Category: The Nation – Nigeria

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Niger State, Alhaji Nma Kolo said the party’s presidential candidate; Bola Tinubu has the capacity to provide the needed leadership that will restore Nigeria to the path of greatness if he becomes president.

Kolo told reporters in Minna, the state capital yesterday that Tinubu had the required knowledge to move the country forward.

The APC chieftain described Tinubu as a leader who will unite and move the country forward.

According to him, the APC presidential candidate has vast experience in how to solve the problems bedevilling the country.

He noted that despite the withholding of local governments’ allocation from the Federation Account by the Federal Government during Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State Governor, he was able to manage the state’s finances and put Lagos economy on sound footing.

The National Assembly is considering amendments to the Electoral Act which will likely include the conduct of all elections in one day.

House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, who gave the assurance yesterday, hinted that Presidential, gubernatorial, national, and state House of Assembly elections might be held on the same day should the bill be passed and assented to by the President.

He spoke when a delegation of the European Union Election Observation follow-up mission to Nigeria’s 2023 general election visited him in Abuja yesterday.

The Barry Andrews-led delegation also visited Headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), where it chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, warned that delay by the lawmakers in amending the Electoral Act 2022 could hamper preparations for the 2027 general election.

The delegation, which has been in the country for about three weeks to study the level of implementation of the recommendations contained in its report after the 2023 general election, also interfaced with the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).

Abbas, in a statement by his Press Secretary, Leke Bayeiwu, told the EU team that its reports on the 2023 polls were being considered in the ongoing electoral and democratic reforms by the National Assembly.

Abbas said: ‘I want to acknowledge that the leadership of the country under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to ensuring that we improve on our electoral processes, particularly regarding the observations made (by international observers) on the 2023 elections.

‘We in the National Assembly have also been busy working to gather as many issues as possible, arising from the last elections, so that we can see how we can legislatively address them; so that our next election will be more transparent, acceptable and in alignment with international standards.’

He told the team that a recent joint Senate and House of Representatives leadership meeting resolved to isolate electoral amendment issues and accelerate their consideration and passage.

He allayed fears about the timeliness of the reforms.

He said: ‘We agreed that because of some of the amendments that we want to bring forth – (some are by way of Act of Parliament, some are by constitutional amendment) we will fast track and isolate the electoral issues and take them as one, single entity; and push them forward for the National Assembly to deliberate and take a position; and then send them to the sub-nationals (state Houses of Assembly) to also consider within a short timeframe – between now and December.’

Reassuring that the Parliament was ‘very serious’ about electoral reforms, Abbas said the National Assembly was proposing new initiatives, including reserved parliamentary seats for women, reserved parliamentary seats for Persons With Disability (PLWDs), a constitutional role and financial autonomy for traditional rulers, a single-day election, among others.

He explained that it was the thinking of many members of the National Assembly that a single-day election would not only improve efficiency and transparency in electoral conduct but also reduce costs by almost 40 per cent.

He said: ‘Like the single-day election, it is to hold the election of the president, National Assembly membership, governorship and state House of Assembly membership elections on the same day.

‘In our own thinking, it will help to reduce our electoral costs to as much as 40 per cent if we can hold the elections within a day. It will also improve transparency and increase efficiency, particularly on the turnout of voters.’

The Speaker, however, urged the EU to assist the National Assembly in the area of advocacy and publicity, especially at the subnational level.

‘One takeaway from this meeting is to take the assurance from me and my colleagues that we will not be late. We will do the needful as far as legislation is concerned to enable INEC to have all the necessary tools and provisions to make the 2027 election much better than the 2023 election,’ he said.

Leader of the delegation, Andrews, who earlier wished the Speaker a happy 60th birthday, thanked him for working with the EU on different policies.

Andrews, a European Parliamentary member, expressed the desire of the EU to see Nigeria’s democracy and elections meet international standards.

He told Abbas that part of the recommendations in the 2023 election report required legislative initiatives. He admitted that some had been carried out by the National Assembly.

‘We have a good story to tell, frankly,’ Andrews said, but expressed concerns about the possibility of an amended Electoral Act being ready for use by INEC to conduct the 2027 polls.

INEC seeks quick amendment to Electoral Act

Receiving the EU team, INEC chairman Yakubu charged the National Assembly to quicken the amendment to the current Electoral Act.

