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A Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the arraignment of a politician and online publisher, Omoyele Sowore, till October 27 for making a false claim against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Sowore, the publisher of Saraha Reporters and serial presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), was to be arraigned yesterday on a five-count charge the Department of State Services (DSS) filed against him and two others.

The two other defendants listed in the charge are: X Incorp (formerly Twitter) and Meta (Facebook) Incorp.

At the mention of the case yesterday, lawyer to the prosecution, Mohammed Abubakar, averred that the matter was scheduled for arraignment and applied that the defendants’ plea be taken.

But Sowore’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, objected, stating one of the defendants – X Incorp – was not represented by either a lawyer or an official.

Abubakar claimed that his client had not been served with the charge and that X was not represented.

The defence lawyer contended that in a criminal case, it is mandatory that all the defendants are present in court for a proper arraignment to take place.

At that point, the judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, looked through the case file and confirmed that X and Meta were served with the charge electronically through their email addresses.

On noting that Sowore was yet to be served personally (as required), the prosecuting lawyer sought the court’s permission to serve Sowore (who was in court) during the proceedings, a request the judge granted.

But Sowore’s lawyer prayed for an adjournment to allow his client adequate time and opportunity to prepare for his defence, as provided for under Section 282(6) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

Justice Umar adjourned till October 27 for Sowore’s arraignment.

The Olalekan Ayinla Foundation has distributed over 500 school kits to pupils across eight primary schools in Ikeja, Lagos State.

This was part of its Back-to-School Programme designed to support widows, orphans, indigent children, and senior citizens.

The items, which included school bags, uniforms, sandals, and writing materials, were shared among pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to ease the financial burden on their parents and encourage learning.

Founder of the foundation, Olalekan Ayinla, said the initiative was born out of a conviction that education remains the most powerful tool for empowerment and national development.

‘Education is very important in Nigeria. These children are the future of tomorrow. We all passed through this same road, so it is only right that we give back to society,’ he said.

Ayinla listed the benefiting schools to include Ukera Primary School, Adeniji Jones Primary School, Tokunbo Alli Primary School, Shogunle Primary School, Estate Primary School, Ogba, St. Peter’s Anglican School, Alausa, Opebi Primary School, and Osubiniye Primary School.

‘In total, we are distributing nearly 500 items today across eight schools. This is our way of empowering children. Beyond this, we also plan to extend support to widows, senior citizens, and orphans,’ he added.

According to him, the foundation remains committed to expanding its reach with interventions that will continue to cover pupils, widows, less privileged families, and senior citizens.

‘Nigeria’s growth is not the responsibility of the government alone. Every one of us must play a role in helping others. Through little acts of giving, we can change lives and build the country we want,’ he noted.

An official of the Social Mobilisation Department of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Sumbo Omobolanle, lauded the actions of the foundation.

She called for more private interventions to complement government efforts in tackling the issue of out-of-school children.

‘The reality is that many pupils cannot even afford exercise books or school bags. We appeal to more well-meaning Nigerians and NGOs to step in, because the government alone cannot do it,’ she said.

Head Teacher of Estate Primary School, Ogba, Mrs. Olanrewaju Funmilola, described the donation as a huge relief to parents struggling with the rising cost of basic school items.

‘On behalf of the school management, parents, and pupils, I express heartfelt gratitude to the Foundation. This will bring joy to families that could not afford basic school items,’ she said.

Assistant Head Teacher of Adeniji Jones Primary School, Mrs. Aishat Mohammed, said the initiative would boost the morale of pupils who had been struggling without adequate learning materials.

‘The children are so happy to receive these gifts. We pray that more pupils will benefit in the future,’ she said.

Sir: The Trade Disputes Act (TDA) sets out exactly what must happen before workers in essential services may lawfully cease work. In particular, Section 18 demands that parties must seek to resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation, and arbitration before any strike or stoppage. Strikes – or the shutting of valves – in essential sectors must follow that strict path. Then, Section 41 of the TDA mandates that any worker in essential service who stops work must give fifteen days’ notice to employer and government, unless they can prove they were unaware that closing operations would substantially deprive the community of an essential service. (TDA Section 41(1)).

