Zeus3D: When Auto Culture Transforms Living Space

A changing relationship with automobiles is reshaping what car culture looks like in Nigeria.

For a long time, much of that culture was centred on ownership, maintenance, modification and the social value attached to particular cars. Today, interest in automobiles increasingly extends into fashion, photography, collecting, events, gaming and design.

Zeus3D founder Leslie Abiola sees interior spaces as another part of that evolution.

‘The people who really love cars don’t only think about them when they are driving,’ Abiola says. ‘It becomes part of their taste. You see it in what they watch, what they collect and even the conversations they have. So why shouldn’t it become part of the way they design their spaces?’

That thinking informed Zeus3D’s large motorsport-inspired wall piece, which turns an automobile into décor, part sculpture and part statement piece.

The attraction is not difficult to understand. Motorsport cars have some of the most distinctive shapes in automotive design. Their lines, proportions, surfaces, colours and liveries are designed around performance, but those same qualities become aesthetic when the machine is held still.

‘You can look at a motorsport car without knowing every technical detail and still appreciate the design,’ Abiola says. ‘There is a beauty to the shape, the aerodynamics, the colours.’

The piece allows Zeus3D to bring some of the techniques associated with its automotive customisation work into another environment. Instead of treating customisation only as something done to a vehicle, the company is exploring how automotive identity can exist inside private homes, offices, lounges, automotive businesses and collectors’ spaces.

It is an interesting meeting point between two worlds that usually remain separate: the garage and the interior.

2027: Bauchi NDC suffers setback as governorship candidate resigns

Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Bauchi State for the 2027 general elections, has resigned from the party.

Kashim announced his resignation in a letter dated October 16, 2026, addressed to the NDC chairman in Bauchi Local Government Area.

In the letter, he formally informed the party leadership of his decision to leave the NDC, stating that his resignation took effect from the date of the letter.

He explained that the decision followed careful consideration and was based on personal choice. However, he did not give further details about the reasons for his resignation.

Kashim also expressed appreciation to the party’s leadership and members for the opportunity to be associated with the NDC.

He acknowledged the support and opportunity he received during his time in the party, while formally requesting that his decision to leave be recognised.

The governorship candidate further asked the party chairman to acknowledge receipt of his resignation and ensure that the necessary changes were made to the party’s records.

In his letter, Kashim wrote, ‘I hereby formally tender my resignation from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), effective from the date of this letter.’

He added that his decision was made after careful consideration and was a matter of personal choice.

He also thanked the party leadership and members for the opportunity to have been associated with the NDC.

Kashim concluded the letter by requesting that his resignation be formally acknowledged and the party’s records updated accordingly.

His resignation comes as political parties and their candidates prepare for the 2027 general elections.

However, the letter did not indicate whether Kashim intends to join another political party or pursue his political ambition under a different platform.

It also did not provide further information about his next political move following his departure from the NDC.

NDC withholds recognition of Diaspora chapters, gives reason

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) said it has withdrawn recognition of its foreign-based chapters, citing a subsisting court judgment that bars Nigerian political parties from establishing or operating such structures outside the country’s borders.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, October 18, 2026, Osa Director, the National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, the party’s national leadership had reviewed its relationship with the foreign chapters and decided to withhold recognition.

‘The NDC wishes to withhold recognition of foreign chapters of the party in the diaspora,’ Director stated.

But he added that the party remains ‘deeply appreciative of the immense support of various foreign chapters in the diaspora’ and is ‘grateful for their unwavering loyalty, guidance, and contributions to the party.’

The NDC spokesperson further revealed that the decision was taken in deference to a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Kekemeke of the FCT High Court in the suit Prof. Ali Alao v. All Progressives Congress (APC) and Anor (Suit No. CV/187/2025).

According to the NDC spokesperson, the court held that ‘no political party registered in Nigeria has the legal authority to establish, operate or supervise chapters outside the country’s territorial boundaries.’

The judgment further declared that diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties ‘were illegal, unconstitutional, and unknown to the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’

‘Therefore, the NDC, in deference to the said judgment, is halting recognition of foreign chapters of the party and all earlier recognitions are hereby withdrawn,’ Director said.

He noted that in jurisdictions where more than one group exists, the party has initiated a harmonization process to bring them under one umbrella. The NDC is currently studying the judgment and has referred it to its Legal Department for further advice and guidance, according to the statement.