He warned that the non-existence of a new legal framework could negatively affect its preparations for the 2027 elections.

‘We appeal to the National Assembly for an expeditious consideration of the electoral reform proposal. An early passage of law is critical to our planning for the elections,” Yakubu said.

He added: ‘An Election is a process governed by law. Many of your recommendations require the review of our electoral laws. For this reason, the commission had interfaced with our National Assembly, including holding a retreat with the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters (Senate and House of Representatives).

”Uncertainty over the legal framework for the election can unsettle the work of the Commission as the election draws nearer.’

The INEC boss told the delegation that their current visit was the third ‘ that the present commission is receiving such a mission.”

He said: ”I recall that in 2017, we received Mr Santiago Fisas, who led the EU Election Observation to Nigeria’s 2015 General Election.

”Similarly, in 2022, we hosted Maria Arena, who led the EU Election Observation Mission to Nigeria in 2019. Today, we are glad to receive Mr Barry Andrews, who led the EU Mission to the 2023 general election.

‘In 2019, the EU EOM made 30 recommendations, out of which 11 were specifically addressed to INEC. Three of them were identified as priority recommendations, while eight were categorised as general.

‘By comparison, your 2023 report made 23 recommendations, out of which eight (34.8 per cent) require action by INEC, of which only one recommendation was listed as a priority.

”The remaining 15 (65.2 per cent) recommendations, of which five were categorised as priority, require action by other entities in the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary, as well as political parties and multiple stakeholders such as civil society organisations, the media and professional bodies.

‘The commission has carefully considered all eight recommendations specifically addressed to us in your report. Action has been taken on aspects of the recommendations that only require administrative action to implement.

‘Similarly, action is being taken on cross-cutting recommendations that require collective action between INEC and other bodies and stakeholders while waiting for the conclusion of the ongoing legal review by the National Assembly on the recommendations that require legislative intervention.

‘To this end, the commission has prepared a detailed response on each one of your direct observations, which we shared with you at this meeting. If time permits, we can go over each of the recommendations seriatim.

‘I must also add that your recommendations, along with similar reports from other national and international election observers, were the subject of wide-ranging consultations with critical institutions and stakeholders during our own review of the 2023 general election.

‘The review report contains 142 recommendations for electoral reform. In addition, the commission published our main 2023 general election report over a year ago. The two reports are available from our website.

‘We look forward to the next EU EOM for the 2027 General Election. As you are aware, international Election Observation Missions are deployed on the invitation of the commission. I want to reassure you that we will continue to engage with you.’

‘Very soon, the commission will send out invitations to the EU as well as the Commonwealth, the African Union and ECOWAS for the 2027 general election. We believe that the recommendations arising from your observation of our election and electoral process help to improve the quality of our elections and electoral activities.’

The delegation told Yakubu that the EU was pleased with the implementation of some of its recommendations on the 2023 general election by INEC

He insisted that Nigeria must move beyond half-measures.

Andrews pointed out that election observation is not about interference, but strengthening democracy in Nigeria, in Africa, and across the world.

Andrews warned that reforms in the judiciary, administration, and the Constitution remain too slow, with transparency in result publication still unresolved.

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has expressed grief and deep sorrow over the passing of the President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Engr. Ifedayo Akindoju.

The respected tennis administrator reportedly passed away on Tuesday, 2nd October, in Abuja.

Olopade described Engr. Akindoju’s demise as a monumental loss to the Nigerian sports family, noting that the void created by his death will be felt for many years to come. He praised the late tennis president as a perfect gentleman whose selfless leadership brought steady growth and development to Nigerian tennis.

‘I am still pinching myself not to believe that Engr. Akindoju is no more because of how full of life he was the last time he came to my office. This is a big loss to the tennis family and the country in general.’

‘When you see Engr. Akindoju, you see his selfless passion for Nigerian tennis and how he constantly thinks of how Nigeria can produce the next generation of tennis top players.’

The DG further assured that the Commission will stand firmly with the bereaved family in their time of grief.

‘At this critical time of grief, our hearts are with his family, and as a Commission we will be in constant touch with them for every form of support.’

Nearly a week after the first wide-bodied aircraft landed at the upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia, Ibadan, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said his administration would do more to attract investors to the state.

