Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Nigerian music scene has just been electrified with the release of Fortune, the highly anticipated 7-track EP from fast-rising Afro-Fusion artist, Enielayefa Fortune Ebikake, popularly known as Iv Tune.

The project, which officially dropped on October 3, 2025, is already making waves with its standout track; Rock Your Body, a smooth, flirty, and irresistible anthem that’s fast becoming a fan favorite. With its playful lyrics, magnetic rhythm, and dance-ready beat, the track is primed to dominate playlists, nightclubs, and TikTok challenges nationwide.

With Fortune, Iv Tune not only proves his artistry but also positions himself as a global export in the making. The song is pure vibes and versatility on display.

Iv Tune effortlessly blends Afrobeats, RnB, and global sounds into one dynamic wave of music. From the hustle-driven urgency of Time Is Money, to the fiery heat of Fire On Me, and the uplifting energy of Come Alive, this EP hits every mood.

It’s both personal and universal, a true soundtrack of ambition, love, struggle, and joy.

‘Speaking on the release, the musician said: ‘This EP is me stepping into my destiny. Each song reflects my journey – the struggles, the dreams, the wins.

Fortune is about embracing life’s challenges and still finding reasons to dance, to live, and to believe.’ Now streaming on all major platforms, Fortune comes with a vibrant promotional rollout.

Stakeholders have expressed grave concern over the crisis between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical, warning that the effect could cripple the nation.

According to stakeholders, the trade dispute has put Nigeria’s ambition of becoming Africa’s refining hub to test.

They warned that a prolonged dispute could push up fuel prices, strain households and businesses, and discourage local and foreign investors.

They, however, called for a final resolution to avoid such industrial disputes from escalating into a national emergency.

Also, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) expressed grave concern over the action by PENGASSAN, warning that the action amounts to self-help and tantamount to sabotage capable of derailing the country’s fragile economic recovery.

In a statement in Lagos, the Director-General of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, emphasised that a conflict is an inevitable feature of the labour ecosystem, and Nigeria has statutory and institutional frameworks to address any, including the Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP) and National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN).

‘Any action capable of discouraging investment, undermining enterprises sustainability, or harming the workers that the unions claim to protect will be counter-productive. While trade unions have the legitimate right to embark on industrial action, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of the law.

‘It is unacceptable for any union to conscript or coerce those not interested in its action or disrupt the operations of legitimate businesses not party to the dispute. Treating institutions of labour administration with disdain and resorting to self-help is not only absurd but also against all known Conventions and Recommendations. When employers or workers are aggrieved, there are institutions created to adjudicate or arbitrate in such matters. Nigeria’s recovering economy cannot be sacrificed on the altar of actions and pronouncements that are alien to global and local industrial relations practice,’ he said.

He noted that uninformed and disruptive actions that could jeopardise the nation’s economic survival are neither envisaged nor acceptable in global labour practice.

He said: ‘NECA will not be a passive onlooker as the foundation of Nigeria’s labour ecosystem is trampled upon. While we acknowledge the right to strike, such rights cannot infringe on the rights of others or threaten the survival of enterprises.’

Citing international labour instruments, including ILO Conventions 87 and 98, Oyerinde reaffirmed NECA’s commitment to upholding global labour standards, decent work and responsible business conduct, while not negotiating employers’ rights to manage their enterprises and investments within the ambit of the law.

He stressed that the protection afforded to union officials under international conventions does not extend to sabotage, coercion, or actions that undermine legitimate businesses or threaten national security.

Oyerinde called on the Minister of Labour and Employment to stop the wanton and wilful denigration of the industrial relations system.

He said: ‘With Nigeria sending one of the highest delegations to the ILO conference annually, it is curious that basic industrial relations principles, Conventions, and Recommendations remain poorly applied.’

He called for a resolution through lawful and constructive channels, warning that failure to act decisively could have far-reaching consequences for economic sustainability, job creation and preservation, investment attraction and promotion and national development.

Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr Muda Yusuf, said shutting down the oil and gas sector could cripple the nation, describing it as ‘the lifeblood of the economy’ in terms of energy, foreign exchange, and revenue.

