Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed that the cholera outbreak at the Kurmawa Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kano State has been contained.

The Service, however, said two inmates died from the outbreak, with one death recorded at the custodial centre and the other at the Kano State Infectious Diseases Hospital.

The NCoS Public Relations Officer, Jane Osuji, said the outbreak was confirmed through laboratory investigation on September 23 by the Service’s medical team and Kano State public health authorities.

She said the incident was first detected on September 17 when an inmate presented with vomiting and diarrhoea and was immediately admitted and treated at the centre’s medical facility.

According to her, the medical team activated emergency protocols the following morning while intensifying treatment, monitoring and other interventions.

Osuji said the measures brought the outbreak under control, adding that no further deaths had been recorded since the diagnosis.

She said the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, directed that all necessary measures be sustained to protect the health and welfare of inmates and personnel.

The NCoS spokesperson expressed regret over the deaths and said the Controller-General had extended his condolences to the families of the deceased.

She said the Service had introduced additional preventive measures in collaboration with the Kano State Government to prevent future occurrences.

‘The Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to reassure the public that healthcare services remain available across custodial facilities through qualified medical personnel, while continuous disease surveillance, early detection and prompt medical response are being strengthened in collaboration with relevant public health authorities,’ Osuji said.

She added that Nwakuche had directed a team of senior medical personnel from the Service’s National Headquarters to proceed to the facility for sustained monitoring.

The Controller-General, according to Osuji, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to treating persons in custody humanely and protecting their health, dignity and welfare in line with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, and established correctional standards.

Thousands of worshippers converged on Regal Hall, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, on Sunday, September, 20, 2026, for ‘Praise Affair with Tosin Bee: The Thanksgiving,’ a free gospel concert that blended deep worship with high-energy praise.

The event marked gospel minister Tosin Bee’s first major headline concert since ‘Switch with Tosin Bee’ at the MUSON Centre in 2019. Since then, the singer has been engaged in live recordings, new releases and international ministry.

Performing with his Beezle Nation team, Tosin Bee delivered a bilingual set in English and Yoruba, drawing on his signature Afro-gospel and highlife sound. The crowd responded with dancing, tears and loud shouts of praise throughout the evening.

‘Everything we have, everything we are, is by His grace,’ Tosin Bee said, describing the concert as an act of thanksgiving.

Nine guest ministers joined him on stage: Beejay Sax, Kaestrings, Adeyinka Alaseyori, Eniola Olusoga, Laolu Gbenjo, Steve Hills, Elijah Daniel, SMJ and Lillian Nneji. Each contributed a distinct ministration, from Beejay Sax’s saxophone melodies to Kaestrings’ deep worship and SMJ’s energetic praise.

The Lagos State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Pastor Yemi Davids, addressed the gathering, saying, ‘When we are praising God, we are exalting His abilities.’

He later prayed for the convener, his team and the audience.

Attendees commended the organisation of the event, citing the sound quality, stage production, volunteer coordination and programme flow.

Many worshippers said they were already looking forward to the Praise Affair 2027.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has extended its passport intervention exercise in the United Kingdom to October 30, 2026, following increased demand from Nigerians in the diaspora.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered the exercise in response to concerns raised by Nigerians abroad over passport and other document applications.

NIS Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration Akinsola Akinlabi, said the UK exercise, initially scheduled to end on October 6, had been extended to October 30.

‘Therefore, Nigerian communities in the UK are enjoined to take advantage of the extension to renew their passports,’ Akinlabi said in a statement issued in Abuja.

He urged applicants to utilise the designated venues, including 56-57 Fleet Street, Temple, London EC4Y 1JU; Nigerian House, 23 Platt Lane, Manchester M14 5NE; Hilton Convention Centre, 13 Smithfield Road, Aberdeen, AB24 4NR; and Cardiff.

Akinlabi said the venue for the Cardiff centre would be announced in a subsequent public notice, urging applicants to monitor the Nigeria High Commission’s website and NIS official communication channels for updates.

He said applicants must book appointments through the NIS-approved platform or the Nigeria High Commission’s website and adhere strictly to their scheduled dates and times.

The arrangement, he said, was designed to ensure an orderly process, minimise delays and enable the Service to attend to applicants efficiently throughout the exercise.

Akinlabi also said the Contactless Passport Application System remained operational, encouraging eligible Nigerians to use the platform to renew their passports without visiting a Nigerian embassy, high commission or consulate.

He urged Nigerians to contact: email:passport.london@immigration.gov.ng. WhatsApp only: +234 916 087 8000 for assistance.

According to Akinlabi, applicants must present documents such as a completed application form, payment slips as proof of payment, and the intervention appointment printout.

