Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Coach Gernot Rohr has said Benin No 1 target is to win in Rwanda to stay top of their 2026 World Cup qualifying group, which includes the Super Eagles.

Benin, under former Super Eagles coach Rohr, are now top of Group C of the World Cup qualifiers after South Africa were docked three points and three goals for fielding an ineligible player.

‘Our priority is to win our match in Rwanda,’ Rohr declared.

We’re doing everything we can to achieve that. Regardless of the results of other matches, we can keep our fate in our own hands. And that’s a real advantage.’

He further said he expects his team to play ‘like true cheetahs’ to achieve this target.

Meanwhile, Rohr will today announce the squad for their final qualifiers against the Super Eagles and Rwanda.

The coach will at 3pm local time name his squad for the crucial final qualifiers.

A new blockbuster, Infant at Heart will premiere in London on 18th October 2025.

According to the executive producer, Dr. Oby Olebara Uzoukwu, the movie from the stable of Afrigold Tv Limited, ‘is not just a film, but an emotional journey that resonates deeply with everyone that has faced loss or confronted the truth by themselves. We therefore urge movie lovers, friends and fans in London to be part of this historic premiere,’ said Uzoukwu

The film produced by Vera Kanu and written and directed by Aguiyi Ikeobi Ndubuisi features Nollywood top actors like Oby Olebara Uzoukwu, Monalisa Chinda, Nkem Owoh, Williams Uchemba, Emeka Enyiocha, Mike Durueke, Emeka Darlington, Bryan Emmanuel among many others.

Saying that the opposition is living in awe of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s firm foothold on the nation’s political terrain is an understatement. More correctly, the President’s popularity is a nightmare for the likes of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai and other opposition politicians whose mission is to unseat him in the 2027 elections.

But the harder they try, the more it is looking like unseating Tinubu in 2027 is a mission impossible. If nothing else, the obvious disarray in the opposition camp point to the mountain they would have to climb in 2027 for their dreams to materialise. Even the coalition of anti-Tinubu forces championed by Atiku and El-Rufai is yet to find its feet while the elections approach at astonishing speed.

For the opposition elements, it is a case of the falcon not hearing the falconer as Tinubu’s influence continues to loom large in their camp. It is getting increasingly difficult, as the elections approach, to know which opposition member is truly against Tinubu as many of them are clandestinely working to ensure that he secures a second term.

It could not have been otherwise, considering how easier life has become governors under Tinubu’s leadership. Now availed with about three times the amount of money that comes to them from the federal purse on a daily basis, many of them believe of them believe they owe him a world of gratitude, and the best way they can reciprocate his gesture and sustain their new financial status is to support the President for a second term. That is particularly the case with first-term governors who are hoping for another four years after the current dispensation.

A pointer to the foregoing was the recent gale of defections by opposition governors and members of the National Assembly to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as a melodrama that occurred at a recent zoning consultative meeting in Lagos by southern stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) opposed to Tinubu’s reelection in 2027.

It turned out, however, that a few hours later, some PDP governors who had attended the said meeting where they also resolved to expel FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former Benue State governor Daniel Ortom and others accused of anti-party activities, were on board an aircraft that took them to Brazil.

While their mission to the South American country remains a matter of conjecture, it nonetheless provoked curiousity in that it coincided with President Tinubu’s official visit.

The President of the Alumni Association of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Temitope Elijah Arogundade, has urged members of the university community to prioritise peace and the institution’s image, as the substantive Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, resumes office on Tuesday, 14 October 2025.

Professor Fasina had applied in April to embark on a part of his accumulated leave for research purposes, and this was granted at an emergency meeting of the university’s Governing Council.

Rather than approving the 11-month leave requested by the vice-chancellor, the end of which would have coincided with the termination of his five-year tenure of office, the Council only approved six months, asking him to resume in October.

Shortly before applying for leave, the university’s Governing Council exonerated Professor Fasina of the sexual harassment allegation levelled against him by a female former Director of Works on the campus, Engineer Folasade Adebayo.

The university’s branch of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) had accused the VC of sexually harassing one of its members, forcing the governing council to set up an independent committee to probe the development.

