we soldier on as a nation. There is no doubt that things are difficult, but the hope is that, as the President said in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday things are looking up. To borrow his words: ‘there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel’. May the light shine brighter and brighter, so that the people will rejoice. Happy anniversary, Nigeria.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said more governors from the opposition parties were putting finishing touches to join President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the ruling party.

He said Nigerians were already seeing many achievements of the Tinubu administration across all sectors.

Akpabio stated this in his goodwill message at the launch of a book, titled: Ten Years of Impactful Leadership of The APC Administration In Nigeria, written by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and the inauguration of projects by President Tinubu in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Senator Akpabio said: ‘Mr. President, with what you have done in the last two years, get ready to receive more governors from the opposition parties. As I speak, there are several governors in Nigeria today who are ready to be received by you.’

The Senate President noted that Nigerians were beginning to see the positive outcomes of President Tinubu’s reforms and were acknowledging them.

He added: ‘The students, farmers, and businessmen are all speaking on the various reforms you have brought into governance, which are now yielding results in the overall interest and benefit of the people.

‘If we say it, they will accuse us of rubber-stamping your achievements, but the beneficiaries are the ones talking about what you have done.

‘I believe strongly in development and progress. I thank Governor Uzodimma for deciding to put history in writing, in his 10 years of impactful leadership of the APC administration in Nigeria.

‘If you don’t tell your story, others will tell it for you. Progressiveness is not in words; it is in action. The quality of works done by the governor is of high quality and the people of Imo State must be very, very excited.’

Akpabio recalled that when he was the governor of Akwa Ibom State 18 years ago, he was already a progressive, based on the projects he executed.

The Senate President congratulated his host and the national leadership of the party for achievements of the party in the last 10 years.