Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Renowned peak performance coach and leadership consultant, Dr. Shogo Oyeniyi, is set to host a Guinness World Record attempt for a vision board gathering.

The event will take place on November 1 at The Podium, Lekki, with participants joining in person and virtually.

Tagged: ‘Dream It, Plan It, Live It,’ the initiative seeks to bring together of dreamers, doers, entrepreneurs, career professionals, creatives, and students, who will simultaneously create vision boards-a powerful act of mapping out goals and aspirations.

‘This is more than a world record attempt; it is the birth of a global movement,’ said Dr. Shogo.

‘We want the world to see that Africa is not only a land of possibilities but also a stage where bold dreams are born and realised.’

With participants travelling from across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond, as well as thousands more connecting online, Lagos is set to become the epicenter of vision, ambition, and action. The event will fuse creativity, empowerment, and transformation, igniting intentional living and purposeful goal-setting.

Organisers emphasised that the gathering is not simply about setting a record, but about inspiring people everywhere to dream bigger, act bolder, and take control of their future.

On November 1, the world will not just witness history-it will watch thousands of visions come alive.

For over five decades, Nigeria’s global standing has risen, fallen, and risen again. The other day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, addressed the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York. His statement rekindled Nigeria’s role as Africa’s leading voice and reminded the world of its historic place as a defender of justice, fairness, and reform.

Tinubu’s call for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council for Africa, fairer access to trade and finance, equity for resource-rich nations, and closing the digital divide re-echoed the spirit of the country’s diplomacy in 1976, when General Murtala Ramat Muhammed stood before the world and declared that Africa would no longer be a pawn in global politics. His short but bold tenure set a standard for Nigerian diplomacy-one that Tinubu’s government now seeks to revive.

Muhammed’s administration (July 1975 to February 1976) marked the dawn of Nigeria’s assertive foreign policy. At the 31st UNGA in 1975, he denounced apartheid, colonialism, and foreign interference in African affairs, backing liberation struggles in Angola, Mozambique, and Southern Africa. This moral boldness earned Nigeria respect among developing nations and placed Africa at the centre of international debate.

After his assassination in 1976, General Olusegun Obasanjo continued this foreign policy activism, consolidating Nigeria’s reputation as a defender of African freedom and a rising global power. However, the years that followed (between 1979 and 1999) told a different story, as there was a decline in Nigeria’s image. President Shehu Shagari’s civilian administration (1979 to 1983) was marred by economic mismanagement and corruption, eroding Nigeria’s credibility abroad. The military regimes that followed-Generals Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida, Sani Abacha, and Abdulsalami Abubakar-deepened the decline.

Babangida briefly regained influence through peacekeeping in Liberia and Sierra Leone, but authoritarianism and annulled elections overshadowed those gains. Under Abacha, Nigeria became a pariah, suspended from the Commonwealth in 1995 after the execution of writer and environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and other Ogoni activists. By 1999, Nigeria’s reputation had plummeted to its lowest ebb.

The return to democracy in 1999 offered a chance at renewal. President Obasanjo restored Nigeria’s international image, secured debt relief from the Paris Club in 2005, re-engaged with multilateral institutions, and reasserted Nigeria’s peacekeeping leadership.

His successors contributed unevenly. Umaru Yar’Adua emphasised the rule of law but was hampered by ill-health. Goodluck Jonathan pursued regional peace and electoral reforms, while Buhari focused on anti-corruption and counter-terrorism. Yet insecurity, economic fragility, and governance challenges limited Nigeria’s ability to command consistent respect on the world stage.

President Tinubu’s current push to reclaim Nigeria’s voice in the international arena is anchored on four pillars of reform.

The first pillar is the quest for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council. ‘When the United Nations was founded in 1945, Nigeria was absent from the table where decisions shaping its destiny were made’, Tinubu declared. Today, with over 236 million people-projected to be the world’s third most populous country by 2050-Nigeria insists that Africa’s 1.4 billion people deserve permanent representation at the UN’s top chamber.

Nigeria has contributed troops to 51 of 60 UN peacekeeping operations since its independence, from Liberia and Sierra Leone in the 1990s to ongoing missions today. Tinubu argued that multilateralism loses credibility when the world of 1945 still dictates in 2025. For Africa, Nigeria’s case is both moral and practical.

The second pillar is debt relief and fair access to trade. This revolves around the debt trap suffocating developing economies. He called for a binding international mechanism to manage sovereign debt-a ‘financial equivalent of the International Court of Justice.’

