Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Big Brother Naija has produced memorable friendships, rivalries and romances over the years. While many relationships formed inside the reality show ended after the cameras stopped rolling, a few went on to become marriages.

Here are six BBNaija housemates who found love and marriage on and before the show:

1. BamBam and Teddy A

BamBam and Teddy A remain one of the most memorable couples to emerge from Big Brother Naija. The pair met during the 2018 ‘Double Wahala’ season and their relationship quickly became a major talking point among viewers. Their romance continued after leaving the house and eventually led to marriage in 2019.

The couple have since built a family together, making them one of the most successful BBNaija relationships. However, their marriage recently became the subject of speculation after fans noticed that the pair had unfollowed each other on Instagram.

The development sparked rumours of a possible separation. Despite the speculation, neither BamBam nor Teddy A publicly confirmed that they had ended their marriage. A family friend also dismissed the reports, insisting that the couple were still together.

2. Khafi and Gedoni

Khafi and Gedoni found love during the 2019 ‘Pepper Dem’ season of Big Brother Naija. Their relationship became one of the major storylines of the season as viewers followed their growing closeness in the house. Unlike many BBNaija romances, theirs continued after the show. Gedoni later proposed to Khafi, and the couple got married in 2020.

They have since welcomed children and continued to build their family away from the intense spotlight of the reality show. Their journey from housemates to husband and wife remains one of the most notable success stories in BBNaija history.

3. Kellyrae and Kassia

Kellyrae and Kassia brought a different kind of relationship story to Big Brother Naija when they entered the ninth season as DoubleKay. Unlike BamBam and Teddy A or Khafi and Gedoni, Kellyrae and Kassia were already married before entering the reality show.

They had been together for several years before tying the knot in February 2024. Inside the house, they were introduced as best friends and kept their marriage a secret from the other housemates as part of the season’s twist. Kellyrae eventually emerged as the winner of BBNaija Season 9, while Kassia also made a strong impression during the competition.

Their participation became one of the most unique relationship stories in the history of the Nigerian reality show, as viewers watched an already-married couple navigate the competition while hiding their relationship from their fellow housemates.

The Remi Oseni Students Movement has held a strategic meeting with Remi Oseni, a senatorial aspirant for Oyo South Senatorial District, to strengthen its organisational structure and chart a new direction for its activities across the district. The meeting, attended by the coordinator and members of the Movement’s Executive Council, focused on grassroots mobilisation, internal coordination, student engagement and strategies for expanding the organisation’s reach across Oyo South.

Discussions also centred on the role of students and young people in democratic participation, with participants emphasising the importance of responsible civic engagement, effective organisation and greater attention to issues affecting young Nigerians. Oseni, an engineer, provided guidance on the way forward and urged the leadership of the movement to remain focused, united and committed to building a strong and coordinated structure. The Coordinator of the Movement, Tegbe Stephen Fiyinfoluwa, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to strategic mobilisation, grassroots engagement and lawful democratic participation.

He said the movement would continue to engage students, communities and other stakeholders while working towards achieving its objectives across Oyo South.

The meeting ended on a positive note, with the leadership reaffirming its determination to strengthen the Movement’s structures and deepen engagement with students and communities across the senatorial district.

Those in attendance included Com. Tegbe Stephen Fiyinfoluwa (Tegbe), Coordinator; Com. Isiaka Hammed Olalekan (General), Deputy Coordinator; Com. Ajibike Wale Hammed (Boss Lee), Secretary; and Salami Olatunji, Public Relations Officer.

No fewer than 243 inmates of the Kuje Medium Custodial Centre have been presented with their trade test certificates by authorities of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), FCT Command.

The presentations followed the successful completion of training and assessment in 11 vocational skills, as part of the Service’s continuing efforts to equip inmates with practical skills for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

The Public Relations Officer of the Command, Sampson Duza said they were certified in trade and skil works such as Carpentry and Joinery, Tailoring and Dress Making, Laundry and Dry Cleaning, Poultry, Leather Work, Fisheries, Soap, Cream and Candle Making, Weaving and Textile, Hair Dressing and Body Care, Bricklaying and Masonry, and Solar Installation.

The presentation also featured a product exhibition showcasing various items produced by the inmates who were drawn from the three Custodial Centres in the Command.

Speaking the event the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jen, congratulated the beneficiaries and highlighted the range of reformatory programmes being implemented across custodial facilities under the Command.