He said the upgrade of the airport had rewritten its 43-year-old history, but his government would not stop just yet, as its vision was to make the facility welcoming to investors, who would come into the state and would wish to return.

The governor, who spoke at the Jagz Hospitality Conference, held in commemoration of the first anniversary of the hotel, said government would sustain its policies, which attracted the hotel to the state and had been attracting many other businesses, while it would also up the ante to ensure more investors were attracted to the state.

He added that the state government would continue to support businesses to thrive, irrespective of the economic challenges in the country.

Governor Makinde lauded the management and workers of The Jagz Hotel, urging them not to rest on their oars.

He said: ‘I am glad to be here one year after we inaugurated this business. The business has not folded up and it is still waxing very strong.

‘It is not by accident when you see things happen. It is because people are putting in hard work. They are putting in everything necessary to keep the venture going.

‘So, the staff-members, the management, and even some of you that are patrons here, let me commend you for roles you are playing, especially the management. It is not easy.

‘Since that one year, there has been a lot within the economic environment, and that you are still standing shows that you have together a team. And, I can only assure you that as a government, whatever you need from us, please ask, we will oblige.’

The governor addressed the issue of import substitution, noting that the theory that the country’s economic challenges would go away once its people focused only on the local economic environment was defective.

He said Oyo State had remained open to local businesses coming into the state.

Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, said the Governor Makinde administration had expanded the economy through tourism and solid mineral development.

He called on stakeholders in tourism and hospitality business to support the government.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu yesterday kicked off distribution of 370,000 sanitary pads worth N2,550,297,150 for school girls in rural communities in the 36 states and Abuja.

Speaking at the launch under her Renewed Hope Initiative, ‘Flow with Confidence,’ Mrs Remi Tinubu, represented by wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, noted that the programme was a vital health intervention to empower school girls, especially in the rural communities.

It was launched simultaneously in Borno, Cross River, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kebbi, and Lagos. It is expected other states will launch as soon as they get supplies.

She said: ‘In today’s modern world, no girl should have to miss school because of her inability to afford sanitary products. It is unacceptable that our girls still continue to face challenges during their menstrual cycle, especially those in rural areas, who miss school days every month because they cannot afford sanitary pads.

‘Some who attend, resort to unsafe and unhygienic alternatives, while others stay at home altogether, falling behind in their studies and, in some cases, eventually dropping out of school. This trend must end, and this intervention, under the education framework of Renewed Hope Initiative is aimed at doing just that.

‘We will distribute one-year supply of disposable sanitary pads to 370,000 school girls in rural communities at the end of this programme.

‘All states and Federal Capital Territory will receive 10,000 packs each through governor’s wives and RHI coordinators. This is to support our girls and those to afford sanitary pads.

‘We chose disposable sanitary pads because it offers a simple, hygienic option that offers better health benefits for a woman’s wellbeing.

‘For us at RHI, we believe no girl should choose between her dignity and her education.’

She urged chairmen of local governments to take ownership of the intervention by ensuring the pads get to girls in the rural communities.

‘The pads are not to be sold,’ she warned.

Continuing, she said ‘We spent N2,550,297,150 to procure these customised disposable pads from a local company, Uniglory, Nigeria Limited in Ikorodu, Lagos State.’

She urged corporate organisations, parastatals and agencies, and others to key into the programme so that many more girls can be reached.

The First Lady also asked monarchs, religious and community leaders to monitor the distribution to support the girls to grow into responsible and informed adults.

Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, said the programme emphasised the First Lady’s concern for the girls, especially at the grassroots.

A female student of ATM Science and Technical College Jato Aka, Miss Gloria Songo, has been shot dead by soldiers of Operation Whirl Stroke, deployed to fight banditry in Kwande Local Government in Benue State.

The late Gloria was one among the three students that were shot by the soldiers on Tuesday and died yesterday in a hospital.

Students of the college, each bearing a poster, marched round Jato Aka town, singing in remembrance of the late Miss Songo, who they described as disciplined and hardworking.

The students wept uncontrollably on major streets of Jato Aka amid tension. They called for the soldiers to be withdrawn from their community.

The death of Miss Gloria raised the number of soldiers killed to three in Jato Aka, and Turan within four days.

Recall that soldiers from Operation Whirl Stroke opened fire on mourners, who were returning from a burial, killing two students on the spot, while others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital.