Self-addressed return envelope; and for renewal cases, mandatory presentation of the applicant’s current passport.

Akinlabi warned applicants that cash payments would not be accepted at the venue, and that they must cooperate with officials to ensure a smooth and orderly exercise.

‘The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to efficient, transparent and responsive passport Service Delivery to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora,’ he said.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has charged the new leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission to prioritise regional unity and integration, including stronger engagement with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), as part of efforts to advance peace, stability and economic development in West Africa.

Shettima said the changing political and economic landscape of the sub-region demanded greater cohesion, friendship and cooperation among West African countries, urging ECOWAS to take the lead in rebuilding relationships and pursuing programmes that directly improve the lives and livelihoods of the people.

The Vice President spoke on Friday in New York, United States, when he received a delegation of the ECOWAS Commission led by its new President, Generale Birame Diop (rtd), on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima specifically urged the new management to deliberately engage emerging blocs in the region, particularly the AES, while strengthening the bonds among the peoples of West Africa.

‘Beyond your administrative duties, your leadership of the commission must make deliberate efforts to build bridges of friendship across the sub-region. ECOWAS should be at the forefront of our engagement with emerging blocs in the area such as Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

‘I urge ECOWAS under your leadership to champion the cause of regional integration and strengthen the bonds of unity and friendship among our people’, Shettima told the delegation.

The Vice President also called on the commission to give serious consideration to private sector participation in the execution of the Lagos-Abidjan highway project, stressing the importance of mobilising resources and partnerships capable of accelerating regional infrastructure and economic integration.

Congratulating Diop on his election as President of the ECOWAS Commission, Shettima observed that he was assuming the leadership of the regional body at a difficult period that required greater synergy and cohesion among governments and citizens of member countries.

He assured the new leadership of Nigeria’s continued cooperation and support for initiatives aimed at strengthening ECOWAS and accelerating the development of the sub-region.

‘My boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a man of honour and conviction who will always support efforts aimed at advancing the transformation of ECOWAS as a regional body, and the progress of the area in general’, the Vice President said.

Shettima added that Nigeria would continue to provide an enabling environment for the regional organisation to succeed and contribute meaningfully towards achieving the vision and objectives of its founding fathers.

Earlier, Diop commended Nigeria for its role in the establishment and sustenance of ECOWAS over the years, as well as the sacrifices the country had made towards promoting stability and prosperity across West Africa despite prevailing challenges.

The ECOWAS Commission President said the region was confronting rising insecurity and development challenges, alongside other difficulties facing the commission, which he said would require Nigeria’s direct intervention as a ‘big brother’ to overcome.

Describing ECOWAS as an important instrument for regional stability that deserved sustained support, Diop called on other countries in the sub-region to cooperate with Nigeria in pursuing inclusive development and securing a better future for the people of West Africa.

Also at the meeting were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim, and senior officials of the ECOWAS Commission.

Skitmaker and activist Debo Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has opened up about what he described as one of the most difficult periods of his life, revealing that he was once close to giving up after struggling to secure help.

He spoke after a video of veteran actor Peter Fatomilola praising his generosity went viral.

Fatomilola had recounted how Mr Macaroni gave him N200,000 for fuel after a movie shoot in Ibadan, despite receiving only N50,000 for the job. The actor also recalled that the skitmaker later paid him N1 million for a single scene alongside veteran actor Pete Edochie.

The video prompted several people to share testimonies about acts of kindness they said Mr Macaroni had extended to them.

Reacting to the testimonies on his X handle, Mr Macaroni said he broke down in tears while reading the messages because he could not remember many of the acts of kindness people recounted.

He said the experience reminded him to be grateful to God, noting that he had spent too much time dwelling on his losses instead of appreciating God for seeing him through difficult periods.

The skitmaker said he was accustomed to giving and rarely receiving because people often assumed he had enough resources to meet his needs.

He said, however, that the past few years had tested him in ways he struggled to understand.

According to him, he sought help from several sources and was almost at the point of giving up.

Mr Macaroni said an individual, whose identity he did not disclose, eventually helped him settle his debts and continued to support him.

He thanked the person for restoring his hope when he felt everything was over, adding that he would remain indebted to the individual.

The skitmaker also appreciated his close circle, Mr Macaroni and Friends, for standing by him, as well as music executive Don Jazzy, footballer Victor Osimhen and Pastor Bolaji for their consistent support over the years.

He wrote, ‘I cried so much last night and this morning. I have seen lots of messages from different people about things I did for them at different times, most of which I don’t even remember. The truth is, I have always believed in my heart that the only reason God has given me is to give it back. I think this is God’s way of telling me to be thankful, too!!! I have been thinking too much about what I lost instead of thanking God for seeing me through one of the hardest moments of my life.

