Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Actor Hafiz Oyetoro, popularly known as Saka, has opened up about his working relationship with actor and producer, Femi Adebayo.

Speaking in an interview with African A-List, Oyetoro described Adebayo as fantastic, hardworking and honest, noting that he is passionate about his craft.

He revealed that he began working with Adebayo when his fee was N30,000, adding that the producer now pays him in millions and offers him more jobs.

‘Femi Adebayo is a fantastic, very hardworking, honest young man. I’ve been working with him for a while; he used to pay me N30,000, and he gives me jobs and pays me millions. He’s a workaholic, and he knows what he’s doing,’ he said.

The comic actor also said he enjoys a cordial relationship with Adebayo’s peers, including Odunlade Adekola, Ibrahim Chatta and others.

‘You see Femi categories: Odunlade Adekola, Ibrahim Chatta, and co; they are very good, and my relationship with them is very good too,’ he added.

Saka had previously praised actress Funke Akindele, describing her as humble and professional on set.

He defended her strict nature on set, saying that managing multimillion-naira projects requires discipline and zero tolerance for laziness.

Activities at the premises of the Edo State Ministry of Power were temporarily disrupted on Friday following protest by youths from several communities of Ososo, Ojah and Ijiranmi in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area over prolonged power outage.

The protesters said they have not had power supply for the past eight months and demanded an alternative power distribution company if the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) could no longer supply power.

They carried placards with various inscriptions,, saying the prolonged power outage has crippled economic activities and stalled development in the affected communities.

Spokesman of the protesters, Mr. Bernard Gomina, said the protest was to draw attention to hardship in the affected communities.

Gomina alleged that the communities contributed money for repair of faulty equipment but the problems persisted.

He said the BEDC continued to slam them with what he termed outrageous estimated bills.

The lawmaker representing Akoko-Edo II in the Edo State House of Assembly, Donald Okogbe, who joined the protesters, said the people were frustrated by the prolonged outage.

Hon. Okogbe called on relevant agencies to give license to an alternative firm that would ensure steady power supply.

He said, ‘It has become necessary to consider an alternative arrangement if the BEDC can no longer provide reliable power.

‘We urged the Edo Electricity Regulatory Commission to explore the possibility of removing the affected communities from BEDC’s coverage.

‘Steady power supply is essential for economic growth and the wellbeing of the people. We call on the authorities to treat the matter as an emergency.’

Chairman of the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr. Shittu Shaibu, assured the protesters that the Commission was aware of the situation and was working to resolve it.

Edo Commissioner for Power, Hon. Paul Osenbo, ueged the protesters to submit a memo detailing their complaints.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday reassured investors of his commitment to providing enabling environment for long-term investments as Ogun State Government and DP World MEA FZE signed a $7 billion deal for the development of Gateway Deep Sea Port and Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone.

At the signing ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Paris, France, President Tinubu said the Federal Government remains committed to providing regulatory clarity, policy stability and a predictable business environment to support long-term investment in Nigeria.

He said the Federal Government would continue to support states across the federation to unlock their immense potential, describing the Ogun State-DP World MoU as evidence of such collaboration and a reaffirmation of his government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said: ‘These agreements envisage an initial investment of more than $7 billion in the Nigerian economy. At full development, the projects are projected to create more than 50,000 direct jobs and many additional indirect opportunities, while generating substantial non-oil export earnings from Nigerians’ creativity and productivity across the value chain. This is economic diversification made tangible. This is industrialisation made visible. This is Renewed Hope in action’.

President Tinubu assured investors that the Federal Government would provide the necessary regulatory and institutional support to move the projects seamlessly from agreements to implementation.

‘This is cooperative federalism as envisaged by our Constitution: subnational vision supported by federal facilitation.

‘We will facilitate road, rail and power connectivity; strengthen investment security and our maritime domain; and remove unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles,’ President Tinubu said.