He noted that the programmes are designed to provide inmates with education, vocational skills and other interventions necessary for their rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society.

The Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche represented by the Deputy Controller-General of Corrections in charge of the Directorate of Inmates’ Training and Productivity, Nicolas Obiako, described the occasion as a celebration of transformation, hope, dignity, rehabilitation and second opportunity.

He explained that vocational training equips inmates with practical skills that can support legitimate employment, entrepreneurship and self-reliance after release, stressing that effective rehabilitation must also incorporate education, counselling and psychosocial support.

In his remarks the Director, Skills Development and Certification, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Engr. Tiza Chila Shaakaa, said the Trade Test Certificate of Competence is an internationally recognised credential that provides a structured assessment of competence in technical and vocational trades.

He disclosed that 65 trades have been approved for trade testing certification in Nigeria, with the majority being hands-on skills.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the BRICS Leaders’ Summit, The Nation learnt.

The summit is scheduled for September 12-13, 2026, in New Delhi.

The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, made the disclosure in Abuja.

He said India is seeking stronger Nigerian participation in global economic and political platforms, particularly BRICS.

Singh said Nigeria’s participation was important because of its position as Africa’s largest economy and one of the world’s most populous nations.

He therefore expressed hope that the Nigerian President would lead a high-powered delegation to the summit.

He said, ‘In 2026, India has, you know, conveyed that we will discuss pressing global challenges, economic cooperation, and outreach sessions.

‘President of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has been invited to the BRICS Summit, which is going to take place in New Delhi in a few weeks from now, and we are very hopeful that the Honourable President of Nigeria will be leading a high-powered delegation for the BRICS Summit very soon.

‘Why do we feel that Nigeria’s participation as a BRICS partner country is important? Because as Africa’s largest economy and one of the most populous nations in the world now, Nigeria as a partner country brings immense strategic importance.’

India assumed the BRICS chairmanship in 2026, with the summit expected to focus on pressing global challenges, economic cooperation and outreach to partner countries.

He noted that the two countries are also backing each other’s aspirations at the United Nations.

Singh disclosed that Nigeria has conveyed its support for India’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, while India has also conveyed its support for Nigeria’s candidacy.

India’s campaign is being promoted under the banner ‘SHANTI’ – Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity.

According to Singh, the campaign reflects India’s vision of a peaceful, inclusive and reformed global order.

He reiterated India’s position that reform of the UN Security Council should include expansion of both permanent and non-permanent membership.

Singh also highlighted the contribution of the Indian community in Nigeria, estimating that about 60,000 Indians live in the country.

Many, he said, are second- and third-generation Indians who are now deeply rooted in Nigerian society.

He expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government and people for providing the Indian community with the space and opportunities to thrive.

According to him, the community has become an important bridge between the two countries in education, healthcare, culture and commerce.

He said many members of the community regard India as their motherland while also considering Nigeria their fatherland.

India established its Liaison Office in Lagos in 1958, two years before Nigeria’s independence, laying an early foundation for the relationship between the two countries.

He recalled that the relationship between the two countries was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in October 2007, signalling a shift towards broader political, economic and security cooperation.

Nearly two decades later, Singh said the partnership had grown into a multidimensional relationship with significant implications for both countries and the wider Global South.

With bilateral trade now approaching $10 billion, more than 200 Indian companies operating in Nigeria, nearly 100,000 Nigerians employed by Indian firms, and cooperation expanding across defence, energy, healthcare, agriculture and technology, the relationship between Abuja and New Delhi appears poised for an even deeper phase.

For India, Nigeria is no longer merely a major African trading partner. It is increasingly being positioned as a strategic partner in shaping the future of Africa, the Global South and the emerging multipolar world.

The Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has said sustained military operations by troops have led to a 213 per cent increase in the number of terrorists and their associates surrendering in the Northeast Theatre of Operations.

The Command said the number of terrorists who surrendered in the past week rose by 213 per cent compared with the preceding week.

In a statement yesterday by its Acting Military Information Officer, Capt. Mohammed Goni, the Command said the surge followed sustained ground operations against terrorist positions and logistics networks across the theatre.

It added that intensified attacks and disruption of supply routes were weakening the terrorists’ operational capacity and cohesion.