He warned against risking national stability for the interests of a few workers, calling PENGASSAN’s action unjustifiable.

‘What about those who have invested? What about consumers and other investors in the value chain? Their interests matter too. The union should not be this selfish, inflicting such pain and disruption on the economy,’ he said.

Yusuf estimated the economic losses at billions of naira.

‘You shut down and disrupt the entire process. By the time you resume, you must start over. The same goes for power stations, which depend on gas. This kind of impunity must not continue just because some people have power over strategic sectors,’ he said.

Prof. Chiwuike Uba, a Development econo­mist as well as Governance, and Public Financial Manage­ment (PFM) expert, said the dispute is not merely an industrial rela­tions issue; it poses significant risks to economic stability, energy security, governance credibility, and the well-being of millions of Ni­gerians.

He said: ‘This crisis is a litmus test of Nigeria’s gover­nance capacity. It examines whether legitimate worker rights and corporate governance can be reconciled with the public interest in essential services.

‘Fiscal authority and social policy must be de­ployed quickly, transparently, and effectively to protect the most vulnerable.

‘At the same time, public institutions must up­hold the rule of law while preventing a narrow industrial dispute from escalating into a national emergency.

‘How Nigeria responds will signal its ability to govern strategic sectors responsibly, protect cit­izens, and maintain credibility in domestic and international markets.’

He said globally, countries with large-scale refining infrastructure, such as India and the U.S., treat disruptions in national refineries as strategic emergencies, often mobilising contingency im­ports, stock releases, and immediate negotiations with unions.

He said the government’s handling of the Dangote crisis would thus be watched not only domestically but by investors and development partners assess­ing institutional reliability.

Also, a lawyer and expert on labour matters, Paul Omoijiade, said Dangote could not prevent his employees from joining the unions.

Noting that the capitalists could not do anything without labour, which is one of the four factors of production, he warned against the implications of trampling on the right of workers to unionise.

Also, a development economist at Governance Professional, Prof. Chiwuike Uba, called for immediate action, noting that industrial disputes should not escalate into a national emergency.

He urged that a neutral tripartite framework, including the Ministry of Labour, NNPCL, Dangote management, PENGASSAN, and an independent arbiter, should negotiate a suspension of supply disruptions while contested dismissals are reviewed.

According to him, contingency supply measures must avert scarcity, including transparent releases of strategic stocks and emergency imports.

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has unveiled his giant strides and developmental growth since he came into the saddle. He said his administration was committed to making Ekiti the new investment destination.

The governor said his government had undertaken a combination of transformative policy decisions and pushed critical infrastructure development to a new height.

He made this known at the 13th edition of the MARKETING EDGE EDGE awards and dinner held in Lagos. He won the 2025 Grand Prix at the awards.

On advertising development and its relevance to economic growth, Oyebanji said advertising remained a powerful catalyst for economic growth because of its role in stimulating consumer demand for goods and services across the world.

The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, disclosed in his key note speech that the ‘world over, advertising remains a powerful catalyst for economic growth, stimulating consumer demand for goods and services, fostering competition among businesses, driving mass production and in the process, lowering costs and prices, and creating jobs.”

He said: ‘From advanced economies to emerging markets, the marketing communication industry plays a critical role in shaping commerce and consumer behaviour. In Nigeria, the marketing communications industry has been even more pivotal to national growth and development.

‘Over the years, practitioners have projected the country’s image and supported the visibility of local businesses, helping to attract investments and position brands for competitiveness. From its humble beginning, advertising in Nigeria has grown into a multi-billion-naira industry.’

Oyebanji noted that ‘Nigeria’s advertising market was valued at N605.2 billion in 2023, with projections pointing to N893 billion by 2028, representing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.7 per cent since 2018. This trajectory highlights the sector’s resilience and its contribution to the broader economy. The figure will be much higher if we factor in public relations, corporate sponsorships, social media influencing and a host of below-the-line marketing spending.’

MARKETING EDGE publisher and the chief organiser of the annual award, Mr. John Ajayi, thanking the Nigerian business community and the marketing and advertising sub-sector of the national economy for their years of support, patronage and acceptability, noted: ‘Every year, we gather to celebrate brands and advertising excellence; you always add colour and grandeur to it by making it a festival of brands and ideas.

