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As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, the nation is set to host, for the first time, a galaxy of the world’s biggest beauty queens in Lagos as part of the E1 Championship Fashion Showcase X Experience Lagos 2025 VIP Humanitourism Campaign.

The queens, including Miss Universe Continental Queens, Miss Universe Americas, Miss Universe Europe and the Middle East, alongside the reigning Miss Earth and Miss Earth Water, will be among the high-profile participants and guests at the Lagos leg of the second season of the UIM E1 World Championship – the world’s premier all-electric powerboat racing series, tagged: ‘E1 Lagos GP’.

As the elite marine sport lights up Africa at the Lagos Lagoon this weekend, 4 and 5 October, the E1 Championship Fashion Show – an initiative of Dr Maryam Elisha and Ambassador Tomi Salami – will take centre stage on the breathtaking ocean-facing terrace of the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island.

Speaking, Maryam Elisha said the E1 Championship Grand Prix is a landmark fusion of sport, style, culture and social impact, taking place from 2-7 October.

According to the award-winning designer and sustainability advocate, fashion will meet beauty and beauty will collide with purpose, as leading fashion brand Rikaoto by Me spotlights the world’s biggest queens and its exceptional craftsmanship on a global stage.

At the event, guests will experience an immersive runway, Afro-cosmopolitan glamour and a celebration of humanitourism, raising awareness and support for environmental advocacy and community initiatives.

‘This is more than fashion and beauty; it is an experience where glamour meets purpose, legacy inspires impact and queens unite for change. A fashion showcase at the all-electric international powerboat racing competition will see the oceans electrified as we celebrate our culture,’ Elisha said.

The international beauty queens expected in Nigeria include Sheynnis Palacios, Miss Universe 2023; Olivia Yacé, reigning Miss Universe Côte d’Ivoire 2025 and Tourism Ambassador for Côte d’Ivoire; Jessica Lane, reigning Miss Earth; Beatrice Millan-Windorski, Miss Earth Water; Onyinyechi Basil, Miss Universe Nigeria 2025; Damilola Bolarinde, Miss Universe Lagos and first runner-up, Miss Universe Nigeria 2025; as well as Divine Ekemini Nelson, Miss Earth Nigeria 2025.

Major highlights of the event include an exclusive runway show in which Rikaoto by Me will stage a stunning showcase of different made-to-measure fashion pieces.

There will also be the VIP Humanitourism Experience, a curated cultural activation, and Philanthropy with Purpose, a strategic support for Aurora International Charity Foundation’s advocacy and community impact initiatives.

Also on display is a strategic collaboration with celebrity make-up artists such as Bibiyoncé and Bimpe Onokoya, along with various stylists, who will showcase the state’s styling, artistry and production excellence.

Nigerian singer and songwriter Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has made history by becoming the first female Nigerian artist to sell over 10 million units in the United States.

The feat was confirmed on Tuesday by Chart Data on X, which announced that ‘WAIT FOR U,’ Tems’ collaborative hit with American stars Future and Drake, had officially crossed the 10 million sales mark in the US.

The track, which won a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance, adds to her growing list of international achievements. Tems had earlier become the first African female artist to surpass one billion streams on Spotify, underlining her dominance on the global stage.

Rising to international prominence after featuring on Wizkid’s ‘Essence’ in 2020, Tems has since established herself as one of Africa’s most influential voices.

She began her career in 2018 with her debut single ‘Mr Rebel’ and has since earned multiple accolades, including BET Awards and NAACP Image Awards.

Currently on her 2025-2026 world tour, which began on September 28, Tems is performing across cities such as Nairobi, Salvador (Brazil), and Los Angeles, where she will headline at Dodger Stadium.

Her record-breaking achievement follows Wizkid’s, who remains the first Nigerian male artist to hit the milestone when his feature on Drake’s ‘One Dance’ was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2022.

Tems’ latest triumph cements her status as a trailblazer for African women in music, inspiring a new generation of artists and further solidifying Nigeria’s global presence in the entertainment industry.