‘In a further manifestation of this emerging trend, two high-profile terrorist members surrendered to troops today, bringing with them arms, ammunition and other military items,’ the statement said, adding: ‘The recovery of these weapons and ammunition further reinforces indications that sustained military pressure is having a significant effect on the cohesion, morale and operational sustainability of terrorist elements.’

The Command said the increasing defections suggested that terrorist groups were finding it increasingly difficult to retain fighters and maintain their operational structures.

The development came days after another group of terrorists surrendered to troops of 202 Battalion in Bama, Borno State.

The terrorists surrendered on August 7 at New Abaram following sustained military operations and internal disagreements within their enclave.

The military said the group was screened, while mobile phones and other items were recovered before they were handed over for further action in line with established procedures.

The Command attributed the rising number of surrenders to its multidimensional approach, combining offensive ground operations, precision engagements and the disruption of terrorist logistics and supply networks.

‘The increasing frequency of surrenders underscores the effectiveness of the Theatre’s multi-dimensional approach, which combines offensive ground operations, precision engagements and systematic disruption of terrorist logistics and supply networks,’ the statement said.

‘By denying terrorists the opportunity to freely maneuver, regroup and replenish, troops continue to restrict their operational options and undermine their ability to sustain terrorist activities.’

The Command said the development represented more than isolated individual decisions, describing it as ‘the cumulative impact of sustained pressure and the gradual erosion of terrorist capability, cohesion and willingness to continue the fight.’

It reiterated its commitment to maintaining military pressure on terrorist groups while providing channels for fighters and their associates willing to surrender.

The Command also urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, while encouraging terrorists and their associates to abandon violence and take advantage of available surrender channels.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has approved five air carriers for next year’s Hajj exercise.

They are Air Peace Limited, Max Air Limited, UMZA Aviation Services Limited, Flynas, and Saudi Air.

The commission said their selection followed a rigorous screening and evaluation process conducted by the Aviation Screening Committee in accordance with regulatory safety, operational capacity, and financial guidelines.

The engagement, it said, is subject to the execution of an airlift agreement with NAHCON and the fulfilment of the requirements of Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Saudi General Authority on Civil Aviation (GACA) for Hajj 2027.

According to the commission, passenger allocations and airlift schedules will be worked out with the respective State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and operators.

NAHCON said, ‘All carriers are expected to operate in line with Hajj 2027 regulations, which include the issuance of tickets linked to the pilgrims’ Nusuk-Masar data; strict observance of all safety standards; and a baggage allowance (a single 32kg bag and one 8kg hand luggage) as stipulated by regulatory authorities, among others.’

The commission called on all stakeholders to cooperate with the approved carriers to ensure a seamless, safe, and comfortable airlift operation for all Nigerian pilgrims.

Artisans and technicians from across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, under the platform of the Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT), have endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 presidential election.

They pointed to the Tinubu’s administration’s policies and programmes aimed at creating economic opportunities for their members as the main reasons for supporting the President’s re-election.

The endorsement was announced in Abuja during the second Nigerian Artisans’ Leadership Summit (NALSUM) 2026. Senator Abdulaziz Yari, representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, urged ASNAT members to stay united in their support for the government.

Senator Yari, represented by former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Senator Tijani Kaura, emphasised that artisans and technicians play vital roles in society’s development and functioning.

He also highlighted some programmes and policies of the Tinubu administration that, he said, have benefited artisans and technicians.

Senator Yari described ASNAT as a powerful group with a large membership capable of influencing electoral outcomes significantly.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations, Sanusi Rikiji, expressed artisans and technicians’ unwavering support for President Tinubu’s administration by officially endorsing his re-election in 2027.

He stated that several programmes under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aim to expand economic opportunities for artisans and other professionals.

Rikiji, who is the National Patron of ASNAT, said President Tinubu remains committed to addressing the challenges faced by workers across various sectors.

He praised President Tinubu for choosing to remain a statesman rather than a purely political leader and described him as a nationalist whom future generations will celebrate, especially for adhering to national reforms during testing times.

Rikiji noted that some artisans, out of the 12.5 million registered members, have greatly benefited from multiple Renewed Hope programmes through various government agencies and initiatives.

He remarked: ‘It is an understatement to reiterate and re-emphasise that Artisans and Technicians are the backbone of Nigeria’s industrialisation, economic diversification and sustainable development.