The argument is not one of charity but fairness. In 2005, Nigeria secured $18 billion in debt relief, but today, cycles of debt have returned across the Global South. Without fairer access to trade, financing, and markets, nations face cruel choices between food security, schools, and defence.

Tinubu linked Nigeria’s own painful reforms-ending fuel subsidies and restructuring currency controls-to this global demand, framing the country as a credible advocate for broader financial justice.

The third pillar is equity for resource-rich nations. Decades of oil extraction in Nigeria’s Niger Delta created immense wealth for multinationals while leaving local communities impoverished and polluted. The same paradox haunts Africa’s mineral-rich states, from Sierra Leone’s blood diamonds to Congo’s conflict minerals.

Tinubu insisted that fairness requires investment in local processing and job creation. With demand soaring for minerals like lithium and cobalt, Africa must not again become a theatre of exploitation. Instead of exporting raw ore, African nations should export finished products, ensuring real benefits for their people.

The last one, which reflects the future, seeks to close the digital divide. Tinubu reminded the Assembly that technology is reshaping governance, law, finance, and conflict, yet the digital divide between developed and developing nations risk becoming the new frontier of inequality. Fake news, cybercrime, and misinformation already destabilise societies. But more dangerous, he warned, is the emergence of a generation that believes nothing and trusts less, corroding the foundation of democratic governance.

Tinubu declared that for Nigeria-where over 65 per cent of the population is under 30-digital inclusion is a survival strategy. He called for a global initiative uniting governments, researchers, and the private sector to expand access and literacy. He also tied digital equity to peace and governance, warning that unchecked disinformation could corrode trust and democracy.

In the same speech, he reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for a two-state solution in Gaza, linking technology, peace, and human rights in a forward-looking vision for the Global South.

Tinubu’s UNGA80 speech was more than rhetoric-it was a blueprint for repositioning Nigeria as a credible, reformist voice in the international system. By linking domestic reforms to global priorities, his administration projects Nigeria as a serious player once again.

From Murtala Muhammed’s uncompromising stand against apartheid to Tinubu’s call for Security Council reform, Nigeria’s journey has come full circle. With a reviving economy, stronger governance, and a commitment to fairness in global affairs, Nigeria is repositioning itself as both a continental anchor and a global partner.

This is more than diplomacy-it is the restoration of respect and relevance among the community of nations.

Celtic fell to a 2-0 defeat against Portuguese side SC Braga on the second matchday of the Europa League phase yesterday at Celtic Park, Glasgow.

The Bhoys failed to score in a second consecutive home game, having been held to a stalemate by Hibernian last weekend.

Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho completed 90 minutes for the first time in a Celtic shirt, marking his fifth appearance in all competitions for the Scottish champions.

It was a brilliant evening for Braga as not many clubs visit Celtic Park and come away with the spoils, piling the pressure on manager Brendan Rodgers.

The first goal that set Braga on their way was a long-range blaster from the captain Ricardo Horta twenty minutes into the contest.

Iheanacho thought he had equalized five minutes into the second half, but a faint touch off his arm led to the goal being disallowed after a VAR review.

The Super Eagles star capitalized on a loose ball, lifted it over a defender and arrowed a shot into the far corner, but it was ruled out for handball in the build-up.

Had the goal stood, the former Leicester City star would have become the first Celtic player in 30 years to score in both his opening two major European appearances for the club, according to UEFA’s official website.

Gabri Martínez put the game beyond any doubt late on when he saw the ball cannon off him and past goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

Iheanacho found the net on the opening matchday of the Europa League against Red Star Belgrade.

The Big Brother Naija Season 10 finale is set to take place on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

After a nail-biting evictions show in Lagos, the top nine finalists have been confirmed following Faith’s disqualification on Thursday evening.

They include Kola, Imisi, Isabella, Sultana, Jason Jae, Mensan, Koyin, Kaybobo and Dede.

These finalists will compete for the coveted title of champion, with the winner joining the esteemed list of BBNaija stars that began with Katung Aduwak in 2006 and most recently saw Kellyrae take the crown in 2024.

The grand finale promises to be an electrifying conclusion to the season, with alliances tested and strategies exhausted.

Host Ebuka Obi Uchendu bid farewell to Mide, Zita, and Rooboy, who were evicted during the last live show.

Now, all eyes are on the remaining contestants as they vie for the top prize.