However, Director said the party is aware of the ‘tremendous interest that Nigerians in the diaspora have in our candidates, especially our presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi,’ and encouraged them to sustain that interest ‘with more vigour.’

‘We encourage our supporters in the diaspora to continue to meet and interact, and we shall remain in touch with them through appropriate and legal channels,’ he added.

He also called on supporters of the party to work towards building ‘a Nigeria of our dreams’ and to ‘rescue Nigeria from its present state of drift and hopelessness foisted on it by the rudderless APC.’

BASEC Africa turns five, sets sights on expanding security technology across Africa

BASEC Africa, a Nigerian security, safety and automation technology business, is seeking to expand its market reach across Africa as it strengthens its product portfolio, technical services and digital operations.

The business operates as BASEC Africa through BASEC Africa Solutions Limited, under the BASEC GROUP umbrella. Its wider brand journey marks five years, although the company incorporated BASEC Africa Solutions Limited in September 2024.

Chief Executive Officer Dr. Festus Basil Ndubuisi Ezeonyeodi, professionally known as Dr. Basil Ndubuisi, founded and leads the enterprise, which offers security equipment, surveillance systems, access control technologies, renewable energy-related solutions and automation products.

According to the company, its development has focused on building an identifiable African security technology brand through product expansion, business relationships and technical service delivery.

BASEC develops its own product range

BASEC Africa has expanded beyond distributing products from other manufacturers by developing a catalogue of security and automation equipment under its own BASEC brand.

Its product range includes smart door locks, walk-through metal detectors, X-ray baggage scanners, handheld metal detectors, wired and wireless doorbells, wireless CCTV equipment, boom barriers, turnstiles and security safes.

The company also supplies equipment from international brands, including Motorola, Baofeng, Hikvision and Garrett, giving customers access to both BASEC-branded products and third-party security technologies.

Its wider catalogue covers CCTV and IP surveillance cameras, biometric access systems, facial recognition terminals, electronic locks, automated gates, road blockers, bollards, vehicle-control spikes, two-way radios, protective equipment, fire-safety products and related accessories.

The company serves residential, commercial and institutional customers, with offerings designed for applications ranging from individual equipment purchases to broader site-security requirements.

Company reports supplies to public institutions, businesses

BASEC Africa identifies the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Customs Service, National Assembly, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and Dangote Group among the organisations with which it has had supply dealings.

The company says it supplied specialised surveillance cameras to the EFCC, protective security equipment to the Nigeria Customs Service and National Assembly, and boom barriers and vehicle-control spikes to the NSCDC.

It also reports supplying screening equipment to SON and undertaking security-related transactions involving Dangote Group.

These are company-reported business dealings and do not, in themselves, constitute endorsements by the named organisations.

Beyond institutional clients, BASEC Africa says it serves residential estates, offices, hotels, property developers, commercial facilities, industrial users and private customers.

Combines equipment supply with technical services

Beyond supplying equipment, BASEC Africa provides technical consultation, installation, configuration, commissioning and support for selected systems.

The company says its technical services cover selected surveillance deployments, access control systems, automated entrances and related integration requirements, using in-house and project-based technical professionals.

By combining equipment supply with installation and integration, the business aims to help customers select and deploy security systems suited to their facilities and operational needs.

Expands digital operations

BASEC Africa is also investing in its online presence to make its products more accessible to prospective customers.

Its online storefront features hundreds of products and supports enquiries, quotations and purchasing decisions. The company says it is exploring artificial intelligence and automation to improve marketing, customer communication and internal efficiency.

BASEC GROUP is also developing BASEC ONE, a mobile application intended to support a more connected security and automation experience.

The company says it will provide further details and announce the application’s launch when development reaches the appropriate stage.

Sets sights on the African market

Although BASEC Africa operates from Lagos, Nigeria, the company says it aims to extend its reach across the continent through stronger supply relationships, partnerships and technical capabilities.

It sees potential opportunities in residential developments, hospitality, industrial facilities, commercial properties and public institutions seeking modern surveillance, screening and access-control systems.

However, the company’s stated continental ambition remains a long-term goal rather than a claim that it already operates offices throughout Africa.

To support its next phase of growth, management says it plans to strengthen customer service, improve operational processes, expand its product portfolio and develop strategic business relationships.