Speaking about the Nigerian Artisans’ Leadership Summit, Rikiji stated: ‘NALSUM is not just a meeting. It is the most important platform we have to upgrade, upskill, and reposition our members for leadership, dignity, and prosperity for our dear country.’

The National Coordinator of ASNAT, Comrade Adeshina Akinyemi, praised the current government for its policies and programmes and pledged the association’s support for President Tinubu.

Akinyemi affirmed that ASNAT would continue working with relevant stakeholders to improve the welfare and economic wellbeing of its members.

He declared: ‘We gather here today not just to launch a training programme but to celebrate our collective resilience, our unbreakable spirit, and our shared resolve to redefine the future of the artisan and technical sector in Nigeria.

‘The Nigerian Artisans and Technicians have also acknowledged the efforts of Senator Abdulaziz Yari across Nigeria to secure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term. Therefore, all artisans and technicians in Nigeria remain committed to working with him to succeed.’

‘As we begin this three-day transformative leadership training, I encourage every participant to pay close attention to the resource persons, training modules, and strategic sessions. The knowledge you gain here is meant to help you formalise your businesses, expand your operations, and access modern economic opportunities. Let us maximise this platform.’

Speaking at the event, some of the artisans and technicians, who commended President Tinubu for empowering them, expressed their readiness to mobilise support for the President’s re-election in next year’s polls.

The Nigerian Artisans Leadership Summit is attended by senior government officials; heads of 29 affiliated associations across all 36 states and the FCT; members of the Diplomatic Corps; and partners from the private sector and development agencies.

The Federal Government has been urged to examine an ongoing arbitration proceeding before the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Paris, in which a claim of about $300 million is reportedly being made in connection with a real estate project in Abuja.

The call was made by Jonahcapital Nigeria Limited in letters addressed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede.

The company raised concerns about the basis of the claim and asked the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arbitration proceeding.

In its letter to Wike, signed by two of its directors, Dr Adeniran Ogunmuyiwa and Olakiitan Ogunmuyiwa, the company disputed assertions reportedly made in the arbitration concerning its alleged investment in infrastructure at River Park Estate, Lugbe, Abuja.

The directors stated that Jonahcapital Nigeria Limited did not provide infrastructure or funding for the development of the estate.

They said the development was funded by Paulo Homes Limited under an agreement relating to the project.

The directors urged Wike to refer the matter to the appropriate authorities for verification and investigation, particularly the claims concerning Jonahcapital Nigeria Limited’s alleged involvement in the provision of infrastructure at the estate.

They said this would help establish the facts surrounding the claims and protect the interests of the Federal Government.

In a separate letter to the EFCC Chairman dated August 11 and written by the company’s lawyer, Oluwabunmi Adebiyi, the firm outlined the history of Jonahcapital Nigeria Limited and its involvement in the River Park Estate project.

Adebiyi said Dr Ogunmuyiwa incorporated Jonahcapital Nigeria Limited around 2007, with himself and his wife as directors.

He said the company subsequently entered into a Development Lease Agreement with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) concerning the development of Plot 4, Cadastral Zone E30, Lugbe West, Abuja, now known as River Park Estate.

The lawyer asked the EFCC to examine what he described as discrepancies concerning the company’s ownership, investment and interests in the project.

The Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA) has received 1,112 entries for its 34th edition, with 972 qualifying for assessment across the print, radio and television categories.

The entries were formally presented to the Chairman of the NMMA Panel of Assessors, Otunba Dele Adetiba, on Thursday at the organisation’s secretariat in Ikeja, Lagos, during a press briefing on the 2026 awards.

Chairman of the NMMA Board of Trustees, Prof. Dayo Duyile, said the award was established in 1990 to promote professionalism, ethical journalism and excellence among media practitioners.

Duyile, a veteran journalist and academic, said the NMMA was founded by the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, former chairman of the Daily Times, who led the organisation for 10 years.

He said the award has remained committed to recognising journalists who distinguish themselves through outstanding professional work.

According to him, journalism remains critical to national development because of its ability to influence public discourse, hold leaders accountable and shape national priorities.

Duyile said, ‘The NMMA is an organisation that encourages you and I, the media people, to perform our professional duties professionally and ethically.

‘It was established in 1990 to promote progression in journalistic activity in this country, to encourage journalists to become highly professionalised in their trade and to encourage them to showcase their skills like other international journalists.