He highlighted the strategic importance of the Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, noting that the zone has already started attracting interest from leading global manufacturing and industrial companies.

He said: ‘Within the zone, imported inputs will be transformed into finished goods, Nigerian raw materials will be processed for export and, most importantly, our young men and women will find dignified, productive and sustainable employment.

‘The Gateway Deep Seaport is the critical infrastructure that will support the zone’s viability. A port moves cargo; a port integrated with a special economic zone helps to build an economy. Each reinforces the other’.

He said the Federal Government would continue to work with Ogun State and other subnational governments to remove unnecessary bottlenecks and facilitate investments that create value for Nigerians, while respecting the country’s laws and regulatory requirements.

According to him, strengthening the maritime economy remained a key part of the Federal Government’s broader economic diversification strategy as Nigeria strives to position itself as the continental hub for global trades and investments.

Researchers have advocated a peacebuilding approach to rebuild the fractured peace in farmer-herder conflict through solutions journalism and sustained intervention to help the victims.

A media and conflict researcher, Dr Ridwan Kolawole of the Department of Communication and Language Arts, University of Ibadan and Dr Yikwab Yikwabs of Sociology Department, Federal University, Lokoja, spoke at the 2026 Africa University Seminar Series Nigeria (AUSS-NG) of the Social Science Research Council’s African Peacebuilding and Developmental Dynamics (APDD) in Lagos.

While Kolawole presented a paper titled, ‘It Is Not All About the Negative Slant: Exploring Solutions Perspectives to Nigerian Media Reportage of Farmer-Herder Conflict,’ Yikwabs spoke on Coping Strategies Employed by Orphans and Widows as a Result of Farmer-Herder Conflict in North Central, Nigeria

The conference hosted by the Institute for African and Diaspora Studies, University of Lagos and held at the Arthur Mbanefo Digital Research Centre, was attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Muyiwa Falaye and the Director of the Institute, Professor Ayo Yusuff, who was represented by Professor Kayode Esuola.

Both Kolawole and Yikwabs are alumni of the SSRC’s APDD doctoral fellowship (formerly Next Generation Social Science in Africa).

Kolawole won the doctoral fellowship in 2019, 2020 and 2022, while Yikwabs received the fellowship in 2021 and 2022.

Dr Kolawole’s presentation titled, ‘It is Not All About the Negative Slant’: Exploring Solutions Perspectives to Nigerian Media Reportage of Farmer-Herder Conflict, is part of his doctoral thesis findings on how Nigerian newspapers reported the conflict.

The media and conflict researcher revealed that with respect to reporting farmer-herder conflict by Nigerian newspapers, the ‘predominant slant of reporting is that of doom and hopelessness’

He argued that while reporting the realities of conflicts remains essential, journalism should also examine responses to social problems with the aim of addressing them.

He said, ‘While many journalists hide under the guise of ‘If we don’t report the story, how will the concerned authorities respond and proffer solutions?’ Kolawole contends that as much as this is good, it must be done with caution and within a context that promotes peace.

Dr Kolawole, who interrogated the media reportage through two objectives, ‘the overall construction of people and events in the Nigerian media reportage of farmer-herder conflict’ and ‘Nigerian newspapers’ deployment of alternative means of reporting as a way of changing the narrative’, said the selected newspapers’ reportage of the conflict was predominantly conflict-escalatory.

‘The media’s preoccupation was centred on blameworthy labelling, ethnic profiling, and derogatory appellations such as criminal herder, murderous herder, killer, among others, which did not help in solving the problem’

He, however, noted that despite negative and escalatory perspectives, ‘it is not all about the negative slant’.

‘Some of the reportage explored solutions journalism, although not as comprehensive as expected and not deliberate.

‘Some of the reports featured reconciliation, peacebuilding and conflict resolution’

‘Peace Reporting is non-negotiable; we are all members of society’

Kolawole enjoined journalists to remain committed to factual and truthful reporting, stressing that reporting conflicts should not be interpreted as an attempt to worsen the situation when the reports are professionally produced.

