Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke has dispatched a top level government delegation to Akinlalu over recent killings involving the Amotekun security outfit.

A statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed confirmed that Adeleke has ordered a full investigation into the matter.

He commiserated with all those who lost loved ones in the tragic incident and prayed to God to comfort them.

His words: After receiving the preliminary report, further briefings were presented to the Deputy Governor by the security team with a State Security council meeting now scheduled for Monday to further deliberate on the issue and other emerging security threats in the state.

‘Adeleke has vowed to dig into the root of the fatal encounter between the people of the town and the Amotekun security service, directing that a high powered delegation of government and service chiefs will visit the affected town after the scheduled state security council meeting on Monday.

‘Those expected on the delegation include the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the state governor, the Commissioner for Information, the Commissioner for political affairs, the Commissioner for Transportation, the Attorney General of the State, the Special Adviser on Legal Matters to the governor and service chiefs of the various security agencies.

‘I am a rule of law Governor. This matter is being investigated and any infraction will be dealt with within the context of the law. I have ordered a security council meeting on this incident and others such as fears of spill over from Kwara banditry attacks.’

One of the top contenders, Koyin, has been evicted from Big Brother Naija’s ’10/10′ season.

Koyin became the 2nd runner-up of the season, leaving Imisi and Dede to battle for the ultimate prize of N150m.

The show host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced Koyin’s exit, marking a pivotal moment in the competition.

Big Brother Naija premiered on July 26-27, 2025, and is scheduled to conclude today, October 5, 2025.

The eviction sets the stage for an intense finale, with the remaining three housemates vying for the top spot.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a leading voice of Northern Nigeria, has condemned what it described as a ‘thinly disguised attempt to sabotage’ the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Company, cautioning that such actions pose a threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and investor confidence.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the forum expressed concern over the persistent challenges facing the refinery since its inception, including regulatory hurdles, crude oil supply constraints, pricing disputes, and labor unrest.

ACF lamented that despite the dedication of the refinery’s founder, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, powerful vested interests continue to undermine the facility in a bid to retain control over Nigeria’s oil sector.

‘The challenges confronting the refinery bear the imprint of entrenched cabals bent on sustaining their asphyxiating grip on the oil industry and the national economy,’ the statement said, describing the refinery as Nigeria’s ‘largest and most modern indigenous crude oil processing facility.’

The forum specifically criticized the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) for allegedly defying a court order restraining it from disrupting refinery operations.

‘No law-abiding organisation should disregard a valid court order,’ the ACF added.

While affirming workers’ rights to unionize, ACF stressed that such rights must be exercised responsibly and supported calls from Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Ali Ndume that the refinery should stabilise before any unionisation activities commence.

‘Workers should focus on helping the refinery become fully operational before introducing union activities,’ the forum stated, adding that the facility should be treated as a strategic national asset deserving of protection from sabotage.

The ACF also warned that any attempt to cripple the refinery would send a negative message to both domestic and international investors. It urged the Federal Government to classify the Dangote Refinery as a strategic national security asset, and take measures to shield it from external and internal threats.

The forum expressed support for ongoing Federal Government-led negotiations with labour unions, but insisted that sanctions must be imposed on any group that violates lawful directives or acts in a manner that endangers national interests.

‘Putting down the Dangote Refinery is a potent disincentive to private investment and a blow to Nigeria’s industrial future,’ ACF warned, urging labour unions to act with patriotism and resist what it called ‘international machinations aimed at sabotaging indigenous industrial development.’

Big Brother Naija housemate, Jason Jae, has been evicted from the ’10/10′ season, leaving five contestants in the race for the grand prize.

The show host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced Jason Jae’s exit, marking a major point in the competition as the remaining housemates – Imisi, Dede, Kola, Koyin, and Sultana – battle for the ultimate title.

The hit reality show, which premiered on July 26-27, 2025, is set to conclude today, October 5, 2025.

Jason Jae’s eviction intensifies the suspense, setting the stage for a thrilling finale among the top contenders.

Former Military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has remembered his ancestral root in Kumurya village, Bunkure local government area of Kano State, where his grandfather was born.

Babangida’s grandfather, Malam Ibrahim, was born and raised in Kumurya village under Rano emirate before he relocated to Wushishi, Niger State, as a trader.

Upon leaving office as Military Head of State in 1993, Babangida realised he did not bequeath an impressionistic tangible legacy for the Kumurya community.

He however, vowed he must build a project for them before he departs the planet earth.

The last time the issue tugged his heart, Babangida invited Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil -the Chairman, Kano State Council of Ulama, to Minna in August, where he enquired from the Sheikh the kind of project that would serve the people of his origin.

