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The Osun State Governorship Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Running Disu, to immediately arrest and investigate the Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate and Senator representing Osun West Senatorial District, Lere Oyewumi, over alleged involvement in the killing of APC members and the recent deaths at Naira and Kobo Junction in Ikire.

The Campaign Council alleged that the latest violent incident at the junction, in which two persons were killed, had heightened concerns over Oyewumi’s alleged involvement in political violence in the state.

In a statement issued on Friday evening by Oluremi Omowaye, Head of the Media and Publicity Committee of the Osun State APC Governorship Campaign Council, the council alleged that associates and thugs linked to Oyewumi disarmed a police officer on duty and used the officer’s rifle to fire shots during the incident.

The council said the development reinforced what it described as its longstanding concerns about the senator’s alleged role in political violence in Osun State.

It urged the police authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the culpability of all those involved.

The council also called for swift action by the police to prevent further escalation of political violence and protect residents ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

‘We are particularly concerned that the facts emerging from the investigation into the Ikire killings are consistent with the warnings our party has issued about the activities of violent political elements operating under the influence and protection of Senator Lere Oyewumi.

‘The confession of arrested suspects and the briefing by the Commissioner of Police have now brought the matter into sharper focus.

‘We therefore call on the IGP, Rilwan Disu, to immediately arrest and thoroughly investigate Senator Lere Oyewumi. His status as a serving senator must not confer immunity from criminal investigation where credible allegations have been made, ‘ the Council maintained.

The Campaign Council recalled that Senator Oyewumi had previously been accused of involvement in the killing of Hon. Remi Abass, a prominent APC chieftain and former Chairman of Irewole Local Government, was murdered within the premises of the Irewole Local Government Secretariat last year.

According to the Council, one of the disturbing issues requiring fresh investigation is the allegation that a rifle belonging to a security operative attached to Hon. Remi Abass was taken from the security agent on the day of the assassination and subsequently returned to a police station by Senator Oyewumi.

The Council also called for investigation into allegations that substantial sums of money were provided by Senator Oyewumi to security personnel to compromise the investigation into the murder of Hon. Remi Abass.

It recalled that Jide Joda, a loyalist and political appointee of the Governor, was arrested in connection with the murder, subsequently granted bail and has jumped bail, leading to his declaration as wanted by the Police.

‘It is strange that the police has not been able to arrest Jide Joda’, it said.

The Council further alleged that Ay?wo, who has been identified by suspects as the person who fired the shots that killed the two innocent citizens at Naira and Kobo Junction, has also been linked to previous incidents of political violence and assassinations in Osun State.

It said Ay?wo’s connection with the killing of Saheed Oyegunju, the Ward 9 Treasurer of the APC in Irewole, should also form part of the Police investigation.

The Campaign Council alleged that Senator Oyewumi had, over time, used his position and influence at the National Assembly to evade arrest and prosecution over allegations of political violence.

It, however, urged the IGP not to allow political office or parliamentary influence to obstruct the course of justice.

‘The IGP must act professionally, independently and in accordance with the law. Senator Lere Oyewumi is a senator, not a sacred cow. His membership of the National Assembly does not place him above the law.

The IGP must prove that there are no untouchable Nigerians when credible allegations of murder and violent crimes are involved.

Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer Tournament has unveiled telecommunications infrastructure firm IHS as its new partner ahead of the 2026 state championship in October.

The unveiling ceremony was held in collaboration with the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) on Wednesday, with LSSC Director-General Lekan Fatodu and other top commission officials in attendance, alongside members of the media.

Spires Media PR Manager Victor Ottah described the partnership as one that ‘ticks all the boxes,’ noting that IHS, which manages over 16,000 mobile-phone towers and sites across the country, would drive the Spires 5-Aside project beyond the football pitch through a range of initiatives.

‘This partnership is best described as one made in heaven,’ Ottah said. ‘IHS is known for bringing people closer through its work in telecommunications, and now they are with Spires Media for a collaboration that will propel the Spires 5-Aside project with significant innovations.’

Fatodu praised IHS for choosing to partner with a credible brand in Spires Media to grow the Naija Street Soccer Tournament.

‘This is a partnership that is long overdue. As a commission, we have closely monitored the activities of Spires Media through the Spires 5-Aside project over the last three years, and I make bold to say it’s the most professionally run 5-Aside tournament not only in Nigeria but across the West African sub-region,’ he said.