‘I am used to always giving and hardly ever receiving because everyone thought I had in abundance. I have also always found it difficult to ask for help. Even if I had to borrow from anyone, I would always return with interest, even without them asking. But I was tested in ways I couldn’t understand these past few years. I asked for help everywhere and anywhere I could think of and I was on the verge of giving it all up!

‘I would mention his name, but he would be really upset. God used one person to settle all that I owed! And this help came over and over again! I don’t think any sane person would do what he did for me without God’s intervention! So I’m also saying thank you, Brother! And I will continue to do so again and again, privately and publicly! Thank you for giving me hope when I thought it was all over. I can’t help but think I have taken your love and kindness for granted, but I want you to know that I am forever indebted to you.

‘To my closest people in the World (Mr Macaroni and Friends), thank you for not neglecting me even when you had every reason to. Thank you for saving me. To Don Jazzy, who has been giving me since my university days up till now, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do, not just for me but for so many others!!! To my brother Victor Osimhen and Pastor Bolaji!!! Thank youuuu.

‘I am in a better place! I am learning and doing things that make me happy. I don’t and never will regret anything I have ever done in my life to make others’ lives better, even in the smallest way possible. However, I have learned a lot of lessons these past few years, and I am grateful even for the trials and tribulations, for which, without them, I wouldn’t have the clarity of mind I now have.

‘May the love in our hearts be forever greater than the hate in the world. Thank you with all my heart.’

The Delta State Government has directed the Obi of Ubulu-Uku, His Royal Majesty Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze, to return from abroad and resume physical administration of his kingdom.

The directive was issued during a conflict-resolution meeting with members of the Ubulu-Uku Council of Chiefs, convened by the Special Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor.

Uzor said the monarch’s physical presence was necessary for the effective administration of the kingdom and urged him to return promptly and discharge his traditional responsibilities.

He also cautioned the monarch’s uncles, relatives and other persons close to the palace against interfering in the administration of the kingdom.

The Special Adviser advised them to channel their concerns and advice through the appropriate traditional structures to avoid actions that could worsen tensions in the community.

The government also declared null and void the recently conducted online election of the Ubulu-Uku Development Council (UDC).

Uzor said the election contravened the Delta State Regulation of Community Development Associations Law 2021 and relevant guidelines issued by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development.

He directed that a fresh, inclusive election be organised in consultation with the community and under the ministry’s supervision.

The government also overturned Obi’s suspension of the Onishe of Ubulu-Uku, Chief James Asika Onwordi.

Uzor said the suspension did not comply with the statutory procedure for suspending traditional chiefs in Delta State.

The government’s position aligns with its earlier statement that the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs Law regulates the power to suspend a traditional chief and that the power cannot be exercised outside the prescribed procedure.

Uzor said the interventions aimed to restore order, uphold established traditional structures, and promote peace and stability in Ubulu-Uku.

The decisions followed petitions and counter-petitions regarding the kingdom’s administration and the disputed status of the Onishe and the UDC leadership.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The decision was part of resolutions reached at the party’s 195th National Working Committee (NWC) meeting and National Strategic Retreat, which ended in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Saturday.

Reading the communiqué at the end of the three-day gathering, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, said a review of the party’s internal structures showed that it remained united and prepared for the 2027 elections.

‘We get a clean bill of health with the APC as a party. I trust strongly that the party is strong, the party is healthy, the party is prepared, and the party is oiled for the 2027 General Elections,’ Yilwatda told journalists and party delegates.

The national chairman also announced the NWC’s unconditional endorsement of Tinubu and Shettima as the party’s presidential ticket, alongside all other candidates produced through its primary election processes.

The party said the resolutions reflected its assessment of its internal structures and preparations for the 2027 general elections.

‘We pass a vote of confidence on our presidential candidate, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, and all the other candidates of our party that were elected in the primary elections for the 2027 general election,’ Yilwatda stated.

Defending the quality of the party’s candidates across all elective posts nationwide, he added: ‘We strongly believe that we produce some of the most pedigreed candidates, most acceptable and the most prepared to be elected to serve the people of Nigeria.’

Addressing internal squabbles and aggrieved party members, the NWC resolved to deepen peacebuilding initiatives across the country by mandating lower organs of the party to set up localized peace committees.

‘We resolved that we must continue to make reconciliation where we need to make reconciliation at all levels,’ the party chief stressed. ‘The effort to constitute reconciliation committees at the state, the local government, and also at the ward level [will be intensified]. We encourage the state chapters to constitute reconciliation committees where it is not done.’

Yilwatda added that national party officers would take an active, visible role in driving the election campaigns across the country.