Police Public Relationship Officer, Edet Edeme, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said hoodlums opened fire on soldiers on patrol and the soldiers returned fire.

There are protests in Jato Aka and other adjoining settlements against the action of the soldiers

Elders of Jato Aka, who spoke to The Nation, wondered why soldiers who were deployed to protect the harmless community members, turned around to kill them.

It is barely one month to the Anambra State governorship poll. Why is the opposition alleging that there is a gradual weakening of purposeful governance in the state?

Let me tell you this. Anambra people are very angry. They are agitating against Soludo’s government, with audacity. Social media messages directed at the governor are many. Each emphasises discontent, disappointment, and deep concerns about insecurity. There are also complaints about the high-handedness of government agents with ample evidence of brutality.

Clearly, governance has gone to the dogs. And that’s the truth. In this day and age, you don’t use rough club-stick methods to collect taxes when technology apps exist for that purpose.

Based on our findings, we urge Nigerians to take active interest in the Anambra State governorship election to see how far the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has improved in its election management strategies.

They should not be distracted by the impending exit of the INEC chairman, Professor Yakubu Mahmood, and how his successor would emerge, but show the greater interest in how the commission itself as an institution has matured with the rich lessons it has gathered from periodic elections since 1999.

Are you among those who claim that Enugu and Abia governors are showing measurable impacts of performance?

Good governance is about visible service delivery and the responsibility to protect the citizens. Both are anchored on the people being satisfied enough to trust the government and benefitting from measurable and sustainable development. Both are also confidence building measures. Without any doubt, Anambra is distantly behind Enugu and Abia in terms of comparative governance, service delivery, and project execution. As an Anambra citizen and politician, I’m deeply saddened. Ndi Anambra, generally, are not happy with Soludo’s performance after nearly four years. A second term for him will be rewarding underperformance and hollow promises.

In line with my offer to serve out the remaining four years available for Anambra South, I have been talking to our people about how the ADC government will kick of by focusing on the two issues of greatest concern to our dear state, namely, insecurity and over taxation.

And, you may wish to know that coming from the private sector like Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, I believe that governing a commercial state such as Anambra State requires determination, planning and focus to achievement results within two years.

So, we leading our people to become very conversant with ADC’s SHEEEMS developmental model for Anambra State and they are eager to begin to see evidence of good governance from day one instead of boastful grammar and street side banters.

You have toured the 177 communities in Anambra State. What is your impression?

Governance and infrastructural decay are evident. There seems to be no maintenance culture. Roads, and public facilities are all crumbling. Even new roads are below standard. Many are being washed away daily. Many building are also collapsing, as never before. So enforcement of regulations is very lax. But insecurity concerns dominate most communities. Several are under siege. Generally, there is no simultaneous development, across board. These factors alone compel leadership change.

I could with every sense of modesty that among the gladiators, the people disclosed that only the ADC as a party that was speaking to the issues without maligning anybody. With that revelation I am aware that when we are sworn in as governor on March 17, 2026, Anambra people have something to hold us to account and put our feet to the fire.

Between rediscovery or recovery, which do you propose for the state?I dare say, both. Under Soludo, his penchant for cosmetics aside, Anambra is a shadow of itself. So we need to rediscover the state both in terms of quality of life, and governance. We also need recovery from the frightening and deplorable state of insecurity under Soludo’s watch. Since the era of Bakassi, it has never been this bad. One of my campaign mantra is, let’s secure Anambra again.

How is the campaign going?

I will tell you. It was the governor who declared that progressives, that is All Progressives Congress (APC) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) are working together, by which he means that APC and APGA have become one, that is APCGA.

And, indeed, they are united in their record of disappointment for the Anambra people, especially in the area of security and citizens’ welfare. So, the balloting on November 8 has become very east for our people, because they have the ADC as the credible alternative.

Our seven-point SHEEEMS agenda is an assured social contract that guarantees focused attention on Security Health Education Economy, Environment Markets and Social Welfare for the people. What is more, ADC parades a balanced religious ticket comprising a catholic and an Anglican, because my running mate, Dr Ndubuisi Nwobu, an Anglican comes from Anambra Central Senatorial Zone.

Together, we satisfy the zoning arrangement that guides the distribution of political offices among the three Senatorial Districts of the state.

How far do you think that your SHEEEMS agenda can go to rekindle hope in governance in Anambra State?