Fatodu also pledged the LSSC’s support for this year’s state championship.

‘We will provide every support within our capacity and ensure that both IHS and Spires Media have an enabling environment to host the 2026 state championship,’ he said.

Spires 5-Aside initiator and Spires Media CEO Dr Bankole Allibay said he was excited about what the project could achieve with the new collaboration.

‘I must appreciate IHS for trusting us enough with this project. We have done this alone over the last three years, and the successes recorded speak for themselves. Now imagine what we can achieve with this partnership,’ Allibay said.

The next phase of the Spires 5-Aside-IHS partnership unveiling will take place in collaboration with the Lagos State Football Association on Tuesday, 1 September 2026.

Sixteen teams across five divisions in Lagos will compete in the third season of the Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer Tournament, starting 24 October in Lagos.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has appointed Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, formerly the Deputy General Secretary, as interim General Secretary to oversee the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Secretariat.

Dr. Ademola Olajire, who previously served as Director of Media and Communications, has been named interim Deputy General Secretary.

The leadership restructuring follows Thursday’s resignations of NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, and several members of the Executive Committee.

Consequently, all administrative preparations for the NFF Elective Congress originally scheduled for September 27 have been suspended. A new electoral framework will be introduced following comprehensive governance reforms to be conducted in consultation with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Under the transition measures, the Chairmen, appointed Directors, and Chief Executive Officers of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), and Nationwide League One (NLO) must hand over league operations immediately to their respective Chief Operating Officers (COOs). For leagues where the COO is not an NFF staff member, Acting General Secretary Ikpeme will deploy a replacement from within the federation.

The NSC stated that these transitionary measures aim to maintain administrative continuity while stakeholders, government officials, FIFA, and CAF collaborate on a broader reform roadmap for Nigerian football. Further directives are expected in due course.

Nigeria has called on the United Nations to evolve reforms that will protect national sovereignty in arbitration disputes between investors and member-states.

The country advocated reforms that would reinforce rather than bypass domestic courts in Investors-States Disputes Settlement (ISDS).

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), stated this position yesterday during the heads of delegations roundtable at the Chief Legal Advisors Forum (CLAF) 2026 in Singapore.

He said the ISDS reforms sought would address the inadequacies and imbalances in legal framework in order to protect investments and country’s taxpayers.

The AGF, while commending the forum convened by the Ministry of Law of Singapore, said as global investment flows evolve and states confronting new development challenges, the need for a modern, balanced, and credible dispute-settlement system had never been more urgent.

The minister said upon assuming office, he had taken some steps to address the challenges by constituting a committee of experts to review Nigeria’s bilateral treaties and Nigeria’s commitment under multilateral treaties and conventions in order to promote and protect investments in Nigeria.

He said Nigeria became a strong proponent for clarity concerning calculation of damages because of the experience in the Process and Industrial Developments Ltd. (PandID) case which would have crippled the nation’s economy.

‘States consistently express concern about the opacity of arbitral proceedings and the unpredictability of awards. Nigeria continues to support reforms that enhance transparency of proceedings, consistency in arbitral reasoning, and predictability in outcomes. These elements are essential for investor confidence and state trust alike. That is why Nigeria is a strong proponent for clarity concerning calculation of damages. The current position largely relies on the whims of each arbitrator or tribunal. For example, in the notorious case of PandID, damages were calculated on the basis of compound interest, which would have had a crippling effect to the tune of billions of dollars.

‘It is with this belief that Nigeria reformed its Arbitration Act to reflect the importance of transparency. There is growing openness to fresh approaches beyond traditional arbitration,’ he said.

The minister said states had acknowledged that ISDS reform was not optional as It was essential for maintaining the legitimacy of the international investment regime.

‘Nigeria sees this consensus as a positive development: it signals that the global community understands the need for recalibration to ensure fairness, predictability, and development alignment.

‘Many states, Nigeria included, believe that incremental adjustments will not address the structural imbalances embedded in the current system. There is increasing support for systemic reform, including clearer treaty standards, improved procedural safeguards, stronger accountability mechanisms, and more balanced rights and obligations for investors and states. This reflects a desire for a dispute-settlement system that is durable and future-proof.’

Fagbemi said Nigeria saw significant value in the innovations, particularly in reducing costs, preventing escalation, and strengthening cooperative problem-solving.

‘Strengthening national judicial institutions is central to building long-term rule-of-law capacity and reducing over-reliance on external arbitration,’ he said.