Katung Aduwak, Season 1 (2006)

Michael Efe Ejeba, Season 2 (2017)

Miracle Igbokwe, Season 3 (2018)

Mercy Eke, Season 4 (2019)

Olamilekan ‘Laycon’ Agbeleshe, Season 5 (2020)

Hazel ‘Whitemoney’ Onou, Season 6 (2021)

Ijeoma ‘Phyna’ Otabor, Season 7 (2022)

Ilebaye Odiniya, Season 8 All Stars (2023)

Kingsley ‘Kellyrae’ Sule, Season 9 (2024)

As Season 10 draws to a close, the big question remains: who among the top nine finalists will step into the spotlight and join this list of winners.

BMJ Music, under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, James Ochuko Blessing, has unveiled its newest artiste, KNG Maleek, in a move set to deepen the label’s stake in the Afrobeat and street-pop scene.

KNG Maleek, whose style fuses Afrobeat rhythms with street-pop energy, has been described as a rare talent with the potential to dominate the music industry.

His sound, rooted in both the struggles and triumphs of everyday life, has already won him street credibility and growing attention.

Speaking during the unveiling, Ochuko Blessing said, ‘KNG Maleek is a rare talent. He has the energy of the streets, the creativity to cross borders, and the voice that speaks to today’s generation. At BMJ Music, our focus has always been on nurturing artistes who can grow into global stars, and Maleek is exactly that kind of artiste.’

The artiste is set to make his official debut with an Extended Play (EP) project titled Minimum Wage. The project, expected to hit streaming platforms soon, will feature tracks such as Motion, Tension, Scatter, and Elevate.

Industry watchers say the move positions BMJ Music as one of the record labels to watch, as it continues to groom artistes capable of crossing local and international markets.

The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has said that Leah Sharibu and every Nigerian child still unaccounted for in the war against Boko Haram remain scars on the nation.

Kukah made the remark while reviewing ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum’, a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, at its official launch.

He said, ‘Now, the issue of Leah Sharibu and the Chibok girls, these are what the author refers to as the scars. And in my view, as long as Leah Sharibu is unaccounted for, as long as any of the abducted children in Nigeria is unaccounted for, every child that is unaccounted for is a scar on the face of Nigeria.’

According to him, military action alone cannot end the Boko Haram insurgency, as insurgents are driven by a readiness to die, unlike soldiers who fight to stay alive.

Kukah also faulted the label ‘Boko Haram,’ insisting that such narratives divert attention from the deeper causes of the crisis.

‘And I think this is where the Nigerian government has gotten it wrong. First of all, let’s not forget. We are the ones who gave them the name Boko Haram,’ he said.

‘They didn’t say that they are Boko Haram. We are the ones who gave them the name, and because we gave them the name Boko Haram, we have become comfortable. It has affected our strategy.

‘Boko Haram says their name is Jama’at Ahl al-Sunna li al-Da’wa wa al-Jihad. That is their name. And the English translation is that people committed to the prophet’s teachings for the propagation of jihad. The challenge is what context of preaching,’

While charging political leaders to write biographies, he said the nation was already in trouble and needed solutions on the way out.

He said, ‘First, the Nigerian military must be inspired by this book to also create a sense of urgency about returning to the barracks so that their honour, their integrity, their professionalism can be guaranteed.

‘Soldiers have written to say that they are often better off under civilian government than under military government. However, the presence of the military in 36 states out of 36 states in Nigeria makes the notion of democracy an oxymoron.

‘We cannot be in a democracy and be surrounded by soldiers, because increasingly, psychologically, people are beginning to think, see the military as an army of occupation. It shouldn’t be so.’

He also charged the federal government to expand its concept of national security to cover all aspects of security, including food and health.’

Kukah accused northern leaders of using ‘Islamism’ as a tool to grab power, which he said was destructive Islam.

‘I would like to use this opportunity to speak to my Muslim brothers, especially from Northern Nigeria. Islamism is what is called political theology. In Christianity, it could be the same thing, but political theology, that is, the instrumentalization and the skewed usage and manipulation of religion as a tool for governance.

‘Nigeria is a democracy, and there is a way that good Muslims can participate in democracy, and good Christians can participate in democracy. But the idea that we want to use religion to enforce power is what Islamism is all about. It has become destructive to the religion itself. Suddenly now, in this day and age, we are here.’

However, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, faulted Kukah’s claim.

He said, ‘I also want to correct a wrong notion that many non-Muslims hold about jihad. Jihad does not mean a Muslim must kill a non-Muslim. Jihad means ‘to strive.’ In every aspect of life, one strives to be the best they can be-to be a good Muslim, a good Christian, a good farmer, or a good engineer. Jihad is not about killing non-Muslims; that is a misconception that has persisted for decades.