While advocating the application of solutions journalism as a way of broadening the media’s approach to reporting social problems, the Solutions Journalism Network (SJN, USA) certified trainer enjoined journalists to give people hope instead of pervasive problem-escalatory reporting.

Cautioning the media to be wary of escalatory tones and frames in their reportage, Kolawole noted that the media and their personnel are part of the society, who can also become victims if the conflict escalates.

‘The role of the media goes beyond its traditional functions of informing, educating and entertaining, as journalists can also contribute to peace through responsible reporting; they also help de-escalate the problems and participate in peacebuilding’, Kolawole declared.

Kolawole’s presentation also highlighted the need for journalists to be conscious of the language and descriptions used when reporting conflicts, particularly in creating villains and actors and in shaping identity.

Victimisation, Victimhood and the coping strategies in farmer-herder conflict highlighted

Speaking on the Coping Strategies Employed by Orphans and Widows as a Result of Farmer-Herder Conflict in North Central, Nigeria, Dr Yikwab Yikwabs of the Federal University Lokoja reported that children and women who became orphans and widows as a result of farmer-herder conflict in Benue and Plateau states are often reflected.

The sociologist noted that institutional responses to this challenge have offered only immediate aid, without addressing long-term needs such as education for orphans and livelihood restoration for widows.

While advocating sustained intervention by the Federal and state governments to rebuild livelihoods and safe return of those displaced, Yikwabs highlighted coping strategies employed by orphans and Widows as a Result of Farmer-Herder Conflict in North Central Nigeria

The AUSS-NG 2026 Conference, with the theme Citizenship, Belonging and Geographies of Conflict in Contemporary Nigeria, brought together discussions on identity, politics, historicisation of conflict, religionisation of politics and politicisation of religion as drivers of conflict in Nigeria.

The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mariya Mahmoud, said the effectiveness of governance should be measured by the safety, opportunities, and dignity citizens enjoy.

Mahmoud made this point while delivering a keynote address at the Resilience in Leadership and Governance Roundtable, held on the sidelines of the 2026 United Nations General Assembly.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Catalysing Effective Governance and Human Security,’ the minister said governance must translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ daily lives.

She identified access to quality healthcare and education, safe transport, efficient public services, economic opportunities, and the meaningful participation of women and young people as key indicators of effective governance.

Mahmoud said resilient leadership goes beyond surviving crises, stressing that leaders must learn from challenges, adapt, and continue to provide essential services to the people.

‘Resilient leadership is more than the ability to endure a crisis; it is the capacity to learn, adjust, and continue delivering essential services without losing sight of the people affected by public decisions,’ she said.

On human security, the minister said the concept goes beyond protection from armed conflict, noting that hunger, illness, unemployment, displacement, and a lack of basic services can also expose citizens to insecurity.

‘A person may be free from armed conflict and still remain deeply insecure because of hunger, illness, unemployment, displacement, or the absence of basic services,’ she said.

She therefore called for sustained investment in infrastructure, healthcare, education, livelihoods, and food security, as well as strengthening institutions capable of reducing citizens’ vulnerabilities.

Mahmoud also highlighted ongoing initiatives in the Federal Capital Territory, saying the administration under FCT Minister Nyesom Wike was pursuing infrastructure renewal, improved transport, healthcare, water supply, urban development, investment promotion, and social interventions.

She said the initiatives aimed to improve residents’ quality of life and strengthen the capital’s capacity to respond to emerging challenges.

The minister stressed the need for governments to deliberately create space for women and young people in development and decision-making processes.

She also advocated responsible digital transformation, saying technology should improve public service delivery and transparency while safeguarding citizens’ data.

Turning to Africa’s development challenges, the minister urged African countries to take greater ownership of their development priorities.