Following the successful debut of BlastOff with DJ Turbo D, Kúrònbèfun Entertainment is set to return with the next chapter of its entertainment platform, ‘BlastOff: Galala Edition A Night of Street Anthems,’ celebrating the global festive season, Detty December.

BlastOff brings together music, culture, entertainment and social experiences, providing a platform where people from different backgrounds can connect, celebrate and share unforgettable moments.

The 2026 edition takes inspiration from the sounds and energy of the streets, bringing the nostalgia of classic Nigerian street anthems together with the energy of today’s entertainment scene.

The inaugural edition featured an impressive lineup of established and emerging entertainment including DJ Jimmy Jatt, DJ Zeez, Korede Bello, DJ Turbo D, Kleva Jay and Famous, alongside comedy performances from DeeOne, Phroneses and Mario, with Hypeman Twix and live musical entertainment from Debbi Vic.

BlastOff also introduced interactive games, competitions and giveaways, delivering an atmosphere driven by audience participation and entertainment.

The success of the first edition established the foundation for BlastOff as an annual platform that connects music, culture, entertainment, brands and audiences, while contributing to the excitement surrounding Nigeria’s global festive season.

With Galala Edition, Kúrònbèfun Entertainment is taking that experience into its next chapter, bringing back the street anthems that shaped generations while delivering new memories for today’s audience.

As preparations continue, Kúrònbèfun Entertainment is expected to unveil further details about the entertainment lineup and special attractions surrounding this year’s edition.

The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf, has died at the age of 66, barely eight months after he was sworn in as the eighth substantive chairman of the commission.

Yusuf, also known as Talban Wushishi, died in Abuja on Friday, after a brief illness, according to a statement issued by the Commission.

The statement, signed by Mrs. Adelayo Serifat Olurode, Director, Public Affairs Department, National Population Commission, said the commission received the news of Yusuf’s death with ‘profound sadness and a heavy heart.’

Yusuf was appointed by President Bola Tinubu and sworn in as NPC chairman on December 3, 2025.

His death came less than nine months into his tenure at the commission, where he had embarked on a seven-point agenda aimed at repositioning the organisation and strengthening its capacity to provide reliable demographic data for national planning.

The NPC described the late chairman as a dedicated patriot, astute administrator and compassionate leader whose commitment to national development remained unwavering.

According to the statement, Yusuf brought to the commission decades of experience in education, governance, grassroots politics and community development.

Born on April 15, 1960, in Wushishi, Niger State, the late chairman held several public positions before his appointment to head the population commission.

He served as Executive Chairman of Wushishi Local Government Area and was also a Member-elect of the Niger State House of Assembly.

He was at various times a board member of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Governor of Niger State.

Before his appointment as NPC chairman, Yusuf was the National President of the Niger State College of Education Alumni Association, Minna.

He also served as Co-Chairman of the Senator Abubakar Sani Bello Skill Acquisition and Development Committee.

Olurode, in the statement, said the commission had lost a leader who was deeply committed to the development of Nigeria and the production of credible demographic statistics required for effective planning and policy formulation.

‘The Commission has lost a dedicated patriot, an astute administrator, and a compassionate leader whose commitment to national development and the generation of reliable demographic data was unwavering,’ the statement said.

The NPC extended condolences to President Tinubu, the Federal Government, the government and people of Niger State, and members of the Yusuf family.

The commission also prayed for the repose of the deceased and for divine strength for his family, friends, associates and colleagues to bear the loss.

‘We pray Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings, grants him Al-Jannah Firdaus, and gives his family, friends, and associates the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,’ Olurode said.

Yusuf assumed leadership of the NPC at a critical period when the commission was expected to deepen efforts towards strengthening Nigeria’s population and demographic data systems.

The commission plays a key role in providing population statistics needed by government at all levels for development planning, resource allocation, policy formulation and other national programmes.

His appointment in December 2025 had therefore placed him at the centre of efforts to reposition the commission and improve the quality and reliability of demographic information available to the country.

Under his leadership, the seven-point agenda was presented as a framework for repositioning the commission and advancing its mandate.

His sudden death, barely eight months into the assignment, has now cut short his tenure and brought mourning to the commission, Niger State and the wider public service community.

Newly sworn-in Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya (SAN), has vowed to take decisive action against lawyers who use abusive and insulting language against colleagues on social media.