These rules exist for good reason: a refinery is not like a picket line in hospitality. Its operations connect to national supply chains, foreign exchange balances, fuel distribution, and ultimately, the stability of the naira. When PENGASSAN ordered the halt of crude and gas supply to Dangote – without any public record that the 15-day notice was given or that all mediation/arbitration steps were exhausted – it risked acting as a rogue actor above the law.

Indeed, recent court injunctions restraining union leaders from blocking supplies suggest that the judiciary already finds merit in the claim that PENGASSAN’s actions skirt legal boundaries. Yet in public statements, union leaders justify the shutdowns as necessary pushback against alleged mass dismissals of unionised workers and what they see as a betrayal of promise. On their side, Dangote management insists it must preserve operational integrity, guard against sabotage, and protect shareholder capital in the midst of global margins and foreign exchange volatility.

Both sides carry legitimate concerns. Workers deserve fair treatment and enforcement of union rights; investors demand certainty and rule of law. But in this conflict, PENGASSAN’s approach is legally untenable. The law does not permit unilateral shutdowns in essential services while alternative dispute resolution is ongoing, and while notice obligations remain unmet.

More than that, this refinery is not just a factory: it is Nigeria’s industrial reputation on the line. We must force ourselves to see it as a shared national asset. For years, the country has imported refined petroleum despite exporting crude – bleeding forex for lack of domestic refining capacity. Dangote built one of the most ambitious refineries on the continent precisely to reverse that paradox. If this refinery fails now, the message will be chilling: even when we build, we cannot protect.

Yes, the union is powerful. Yes, the grievances may be real. But rule of law is higher. If the law means nothing, then industrial peace means nothing. If unions may break the rules when pressured, management might act with impunity when threatened, and governance systems unravel.

We cannot accept a system where a union, by decree, shuts down oil production without due process. That is tantamount to running a nation hostage. The president, as commander-in-chief and guardian of stability, must intervene decisively. He must compel all parties to resume fair process and stop any action that threatens national supply or economic order. He must declare that no actor, whether corporate or union, is above legal obligation.

Nigeria owes itself (and Africa) a demonstration that we can build and manage projects of scale in a lawful, disciplined way. Dangote Refinery represents one of our clearest chances. It is too valuable to collapse under dispute tactics. The refinery must not die because we treat laws as optional.

We must demand: follow the protocol. Respect workers. Protect infrastructure. Build trust and enforce accountability. Only then will Nigeria prove that its industrial dreams are not built on fumes and fantasies, but on integrity, process, and shared resolve.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has suspended its strike against Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals following a new agreement brokered by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo, said the decision was taken out of respect for the federal government.

He, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the terms of the agreement, noting that it did not address the union’s primary demand, the immediate reinstatement of over 800 Nigerian workers allegedly sacked by the refinery.

Osifo warned that the union would not hesitate to resume the strike without notice if the Dangote management fails to honour its commitments under the agreement.

Osifo said, ‘We are not happy with the terms of the agreement because it did not capture our main demand of recalling the 800 sacked Nigerians. But out of respect for government institutions, for the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS); the Chief Reconciliator of the Federation, and ministers who worked tirelessly into the early hours of the morning to mediate, we decided to suspend the action.

‘However, let me be clear: if Dangote fails to keep its part, we will resume immediately, without any warning.’

The union leader expressed deep reservations about the sincerity of the refinery management, saying PENGASSAN has ‘mutual suspicion’ that Dangote will attempt to renege on the deal.

Osifo added, ‘We know that Dangote does not play by the rules or respect agreements. We believe and suspect that some of the promises extracted during the negotiations will not be honoured. But because we respect due process and institutions of government, we will give them the benefit of the doubt. Yet, any breach will be met with severe and immediate response.’

Osifo dismissed claims that PENGASSAN was pushing for the reinstatement of the 800 sacked workers to secure check-off dues.

According to him, the salaries of the affected workers are meagre compared to the earnings of PENGASSAN members in other multinational oil companies, making such accusations baseless.

He added, ‘So we clearly ask, is it because of check-off dues that PENGASSAN went on strike? The salaries being paid to these 800 members, if you add them all together, are less than what 20 of our members earn in companies like Chevron, TotalEnergies, or ExxonMobil. Their check-off dues are not even up to the check-off dues of our least-paid members elsewhere. So why should we be chasing this because of dues?

‘It is actually about the freedom of association and the welfare of our members, because when we enter organisations, we improve conditions of service, and that is why workers subscribe to us.’