‘Journalism, apart from all other things, is the only profession that can move a nation forward. It is the only profession that can also promote leaders and give them an agenda to follow.’

He urged journalists to document their experiences and consider publishing books based on their years of professional practice.

Adetiba, who is also a trustee of the NMMA, explained that the assessment process was designed to ensure fairness and eliminate personal bias.

He said the 972 qualifying entries would be assessed by about 27 assessors, divided into groups for print, radio and television.

According to him, print entries would be assessed by three groups of five assessors each, while radio and television entries would be assessed by groups of six assessors each due to their technical requirements.

He said each assessor would initially work independently before members of each group met to aggregate their scores.

‘This neutralises any kind of personal bias. Some can be generous with their marks; some can be stingy with theirs. It all evens out at the end of the day,’ Adetiba said.

He added that the assessors, comprising professors, heads of departments and experienced media professionals, would spend between six and eight weeks evaluating the entries before submitting their recommendations to the Board of Trustees for final approval.

Adetiba also disclosed that, for the first time, all entries for the 2026 edition were submitted electronically, describing this as part of the NMMA’s adaptation to technological changes in the media industry.

Responding to a question about why online media platforms were not included in the awards, Adetiba said the NMMA was monitoring developments in digital journalism but remained concerned about ethical and professional standards within the sector.

He said the organisation could consider bringing online platforms into the awards as the sector becomes more structured and accountable.

On recognition for runners-up, Chief Administrator and Trustee of the NMMA, Yemi Akeju, said the organisation had previously issued certificates to runners-up but was reviewing ways to extend additional benefits to participants.

He said some former runners-up had subsequently benefited from opportunities abroad, including scholarships and academic programmes.

Akeju, a co-founder of the NMMA, said the organisation drew inspiration from established international media awards, including the Pulitzer Prize and British Press Awards, before its establishment.

He said the NMMA had also contributed to the development of media awards across Africa, noting that some of its award winners had subsequently participated in judging international awards.

Akeju also recalled the support the award received from Nigeria’s leadership at its inception, saying successive administrations had continued to identify with the NMMA.

He stated that the organisation would continue to uphold the standards on which it was founded and sustain its contribution to journalism in Nigeria and beyond.

‘We will continue to sustain it, develop other things and ensure that the benefits get to the Nigerian nation. It is our hope to sustain it for the greater good of the country and for the benefit of the future,’ he said.

The 34th NMMA is expected to culminate in the presentation of awards to outstanding media practitioners whose entries emerge successful after the assessment process.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has uploaded the details of 28 of its 29 governorship candidates and its State House of Assembly candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.

It met the extended deadline for the submission of candidates for the 2027 general elections.

National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said only the governorship candidate for Enugu State was outstanding due to an unresolved post-primary leadership dispute in the state.

Abdullahi said the successful completion of the exercise followed the earlier submission of the party’s presidential and National Assembly candidates, putting the ADC in compliance with the latest INEC requirements for candidate nomination.

INEC had originally fixed August 8 as the deadline for political parties to upload the names and particulars of their governorship and State House of Assembly candidates through its Candidate Nomination Portal. The commission subsequently granted a three-day extension, moving the deadline to August 11.

The extension came against the backdrop of efforts by several political parties to complete the upload of their candidates’ details amid technical and organisational challenges.

INEC’s regulations require parties to use the prescribed nomination forms and upload candidates’ particulars through the Candidate Nomination Portal.

The ADC had earlier completed the submission of its presidential and National Assembly candidates within the separate nomination window, which INEC had extended in July from July 11 to July 14 following an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council.

Abdullahi said the latest achievement demonstrated the party’s organisational readiness for the 2027 elections, despite the internal challenges surrounding its Enugu governorship nomination.

He said the party remained committed to resolving the Enugu issue, while stressing that the successful upload of virtually all its governorship and Assembly candidates represented a significant milestone in its preparations for the elections.

This comes as the party’s presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, swore an oath not to misuse public funds or abuse public trust.

‘All of them. Anybody elected on the platform of ADC will sign this document, and not only sign, but also swear to an affidavit to be held accountable to this document,’ Abdullahi said.

The oath commits officeholders to honesty, transparency, accountability and the lawful use of public funds, while requiring them to accept sanctions for violations of the code or abuse of public trust.

It also provides that any elected or appointed official who resigns from or defects from ADC automatically forfeits the position obtained on the party’s platform.