She said international partnerships should strengthen African institutions rather than create dependency.

According to her, although global experiences and best practices could offer useful lessons, they should be adapted to local realities rather than copied wholesale.

‘Global best practices are useful, but they must be adapted to local realities rather than copied without regard to context,’ she said.

Mahmoud proposed establishing a continuing African governance peer-learning network to document successful reforms, strengthen institutional capacity and track commitments made beyond international conferences.

She said sustainable governance required leadership anchored in integrity, accountability and service, stressing that public office carries significant responsibilities.

‘Public office is a trust, and it must be exercised with integrity, humility and a commitment to service,’ she said.

Veteran actress Taiwo Akinwande, popularly known as Yetunde Wunmi, has opened up about her 2006 arrest by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the painful loss of her toddler son.

The actress shared the experience during a recent interview with FeelrightNews TV, where she reflected on some of the most difficult periods of her life.

Recalling her arrest at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, in 2006, Wunmi said she was left questioning how she found herself in such a situation.

She said, ‘Why her? How did I find myself here?’

According to the actress, she had seen herself arrested twice in her dreams before the incident, but she did not pay attention to them.

Wunmi admitted that financial difficulties contributed to her situation, revealing that she was desperately broke.

She said, ‘Maybe I allowed my love for money to get too much over me. I was actually very broke at that time… I could not boast of N10,000 in my savings.’

The actress was arrested while travelling to London and was subsequently convicted and sentenced to a two-year jail term. She was released in 2008.

Looking back at the incident’s impact on her career, Wunmi said she lost her privacy, popularity, and some close relationships.

She also recalled how some people in the entertainment industry distanced themselves from her because of her status as an ex-convict.

The actress also opened up about the death of her son, who passed away at the age of one year and 10 days.

Wunmi recalled how her passion for acting led her to return to the stage just 41 days after giving birth, as she sought to support her family.

The tragedy, she said, was followed by marital difficulties, as her former husband allegedly blamed her for their son’s death.

The actress had previously described the loss as one of the most painful experiences of her life, saying her son did not live long enough to enjoy the success she eventually achieved in theatre.

Despite the difficult experiences, Wunmi expressed gratitude to God for preserving her life and giving her an opportunity to rebuild her career.

Reflecting on her life after the ordeal, she said, ‘Today everything is new in my life, and I’m always grateful to Almighty Allah, who actually preserved my life during my trying period.’

The veteran actress also recalled the support she received from colleagues and members of the Yoruba film industry after her release, which helped her return to acting.

Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has congratulated Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, popularly called King Sunny Ade, on his 80th birthday.

The monarch described him ‘as a trailblazer, a music maestro, a rare breed and a precious gift, who has remained active despite his age on the music scene, thus reinforcing his position as a cultural ambassador, who has done so much to project a positive image for the country over the years.’

In a statement by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Alaafin lauded Sunny Ade’s contribution to the growth of Nigerian music,

which has become a global brand, crediting him and other musical stars of his generation for charting the path for today’s generation of ”Young Turks” in the industry.

Oba Owoade said: ‘King Sunny Ade is a muse, a prodigious songster, a creative enigma and a conversationalist musician, whose reach in musical world is limitless. He could single up to the age of 80 due to combination of factors, which include his dexterity, originality, hard work and above all the grace of God.

‘The Juju music exponent has made his mark in the music world as one of the most gifted and prolific singers, as well as song writers with an uncommon consistency in the last five decades. He is one of the music icons on the African continent. He is a gift not only to Nigeria, but also the whole music communities of the world.’

The monarch prayed that God would grant the Juju music maestro many more years in good health, so that he would continue to benefit humanity.

Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Dr. Obafemi Hamzat has spoken on the role he aspire to play as from May 29, next year.

He said: ‘At 62, I look ahead with renewed purpose, knowing that there is still much to do and an even greater Lagos to build.’

