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The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged members of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 38 Regular Course to remain steadfast in loyalty, unity, and patriotism as they continue to contribute to national peace and security.

Musa gave the charge on Saturday night in Abuja at a cocktail party organised by the Course 38 Association to mark its annual reunion.

He described the event as more than a social gathering, saying it symbolised the enduring bond of comradeship forged through shared experiences of military training and national service.

‘This evening is not merely a celebration but an affirmation of the strong ties that unite us.

‘Our regular course is not just a class, it is a family bound by sacrifice, duty and service to our great nation,’ he said.

The CDS commended the newly elected executive of the association for their commitment to sustaining its ideals and charged them to consolidate on the solid foundation laid by their predecessors.

He also applauded the outgoing leadership led by Maj.-Gen. Gadonwa for steering the affairs of the group effectively and fostering cohesion among members.

Musa paid tribute to fallen colleagues, describing their service and sacrifice as a guiding light that must continue to inspire those still in uniform.

He urged members of the course to use their association as a platform for mentorship, professional excellence, and constructive engagement with younger officers across the Armed Forces.

Nigerian media personality Daddy Freeze, has spoken about religion and what made him stop attending religious activities.

The controversial critic, while speaking with Chude Jideonwo, opened up on how he was treated by the church during his divorce. He revealed that he felt rejected during a difficult time of his life.

‘Divorcees and separated women are ostracized by the church. And I believe that’s one of the reasons why Osinachi died. The church is not going to chase you for divorcing, but are they going to allow you to be the lead singer?,’ he stated.

Daddy Freeze went on to stress his claim, stating that women are usually stigmatized by religious bodies when they are divorced or separated.

‘It happened to me. I was very cool with my pastor then. When I was going through my divorce, it was one of the things that drew me away from the church. My pastor said, ‘Yeah, you can come to church, but you know you’re going to sit at the back!. I’m going through a divorce and getting married to somebody else, so that means I can’t bring the person to this church again? Then I remembered John 4, the woman at the well who had had five husbands and was living with one who wasn’t her husband. That is so powerful. I’ve only divorced once,’ he explained.

English singer Lola Young has been involved in a legal dispute with one of the producers of her hit song ‘Messy’.

Lola, who filed a suit against music producer Carter Lang, claimed she had no choice after the producer stated that he co wrote four of her songs, including ‘messy’.

‘It is with immense disappointment, especially given recent events, that we have had no choice but to respond to recent writing credit claims from Carter Lang on four Lola Young songs by issuing legal proceedings on her behalf. Carter’s claims are strongly refuted and we will not allow Lola’s reputation and integrity to be called into question – particularly so long after the sessions took place and agreements were put in place. Lola has always been authentic in her songwriting process and acknowledges songwriting contributions where appropriate. This dispute has been ongoing for several months and we look forward to the truth being established,’ Lola’s lawyer stated

Carter, however, is yet to respond to the lawsuit.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has condemned what it describes as ongoing attempts to undermine the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Company.

The group also called for the protection of the multi billion dollar facility as a strategic national asset.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tanko Baba, the ACF expressed concern over what it termed ‘thinly disguised attempts’ to sabotage the operations of Nigeria’s largest privately owned refinery located in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.

The forum listed several challenges the facility had faced since inception, including crude oil supply issues from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), regulatory concerns, pricing disputes, and industrial actions by trade unions.

‘From conception, implementation and inauguration, the Dangote Refinery has continued to face unrelenting onslaughts,’ Baba said.

The forum noted the involvement of key petroleum sector unions such as the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association, the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), citing picketing and unionisation pressures.

The ACF questioned what it described as PENGASSAN’s ‘forceful’ demand for refinery workers to join the union, stressing that union membership was a constitutional right, not an obligation.

While affirming workers’ rights to unionise, the group said the Dangote refinery must first be allowed to stabilise its operations before such rights are exercised, aligning itself with recent public comments by Sen. Adams Oshiomhole and Mohammed Ali-Ndume.

‘It is concerning that PENGASSAN continues to flout a subsisting court order barring disruptions to refinery operations,’ Baba added.

The ACF also expressed support for the refinery’s management and legal efforts to protect the facility, warning that the continued unrest could deter both local and foreign investors.

‘Putting down the Dangote complex is a potent disincentive to domestic and international investors because it sends the wrong signals,’ the group warned.

The ACF issued a series of recommendations, including

support for Federal Government-led negotiations to resolve the impasse;

It also suggested sanctions against PENGASSAN for defying Court orders and a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate recurrent strikes at strategic facilities;

Others include a declaration of the Dangote refinery and similar assets as strategic national infrastructure and measures to prevent unions from sabotaging national interests under the guise of labour rights.