‘In addition, I want to clarify another issue. When Bishop Kukah spoke about Islamism, he may have used some words in a way that created misunderstanding, making Islam appear negative. But Islamism is not about seeking power for its own sake. Rather, Islam emphasizes good governance in society. Whoever is in power-take, for example, President Goodluck Jonathan-we gave him 100% support throughout his presidency. Nobody said anything negative about him, and he himself knows that.

‘So, Islamism is not what some people think. It is not about seizing power; it is about promoting good governance.’

Nigeria will select its next space representative through an expanded democratic astronaut selection process, launched yesterday by the Space Exploration Research Agency (SERA).

The initiative promotes community-selected space representation for Nigeria, India, Indonesia, Brazil, and Thailand, with citizens voting for their representatives through a blockchain-powered platform.

The program transforms space access from an exclusive institutional selection to one that involves public participation. Unlike traditional astronaut programs requiring military backgrounds or advanced degrees, SERA’s Mission Control platform on Telegram enables anyone from partner nations to apply and compete for community support.

‘After the success of SERA’s inaugural space flight in 2022, were scaling democratic space access to five nations simultaneously, plus a global seat,’ said Joshua Skurla, SERA co-founder. Nigeria’s seat means someone from any background can represent their nation in space based on community choice.

The approach builds on SERA’s demonstrated success in sending Victor Hespanha, selected from the SERA community, to become South America’s first civilian astronaut on Blue Origin’s New Shepard. That mission validated both the selection process and global appetite for community participation in space exploration. For Nigeria, this represents a historic opportunity to build on the country’s recent achievements in space.

Director, Media and Corporate Communications at National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Felix Ale, in a statement, explained that while Nigeria has pursued space exploration through its NASRDA and witnessed Chief Owolabi Salis’s self-funded Blue Origin flight, SERA offers the first community-selected civilian astronaut pathway. This partnership aligns with our vision of expanding Nigeria’s space presence beyond satellites to human spaceflight,’ Director General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, said. SERA’s democratic approach ensures Nigerian representation reflects our diverse population’s aspirations.

Dr. Anne Agi, President of Learnspace Foundation, which facilitated the partnership between SERA and NASRDA, emphasized the broader mission. ‘We’re building bridges between communities, institutions, and industry to ensure Nigeria’s journey to human spaceflight is not only historic but inclusive and connected to the global movement for shared exploration.’

The selection process operates through SERA Mission Control, a Telegram mini-app built on TON Blockchain for transparent voting. Candidates complete challenges to earn SpaceDust points and compete for their nation’s guaranteed seat. The blockchain infrastructure prevents manipulation while enabling global participation through the accessible Telegram platform.

‘We’re opening space to people who never imagined it possible,’ said Sam Hutchison, SERA co-founder. A teacher in Abuja or a content creator in Lagos can now compete for Nigeria’s space seat through community engagement, not just academic credentials.’

Six seats are reserved for the upcoming Blue Origin mission-five allocated to partner nations, with a sixth open to citizens from any country. The programme includes a Science Platform where communities can submit and vote on experiments, creating decentralized research opportunities.

SERA addresses the representation gap in space exploration. While around 800 people have traveled to space since 1961, none from Nigeria, India, Indonesia, Thailand, or most developing nations have flown as community-selected civilian astronauts despite representing billions of global citizens.

‘SERA Mission Control represents space exploration reimagined for social media users,’ said Max Crown, CEO of TON Foundation. By launching on TON within Telegram, SERA transforms space travel from a distant concept into an interactive, community-driven experience.’

The platform represents one of the most ambitious consumer applications built on TON Blockchain, showcasing practical Web3 applications beyond financial uses. Transparent voting addresses fairness concerns while gamified engagement drives sustained participation.

Applications open immediately through the SERA Mission Control Telegram app, with voting and selection timelines to be announced. Selected astronauts will undergo standard Blue Origin safety training before their spaceflight missions.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday launched the ‘Flow With Confidence’ nationwide distribution of menstrual hygiene packs

The initiative was designed to support schoolgirls and promote menstrual health across the country.

At the launch of the initiative in Gombe State, Mrs. Tinubu described the intervention as vital to empowering young girls by ‘promoting knowledge, dignity, and confidence’ through improved menstrual hygiene.