However, led by Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, the Council cleared the VC of all allegations, and chided Engineer Adebayo for secretly recording her conversations with the VC, saying it was a deliberate ploy to blackmail the VC into confirming her as substantive Director of Works.

The matter had generated uproar at the time, and many felt the VC had embarked on a leave to calm frayed nerves while the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics, Professor Olubunmi Shittu, was appointed as acting vice-chancellor.

But the university’s Public Relations Officer, Foluso Ogunmodede, has consistently clarified this belief, saying it is erroneous for anyone to claim that Professor Fasina went on leave over any allegation.

‘Let me clarify that nothing caused the VC’s decision to go on leave. He only went on his accumulated research leave. Pure and simple! Whatever issues anyone is talking about were duly addressed and resolved before he embarked on leave. So if people are now tying his leave with any matter, that is incorrect,’ Mr Ogunmodede had said in a recent media chat.

Therefore, ahead of the VC’s resumption, the alumni president urged all stakeholders to allow peace to reign on the campus, saying Professor Fasina has contributed significantly to the growth and development of the 14-year-old institution.

Speaking with journalists at the weekend, the president said Professor Fasina’s tenure is expected to end in February 2026, saying the ongoing process to select his successor should be allowed to go on peacefully.

Mr Arogundade said, ‘As alumni, we are the ambassadors of FUOYE. Enough is enough – we must begin to portray our university in a very good light. Going forward, there must be peaceful coexistence because it is only under a peaceful atmosphere that we can make progress.

‘There is no doubt that Professor Fasina has done well. It is very obvious to everybody. As one of the pioneer students of this university, I know what I am saying. We know where we were before, and we know where we are now. So, when he returns, we expect him to consolidate where necessary so that FUOYE can continue to align with its vision.

On the succession process, with a new vice chancellor expected within five months, Arogundade said the alumni body was confident in the university’s Governing Council to produce a worthy vice-chancellor.

‘We would want a personality that can continue from where we are now and take the university to greater heights. I believe the process will be free and fair,’ he said.

He also appealed to fellow alumni to remain united in advancing FUOYE’s reputation. ‘Many of our members are doing wonderfully well within and outside the country. We must continue to raise the flag of the university high and contribute to its development,’ he urged.

Since he assumed office in February 2021, Professor Fasina has steered the university into an era of peace, growth, and innovation.

He inherited a campus riddled with unrest but quickly restored stability by introducing regular management and senate meetings, fostering participatory governance, and prioritising staff and students’ welfare. The result has been four years of uninterrupted harmony in the university community.

Academically, his tenure has witnessed remarkable expansion. FUOYE has achieved successful accreditation in all 60 exercises conducted and secured approvals for dozens of new programmes, ranging from Medicine and Surgery to Cybersecurity, Journalism, and Forensic Accounting.

The creation of new faculties, departments, and the FUOYE Business School reflects his vision of aligning the university with global trends. Student enrolment has surged to over 40,000, making FUOYE the fourth most subscribed university in Nigeria in 2025 JAMB.

Professor Fasina has prioritised welfare and infrastructure, promoting over 2,000 staff, providing shuttle services, improving hostels, and constructing new facilities such as the Student Union Building, Freedom Park, and multiple directorates and institutes.

ICT development has been transformative on the campus, as it is evident in the internet bandwidth that tripled, with fibre connectivity extended across campuses, and FUOYE’s ascension in Webometrics from 76th to 17th in two years.

The university has also excelled in sports, ranking among the best in Nigeria and Africa, while strengthening community ties through scholarships, land donations, and partnerships with other institutions.

Through these strides, Professor Fasina has repositioned FUOYE as one of the fastest-growing, most vibrant, and most peaceful universities in Nigeria.

Strategic partners of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on President Federation Cup, GTI Group, have congratulated the football ruling body in the country on their successful staging of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in the city of Ibadan last weekend.

GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, in a statement commended the NFF Board for the successful outcome of the AGM and thumbed up its Board led by Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau for the successes achieved so far for football development in Nigeria.