The forum also called on labour unions to be cautious in their engagements, warning against actions that may inadvertently serve external interests aimed at stalling Nigeria’s industrial growth.

‘The Nigerian labour movement must guard against unwittingly playing into the hands of international conspiracies determined to frustrate indigenous industrial initiatives,’ the forum concluded.

The Dangote refinery, inaugurated in 2023, is Africa’s largest single train refinery and is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products.

Kwara Government has scrapped the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) levy in public primary schools, approving annual school grants instead.

Chairman State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Shehu Adaramaja announced this at the opening of bid for the 2024 (3rd and 4th quarters) UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects.

Prof. Adaramaja said the state government will provide running costs for the 1,717 public schools.

ýýThe Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the stoppage of the payment of PTA in all public primary schools in the state, from primary 1 to 6, no more payment of PTA in Kwara State,’ he said.

ýThe SUBEB boss also announced the approval of procurement of English and Maths textbooks by the governor for free to the pupils in primary schools in the state.

ýýSpeaking on the bid opening, the Chairman said the intervention would cover projects, including the construction of a block of two classrooms with an office and construction of toilets.

‘The intervention also covers the remodeling and renovation of classrooms, drilling of solar powered borehole with tank stand and rehabilitation of digital literacy across the state.

‘It also covers the procurement of foundation literacy teaching and learning materials for primary one, fabrication and distribution of 2-seater pupils/students’ furniture and safe schools initiative in some selected local governments, among others,’ he said.

Adaramaja said that the governor had equally approved the payment of 2025 counterpart funds for the UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects.

ýHe urged contractors, who would get the jobs, to execute them in line with the specifications, warning that shoddy jobs would not be condoned.

Adaramaja lauded the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajiya Aisha Garba and other key stakeholders for contributing to the success of the programme.

Media personality and reality TV star, Tolanibaj, has expressed her frustration over her present lifestyle, revealing that she would like to settle down.

While lamenting on her Snapchat story, Tolanibaj stated that she no longer enjoys clubbing and that she needs some excitement in her life.

The TV star also revealed that she has been pretending to have fun while at clubs, while in reality, she does not find it fun anymore.

‘I need to start being honest with myself. I no longer enjoys clubbing. I keep forcing it but. I want to see if I can experience some kind of excitement. I need excitement in my life. I’m tired of clubbing. I don’t want to be outside. What am I looking for outside if I have a partner? We can be outside together, maybe travelling.’I’m done clubbing. I don’t feel like pretending to be having fun in the club anymore. I think it’s time to get married,’ she expressed.

The curtains have finally fallen on Big Brother Naija Season 10, and Imisi has walked away as the winner of the 10/10 edition, sealing her place in BBNaija history.

In a finale packed with tension and excitement, Imisi outlasted Koyin and Dede to take home the ?80 million grand prize. Her name was announced by host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu on Sunday, to thunderous cheers from the live audience and millions watching across Africa.

Imisi’s time in Biggie’s house was anything but ordinary. Loved for her warmth, wit, and emotional honesty, she managed to turn quiet moments into lasting memories and tense weeks into lessons in grace. Week after week, fans rallied behind her, keeping her in the game and ultimately lifting her to victory.

Before her win was announced, Kola and Sultana were evicted, leaving the trio of Imisi, Koyin, and Dede as the final contenders. What followed was a night filled with nostalgia, laughter, and tears as highlights of the season rolled on screen – a reminder of the friendships, fights, and unforgettable drama that defined the 10/10 season.

The Nigerian Armed Forces have confirmed the arrest of 16 officers for alleged acts of indiscipline and violations of service regulations.

In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the military explained that investigations revealed most of the detained officers were frustrated by repeated failures in promotion examinations, which they blamed for their perceived career stagnation.

Gusau said the affected officers’ behaviour was found to be inconsistent with military standards, noting that some of them were already facing disciplinary proceedings for other offences.

‘The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a routine military operation led to the arrest of 16 officers for various acts of indiscipline and breaches of service rules,’ the statement read.

‘Investigations have shown that their grievances arose mainly from perceived stagnation due to repeated failure in promotion exams. Some of them were already under investigation or trial for other offences.’

He emphasized that any officer found guilty after the ongoing investigations would face appropriate disciplinary measures as stipulated by military law.