‘The National Working Committee also resolved to lead the campaign from the front and all the engagement of the party to ensure total victory for all our candidates in the forthcoming general elections,’ the communiqué stated.

The three-day retreat, themed ‘Strengthening Party Organization, Unity and Electoral Readiness Towards 2027,’ ran from Thursday, September 24, to Saturday, September 26, 2026.

The high-level meeting brought together members of the NWC, state chairmen, and key stakeholders from across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to align strategies for President Tinubu’s re-election bid and broader electoral success for the party in 2027.

Patrick Vieira’s competitive reign as Senegal coach began with a draw after Mozambique fought back to secure a 1-1 result.

Nicolas Jackson gave Senegal the lead in the 32nd minute, putting the visitors in control as they looked to make a winning start under their new coach.

But Mozambique responded just before half-time, with Geny Catamo equalising in added time to send the teams into the break level.

Neither side was able to find a winner after the interval, leaving Senegal to settle for a point in Vieira’s first qualifier in charge.

The result is also Senegal’s first draw under the former France international, who has begun a new cycle with a squad missing Sadio Mané because of a physical issue. Vieira nevertheless has several established attacking options, including Jackson, Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye and Assane Diao.

For Mozambique, holding one of Africa’s strongest sides represents an encouraging opening to their Group J campaign.

Guinea-Bissau caused a major upset by beating Tanzania 2-0 away from home to make an impressive start in Group L.

Franculino Djú put the visitors ahead in the 33rd minute before Mama Baldé doubled the advantage in the 58th minute to silence the home supporters.

Tanzania attempted to respond with several second-half substitutions but were unable to break down a disciplined Guinea-Bissau side.

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with alleged strangulation of a four-month-old baby and the killing of a 60-year-old woman accused of witchcraft.

The incidents occurred in Zirami, Azare, and Gadau areas of the state on Thursday.

In the first incident, a 27-year-old man, Muhammad Garba Ladan, was arrested after his wife reported the death of their four-month-old daughter, Fatimah Muhammad, at Azare Division.

The mother, aged 20, reportedly told the police that she had left the baby sleeping at home and gone to a neighbour’s house for hairdressing.

She said that upon returning, she found the baby lifeless and allegedly saw her husband suspiciously coming out of the room.

According to the police, the woman alleged that her husband had previously made several unsuccessful attempts to kill the child, whose pregnancy reportedly occurred before the couple got married.

The police said detectives attached to the Azare Division rushed the child to the General Hospital, where a doctor confirmed that she had died from alleged strangulation.

The suspect was subsequently arrested and is currently undergoing preliminary investigation, while the child’s remains were released to relatives for burial.

In a separate incident in Gadau, police arrested 25-year-old Haruna Amadu of Kuka Buni village for allegedly killing a 60-year-old woman, Hafsatu Ya’u, who he accused of being a witch.

The police said the suspect allegedly trespassed into the victim’s residence at Wasari village, Gadau District, at about 7am on Thursday and attacked her with a knife.

The victim was reportedly stabbed in the chest and other parts of her body, while the suspect allegedly accused her of causing the illness of one Maryam Amadu of Kuka Buni Village.

Police detectives attached to the Gadau Division evacuated the victim to the General Hospital, Azare, for treatment, but she was later pronounced dead by a doctor.

The corpse was released to her relatives for burial while the suspect was arrested.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said both cases were under investigation and would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned witchcraft-related killings and violence against women and children, warning residents against taking the law into their own hands.

The African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), Abuja, and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the establishment of the faculty of aeronautical and space engineering.

The agreement would also enable both institutions to explore Online Distance Learning (ODL) academic collaboration.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of AAAU, Abuja, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi said the pact was aimed at seeking the mentorship and expertise of ABU Zaria towards the establishment of the faculty of aeronautical and space engineering at AAAU.

He noted that the growing demand for specialised manpower in the aviation and aerospace sector made the establishment of the faculty important.

Abdullahi further stated that ABU Zaria was a strategic institution to partner with, given its experience in engineering education and the wealth of experienced academics within its faculty of engineering.

He also disclosed that AAAU was exploring opportunities for collaboration in Online Distance Learning, an area in which ABU Zaria has experience as one of the pioneering institutions in the country.

He explained that the proposed collaboration would enable AAAU to accommodate potential international students and professionals within the aviation sector, particularly in view of the peculiar nature of the industry and the professional commitments of many of its students.

The Vice-Chancellor of ABU, Prof. Adamu Ahmad, commended the leadership of AAAU for taking up the challenge of pioneering a specialised university dedicated to aviation and aerospace education.

He assured AAAU of the commitment of ABU Zaria, particularly its faculty of engineering, to supporting the University’s manpower development drive and the establishment of the faculty of aeronautical and space engineering.