Khalil told IBB that his grandpa’s people now have schools and mosques, so an hospital would be ideal, to stop or reduce to barest minimum maternal and child mortalities and other preventable deaths in the area. Babangida approved.

The village was agog on Sunday as the hospital foundation was laid. Gidan Jefau -the family house of IBB’s late grandfather, also came alive.

At the land where the hospital foundation was laid, General Babangida, represented by General Halliru Akilu, explained that the gesture was fulfilled after 27 years.

IBB said he was proud of his roots in Kumurya, Kano, which had been legendary even before colonialism.

Gen. Akilu said: ‘The former Head of State invited Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil to Minna in August this year and after a discussion, the Sheikh told him that Kumurya lacks a health facility.

‘Babangida, being very generous, therefore supported the idea of building a hospital which he dedicates to his parents and his late wife, Maryam.’

Akilu said he would not give further details of why it took this long before Babangida remembered his roots, noting that the village head was aware of previous attempts to build an Islamiyya school and a mosque for the community.

Akilu further said, even as Head of State, IBB lived and worked with illustrious sons of Rano emirate who are known for their patriotism and dedication to duty.

He listed Generals Murtala Muhammed, Sani Abacha and Babangida as former Heads of State from Kano, adding that General Abdulsalami Abubakar is also traced to Kano, even though many may not know.

The Emir of Rano, Muhammad Isa Umar, said the day was special for the emirate where parents of the former head of state hailed from.

He revealed how Kumurya town is so important to the emirate, disclosing that during the war against Ningi emirate, the late emir of Rano, Alhaji Umaru, was camped there to protect the emirate against invaders.

‘The former head of states (IBB) is very proud of Kumurya and when I was district head of Bunkure, I personally knew of his plans to bring development to the village. This hospital, when completed, will certainly cater for women and children and the general people of Kumurya,’ the emir said.

Village head of Kumurya said, in addition to the hospital, Babangida is rebuilding the mud house known as Gidan Jefau belonging to his uncles, expressing gratitude for the gesture.

Gen. Babangida (Rtd), has revealed that ‘Ibrahim’ in his combination of names is his grandfather’s. And that while joining the military, he was being mistaken for a Yoruba, so he added Babangida in the end to prove his northern ancestry.

He narrated that his great grandfather had migrated from Sokoto to Kumurya in Kano where he gave birth to his grandfather, Ibrahim, who moved to Kontagora before settling in Wushishi, Niger State, where his father, Badamasi, was born.

Badamasi then moved from Wushishi to Minna in 1941 where he gave birth to IBB in August that year.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced a significant rise in the country’s rig count to 69, reflecting renewed activity and investor confidence in the nation’s oil and gas sector.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its head of media and strategic communication, Eniola Akinkuotu, the Commission said the rig count had grown sharply from eight in 2021 to 69 as of October 2, 2025 – representing a 762.5 percent increase in just four years.

According to the breakdown, the current figure includes 40 active rigs, eight on standby, five on warm stack, four on cold stack, and 12 in transit. The NUPRC added that the number is expected to rise further in the coming months.

The Commission also revealed that its recent policy review led to the identification of 400 dormant oil fields across the country, a move that has spurred previously inactive operators into taking corrective action.

Describing the development as evidence of growing investor confidence, the statement noted that the achievement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive that Nigeria is open for business and that the upstream environment now offers a conducive climate for investment.

The NUPRC further highlighted 16 major post-Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) achievements recorded within its four years of establishment, including surpassing revenue targets despite challenges inherited from the pre-PIA era.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining reforms aimed at maximizing Nigeria’s hydrocarbon potential and driving the country’s energy sector toward sustainable growth.

In 2022, 2023, and 2024, according to the statement, the Commission surpassed its revenue target by 18.3 per cent, 14.65 per cent, and 84.2 per cent, respectively, despite fluctuations in oil production and prices, thus contributing largely to our nation’s economic growth.

NUPRC said there is a record of Potential Investment of $39.98bn from FDPs

Between 2024 and 2025 and that it has approved 79 Field Development Plans (FDP) (41 in 2024 and 38 YTD 2025 with a potential investment of $39.98bn.

NUPRC added that ‘This comprises $20.55bn in 2024 and $19.43bn in YTD 2025.’

It also said that since the inception of the commission, crude oil production has increased, with the current average daily production of 1.65Mbopd expected to increase further with the Project 1 Mbopd initiative, which is aimed at achieving 2.5 Mbopd in 2027, compared to the NUPRC commencement.

On transparent bid rounds, it recalled that before the establishment of the Commission, the licensing rounds were opaque.