‘Upon completion of investigations, indicted officers will face the full military disciplinary process to ensure accountability and uphold professionalism within the ranks,’ Gusau added.

‘The Armed Forces will not condone any conduct that undermines its integrity or threatens its constitutional responsibilities.’

The statement further noted that disciplinary actions are routine within the military structure, stressing that similar measures have previously been taken against personnel involved in mutiny, desertion, and other serious misconducts.

The Armed Forces reassured the public that the arrests were purely disciplinary and aimed at maintaining order, loyalty, and discipline within the system.

UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has unveiled an ambitious immigration plan that aims to deport up to 150,000 illegal migrants every year, in what she described as a decisive move to ‘restore control of Britain’s borders.’

Speaking at the 2025 Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, Badenoch announced that her government would create a new ‘Removals Force’, a dedicated immigration enforcement agency modelled after the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The agency will be tasked with dramatically expanding deportations from the current annual average of around 34,000 to 150,000.

According to the proposal, the new force will receive £1.6 billion in funding, giving it greater operational capacity, surveillance tools, and police support.

Officers will reportedly be empowered to conduct immigration checks during routine arrests and use technologies such as facial recognition to identify illegal entrants.

Badenoch said the reforms were necessary to end what she called ‘years of weak enforcement and legal loopholes’ that have allowed people to ‘remain unlawfully in the country.’

‘Britain will no longer be a soft touch for illegal migration,’ she told delegates. ‘We will find, detain, and remove those who have no right to be here.’

Badenoch’s plan also proposes withdrawing the UK from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and repealing the Human Rights Act, both of which she argues have been exploited to block deportations through lengthy appeals.

Under the proposed legislation, asylum claims from people entering illegally would be automatically rejected, and legal aid for immigration cases would be curtailed.

Critics, however, have questioned both the feasibility and legality of the 150,000 deportation target.

Immigration lawyers and human rights groups warn that such mass removals could breach international law and strain relations with destination countries.

The Labour Party described the plan as ‘headline politics without substance,’ arguing that the UK currently lacks the infrastructure, detention capacity, and diplomatic agreements to achieve deportations at that scale.

Legal experts have also pointed out that withdrawing from the ECHR would require renegotiating multiple international treaties and could have far-reaching implications for citizens’ rights.

Eight more bodies have been found after the boat accident that happened last Tuesday in Ibaji, Kogi State.

The Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Muktar Atima, confirmed the recovery and said the search operation was still ongoing.

Earlier, the state government had said that at least 26 people died in the tragedy. The accident happened around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday when a boat carrying mostly traders from Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State to Ilushi Market in Edo State capsized.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, released a statement on behalf of Governor Ahmed Ododo, expressing deep sadness over the incident.

The statement read:

‘The Government and people of Kogi State are deeply saddened by the boat accident that claimed the lives of several passengers travelling from Ibaji to Ilushi Market in Edo State.

‘This is a heartbreaking loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families and the people of Ibaji Local Government Area.

‘The Governor has directed relevant agencies, including SEMA, to support and provide relief to the victims’ families. He also assured that the government will work with federal authorities to improve safety on our waterways and prevent such tragedies in the future.

‘We urge people in riverine areas to avoid overloading boats and always wear life jackets when travelling by water.’

The state has been mourning since the tragedy, which reportedly claimed about 32 lives. Some residents said the accident occurred on the River Niger, between Onugwa Village in Kogi and Ilushi in Edo State.

According to SEMA, 80 passengers were on board, and 68 were rescued. Search and rescue operations were still ongoing as of press time.

Reports also revealed that one family in Onugwa lost eight members in the accident.

The incident has again raised concerns about safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

In August, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) began strict enforcement of life jacket use for all water travellers.

The agency launched its ‘No Life Jacket, No Boarding’ campaign to promote safety on the waterways.

NIWA has also recruited officers to patrol major rivers and ensure that boats do not operate at night.

Last year, two boat operators, Alhaji Musa Dangana and Yakubu Dangana, were charged in court after a boat accident that killed 19 people on the Niger River. They faced charges of negligence and failure to follow safety rules.

The authority continues to warn boat operators against overloading, drug use, and using poorly maintained boats.

Governor Ahmed Ododo has promised that his administration will support all federal efforts to make waterways safer.

Former Kogi State Deputy Governor, Simon Achuba, also expressed sadness over the tragedy.

He urged boat operators to always follow safety guidelines and called on the government to fix roads in Ibaji to make transportation safer and easier.

The incident serves as a reminder that while government agencies are improving safety, passengers must also take responsibility by following all safety rules when travelling on water.