‘Without you, this event would not have been this colourful and memorable. Ours have become one of the most anticipated events in the social calendar of the Nigerian integrated marketing communications eco-system.

‘We are gathered here to celebrate the achievements of some of the most successful brands, creative agencies, public service and political brand personalities, talented and dedicated personalities and professionals of distinction and honour across borders.

‘These outstanding personalities, brands, services, businesses and personalities have made significant contributions in different sectors of the economy, and we are grateful for their consistency, hard work and dedication that continue to impact every facet of our national growth and development.’

Director General, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Omolola Oloworaran disclosed that Pension assets have grown over N25 trillion fueling national development through strategic investments, while also securing regular monthly pensions for over 552,000 retirees and lump sum benefits for an additional 291,735 retirees.

She noted that in total, more than 844,000 retirees across both public and private sectors now enjoy retirement benefits that are steady, reliable, and transparent. Presently, more than 10 million Nigerians from public service employees to private sector workers, and even artisans and the self-employed under the Personal Pension Plan, are covered under the CPS.

Oloworaran who was represented by the Acting Commissioner Technical PenCom, Hafiz Kawo Ibrahim disclosed this at the Stakeholders Conference on the working of the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS in Abuja, stating that reform is a continuous journey, and in line with the commission mandate to protect contributors and guarantee dignity in retirement, PenCom has rolled out key interventions that are changing lives.

She outlined these interventions as, ‘Pension Boost 1.0, enhancing pensions for over 241,000 retirees, representing 80 per cent of those under Programmed Withdrawal. Monthly pensions rising from N12.157 billion to N14.837 billion, effective June 2025. Since July 2025, no retiree waits to access their pensions. Payments are now immediate, aligning with monthly salary releases from the Ministry of Finance.

‘The reintroduction of gratuity for civil servants working with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, with a framework being developed to restore gratuity benefits for federal workers under CPS, in line with Section 4(4) of the PRA 2014. FGN Bond Issuance for Pension Liabilities approval has been secured for the issuance of ?758 billion bonds to clear long-standing pension obligations, including pension increases owed since 2007.

This bold step by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves commendation, as it will bring much-needed relief to vulnerable pensioners and restore confidence in the system.

‘A Stronger Prudential Standards for Operators, minimum capital and governance requirements for Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and custodians have been revised to ensure greater financial stability, service delivery, and technological resilience. The Issuance of Five New Regulations under the Pension Revolution 2.0 initiative, including:

Whistle Blowing Guidelines for Pension Fund Assets, revised regulation on investment of Pension Fund Assets’.

She explained the Introduction of Free Health Insurance for Retirees, stating that it will begin later this year, starting with pensioners in lower-income categories and ensuring dignity and security beyond financial pensions, even though the CPS has achieved much, challenges remain. Coverage expansion is still limited, with several States and employers yet to fully comply. Public skepticism, often shaped by painful experiences of the past, continues to undermine trust in the system she said.

Speaking, the Chairman National Salaries Incomes and Wages Commission, Mr. Ekpo Nta said the 1999 constitution provided in section 173(13) states that pension shall be reviewed every five years or together with any salary civil service review. This he said is based on the pension constitution that gave it power to examine the current rate of retirement benefits and recommend appropriate measures.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged boat operators in the water transportation subsector across the country to putsafety above financial considerations in the conduct of their daily business.

The President said this yesterday while commiserating with the government and people of Kogi State over Tuesday’s boat mishap in Ibaji Local Government Area, which claimed several lives.

Reports said the boat accident victims were traders travelling from Ibaji to the Ilushi market in neighbouring Edo State when the tragedy occurred.

In a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the incident as ‘shocking and unfortunate,’ stressing the victims were on a trying to earn a living.

The President praised first responders and urged emergency agencies to intensify rescue and relief efforts to support survivors and assist affected families.

Consoling the government and people of Kogi State, President Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and for a speedy recovery of those injured in the accident.

Nigeria has reiterated commitment to creating a transparent, stable and investor-friendly petroleum sector.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, delivered a keynote address on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Africa Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa.