It further noted that they were beclouded by political influence, which made the process lack credibility. According to the statement, however, the NUPRC, with the support of President Bola Tinubu, transformed the process to be fully digital, thereby enhancing transparency and credibility.

NUPRC said in line with the PIA, 2021, and with the support of President Bola Tinubu, is implementing the ‘Drill or Drop’ policy, which prescribes that unexplored acreages are to be relinquished.

It stressed that this is designed to ensure the optimal use of oil assets and prevent dormant fields from tying up potential reserves. This policy successfully identified 400 dormant oil fields and has also propelled complacent oil companies to take quick action.

The statement reads in part, ‘Billions in divestments

‘The Commission approved divestments running into billions of dollars in 2024. From the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) to Oando Energy Resources; Equinor to Chappal Energies; Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited to Seplat Energies; and Shell Development Company Nigeria Limited to Renaissance Africa Energy.

‘The divestment is about investor portfolio re-ordering to focus on deep-offshore development.

‘Developed regulations

To give meaning to the intent of the PIA, 2021, the Commission, in consultation with stakeholders, has developed 24 forward-thinking Regulations. So far, 19 have been gazetted while 5 await gazetting. These forward-thinking Regulations serve as tools for transparency and the creation of an enabling investment climate and benchmark best practices

‘Gas flare commercialisation

The NUPRC completed awards of flare sites to successful bidders under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP). The programme is aimed at eliminating gas flaring and attracting at least 2.5 billion dollars in investments.

‘Overall Best Performing Parastatal – SERVICOM

In 2024, the Commission secured the 2024 Overall Best Performing Parastatal SERVICOM Unit (PSU) Award, along with the 2024 Best Performing PSU, Team B Award, a testament to the NUPRC’s commitment to customer service. The NUPRC has again won Best Regulator, 2025 by Nigerian Energy Correspondents, aside over 60 awards from various organisations.

‘HCDTs Remits N358.67bn

Host Community Development Trusts have remitted N122.34bn in naira, while dollar contributions stand at over $168.91m as of October 2025. This translates to a combined remittance of over N358.67bn based on the prevalent exchange rate, in enthroning a conducive host community environment in Nigeria.

Over 536 ongoing community projects

‘Still in the host community, the NUPRC is overseeing at least 536 projects at various stages of completion, including schools, health centres, roads, and vocational centres. These are being funded by the trust fund. The achievement has tremendously curbed crude oil theft.

‘Development Wells Hits 306 between 2022-2025

As part of its mandate to develop the country’s hydrocarbon, the Commission has recorded 306 development wells drilled and completed between 2022 to date.

‘Removing hindrances to exploration with 2D and 3D seismic data

The NUPRC issued Nigeria’s first Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) for a large offshore geophysical survey covering 56,000 km² of 3D seismic and gravity data. Furthermore, the Commission has reprocessed 17,000 line-kilometres of 2D seismic data and 28,000 square kilometres of 3D seismic data, producing sharper, higher-resolution images of our petroleum systems and reducing the uncertainties that once hindered exploration decisions.

Other data acquisition includes: 11,300 Sq.km of newly acquired 3D data, processed to PSDM, and 80,000 Sq.km of Multibeam Echo Sounding and Seafloor Geochemical Coring data.

‘Curbing crude oil theft

In 2021, the average daily crude oil losses stood at 102,900 barrels per day or 37.6 million barrels per year. However, due to the combined efforts of the General Security Forces and Private Security Contractors (TANTITA) as well as the collaborative effort of the commission, this has been reduced by 90% to specifically 9,600bpd in September 2025.

‘Furthermore, two pioneer regulations introduced by the Commission have also contributed to the success, namely: The Upstream Measurement Regulation and the Advanced Cargo Declaration Regulation, respectively, have contributed as pioneer efforts at achieving transparency in hydrocarbon accounting.

‘Leading AFRIPERF

‘Even outside the shores of Nigeria, the Engr. Gbenga Komolafe-led NUPRC has continued to show leadership as it championed the establishment of the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF).

‘The last event of the AFRIPERF at the Africa Oil Week (AOW) was attended by sixteen African Countries, namely: Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea, Togo, Angola, South Africa, Mozambique, Benin Republic, Kenya, Namibia, Morocco, and Mauritania. AFRIPERF provides regulators with the mechanism to harmonise oil and gas development policies to facilitate cross-border infrastructure development, benchmark fiscals, and present a strong voice for Africa in hydrocarbon advocacy globally.’

Chelsea vs Liverpool takes centre stage in the Premier League on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Stamford Bridge, as both clubs look to return to winning ways following recent setbacks.