Badejo-Okusanya, who was sworn in as the 33rd president of the NBA, said her administration would have ‘scant tolerance’ for professional misconduct, particularly the use of offensive language by lawyers in political disputes.

She spoke in her inaugural address after taking over the association’s leadership from Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN).

The new NBA president said lawyers found guilty of making abusive or insulting posts against colleagues would face public proceedings, stressing that such conduct damaged the profession’s reputation.

‘Such lawyers will be subjected to public proceedings for bringing us all into disrepute in the eyes of the public, who look up to us and are increasingly aghast, as all right-thinking colleagues are, at the type of language that lawyers employ on social media against other colleagues, all in the name of politics.

‘So, we’re coming after you.’

Badejo-Okusanya also pledged that her administration would defend judicial independence while speaking out against delays, conflicting judgments, corruption and other practices capable of undermining public confidence in the justice system.

She said respect for the judiciary did not require the NBA to remain silent about its shortcomings.

She said: ‘We will support the Bench while insisting on the integrity and efficiency of the justice system.

‘We will defend judicial independence, but we will not be indifferent to delay, conflicting decisions, corruption, or conduct that diminishes public confidence. Respect for institutions does not require silence about their shortcomings. True respect requires the courage to help them.’

The NBA president promised to engage government constructively but warned that the association would not become an instrument of any administration, political party, region, religion, interest group or individual.

She said the NBA’s loyalty would remain with the Constitution, justice, the rule of law and its members.

‘We will collaborate where collaboration advances the public good. We will challenge where challenge becomes necessary. And above all, we will act with facts, fairness, discipline, and boldness,’ she said.

Badejo-Okusanya also promised continuity in NBA leadership, saying she would retain and build on initiatives that worked while repairing those that did not.

She said she had studied the manifestos of her co-contestants and identified ideas worthy of implementation.

‘Where we adopt them, I will not hesitate to acknowledge their source, and give credit where it’s due,’ she said.

According to her, the NBA was bigger than individual leaders and its progress must be cumulative and sustained.

She described the association as the largest body of legal professionals in Africa, saying its branches, sections, fora and committees possessed the knowledge, influence, creativity and courage needed to transform the profession and the country.

She pledged to work towards a bar where young lawyers across Nigeria could access quality learning and professional opportunities, members could receive prompt responses to their concerns, branches were empowered, appointments were transparent and technology worked effectively.

She also promised stronger consequences for professional misconduct and said every lawyer should be able to see tangible value in belonging to the NBA.

2027 NBA conference to hold in Abuja

Badejo-Okusanya announced that the 2027 Annual General Conference of the NBA would be held in Abuja.

She said preparations for the conference would begin immediately, with further details, including the theme and constitution of the Annual General Conference Planning Committee, to be announced later.

‘The work starts now. We will gather there not merely for another conference, but to take stock of our progress, deepen our knowledge, strengthen our bonds, and prepare us all for the future of legal practice,’ she said.

The new NBA president also called on members to hold her administration accountable, saying she knew lawyers had heard promises from previous administrations that were not always fulfilled.

She said, ‘I don’t ask you for blind faith. I ask you to hold us to account.’

‘Our administration will consolidate what works, repair what doesn’t, and build what the future demands.’

Badejo-Okusanya, who said she entered the legal profession in 2002, described her emergence as president as the latest stage in the passing of the leadership baton.

She said she assumed office with gratitude to previous leaders and a determination to serve faithfully.

She said, ‘When our tenure ends, may it not be said merely that a woman became president. May it be said that the bar became better; that lawyers became protected and empowered.

‘May it be said that we restored faith in what collective professional leadership can achieve. May it be said that we helped our members earn better, live better, and practice better.

‘May it be said that we put members first and we delivered. May it be said that we left the association stronger than we met it.’

She ended her address with a call for collective action, declaring: ‘The time for action is now. The work begins today. Let us build it together.’

House of Representatives member Dr Wale Ahmed (Agege Constituency) has condemned the renewed controversy over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) credentials, describing them as a tiresome political distraction ahead of the 2027 general election.

He said in a statement that the continued focus on allegations surrounding the President’s certificate reflected the opposition’s failure to offer Nigerians compelling alternatives on governance.

His reaction followed a fresh legal challenge reportedly instituted by former vice-president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking Tinubu’s disqualification from the 2027 presidential election over allegations concerning his NYSC certificate.

‘The case remains pending, and the allegations have not been established by a court,’ he said.