The Minister declared that Nigeria is ‘open for business’ and actively pursuing policies that prioritize investment, efficiency, and long-term growth in the oil sector.

‘This gathering is more than a conference, it is a call to action,’ he said, stressing that Nigeria is ready not just to participate in the global energy market, but to lead reform and growth on the African continent.

Lokpobiri, in a statement by Nneamaka Okafor Special Adviser on Media and Communication, outlined the bold policy measures implemented under President Tinubu’s administration, particularly the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which provides a clear and predictable fiscal and regulatory environment for investors.

The PIA has laid the foundation for licensing transparency, host community engagement, strengthened regulatory oversight, and a fair contractual framework.

‘What makes Nigeria now different is the legal, regulatory, financial, and structural transformation we are delivering,’ the Minister said.

Nigeria’s upstream sector is showing signs of strong recovery. The ‘Project One Million Barrels’ initiative, launched in October 2024, has raised daily crude oil production to between 1.7 and 1.83 million barrels per day, with a notable increase of 300,000 barrels per day in July 2025 alone.

Additionally, the number of active drilling rigs has grown from 31 in January to 50 by July 2025, a clear signal that reforms are unlocking value across the sector.

Of particular note were the recent asset divestments by International Oil Companies (IOCs), which the Minister said have unlocked over $5.5 billion in Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) within months.

‘These are not just transfers of assets, they are transfers of confidence, capability, and ownership,’ he stated. The divestments have already added approximately 200,000 barrels per day to national production.

On the broader African context, Lokpobiri urged the continent to retain more value from its hydrocarbon resources by focusing on infrastructure, industrial development, and localized value chains. He noted that Africa spends over $120 billion annually on hydrocarbons, largely through imports, calling it a missed opportunity for economic transformation.

He advocated for stronger intra-African collaboration and financing, emphasizing that Africa holds nearly $4 trillion in domestic capital, including pension and insurance funds. ‘The question is no longer about the availability of funds, but how we can channel them into productive investments on our continent,’ he said.

Addressing the topic of the global energy conversation, the Minister called for balance and equity.

He insisted that the narrative must shift toward a diverse energy mix, not abandonment of any resource.

‘The focus should be on availability, accessibility, and affordability of all forms of energy,’ he stressed. He made it clear that Nigeria, like other nations, will continue to utilize its oil resources responsibly while building a diversified and sustainable energy base.

Lokpobiri reaffirmed Nigeria’s role as a leading energy player in Africa. ‘We are offering opportunities at scale, reform with consistency, incentives with clarity, local participation with respect, and a vision that modernizes with purpose,’ he declared.

To global investors, he extended a direct invitation: ‘Come to Nigeria. Be part of the energy revolution.’ With strong reforms, ambitious targets, and an open-door policy, Nigeria is charting a bold path forward in Africa’s energy future.

The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) just concluded in New York, United States. However, what has continued to dominate national discourse is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national statement to world leaders at the annual event. His bold policy statement demanding reforms in global governance has strengthened Nigeria’s international standing as one of Africa’s foremost economies.

In the statement that captured the attention of participants and the world in general, President Tinubu unequivocally called for multifaceted reforms of the UN, focusing on key areas that require immediate attention. And Vice President Kashim Shettima, who delivered Nigeria’s policy statement on his behalf, nailed it for Mr President.

One of the key aspects of VP Shettima’s capacity to represent his boss is his ability to understand and articulate the President’s vision. His presentations reflect Tinubu’s policies and ideas, demonstrating a deep understanding of the President’s mind and work.

The Vice President’s adeptness at representing the President effectively has been evident at various international fora. With the brilliance with which he marshalled and delivered President Tinubu’s foreign policy statement, Nigeria’s voice was clear and loud at the international gathering.

Unlike some world leaders who made their growing disenchantment fully palpable in their addresses at the global stage, President Tinubu did not require any show of righteous indignation to pass on the message of Nigeria and the continent. Subtly, he appealed to the interest of the international community instead of the regional interest. Categorically, he warned that the global body must embrace sweeping restructuring or face growing irrelevance, with world events increasingly bypassing its influence.