He said: ‘GTI Group congratulates the Nigeria Football Federation on the successful outcome of its Annual General Meeting held in Ibadan, which the President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, used the occasion to demonstrate his commitment to engaging positively with football stakeholders, including state football associations, clubs and fans. His interactions with the various groups at the AGM showcased his impactful leadership and dedication to promoting Nigerian football and fostering a collaborative environment.

‘His tenure has also seen notable successes in Nigerian football, including the Super Falcons’ recent achievements and the positive growth of domestic competitions like the Nigeria Premier Football League, in which GTI Group is their strategic partner.

‘Aside the aforementioned, GTI commends Governor Seyi Makinde and the good people of Oyo State for their hospitality and great support during the NFF AGM. His Excellency used the occasion to appreciate the improvement in the quality of officiating in the Nigeria Premier Football League ably led by Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye.

‘However, it is unfortunate that both Kwara United and Abia Warriors crashed out at the preliminary phase of the CAF Confederation Cup last weekend and this clearly shows that Nigerian clubs competing at the continental level should raise their game in order to compete favourably with better outcomes. The future is still bright for our clubs at the continental level and that is why GTI Group has been calling on Corporate Nigeria to invest more in our football as it is done in other thriving leagues elsewhere in the world.

‘To Remo Stars and Rivers United, who are flying Nigeria’s flag currently at the preliminary stage of the CAF Champions League, we encourage them to dig deep and ensure they remain committed to having a successful campaign. They should endeavour to give our soccer fans something to cheer for this season because we understand the demands of competing for trophies at the continental level could be quite enormous,’ Ekejiuba concluded.

Life, a ‘transparent pearl’ (Shan Sa), is often recognized for its fleeting nature: ‘a flash of a firefly in the night’ and ‘the little shadow which runs across the grass’ (Crowfoot). Yet, Henry Longfellow offers a contrasting wisdom in age, noting: ‘as the evening twilight fades away, the sky is filled with stars, invisible by day’. This layered perspective, balancing life’s brevity with its eventual wisdom, echoes the Psalmist’s essential prayer: ‘Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom’.

The passing of Mrs. Josephine Olajumoke Ale (née Ogidi) on August 7, 2025, isn’t just a loss for her family; it’s a moment to reflect on what dedicated public service truly looks like and the extraordinary foundation it built for a generation. Ale’s life serves as a powerful argument for recognizing and reinvesting in the backbone of our nation: the committed, frontline civil servant.

Born on October 2, 1945, Ale dedicated her life to a path of profound community impact. After completing her vocational nursing and midwifery training in 1968, she embarked on a remarkable career that spanned medical institutions across the trenches of Kwara, Ondo, and Ekiti States. Through her tireless commitment, she personified the highest ideal of the Nigerian Matron before her exit in 2008, bringing skilled and compassionate care to even the most underserved towns.

Ale’s service spoke to a critical, forgotten truth: the quality of our public health system hinges not just on policy, but on personnel. Her ‘healing hands and compassionate spirit’ comforted countless lives in Labour wards and communities, demonstrating that local commitment was irreplaceable. In an era where brain-drain cripples our hospitals, we must re-examine how we support, incentivize, and celebrate those who choose to stay and serve where the need is greatest.

Beyond her professional life, Ale’s family life offers a compelling blueprint for successful parenting, a model that should be taught and promoted across Nigeria. Widow of the late Matthew Fadahunsi Ale, she was not just a supportive wife but a force of nature in guiding her children to ‘enviable status in their diverse endeavours’. This wasn’t accidental! The success was rooted in intentional, disciplined and consistent nurturing.

Olajumoke Ale was known by many names: Mama Ale, Aunty Jose, Eye Olu, Mama Nurse, Mama Senior, each reflecting a different facet of her remarkable personality.

While on this earth, the signature of life – defined by strength, courage, determination, perseverance, and inspiration – was vividly expressed in Ale’s journey, making her life the truest embodiment of purposeful existence. The fact that Eye Olu, even in retirement, did not experience the ‘old age poverty or penury associated with retirees in Nigeria’ proved that parental sacrifice and discipline, not just wealth, are the keys to intergenerational success.