Ahmed said political actors were entitled to subject public officials to legitimate scrutiny, but insisted that elections should ultimately be about competing visions and solutions for the country.

‘Nigerians deserve a campaign of ideas, not an endless recycling of allegations. If anybody believes President Tinubu has failed, let that person tell Nigerians what he will do differently and how he will do it,’ he said.

He questioned the value of repeatedly revisiting the certificate controversy, instead of debating the economy, security, infrastructure, employment and other issues affecting Nigerians.

Ahmed cautioned against conflating the Nigerian certificate controversy with a separate legal dispute in the United States involving records connected to a historical investigation and civil forfeiture proceedings concerning funds associated with Tinubu.

‘There is a difference between legitimate scrutiny and political obsession. If there is a case before a court, let the court determine it. But an election campaign cannot be reduced to litigating the same allegations repeatedly,’ he said.

On Atiku’s renewed presidential ambition, Ahmed said he respected the former vice-president’s aspiration, but argued that political realities should also be considered.

‘I respect the life ambition of Atiku to be President, but for now he should know that the Presidency remains in the South. A southerner must have his eight-year tenure, just as the North did between 2015 and 2023,’ he said.

Ahmed added that Atiku should recognise that Tinubu intends to serve two terms and support his administration to succeed.

‘Atiku should know that longevity belongs to God. He can still be President in 2031, only if he retraces his steps to the All Progressives Congress (APC),’ he said.

The lawmaker maintained that Tinubu should ultimately be judged by his record in office and the direction of his administration, rather than allegations still subject to legal and political contestation.

‘2027 cannot be reduced to who can shout loudest about a certificate. Nigerians are asking a bigger question: who has the ideas and capacity to move Nigeria forward?’ Ahmed said.

He reaffirmed his support for Tinubu, saying Nigeria needed continuity, consolidation and the completion of reforms already underway.

Comedian, philanthropist, content creator and entrepreneur Blackie is set to host his maiden comedy event, Another Chapter of Blacky, on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Celebrate Centre, Oluobasanjo, Port Harcourt.

The event is expected to attract comedy lovers, entertainment enthusiasts, and supporters for an evening of laughter, live performances, and celebration as Blackie officially launches his signature comedy show.

Known for blending comedy with entrepreneurship, Blackie is also the Chief Executive Officer of Blackie’s Gadget, a fast-growing gadget and technology brand based in Port Harcourt. He has built a strong following through his comedy skits, digital content and business ventures.

Organisers said the event is designed to offer more than just comedy, combining entertainment with unique opportunities and acts of generosity for attendees.

Regular tickets cost ?5,000 and come with a complimentary meal sponsored by Blackie’s Gadget. A Business Class package, priced at ?50,000, will allow content creators to produce video clips during the event and sell them to the organisers for ?5,000 per clip.

Guests seeking a premium experience can also book the exclusive Kings Table package for ?1 million.

The show marks a significant milestone in Blackie’s career as he expands his footprint in entertainment while continuing his work in content creation, entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

With preparations in full swing, excitement is building ahead of Another Chapter of Blacky, which promises an evening of comedy, entertainment, networking and celebration in Port Harcourt.

Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has opened up about the personal story behind his 2019 hit song Simile, describing it as a song born out of grief and uncertainty.

The singer said he wrote the track shortly after losing his father, at a time when he felt lost and was searching for strength to deal with his emotions.

He wrote, ‘When I wrote ‘Simile’ in 2019, I had just lost my father, and I was lost in a way that is difficult to explain. I wrote this song from that place, asking for something to lean on when I didn’t know how to carry everything I was feeling.’

He noted that performing the same song years later with an orchestra brought back memories of who he was when he first wrote it.

According to him, the younger version of himself could not have imagined that he would still be making music seven years later, living out dreams that once felt distant.

‘Performing that same song with an orchestra years later reminded me of the person I was when I wrote it. He couldn’t have imagined this moment. He couldn’t have imagined that 7 years later, he would still be here, still making music, still dreaming, and actually living some of the dreams that once felt so far away’.

He added that the song should be a source of hope for anyone going through a difficult period, stressing that tough times do not last forever.

‘Simile reminds me that life can change in ways you cannot see when you are in the middle of the darkest part of it. So whatever you’re going through, let Simile remind you that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Your darkest moments won’t last forever’, he concluded.

Released in 2019, Simile remains one of the singer’s most loved songs and is widely regarded as a reflection of love, loss, and resilience.