The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has dismissed reports circulating about the existence of an interim leadership within the association, insisting that its current National President, Dr Ojo Joseph Ajanaku, remains the duly elected and recognised leader.

In a statement issued by the association, NCAN described the claims made at a recent press briefing by an unnamed group as misleading, stressing that the purported interim executives do not represent the cashew industry.

According to the association, its national election was held on 23 November 2024 at the FACAN Headquarters in Abuja, where Dr Ajanaku was elected and sworn in by the Board of Trustees.

It noted that any insinuation of a leadership crisis was an attempt to misinform stakeholders and distract from ongoing efforts to develop the cashew subsector.

On allegations that NCAN had stalled the cashew industry road map, the association clarified that the document in question was produced by an international development partner and was being reviewed in consultation with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS). NCAN explained that the review was necessary to ensure the policy framework aligns with national interests.

‘The association remains united and focused on promoting Nigeria’s cashew industry. We assure Nigerians and international partners that NCAN, under the leadership of Dr Ajanaku, is open for business and committed to supporting the sector’s growth,’ a statement from NCAN read.

While urging stakeholders to disregard the claims of the self-acclaimed interim executives, NCAN reiterated its commitment to working with government and private sector players to strengthen cashew production, processing and export in Nigeria.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on Wednesday marked his 60th birthday with humanitarian services to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and prison inmates.

Speaker Tajudeen, who clocked 60 on October 1, 2025, had called for low-key celebrations by members of the House, aides, friends and political associates.

He called for humanitarian campaigns instead.

To mark his diamond Jubilee birthday, the Speaker lined up a series of humanitarian activities, including sponsoring examinations for prison inmates and securing the release of others by paying their bail. He also gave food items to IDPs.

At the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja, Speaker Abbas paid registration fees for 100 inmates to sit the 2025 National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) and National Examinations Council (NECO) tests. While 57 will sit for the NABTEB examination, 43 were registered for the NECO.

The Speaker was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative), Dr Chamberlain Dunku, who led several senior aides to the presentation ceremony on Tuesday.

Speaker Tajudeen said: ‘Identifying with the (Nigerian Correctional) Service in the area of quality transformation of inmates through education is a cause that is very close to my heart. This celebration goes beyond personal milestones; it is about extending hope, giving second chances and investing in the future of our brothers and sisters who, though confined today, still carry within them the potential for greatness tomorrow.

‘The registration of inmates for the 2025 NABTEB and NECO is not merely an academic exercise – it is a statement of faith in human dignity and redemption. It is a reminder that conviction is not condemnation, and that every life, when given the right opportunity, can be transformed.’

He added: ‘As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I reaffirm our commitment to policies and initiatives that promote education, justice and opportunities for all Nigerians, inside and outside the correctional facilities.’

Moved by an inmate’s story, Dr Dunkwu, in personal capacity, gave a cash gift of N1 million to Chikwendu Hart, who is currently pursuing a doctorate at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), and has published seven books while awaiting trial for 13 years.

In Zaria on Wednesday, Speaker Tajudeen spent over N3 million on bail bonds, securing the release of nine inmates from the Zaria Medium Correctional Centre.

The beneficiaries are: Ibrahim Dan’asabe (N240,000), Kabir Ibrahim (N180,000), Ibrahim Ahmed (N60,000), Haruna Musa (N350,000), Aliyu Tukur (N390,000), Prince Wadilor Wodu (N326,000), Mustapha Abubakar (N410,000), Sagir Sani (N685,000) and Shehu Abubakar (N440,000).

Also on Wednesday, Speaker Abbas donated food items to IDPs at the Kabusa Camp. The palliatives include over 1,000 bags of rice.

This is just as his wife, Hajia Fatima Abbas-Tajudeen, donated N2 million to the IDPs, while both the Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative), Dr Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu, and the Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), Alhaji Ilyasu Balarabe, donated N1 million.

Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Hon Chike Okafor, who also announced a N1 million gift to the IDPs in support of the Speaker’s humanitarian gesture, described Speaker Abbas as ‘a national asset.’

Medical personnel from Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja, were also on the ground to offer free healthcare services to the IDPs as part of the humanitarian services in honour of the Speaker.

Addressing the IDPs through Dr Dunkwu, the Speaker noted that the gathering was not just about marking his 60th birthday but about ‘extending a hand of compassion, solidarity, and hope to our fellow Nigerians who, through no fault of theirs, have found themselves displaced.’

He also stated that the event ‘is a testament to the fact that leadership is not only about legislation and policies, but also about love, empathy, and service to humanity.’

Speaker Tajudeen said, ‘We are here to reaffirm that no Nigerian should ever feel forgotten or abandoned. The House of Representatives remains committed to policies and initiatives that protect the vulnerable, empower the displaced, and restore dignity to every citizen.’

The Speaker commended the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), partners and all stakeholders who made the humanitarian exercise a reality.

‘Your efforts ensure that beyond the symbolic cake-cutting and relief distribution, there is a lasting impact on the lives of those we are privileged to serve,’ he said.

While telling the IDPs that their ‘resilience inspires us all,’ Speaker Abbas assured them that their welfare remains a top priority for the government, ‘and we will continue to support measures that provide education, healthcare, food security, and opportunities for a better future.’

He stated: ‘As I celebrate this milestone of life, I dedicate it to service – to humanity, to the vulnerable, and to our great nation.’

Also speaking, Hajia Fatima noted that Speaker Abbas’ birthday was not just a day to celebrate, but also to thank Allah (SWT) for the journey so far, and to reflect on life generally.

She said: ‘His Excellency is not just a patriotic leader, he is also a caring and supportive husband; a protective, affectionate and encouraging father; and an exceptional philanthropist. A humble prince of the ancient Zazzau Emirate. I count myself as the luckiest woman to have him as a husband. He is a perfect gentleman.’

In a dramatic escalation of long-simmering tensions, the unified leadership of the ancient Ugborodo community has issued a stark, seven-day ultimatum to International Oil Companies (IOCs) and a key regulatory body, threatening to halt all oil operations within its territory.

The threat was delivered on Wednesday during a tripartite press conference at Ode-Ugborodo, the community’s global headquarters in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The well-attended event was convened by the Ugborodo Community Management Committee (UCMC), the Ikpere Alemeje Women Traders Association, and the Ugborodo Community Youth Development Body (UCYDB), who together represent the community’s recognised administrative organs.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the coalition, Mr Emmanuel Onuwaje, Chairman of the UCMC, stated that the community’s patience had been exhausted after ‘five decades’ of neglect.

‘We cannot be by the river and soap is gradually blinding us,’ he declared, using a local proverb to illustrate their plight amidst vast oil wealth.

The Delta community leaders presented a litany of grievances, accusing IOCs, particularly Chevron Nigeria Limited and the newly renamed Renaissance Africa Energy Company, of systemic marginalisation.

A representative of the community leadership detailed the employment issues, stating, ‘There is an ongoing direct Chevron staff employment exercise. Several qualified Ugborodo indigenes and other Itsekiris applied and have gone through the aptitude tests.

‘While many applicants from other parts of the country have been employed in this process, not a single Ugborodo indigene or Itsekiri from other communities has been employed. This is most unacceptable.’

A central demand is the immediate implementation of a report by the National Boundary Commission (NBC) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), which delineates host communities within a 500-meter coastal buffer zone.

The leadership, in a statement signed by Messrs Onuwaje, Eyengho Samuel Besidone (UCMC Secretary), Wilson Ejeh (UCYDB Chairman), David Mamah (UCYDB P.R.O.), Madam Helen O. Nuco and Madam Paulina Omagbe (Chairlady and Secretary of the Women Traders Association), expressed grave concern over the NUPRC’s delay.

‘We have waited for too long. Our patience cannot remain indefinite,’ the statement read. ‘The communities are becoming restless, and as leaders, it is becoming increasingly difficult to hold back the frustration of our people.’