A woman of powerful integrity, Ale was one of the most talented brains of her generation. She was resolute, committed, always going out on her own terms. Her life was marked by immense courage and a deep sense of patriotism. Mama Senior lived a simple, humble and frugal existence. Her sharp wit, mental fortitude, and undeniable connection with the people were a huge catalyst in setting her apart.

Mama Ale never lost her principles. She was never rancorous but loved her family. She transformed herself and her community in terms of moral investments. In reflecting on her life, we are reminded that the impact we have on others can transcend our lifetime, inspiring future generations to live with purpose and compassion.

Ale’s life encompassed an accommodating spirit, which allowed her to embrace and stoically endure the inevitable twists and turns of life with a Christian disposition. Mama Nurse needed no grand political stage nor towering monuments; her legacy was quietly but profoundly etched into the hearts she healed and the lives she elevated.

The story of her life is also a strong, silent argument against cynicism and resignation. It is a powerful reminder that the true wealth of a nation lies in the character of its people and the selfless work of its servants. Her death also teaches us salient lessons about our transient nature, a fundamental truth that we must confront without fear or despair.

C.S. Lewis was right: ‘When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure’. Ale’s memory will forever be a treasure, inspiring the living to live lives of purpose, service and love.

Her mortal remains were laid to rest in Igogo-Ekiti yesterday, October 3, 2025.

Olajumoke Ale is survived by her children: Mrs. Funke Fashesin, Professor Omonike Ogbole, Dr. Olubunmi Ade-Ojo, Mr. Deji Ale, Mr. Kunle Ale, Mrs. Bosede Babatunde, and Mr. Gbenga Ale.

She is also survived by her sons-in-law: Mr. Oludiran Fashesin, mni; Professor Godwin Ogbole; and Professor Idowu Ade-Ojo; and her daughters-in-law: Dr. (Mrs.) Labake Ale, Mrs. Temitope Ale, and Mrs. Ejiro Ale. She was also blessed with many grandchildren.

Aunty Jose was predeceased by her son-in-law, Mr. Olumide Babatunde.

?May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant rest to Mrs. Josephine Olajumoke Ale’s soul and comfort her family!

A civic organisation – Ondo Redemption Front has charged the state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa on total autonomy for local government administration to allow for grassroots development.

The civic organisation which is committed to truth and accountability noted that this was to compliment the Federal Government’s desire in ensuring that effective governance was enhanced through effective local government administration.

Chairman of the organisation, Ayodeji Ologun, made the call at the group’s September Edition of its State of state address in Abuja.

Ologun said that as a group of concerned lawyers, the group had earlier raised serious concerns regarding the state of healthcare, governance, infrastructure, and financial accountability in Ondo state.

He said: ‘Ordinarily, we ought to have had this press conference in Akure but our deep concern to draw the attention of the Federal Government on the Local Government funds in Ondo State have brought us here.

‘You will recall that the Attorney General of the Federation sometimes approached, the Supreme Court in order to give life to our Local Governments. The reliefs sought by the Federal Government for our Local Government were granted.

‘The Attorney General assured Nigerians and by extension Ondo State people that our local governments will have an independent way of accessing their funds directly from the federation account for effective local government administration.’

Ologun added: ‘We hereby call on the Federal Government and the Attorney General of the Federation to revisit the implementation of the Supreme Judgment on Local Government autonomy.

Ologun said that true governance demanded listening, planning, and acting decisively.

He said that the group was worried about the implementation of some programmes which have little benefit to the people instead of strengthening community participation and resolving long-standing conflicts through dialogue.

The Ondo Redemption Front, therefore, called for the immediate and unconditional release of Local Government funds to all the Local Government in Ondo state as released by the federal government through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

Also speaking, Co-Chairman of the Ondo Redemption Front, Mogbojuri Kayode said: ‘Citizens should not be at the mercy of governance. It is only right for the government to tell us how the Ondo state funds have been used so far. ‘It is the right of the people for the government to disclose this information.’

With over two decades of championing Nigeria’s creative industries with several initiatives such as the Lagos International Jazz Festival (LIJF), The Nigerian Jazz Project (NAIJAZZ), The Creative Community, (LABULE), The Tale of Two African Cities (TOTAC – Lagos/Johannesburg) amongst others, CEO Inspiro Productions/Founder, The Planet Afrobeats Project, Ayoola Sadare is making a case for Lagos State to be officially recognised as the Afrobeats capital of the world.