In a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady 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 significant challenges during their menstrual cycle, especially those in rural communities, who miss school days every month because they cannot afford sanitary pads.’

Mrs. Tinubu noted that many schoolgirls resort to unsafe alternatives or stay at home, causing them to lag behind academically and, in some cases, drop out of school.

She said the programme, under the Education framework of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), is meant to end this trend.

According to her, all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will each receive 10,000 packs of disposable sanitary pads through State First Ladies and RHI coordinators, targeting vulnerable schoolgirls in rural communities.

‘Today, I will be handing over 10,000 packs of disposable sanitary pads to the First Lady of Gombe State for distribution to 10,000 deserving girls in rural communities across the state. Each beneficiary will receive a one-year supply of the pads,’ the First Lady promised.

She urged traditional rulers, religious and community leaders to ensure the supplies reach the intended beneficiaries.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, and Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, pledged federal support to scale up the initiative so that more girls in underserved areas could benefit from the initiative.

Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya hailed the First Lady for the initiative, as well as her interventions in health, agriculture, economic empowerment and education.

Mrs. Tinubu had opened the maiden Gombe State Health Summit, where she emphasised that health should be viewed as a driver of economic prosperity, social development, and national growth.

During her two-day visit to Gombe State, the First Lady was also honoured with the traditional title of Sarauniya Yakin Kumo (Queen Warrior of Kumo) by the Emir of Akko, Alhaji Umaru Muh’d Atiku, in recognition of her contributions to national development.

An Ebute Metta Magistrates’ Court has remanded a leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Shamusideen Oladiti, for alleged assault and murder of a tricycle driver.

The Lagos State Police Command arraigned Oladiti, 55, for alleged assault and murder of the driver, Omale Samuel, before Mrs A. O. AKinde of Ebute Metta Chief Magistrates’ Court, who ordered his remand in the custody of Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).

The defendant was arraigned on a three-count charge offence in charge number BG/B53/25 bordering on assault and murder contrary to sections 223, 411 and 245 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Police prosecutor, Anthony Iyeye said the offences were related to two crimes on Lagos Island involving a case of murder and another of assault occasioning harm.

The charges stated: ‘That you Shamusideen Oladiti on August 27, 2025 on Lewis Street, Lagas Island, did unlawfully beat Imam Ramon with fist blows all over his body, which caused him harm and was rushed to Lagos Island General Hospital, Marina Lagos where he later died and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos Stale, 2015.

‘That you Shamusideen Oladitl ‘m’ and others at large, on September 17, 2025 at Lagos Island Lagos in the Lagos State Magisterial District, did conspired amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit grievous harm and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

‘That you Shamusideen Oladiti and others at large, on the same date, time and place, did unlawfully beat Omale Samuel with fist blows which caused him grievous harm all over his body and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 245 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The court did not take the plea of the defendant after the charges were read.

Chief Magistrate Akinde ordered the case file to be duplicated and forwarded to the Director, Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.

She ordered the remand of Oladiti in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) pending legal advice.

The case was adjourned to October 28.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has said the process for the appointment of judicial officers has become more transparent than before.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, who is also the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), said this while presenting a paper, titled: Innovations in Judicial Practice: Embracing Change for A Better Future, at the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges’ Association Triennial Conference in Banjul, The Gambia.

The NJC, at the 108th meeting of the association on April 29 and 30, approved a landmark policy to publish the names of candidates under consideration for appointment as judicial officers, and to invite public input.

In her presentation, she explained that the policy adopted by the NJC was to introduce an additional layer of transparency into the process of appointing judges by ensuring that members of the public and other relevant stakeholders can raise objections, provide information, or endorse nominees before appointments are finalised.

According to her, this is a deliberate effort to strengthen accountability, enhance public trust, and align Nigeria’s appointment procedures more closely with international best practices, including those recommended in the Constitution Hill Guidelines.

The Constitution Hill Global Guidelines on Apex Court Appointments, published in September 2024, provide globally for a set of baseline principles tailored to the singular role of apex courts as the final arbiters of constitutional interpretation and guardians of democratic governance.

Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that members of the public are already taking advantage of the initiative, as shown in the last exercise for the appointment of judicial officers conducted by the NJC.

The CJN averred that ‘in a plural society, such as Nigeria, with over 200 million citizens across different ethnic, religious, and linguistic identities, the visibility of diversity on the Supreme Court bench strengthens public confidence and assures citizens that the judiciary reflects the society it serves’.

She stressed that despite several efforts to strengthen the process of appointing judicial officers, some challenges linger.