The Blues are desperate to rebuild momentum after inconsistent results under Enzo Maresca, while Arne Slot’s Reds, currently top of the table, are eager to avoid a third straight defeat for the first time in the Dutchman’s reign.

Teams’ Form and Recent Performances

Chelsea

Following a promising start to the 2025/26 Premier League season where they won two of their first three games which put them second on the league table, the Blues are currently struggling for form as they have won just two of their last six matches in all competitions. But Chelsea vs Liverpool in a fixture that Stamford Bridge fans want their team to make bold statement and get back to winning ways.

A draw with Brentford at the G-tech Community Stadium was followed with back-to-back defeats to Bayern Munich and Manchester United before they claimed a win against League One side, Lincoln City, in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Enzo Maresca’s side suffered another defeat, this time in the league against Brighton and Hove Albion before securing a 1-0 victory over Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Club World Cup winners are presently placed 8th in the league standings.

Liverpool

Though currently top of the log, the Reds are without troubles of their own.

After winning all of their first seven matches across all competitions, Arne Slot’s side are winless in their last two after suffering a defeat to league flyers Crystal Palace before Galatasaray, inspired by Nigeria international Victor Osimhen condemned them to yet another loss in the Champions League.

This is the first time Liverpool will suffer two consecutive defeats since Slot succeeded the charismatic Jurgen Klopp as the Reds boss.

With Chelsea vs Liverpool up next, the Dutchman will be looking to avoid another defeat which won’t only dent his impressive record so far, but could also dislodge them as the league leaders.

Chelsea vs Liverpool: Head-To-Head Record

Chelsea and Liverpool have met 197 times across all competitions with the Reds winning the most with 86 victories to the Blues’ 65 while 46 matches have ended in draws.

The defending Premier League champions also hold an impressive record against the west Londoners as they have suffered just three defeats in their last 19 meetings. Liverpool defeated Chelsea in each of the four finals they met within that period.

The last game between these two sides saw Maresca’s team record a 3-1 win at the Bridge which boosted their chances of making the top four at the end of season. The Reds had almost nothing to play for in the encounter as they already had the league title sewn up just before the clash.

Key Players To Watch In Chelsea vs Liverpool

Chelsea

Joao Pedro

Pedro is a player Liverpool need to watch out for ahead of this Chelsea vs Liverpool matchup. The Brazilian is a prolific goal scorer who can operate from a central role or drift wider, utilizing his quick movement and dribbling ability.

Although, the 24-year-old is yet to score or provide an assist in the games he has played against the Reds, his five goal contributions this season is the highest among his teammates.

Enzo Fernandez

In the absence of Cole Palmer, Enzo has assumed the role of a playmaker from a deeper position. The midfielder has been able to influence play with his excellent passing range and ability to resist press while also disrupting opposition attacks and protecting space ahead of the defence.

The Argentina international also has eyes for goals as he already netted three and provided an assist so far.

Liverpool

Hugo Ekitike

Ekitike is arguably Liverpool’s best performer since his high-profile move from Eintracht Frankfurt. The France international has netted five goals in all competitions which is the highest for the Reds.

Ekitike’s off the ball movement, link-up play and ability to drop deep have also been instrumental for Liverpool this season.

Ryan Gravenberch

Gravenberch is a deep-lying playmaker, who is known for his technicality and agility to drift past opponents with smooth dribbling, deft passing and the willingness to progress the ball up the pitch.

The Dutchman has shown his ability to create from deep as he has two goals and as many assists to his name this campaign.

Team News: Chelsea vs Liverpool

Chelsea

Cole Palmer is out of this massively anticipated Chelsea Vs Liverpool due to a lingering groin issue which has effectively ruled him out of Chelsea’s last three matches.

Andre Santos and Tosin Adarabioyo are expected to miss this game as Maresca previously stated the duo won’t be back until after the international break.

Wesley Fofana is not available to play against Liverpool as he is recovering from concussion he sustained in the Carabao Cup win over Lincoln City.

The Blues will be without Trevoh Chalobah following his dismissal against Brighton.

Romeo Lavia is back in contention after fully recovering from a muscle injury.

Liam Delap, Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo are long-term absentees and therefore won’t feature in this mouthwatering Chelsea vs Liverpool.

Liverpool

Alisson Becker is not expected to be in goal Chelsea vs Liverpool following an injury in their loss to Galatasaray in the Champions League.

Ekitike is a doubt after also being forced off on Tuesday night. Slot is expected to provide an update on the Frenchman in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

Following his inability to travel with the team to Turkey, Federico Chiesa is also a doubt for this clash after suffering a knock in the Reds’ 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.