The company has also identified timely responses, accurate product guidance, transparent order communication and effective technical support as priorities in an industry where equipment can play an important role in protecting people, property and business operations.

Five-year milestone and future plans

For Dr. Basil Ndubuisi, the wider BASEC brand’s five-year milestone provides an opportunity to assess the progress of the business and its future direction.

The company says its development has involved building business infrastructure, expanding its product range, strengthening technical capacity and establishing relationships with customers and suppliers.

Its priorities include increasing recognition of the BASEC product brand, improving service delivery, developing technology capabilities and preparing for opportunities beyond Nigeria.

BASEC Africa says its long-term ambition is to establish the brand as a recognised African provider of security, safety and automation technologies.

About BASEC Africa

BASEC is a security, safety and automation technology brand operating commercially as BASEC Africa through BASEC Africa Solutions Limited under BASEC GROUP. Based in Lagos, Nigeria, the business supplies BASEC-branded products alongside equipment from other manufacturers and offers installation and integration services for selected systems. Its long-term vision is to serve customers across Africa.

Thor Explorations Ltd wins diversity champion award at AIM Awards 2026

Thor Explorations Ltd is pleased to announce that it has won the Diversity Champion Award at the AIM Awards 2026, recognising its commitment to building an inclusive organisation where diverse perspectives contribute to business success.

The award recognises companies within the AIM community that demonstrate leadership in equity and inclusion across their organisations. In announcing Thor as the winner, the organisers highlighted the company’s approach to inclusion across executive leadership and field operations.

For Thor, the award reflects the collective contribution of its people and the importance of creating an enabling environment for employees to succeed. Bringing together different nationalities, professional disciplines and cultural backgrounds, the company recognises the value of diverse perspectives in fostering collaboration.

Speaking on the recognition, Segun Lawson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Thor Explorations, said, ‘I am immensely proud and honoured that Thor Explorations has been recognised with the Diversity Champion Award at this year’s AIM Awards. From the outset, I have believed that the strength of our business lies in the quality of our people, the different perspectives they bring and the opportunities we create for them to succeed. As an African-focused company, diversity is something I feel particularly passionate about. I have always been determined that Thor should be a business where talent, ambition and hard work define opportunity, regardless of background, gender or nationality.

‘For me, championing diversity is not about meeting targets or ticking boxes; it is about building a culture that reflects the communities in which we operate, empowers local talent and gives everyone the chance to reach their full potential. I firmly believe that this makes us a better business, a stronger team and ultimately a more successful company. This recognition means a great deal to me personally, but the real credit belongs to our people across the organisation who live these values every day. I could not be prouder of what we are building together.’

The Company thanked the AIM Awards organisers for the recognition and its employees for their continued contribution to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

TVC News Journalist Zainab Akande selected for UK Journalism Fellowship

TVC News journalist Zainab Akande has been selected for the UK Media Excellence for Emerging Technology (UK MEET) Fellowship after emerging among successful applicants from more than 500 submissions from Nigeria and Ghana.

The fellowship, organised by Imperial College London through Imperial Global Ghana, with support from the British High Commission, is designed to strengthen science journalism and improve public understanding of emerging technologies.

The programme focuses on areas including artificial intelligence (AI), climate technology, biomedical innovation and health technology, equipping journalists with the skills to investigate technological developments and report their implications for society.

According to the organisers, Akande’s application stood out for her reporting track record, clear editorial perspective and proposed story idea.

According to them, each eligible application was independently assessed by two reviewers, with 13 per cent of applicants selected.

The programme commenced with virtual sessions on October 6 and 8, ahead of a residential training scheduled to hold in Abuja from October 18 to 24.

During the residential programme, fellows will engage with researchers working on emerging technologies and learn how to investigate claims beyond press releases.Find Grants

Participants will also undergo practical training on developing and refining story pitches, including sharpening story angles, identifying credible sources and preparing publication plans.

The President of Imperial College London, Prof Hugh Brady, announced the 2026 Ghanaian and Nigerian cohort in a LinkedIn post.

Brady said the programme would equip journalists and content creators to improve their reporting on science, innovation and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, climate risk, biomedical innovation, the circular economy and electronic waste.Study Journalism

He said, ‘The UK MEET Fellowship is a programme for science journalists and content creators from Ghana and Nigeria to strengthen and inspire their reporting on science, innovation, and emerging technologies, focusing on wide-ranging topics from artificial intelligence and climate risk to biomedical innovation, the circular economy and e-waste.’