Hamzat, who recently celebrated his birthday, reflected on the journey so far, thanking God and his family for support.

He said:’Today, I woke up in deep reflection of my journey through life. As I celebrate yet another birthday, I’m indeed thankful to Almighty Allah (swt) for His blessings, guidance, protection and good health.

‘To my dear wife Oluremi, I say thank you for holding my hands, cheering me on, and supporting me. Thank you for keeping the sanctity of our home. My dear, the journey ahead is long, and might be challenging, but continue to keep the faith.

‘To my dear children, I say a big thank you for your kind understanding that I was built and made for service.’

The deputy governor also thanked family, friends, associates and Lagosians for their support and vote of confidence in his capabilities and capacity to serve.

He said: ‘Every chapter of my life has been a learning curve, and everyday I wake up with a renewed zeal for commitment to the people I serve.

‘Therefore, at 62, I look ahead with renewed purpose, knowing that there is still much to do and an even greater Lagos to build.

‘I thank the people of Lagos for the trust and support over the years. The journey continues and I am ready for the work ahead.’

The United States government has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign citizens who travel to the country to give birth to secure automatic U.S. citizenship for their children, as well as individuals and entities that facilitate the practice.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the policy, stating that the restrictions are being invoked pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

He added that certain immediate family members of individuals targeted under the policy may also be subject to the visa restrictions.

The policy specifically targets owners, operators, and managers of commercial birth tourism operations, as well as visa ‘fixers’ and facilitators who coach applicants to submit fraudulent documents or misrepresent their travel intentions.

Foreign medical providers who knowingly aid such travel schemes and any other individuals supporting commercial birth tourism networks are also covered under the rules.

The announcement comes after recent operations by U.S. authorities that dismantled international birth tourism networks operating across West Africa, North Africa, and Europe, resulting in the revocation of hundreds of visas.

In one instance, a U.S. embassy in West Africa uncovered a network involving over 100 foreign nationals using fraudulent documents and fixers to obtain U.S. citizenship for their children.

The State Department confirmed that the newly established Birth Tourism Prevention Task Force, working alongside the Department of Homeland Security, will continue to analyse records worldwide to revoke visas and dismantle commercial operations profiting from immigration fraud.

Official statements emphasised that the policy aims to protect the integrity of the U.S. immigration system and prevent the exploitation of American citizenship.

Tyson Fury will face Anthony Joshua in an all-British heavyweight showdown in Cardiff on December 11.

The long-awaited clash had initially been linked with venues in New York and London before promoters settled on the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital.

After months of negotiations that threatened to scupper the fight as Fury called for a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, Saudi Arabian boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh announced the venue and date for the bout on Thursday.

‘For 15 years no one has been able to make this fight,’ he wrote on social media. ‘Back in April, I said that any announcement would come from me. I can now confirm that Fury vs. Joshua will be coming to the UK, as I promised British boxing fans. The time for talking is over…’

Choosing the 80,000-capacity stadium in Cardiff, which has hosted the Champions League and FA Cup finals, as well as Wales national team matches in football and rugby, allows both fighters to finally start their preparations for the eagerly-anticipated clash.

The fight, one of the biggest in British boxing history, will be broadcast on streaming service Netflix.

Fury, 38, defeated 46-year-old Mariusz Wach in Thailand in his most recent bout in July.

Joshua, 36, survived a pair of first-round knockdowns to beat the unheralded Kristian Prenga in his last fight two months ago.

The former two-time world champions had already signed contracts for the bout earlier this year, but the date and venue had yet to be confirmed.

Wembley in London and New York’s Madison Square Garden had been the leading contenders to stage the fight before the Cardiff decision.

‘Forever indebted to the UK public for their support of Anthony Joshua. We couldn’t have got this over the line without you,’ his promoter Eddie Hearn said.

More than a decade in the making, the bout between the former two-time world champions is the culmination of numerous false starts and spats before Thursday’s confirmation.