SHEEEMS, acronym for security, health, education, economy, environment, markets and social welfare, is a holistic governance, service delivery and simultaneous development strategy targeted at every LGA and every community. It ensures that no community is left behind and impacts every facets of personal and community life. We are inclined to adopting and adapting to best practices. SHEEEMS seek to replicate the ANIDS governance model. It will offer policy and project ownership to Ndi Anambra. For instance, the traditional rulers, and presidents-general will participate in the state budget formulation forum, as it pertains to projects in their respective communities. Only them can prioritize their needs. Such modalities ought to rekindle hope, transparency, trust, and excellence.

What impact do you intend to make in one term of four years, what approach do you intend to undertake to achieve those lofty goals?

First, with my commitment to do only one term, I will not have the undue burden of re-election. My focus is to leave an indelible legacy and provide a solid foundation for continuity regardless of who succeeds me.

Our budgetary processes, policies, programmes and projects, will all be results-based, and in the public domain. Transparency and accountability will be prioritized. We are not going to start new projects, if there are abandoned or incomplete projects that can be done at lower costs. Whatever we do, will be enhanced by seamless deployment of AI and hightect.

We will lay greater emphasis on cutting the cost of governance and doing more with less. Naturally, we will partner with development partners, as well as domestic and foreign investors. To make these possible, our first priority is to secure Anambra, make it safe and create an enabling environment.

Anambra North Senatorial District holds the ace as the kingmaker and decider of the November 8 poll. Has ADC done enough in that axis?

We have constructively, respectfully, and quietly engaged prominent stakeholders in Anambra North. This includes leaders of faith-based institutions, traditional rulers, and captains of industry. I’m from Anambra South. My deputy, Dr Ndubuisi Nwobu, is from Anambra central.

So, the interests of our respective zones are catered for. We, therefore, need to assure Anambra North that they have a vested interest in becoming the undisputed kingmakers. Look at it this way, out of respect for zoning, a majority of the candidates are from the Anambra South. Likewise, a majority of the deputies.

I am among those who think that the votes of those zones will be shared. The Anambra North bloc votes will go to the candidate that Anambra North people, especially parts of disenfranchised Anambra North, can trust.

What has Soludo done for the people of Aguleri Otu or Ogwu Ikpele? These are the two oil producing communities in Anambra. Even as host communities, they have no roads and enjoy limited government presence. It is in the interest of Anambra North bloc to support ADC and, in doing so, pivot to the national framework in due course.

There have been concerns that ADC and Labour Party may split their votes if the candidates of the two parties do not unite behind a common candidate in line with the coalition designs. What can you say about that postulation?

Vote splitting is a possibility. But the ADC is not in crisis like the LP. Indeed, does the LP have an authentic candidate, as per the recent Supreme Court ruling pertaining to the leadership of that party? Look, I don’t want to be distracted by other people’s problems. ADC is the national coalition party. Others may wish to join us. When they arrive, we will already be seated at the table. That’s the fact.

Would former Governor Peter Obi’s support for any candidate in the election be a plus or minus?

With due respect, I would rather not be drawn into such a controversy. The facts speak for themselves. Only His Excellency, Peter Obi, can speak to his game plan. From media reports, he aligned with ADC from the very start. He also seems to be still entrenched in very fractured LP. He has publicly campaigned for ADC and LP candidates. I can’t tell a master politician how to make his bed. Neither can I speak on issues of electoral assets and liabilities. I try to avoid undue controversies.

October has arrived with its rainy days and unpredictable power supply, but Netflix is offering a stacked lineup of new releases to keep the month exciting.

From spy thrillers and true-crime horrors to heartfelt dramas and romcoms, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re into anime and action, this one might just be your new obsession. It’s from the artiste who wrote John Wick (so you know the fight scenes will hit hard). Splinter Cell: Deathwatch drops us into the shadowy world of espionage with Sam Fisher-a legend in the field-who gets pulled back into action to mentor a rookie. Together, they unravel a conspiracy that could change everything.

It’s an action-packed anime with serious style, dropping just in time for those nights when all you want is to curl up in bed with your laptop.

If dark and bloody themes aren’t your thing-or if you just need a laugh and a little romance-you’ll love the energy Nobody Wants This brings. The Emmy-nominated romcom centers on an outspoken, agnostic woman who somehow falls for a very unconventional rabbi. It sounds odd on paper, but the chemistry, humour, and writing make it work.