According to him, evidence-based science journalism has become increasingly important amid the spread of misinformation, rapid technological changes and complex global challenges.

‘Evidence-based, trusted science journalism has never been more essential. In a world of rapid technological change, misinformation and increasingly complex global challenges, our policymakers, leaders, and educators need accurate, accessible reporting that helps them understand what’s at stake, ask informed questions and make sound decisions,’ he said.

The training is expected to help fellows produce rigorous, evidence-based stories that offer the public a clearer understanding of scientific and technological developments.

The organisers said the programme would also provide opportunities for participants to build professional networks with science and technology reporters across the region.

The Abuja training will further serve as a platform for fellows to strengthen their story pitches for possible consideration for a UK Knowledge Exchange at Imperial College London in late November 2026.

According to the organisers, fellows who demonstrate strong application of the skills acquired during the residential programme and develop rigorous, evidence-based pitches will be considered for the exchange.

Those selected will have the opportunity to engage with researchers at Imperial College London and gain first-hand insight into the science behind their proposed stories.

15 Astonishing facts about late ex-Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan

Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan died on Monday at the age of 71, with family members and friends mourning him.

Below are 15 astonishing facts about him.

1. He was born in Warri North

Uduaghan was born on October 22, 1954, in Warri North Local Government Area, in present-day Delta State. He was of Itsekiri origin.

2. He trained as a medical doctor

He studied at the University of Benin from 1975 to 1980, earning a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree.

3. He also specialised in anaesthesia

Beyond his medical degree, Uduaghan obtained a diploma in anaesthesia and later worked as a consultant anaesthesiologist.

4. He began his career in the steel industry

In 1983, he started work as a medical officer at Delta Steel Company, demonstrating that his professional life began in medicine rather than politics.

5. He worked in several hospitals

Between 1989 and 1994, he worked at hospitals including Westend Hospital in Warri, Benoni Hospitals in Benin City and Shell Hospital in Ogunu.

6. He established a private medical practice

In 1994, Uduaghan set up his own medical practice, adding entrepreneurship to his experience in clinical medicine.

7. He entered government as Health Commissioner

On August 6, 1999, then-Governor James Ibori appointed him Delta State Commissioner for Health. His responsibilities included matters relating to medical staff and health infrastructure.

8. He became Secretary to the State Government

In June 2003, he was appointed Secretary to the Delta State Government, a key administrative position that preceded his governorship.

9. He governed Delta State for eight years

Uduaghan became governor on May 29, 2007, and served until May 29, 2015, with Amos Utuama as his deputy.

10. His first emergence as governor followed an inconclusive election

His 2007 assumption of office followed an inconclusive election. He later contested and won re-election in 2011.

11. He won re-election with more than 525,000 votes

In the April 2011 governorship election, Uduaghan polled 525,793 votes, defeating Great Ogboru, who received 433,834 votes.

12. He supported the creation of sanitation mobile courts

In 2008, Uduaghan and then-Chief Judge Rosaline Bozimo approved the establishment of mobile courts to prosecute sanitation offenders in Delta State.

13. He switched political parties more than once

Uduaghan left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2018, returned to the PDP in 2020 and rejoined the APC in May 2025.

14. He contested for the Senate but lost

In 2019, he contested the Delta South Senatorial District seat but lost to PDP candidate James Manager.

15. He announced his retirement from politics in 2022

After decades in public service and party politics, Uduaghan announced his retirement from politics in 2022, but he returned to the APC in 2025.

Seven Filipino workers injured in Saudi Arabia attacks

Seven overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were injured in attacks in Saudi Arabia, with three of them reported to be in critical condition.

The report of the attack and injuries were publicised by the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration said that 34 Filipino workers returned to the Philippines from Saudi Arabia on Monday, while another 65 were expected to arrive on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation also stated that a missile strike hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, on Oct. 10, killing 12 people and injuring 309.

Yemen’s Houthi group has repeatedly targeted the airport in recent days.

Court ?dismisses Sowore’s request seeking DSS DG to testify in his defence

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday dismissed an application by Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of African Action Congress, AAC, seeking an order compelling the Director-General (DG) of Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, to testify in his defence.