He insisted that Afrobeats superstars like Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Tems, Rema, Ayra Starr and many others have transcended regional and continental lines to become a global cultural force.

‘From chart-topping hits dominating international airwaves to selling out arenas from London to New York, the world is listening and Lagos is always at the center. The city is in the lyrics, the visuals, and provides the soundtrack for the creative energy that fuels the culture. Lagos is the origin and Launchpad for this global phenomenon.

‘Lagos is already the Afrobeats capital of the world, the only problem? It hasn’t been officially recognised. Lagos, the heartbeat of a genre that has crossed oceans and conquered global charts, stages and audiences across the world, from the bustling streets of Surulere to the neon glow of Victoria Island, the city has nurtured the sound, raised its stars, and set the rhythm for a generation. The official recognition and declaration from the state, federal government and international organisations like the UN Tourism and others of what the world already knows and is a fact, Afrobeats begins and thrives in Lagos, Nigeria Is what is needed next.

‘But every day without the official recognition, Nigeria loses vast opportunities in year-round sustainable tourism, massive job creation, foreign and local investment, and the global branding power Afrobeats offers. This recognition is not merely symbolic but catalytic. It positions Lagos as a year-round sustainable creative tourism destination, beyond the now popular ‘Detty December,’ for signature festivals, conferences, creative residencies, heritage trails, and cultural expos that keep the megacity vibrant all year long.

Reality TV star Tolanibaj has confessed to being over the nightlife scene and is ready to explore marriage.

In a video, she admitted to being forced to enjoy clubbing and the loud music and dancing no longer excite her.

TolaniBaj stated that she’s looking for excitement in her life and believes marriage might bring her the fulfillment she’s seeking.

She said: ‘I gotta start being honest with myself. I no longer enjoy clubbing. I keep forcing it, bruh. I keep forcing it. I wanna see if I can experience some kind of excitement. I need excitement in my life.

‘I’m tired of clubbing. I don’t wanna be outside doing what? What am I looking for outside if I have a partner? Like, what the f- be outside to get a shot maybe traveling or something but like i’m done forcing clubbing man i don’t feel like pretending to be having fun in the club anymore like’.

She humorously stated she’d consider getting married for a short period, just to see if she’d like it.

‘I think it’s time to get married yeah i want to see if i can get married for like two days just to see if i like it that’s a scary commitment y’all like how am i not sure that after one month i will not start saying yeah,’ she added.

As part of its efforts to empower women economically, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in conjunction with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, yesterday has launched the Women Economic Empowerment Programme in Imo State and other states of the country and FCT.

Flagging-off the programme at the Banquet Hall, Government House Owerri, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in her address read by the wife of the Imo State Governor Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, disclosed that the economic empowerment programme is about supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of women traders and small scale business owners who each day are determined to provide for their families, educate their children as well as uplift their communities.

The First Lady applauded the Tony Elumelu foundation for donating the sum of N1billion to the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to support 18,500 women across the nation, with 500 women from each of the 36 States and FCT will receive N50,000 to strengthen their businesses.

She prayed that the act of generosity would inspire many across the nation to sustain their efforts.

The First Lady further disclosed that the governor of Imo State in his magnanimity increased the Tony Elumelu kind gesture by adding another N50,000 each making it N100,000 to be given to the pre-selected beneficiaries from the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State.

Senator Oluremi emphasized that the empowerment was not a loan, stressing that it was a grant; a seed of the Renewed Hope Initiative to help them re-capitalize their existing businesses.

In her words, ‘it is my belief that when you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community and indeed a nation,’ ‘The First Lady opined.

She expressed gratitude to the governor of Imo State, Uzodimma and his wife Chioma, for all their support in executing all the programmes of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

The event was attended by the wife of the former Governor of Imo State, Barr. (Mrs.) Chioma Ohakim, female vice chairmen, councilors, women leaders and many other prominent women from the state.

Highpoint of the programme was the presentation of N100,000 cash each to the selected 500 women by the First Lady of Imo State at the event.