Summer signing, Giovanni Leoni is effectively out of the trip to London following an ACL rupture. The young Italian has successfully undergone surgery and will start his road to recovery.

Chelsea vs Liverpool: Possible Starting Line-ups

Chelsea (4-2-3-1):

Sanchez; James, Badiashile, Acheampong, Cucurella; Caicedo Enzo; Estevao, Buonanotte, Neto; Pedro

Liverpool (4-2-3-1):

Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Isak

The hip-hop mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was sentenced to more than four years in prison on Friday for his conviction on prostitution-related charges.

Prosecutors had sought 11 years behind bars for Combs but Judge Arun Subramanian handed down a 50-month sentence after an emotional daylong court hearing.

Combs’s lawyers had urged the judge to sentence the 55-year-old hip-hop star to 14 months, which would effectively have been time served since he has been incarcerated in Brooklyn for more than a year.

Addressing the court before the judge handed down the sentence, Combs said he was ‘truly sorry’ for his actions and asked the judge for ‘another chance.’

‘I ask your honour for mercy,’ he said. ‘I beg your honour for mercy.’

Diddy Combs was acquitted by a jury in July of the most serious charges against him – sex trafficking and racketeering – but convicted of two counts of transporting people across state lines for prostitution.

Combs’s former girlfriend Casandra Ventura submitted a letter to the judge asking him to consider ‘the many lives that Sean Combs has upended with his abuse and control.’

Ventura, the 39-year-old singer known as Cassie, described in wrenching detail the physical, emotional and sexual abuse she suffered while in a more than decade-long relationship with Combs.

Ventura and another woman, identified as Jane, said they were coerced into performing so-called ‘freak offs’: sexual marathons with hired men that Combs directed and sometimes filmed.

‘The entire courtroom watched actual footage of Combs kicking and beating me as I tried to run away from a freak off in 2016,’ Ventura wrote.

She said she has nightmares and flashbacks ‘on a regular, everyday basis.’

Ventura said she and her family had left the New York area for fear of ‘retribution’ from Combs if he is released.

Speaking before the sentencing, prosecutor Christy Slavik said Combs has not accepted responsibility for his actions.

‘His remorse was qualified. It’s as though he thinks the law doesn’t apply to him,’ Slavik said.

Slavik said Combs had booked speaking engagements in Miami next week in anticipation of a light sentence, which she called ‘the height of hubris.’

Arguing for a lesser sentence, Nicole Westmoreland, one of Combs’s lawyers, called him an ‘inspiration’ to the Black community and a social justice crusader.

‘No, Combs is not larger than life,’ she said. ‘He’s just a human being. He’s made mistakes.’

But he is remorseful and ‘it’s of no benefit to anyone to warehouse him in a prison.’

Combs’s six adult children each delivered an emotional plea on their father’s behalf, with the eldest Quincy Brown calling him ‘a changed man.’

‘Please, please give our family the chance to heal together,’ said one of his daughters, D’Lila Combs. ‘Not as headlines but as human beings.’

Popular skitmaker, Adeoye Isiah Ojewumi, better known as Kasala, has been unveiled as the new brand ambassador for Margaret Mosunmola College of Health Science and Technology, Owo, Ondo State.

The appointment, announced at the institution’s campus in Owo, is part of efforts by the management to deepen engagement with young Nigerians and promote health education through creative platforms.

Kasala, who has built a massive following online with his comic skits, expressed excitement at the recognition.

‘This is more than just an endorsement for me; it’s an opportunity to use my influence to inspire young people,’ he said. ‘Health is wealth, and I believe combining entertainment with education is one of the most powerful ways to reach the next generation. I’m proud to be associated with an institution that is shaping future health professionals.’

Speaking on the choice of Kasala, the Provost of the college, Dr. Oyegoke Temidayo Isaac, described the entertainer as a perfect fit for the school’s vision.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has suspended the Lagos State Chapter Chairman, Ms. Olatutu Oladunni, and Secretary, Mr. Bello Omotunde Muritala, from all Association’s activities with immediate effect.

The decision announced in a letter to them, with copies to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, dated Thursday October 2, 2025, followed findings of gross misconduct, as the decision was taken in line with Article 21, Section (1) A and C of the SWAN Statute.

The National Leadership directed both Olatutu and Bello to hand over all Association’s property and documents in their possession to the SWAN Lagos State Chapter’s leadership, with the Vice Chairman, Mr. Aaron Akerejola, now on the saddle to see off the current State Executive Committee tenure.

Part of the letter to IGP and other top law enforcement officials in the country, reads: ‘We write to formally notify you that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has ratified the suspension of Olatutu Oladunni and Bello