Season 1 was a surprise hit, and Season 2 promises to keep the charm going. If you missed it the first time around, October is your chance to binge Season 1 before the new episodes land. It’s light, funny, and perfect for unwinding after a hectic day.

Confession: I’m extremely biased here. If Cillian Murphy is in it, I’m watching it. He’s been a gangster, a physicist, a supervillain, and now, he’s Steve.

Adapted from the novel Shy, the story follows a headteacher struggling to keep his reform school alive while trying to guide a troubled student. It’s heavy, emotional, and a world away from Murphy’s Oppenheimer spotlight last year but that’s exactly why people love him.

If you enjoy slow-burning dramas with performances that linger long after the credits roll, Steve is one to watch. Yes, it’s moody. Yes, it’ll probably break your heart a little. But it’s also Cillian Murphy at his best, and honestly, some of us would watch him read a phone book.

Remember how Netflix had us all hooked on Dahmer last year? Well, Ryan Murphy is back this time with The Ed Gein Story, about the real-life killer whose crimes inspired countless horror movies.

Set in 1950s Wisconsin, the series follows how Gein terrorized his town, desecrating graves and murdering women.

Charlie Hunnam takes on the chilling lead role, and if the show sticks to Murphy’s formula, expect a disturbing deep dive that will dominate social media the moment it drops. If you’re into true-crime binges that make you double-check your doors before bed, this one’s for you.

First of all 10/10 title. This Thai crime drama follows two bank employees who think they’ve struck gold by stealing from a dead woman’s account. Spoiler: they haven’t. Instead, they’re pulled deep into her criminal underworld, facing consequences they definitely weren’t ready for.

It’s stylish, unpredictable, and proof that not all the best Netflix releases come from Hollywood. If you love discovering international gems or just need a break from the same old thrillers, this is your perfect mid-October pick.

Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room: Henry Cavill is gone. Yes, it hurts. But Liam Hemsworth is stepping in, and maybe just maybe he won’t ruin your favorite Witcher.

This season picks up after the chaos of Season 3, with Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri separated by war and hunted by enemies who’d rather see them dead than reunited.

The stakes are higher, the story is inching toward its grand finale, and it promises to feel darker and more dangerous than ever. Even if you’re watching purely out of curiosity to see how Hemsworth handles the role, there’s no denying The Witcher remains one of Netflix’s most bingeable fantasy epics.

Benin City, the Edo State capital, will come alive from December 21 to 24 when it plays host to the Edo Carnival 2025, a four-day cultural fiesta showcasing music, dance, fashion, food, and tradition.

The event, which will hold at Garrick Memorial on Ekehuan Road, is expected to draw thousands of visitors, including culture enthusiasts, tourists, and residents. Organisers said the carnival will feature cultural parades, traditional masquerades, live music concerts, and fashion shows celebrating Edo and African styles. Dance competitions and street performances will also add colour to the city.

Food lovers will enjoy a festival of delicacies that blends Edo favourites with Nigerian staples, while educational programmes such as seminars and training sessions will run alongside the entertainment.

One of the highlights will be the Miss Edo Carnival 2025 pageant, described as a platform to celebrate grace, intelligence, and cultural pride.

The festival will climax with a grand finale and fireworks display across the Benin skyline.

According to the organisers, Edo Carnival is designed not only as entertainment but also as a celebration of the state’s heritage and a platform to boost tourism and community.

Veteran Nollywood actress, Bukky Wright, has celebrated her son, Eniola, as he tied the knot with his international partner.

Wright expressed her gratitude and joy in a heartfelt Instagram post, thanking Allah for sparing her life to witness the milestone.

‘This is the day that the Lord has made!! I rejoiced and was glad with so much gratitude to Allah for sparing my life to see my baby boy get married and start his life with his wife. I have seen the beginning of your life till date, I will not see your end insha Allah,’ she wrote.

She also prayed for the couple’s marriage to be blessed and filled with happiness.

‘Almighty Allah will make this union one made from heaven. He will continue to be with your family and by His grace you will never lack anything good in life. As you start the journey into real life with your wife you will not know sorrow. Thanks for making me a proud mother. I can go on and on but I will stop here for now. I love you guys.’