One of Nigeria’s primary concerns is the reform of the UN Security Council. The Nigerian leader stood his ground in demanding a permanent seat for Nigeria and Africa in the Council. He argued that this is the only way the country’s growing population, economic influence, and contributions to global peacekeeping would be reflected.

President Tinubu’s point of contention on this is clear: Nigeria, a nation that has transformed from ‘a colony of 20 million people, absent from the tables where decisions about our fate were taken’ to ‘a sovereign nation of over 236 million, projected to be the third most populous country in the world, with one of the youngest and most dynamic populations on earth,’ is politically and morally certified to represent Africa on the UN Security Council. This move is part of a broader process of institutional reform aimed at making the UN more representative and effective.

President Tinubu’s address accentuates Nigeria’s commitment to peace, development, unity, multilateralism, and human rights. He emphasised the need for reform and cooperation in tackling global challenges, including climate change, irregular migration, and financial instability. His diplomatic approach seeks to foster partnerships and cooperation, showcasing his negotiation skills.

The President identified an underlying pattern missing in the UN: the need for a more inclusive and effective multilateral system. For the most part, he took a pragmatic view of multilateralism, regarding it as useful but only when it is all-inclusive. By addressing the challenges and opportunities outlined in his policy statement, nations can work towards a better future for all. The emphasis on reform, cooperation, and collective action underscores the importance of multilateralism in achieving global peace and development.

On the global front, President Tinubu declared Nigeria’s support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He described this approach as ‘the most dignified path’ to lasting peace, stressing that Palestinians ‘are not collateral damage in a civilisation searching for order,’ but human beings deserving of the same freedom and dignity as everyone else. He urged the international community to take concrete actions to protect Palestinian lives and facilitate a peaceful resolution.

By advocating for a two-state solution, President Tinubu’s stance aligns with other countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, which have also called for Palestinian statehood. This move marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s foreign policy posture, showcasing its commitment to peace, human rights, and collective security.

Sadly, unpatriotic and unscrupulous politicians in Nigeria have lashed out at the Palestine issue to score cheap political points. The opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) faulted President Tinubu’s two-state solution stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying he failed to address the worsening insecurity and economic hardship in Nigeria.

But this is a view based, in the first place, on a misleading oversimplification and ignorance of the nuances and complexities of global politics of the time. Fortunately, well-meaning Nigerians have described the opposition’s stance as unnecessary critique, emphasising the need for politicians to prioritise national and global interests over partisan politics, especially when it comes to sensitive issues like human suffering. On Palestine, the critics are hereby handed a damning verdict.

President Tinubu must not be seen as making a case for Africa alone at the global event. His bold policy statement on the global stage shouldn’t have been slanted towards regional demands. It is a call for global awakening. What he simply did was prioritise empathy and compassion over political gains, especially in situations involving human suffering, hence maintaining a level of statesmanship and decorum in global political discourse.

Besides, President Tinubu did not only focus on the crisis in Palestine. He also condemned the ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza and other conflict zones, maintaining that efforts must be redoubled to de-escalate global tensions. Describing the human cost as ‘stains on our collective humanity,’ he tasked world leaders with the need for coordinated global efforts to combat tensions across the globe and address the underlying causes of regional conflicts and instability.

Was Tinubu actually mum on the Nigerian situation? Certainly not! He said that while ‘Nigeria has continued to face the threat of violent extremism and terrorism,’ his administration is tackling the menace through values and ideas. ‘At home, we confront the scourge of insurgency with resolve. From this long and difficult struggle with violent extremism, one truth stands clear: military tactics may win battles measured in months and years, but in wars that span generations, it is values and ideas that deliver the ultimate victory,’ he added.

On the ongoing economic reforms in Nigeria, President Tinubu acknowledged the difficult reality facing his citizens but said that Nigeria’s economic reforms represent a model for resilience. He noted that his administration has taken difficult but necessary steps to restructure the economy and remove distortions, including subsidies and currency controls that benefited the few at the expense of the many. Expressing confidence in the power of the market to transform, he said, ‘Our task is to enable and facilitate, and to trust in the ingenuity and enterprise of the people. But the process of transition is difficult.’