The community also raised the alarm over an existential threat from the Atlantic Ocean, highlighting the ‘persistent ocean surge gradually washing away our communities’ and the ‘urgent need for a world-class shore protection.’

Further adding to the tension, the leadership condemned a recent meeting in Warri where a rival ‘Governing Council of Ugborodo Community Trust’ was formed. The unified bodies labelled the act a ‘laughable and dead-on-arrival’ attempt by ‘self-exilees’ to destabilise the community.

Concluding their statement, the signatories issued a final warning. ‘Let it be on record that failure of these IOCs, NUPRC and other relevant government agencies to act within a reasonable time frame of seven days, will leave us with no other option but to put a complete stop to all International Oil Companies’ operations within our communities.’

The ultimatum sets the stage for a potential major confrontation in one of Nigeria’s most critical oil and gas-producing regions.

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has held a closed-door meeting with the Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, at his Bodija residence, promising to intervene over Igboho’s challenges.

This disclosure was made in a statement released by Igboho’s media office, which was forwarded to journalists on Wednesday.

According to the statement, ‘the meeting held on Monday lasted for about 40 minutes and issues ranging from insecurity in the South West and the emerging threats by bandits in some parts of Kwara State were discussed.’

A source who was privy to the meeting hinted that Oba Ladoja, who welcomed Igboho alongside his teeming supporters, also promised to intervene in the current challenges faced by Igboho regarding his declaration as a wanted person by the Federal Government and the embargo on his bank accounts.

It will be recalled that the former administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari had declared Igboho wanted and frozen his bank accounts over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition.

On 1 July 2021, operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS), backed by some personnel of the Nigerian Army, invaded the residence of Igboho, located around Soka, killing two of his aides and arresting 13 others.

However, while speaking during the meeting, Igboho, who congratulated Oba Rashidi Ladoja on his ascension to the throne, described him as ‘a leader deeply loved by people across Ibadan, Yorubaland, and beyond.’

He expressed his readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure effective security of the South West region, noting that without peace and a secure environment, no meaningful development can thrive.

‘Olubadan has been a father figure to me since his days as the former Governor of Oyo State. I commend Kabiyesi’s leadership qualities, humility, and enduring influence.

‘I have always seen Oba Ladoja as a father figure. His reign as Olubadan will no doubt further promote peace, unity, and development in Ibadanland and the entire Yorubaland,’ Igboho stated.

The Labour Party (LP) has extended warm congratulations to Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 65th Independence anniversary, describing it as a moment for reflection, recommitment, and collective resolve.

In a statement released from the Labour Party Secretariat in Abuja and signed by its national secretary, Hon. Umar Farouk Ibrahim Mairakumi, hailed the resilience of the Nigerian people and emphasised the urgent need to deepen democratic values, promote social justice, and build a nation that works for all.

‘October 1st is not just a date-it is a symbol of our shared struggle, our triumph over colonialism, and our enduring hope for a better Nigeria. At 65, we must ask ourselves: are we living up to the promise of independence?’ he said.

The statement reiterated the Labour Party’s commitment to the principles of equity, transparency, and people-centred governance. He called on leaders across political divides to prioritize the welfare of citizens and uphold the dignity of every Nigerian, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or social status.

‘True independence is not merely political-it is economic, social, and moral. It means ensuring that every Nigerian has access to quality education, healthcare, security, and opportunity. It means lifting millions out of poverty and restoring faith in our institutions,’ he added.

He also praised the growing political consciousness among Nigerian youth and urged them to remain engaged in shaping the future of the country through active participation and civic responsibility.

‘The youth are not just the future-they are the present. Their voices, their energy, and their vision are essential to building the Nigeria we all dream of.’

As Nigeria marks this milestone, Hon. Farouk called for unity and peaceful coexistence, stressing that the country’s diversity should be a source of strength, not division.