Justice Mohammed Umar, in a ruling, held that the application by Sowore, the presidential candidate of Action Action Congress (AAC), would not serve the interest of justice.

The Judge added that the DSS DG or any designated officer of the service who had full knowledge of its official and other relevant business could testify before this court for the defendant (Sowore).

Sowore is being prosecuted by the DSS on allegations bordering on cybercrime.

The defendant was alleged to have, in August 2025, published posts on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, describing President Bola Tinubu as a ‘criminal’ and accusing him of lying about the level of corruption in the country.

Sowore, through his lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide Fusika, SAN, had sought an order of the court compelling the DG’s appearance to testify relating to the cyberbullying case instituted against him.

The DSS’ lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, had opposed the move, arguing that another official of the agency could testify on his behalf.

The senior lawyer argued that it was absurd for Sowore to insist on the DSS DG’s appearance in court in an action that was purely official and not personal.

In his ruling, Justice Umar agreed with Kehinde’s argument that the subpoena concerned an official act of the DSS and that the expected testimony was not personal to the DG.

According to the judge the testimony that is expected from the Director General is not personal, but in respect of an official act or engagement.

Justice Umar consequently ruled that another DSS official could appear to give evidence on the agency’s behalf.

Following the ruling, defence counsel called the 3rd defence witness, Michael Jego, an investigating officer with the DSS.

Jego said he was a member of the DSS investigation team which flagged the controversial post of Sowore on X and Facebook and subsequently advised him to retract it.

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ýThe witness said the posts made on 26 Aug. 26, 2025 had the potential of posing a significant threat to national security.

The witness told the court that he was part of an investigation team that monitored reactions with relation to the post.

Senegal or Morocco? CAS to decide AFCON title fate in November

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has announced that its verdict on Senegal’s appeal against the decision to strip them of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and award it to Morocco is expected at the end of November 2026.

Senegal are challenging the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which overturned their victory in the January 18 final and declared Morocco the champions.

In a statement on Monday, CAS confirmed that the hearing on the dispute took place behind closed doors at its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, on October 8.

The court said the panel of arbitrators had started deliberations and was continuing to examine the case before reaching a final decision.

CAS explained that it would issue a complete ruling, including the legal reasons behind its decision. Such a ruling is known as a CAS Award.

The court added that the process would require several weeks, with the final verdict expected towards the end of November.

The outcome will determine whether CAF’s decision to award Morocco the title stands or Senegal can reclaim the trophy they initially won on the pitch.

Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in the final played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026.

The match was decided by Pape Gueye’s extra-time goal, which appeared to have secured Senegal’s victory and their place in AFCON history.

However, the final was overshadowed by controversy towards the end of normal time when the referee awarded Morocco a penalty while the score remained goalless.

The decision triggered strong protests from Senegal’s players, many of whom walked off the pitch in disagreement with the referee’s call.

Some Senegalese supporters also attempted to invade the pitch, creating further tension inside the stadium.

The situation forced the match to be suspended for almost 20 minutes before the Senegalese players returned to continue the game.

Morocco failed to convert the penalty, and Senegal eventually scored in extra time to win the match 1-0.

Despite Senegal’s victory on the night, the controversy surrounding the final continued after the tournament.

In March 2026, CAF overturned the original result and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, making the North African country the official winner of the competition.

The decision changed the outcome of the final and sparked widespread debate over the circumstances surrounding the match and the disciplinary rules applied by the African football governing body.

Senegal subsequently challenged CAF’s decision at CAS, the independent body responsible for resolving disputes in international sport.

The appeal seeks to overturn CAF’s ruling and restore Senegal’s status as AFCON champions.

The case has attracted considerable attention from football supporters in both countries, with the decision carrying major implications for the two national teams.

For Senegal, a favourable ruling would mean regaining the title they celebrated after defeating Morocco in the final. For Morocco, the CAS decision could determine whether they retain the championship awarded to them by CAF.

The dispute also places the spotlight on the authority of CAF to review match results and the role of CAS in resolving disagreements involving international football competitions.

CAS has not announced a specific date for the release of its verdict but has indicated that the decision should be ready by the end of November.

Until the ruling is delivered, uncertainty will remain over the official outcome of the AFCON final and which country will ultimately be recognised as the champion.

The decision is expected to bring clarity to the dispute, although its implications could continue to generate debate among football officials, players and supporters.