The President proposed the setting up of a new, binding mechanism to manage sovereign debt, including an International Court of Justice for money. According to him, this would enable countries to break free from the ‘economic straitjacket of primary production of unprocessed exports’ and promote local value addition in agriculture, solid minerals, and petrochemicals.

The proposal emphasises the need for urgent action to promote debt relief, not as an act of charity, but as a clear path to peace and prosperity that benefits everyone. It aims to help emerging economies escape the constraints of debt and focus on development and growth. He stressed that the current system is not suited to address the needs of developing countries, citing Africa’s total debt of around $685.5 billion and debt service payments of $88.7 billion in 2025.

President Tinubu also called for a complete overhaul of the global financial architecture governing Africa’s mineral resources. He said African nations must be allowed to finance their own mineral sectors and assert control over African products’ global supply chains, promoting economic development and sovereignty. He also emphasised the importance of benefit-sharing from strategic minerals. Nigeria believes that countries hosting these minerals should reap the benefits, not just through revenue but also through investment, partnership, local processing, and job creation.

The President also called for a dedicated initiative to close the digital divide. This initiative would bring together researchers, the private sector, governments, and communities to promote access to technology, mitigate potential negative impacts, and enable growth. Closing the digital divide is crucial for ensuring that all nations, especially developing ones, can participate in the global digital economy and benefit from technological advancements.

No doubt, what has become clear about Senator Shettima’s diplomatic outings is that President Tinubu’s choice of Vice President has proven to be a strategic move, showcasing effective leadership and partnership. VP Shettima’s performance at the 80th UNGA demonstrates his capacity to stamp the President’s authority on the global stage. His ability to convey the President’s vision and policies seamlessly has been particularly notable.

It’s clear that their cordial partnership and collaborative leadership style, characterised by mutual trust, are crucial factors in Nigeria’s current progress. Their bond has proven to be solid and effective, with VP Shettima demonstrating absolute loyalty to President Tinubu and working tirelessly to support his initiatives and vision for Nigeria. They are united by a shared goal to engender a strong economy, deliver prosperity, and improve living standards for Nigerians based on the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Beyond the General Debate, the Vice President met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres at UN headquarters to personally discuss Nigeria’s quest for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and other matters of mutual interest. He also attended a meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government held on the margins of UNGA 80.

Senator Shettima also held bilateral meetings with key leaders, including the President of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, and the Gates Foundation’s CEO, Mark Suzman. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties with Namibia, calling for expanded investment in Nigeria, particularly in education and human capital development.

The Vice President also engaged with investors, highlighting Nigeria’s growth ambitions and economic reforms under the Tinubu administration. He emphasised the country’s potential for investment, citing macroeconomic stability, improved productivity, and strategic investment in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and education.

Nkwocha is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President)

A former President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria(HFN) , Dr. Lanre Glover, has backed the candidacy of Jibrin Saidu for the federation’s exalted position in the upcoming elections this month.

Glover said Saidu who is bidding to take over from Samuel Ocheho who has served his mandatory two terms, has the capacity to build on the achievements of the outgoing President of the HFN.

‘The outgoing President Sam Ocheho has done an excellent job bringing respectability to handball both locally and internationally. There is an important need to put someone in the position to continue the trajectory and that person is Jibrin Saidu,’ Glover said.

Glover, who also served as the first Vice President of African Handball Confederation, said Saidu has shown his commitment to the development of handball and has the financial capacity to take handball to a higher level.

He continued: ‘In 2015 during the Handball Nations Cup in Egypt, Saidu bailed the federation out by sponsoring the team when the then President, the Late Dauda Yusuf was helpless.

‘He has sponsored several championships in Nigeria and singlehandedly sponsored the African Delegates meeting of the Commonwealth Handball Association in Abuja. He has the financial wherewithal and experience to propel handball to greater heights.

Glover said he was publicly endorsing the candidacy of Saidu in order to ensure a capable successor to Ocheho practically turned the fortunes of the federation around, adding: ‘I seize this opportunity to salute Ocheho for a job well done as he bows out.’

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.’