‘Let us rise above the politics of hate and embrace the politics of progress. Let us build bridges, not walls. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and together, we can make it thrive.’

He concluded by wishing all Nigerians a joyful Independence Day celebration and reaffirmed the Labour Party’s unwavering dedication to the ideals of social democracy and national renewal.

As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary, the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as courageous efforts to reposition the country despite longstanding social and economic challenges.

In a statement signed by its North Central Coordinator, Dr. Sani Ahmad, the group acknowledged that Nigeria has continued to grapple with insecurity, inflation, unemployment, corruption, poor infrastructure, and erratic power supply.

However, it noted that the Tinubu administration has taken bold steps to confront these obstacles.

‘Under your leadership, we have seen courageous steps to confront these challenges and chart a new course for development. ‘Your commitment to improving security across our regions, tackling inflation, supporting agriculture and industry, as well as expanding opportunities for the youth, are commendable’ Ahmad said.

While celebrating the nation’s independence, Ahmad stressed the importance of consolidating gains in security, particularly in the northern region, urging the President not to relent despite criticisms.

‘I still plead with my two knees down to continue without minding those that never understand the burden of leadership among us and make sure that we are all safe not only in the northern region, but all parts of the country,’ he said.

He prayed for God’s wisdom, strength, and good health for President Tinubu to continue steering the nation towards peace, prosperity, and improved well-being for all citizens.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Wednesday carried out his first official function with the inspection of the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.

Oba Ladoja, who had earlier met with the Council members, was conducted round the palace by his aides.

Tribune Online gathered that the inspection was carried out to ascertain the state of infrastructure in the palace.

One of the palace aides, who craved anonymity, said the inspection of the state of infrastructure in the palace by the Kabiyesi was in order.

According to him, ‘Baba embarked on the familiarisation tour of the various departments in the palace shortly after the Council meeting this morning.

‘Baba expressed satisfaction over the state of infrastructure at the palace.’

On the Council meeting, he said it was a normal routine meeting of the Olubadan-in-Council, even though it was the first of its kind since Baba ascended the throne of his forbears as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

‘I am not sure of the time that Kabiyesi will move to the palace, but I can assure you that everything is set.’

Meanwhile, the Special Jumat service, as part of the activities marking the coronation ceremony of Oba Ladoja, will be held at Oja’ba Central Mosque on Friday, while the activities will be rounded off with the Isese tradition on Saturday.

Wife of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Ayaba Mutiat Ladoja, has stressed the need for the government at all levels, corporate organisations and other categories of people to be more sensitive to the plights of persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in society.

Ladoja, while presenting cash donations of N100,000 to 15 Homes and other gift items to PLWDs as part of the activities marking her 70th birthday in Ibadan, submitted that this category of people needs attention, love and care.

She submitted that rather than looking down on them, people should explore the abilities in their disabilities.

Olubadan’s wife stated that many of them have the potential to be greater in life if they are assisted either through the award of scholarships or by other means.

According to her, ‘I started associating with persons living with disabilities 30 years ago. I have been using the little resources that God blessed me with to assist.

‘They deserve our attention, love and care. Rather than looking down on them, we should identify their potential and build on it.

‘We should let them have a sense of belonging. They are part of society. The government at all levels, corporate organisations and individuals should intensify their efforts towards them.

‘Disabilities can come in any form. It comes with age. It can come through accidents and in many other ways; hence the reason we must not look down on them. We all have our disabilities.

‘When they want to cross the road, assist them instead of making a mockery of their situation. Also, assist them with the little that you have. Don’t wait until you have millions of naira in your account.

‘I started what we are witnessing today 30 years ago. It has become my way of life, and I thank the likes of Babs Oduyoye for sharing the vision.

‘Today, I will be giving N100,000 to 15 Homes, two wheelchairs, two bags of rice each, two cartons of Indomie each, and cartons of soap.

‘Also, five vulnerable persons will be assisted with deep freezers and grinding machines to start their businesses.

‘My message to us is that we should show them love, attention and care.’