Osifo noted that PENGASSAN has a long record of defending workers’ rights without stifling the companies where its members operate, citing the example of Shell, TotalEnergies, and ExxonMobil, which have thrived despite having thousands of PENGASSAN members.

‘At one time, Shell had over 10,000 of our members, and they invested more than $200 billion in Nigeria. Did we kill Shell? Instead, we assisted Shell, TotalEnergies, and ExxonMobil to grow. We are not out to kill Dangote Refinery, which has barely invested $20 billion. That narrative is false,’ he said.

He stressed that the oil and gas workforce has carried the burden of Nigeria’s economy for decades, providing over 90 percent of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings.

‘We know who we are and what we stand for. We are patriots who love this country more than any single individual, and that is why, despite our reservations, we chose to suspend this strike in deference to government efforts,’ Osifo added.

While thanking the government officials and agencies that intervened in the dispute, he reiterated PENGASSAN’s vigilance.

‘We will be monitoring closely. Any slip, any breach, any part of this agreement that is not kept, we will not issue further notice. We will not give any warning. We will resume the suspended industrial action immediately. That is our resolution,’ he warned.

Osifo noted that PENGASSAN’s struggle was not against progress but against injustice, and that the union will remain steadfast in defending the rights and welfare of its members, no matter whose interest is at stake.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday hosted the Russian Chapter of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance at the State House in Abuja.

She said Nigeria is a fertile ground for global partnerships and a dependable ally of the BRICS bloc.

Welcoming the business alliance’s delegation, led by its Chairperson, Anna Nesterova, Mrs. Tinubu described Nigeria as ‘a very interesting place that you will find rewarding for partnerships’.

The First Lady assured the visitors of her office’s continued advocacy for women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship.

She stressed the statutory role of government ministries in driving concrete economic engagements, saying: ‘My office will continue to provide advocacy and encouragement, but the ministries have the statutory responsibilities and budgets to support your mission.

‘I do a lot of programmes through my foundation, but when it comes to women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship, the ministries are the right partners. My role is to complement, advise, and facilitate.’

Mrs. Tinubu highlighted her humanitarian work through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), saying she has personal commitments to education, women, and children.

The First Lady recalled that she dedicated her 65th birthday to raising funds for a national library project and announced plans to distribute sanitary kits to schoolgirls in Gombe State as part of her outreach to rural communities.

Nesterova praised Mrs. Tinubu as ‘an incredible woman who not only changes lives for the better but also paves the way for a prosperous future for the Nigerian people’.

The BRICS Women’s Business Alliance chairperson announced the group’s plans to establish a regional office in Nigeria to serve as a gateway for women entrepreneurs into international markets.

She also announced a donation of 1,000 labour and delivery kits to support maternal health in Nigeria.

The chairperson highlighted the alliance’s global reach, saying: ‘Our Common Digital Platform currently connects more than 3,000 businesswomen from 60 countries. Last year, the BRICS Women’s Startups Contest attracted 50 applications from Nigeria alone.’

The Russian delegation included senior executives and academics, such as Ms. Liudmila Shcherbakova of VET PHARM Group, Ms. Natalia Vershinina of United Migration Centre, Prof. Liudmila Popova of Orel State University, and Ms. Anna Meshcheryakova of Third Opinion AI.

They expressed readiness to collaborate in the areas of pharmaceuticals and labour mobility to financial literacy and AI-driven healthcare solutions.

The visitors joined Nigerian officials at a technical session, which held at the State House Banquet Hall and focused on the topic: Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Exploring Investment Opportunities between Nigeria and Russia.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the engagement as a new chapter in Nigeria-Russia relations.

‘This gathering must go beyond symbolism. It should deliver actionable frameworks for cooperation, joint ventures, and enduring networks between Nigerian and Russian women entrepreneurs,’ she said.

The minister linked the talks to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope foreign policy agenda, stressing that empowering women is ‘not just a moral duty but a strategic investment in national growth and stability’.

Also, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, delved into over six decades of Nigeria-Russia cooperation in education, technology, defence, and energy.

She noted that Nigerian women own over 40 per cent of small and medium enterprises and constitute nearly 39 per cent of registered exporters.

‘With Nigeria’s demographic strength and entrepreneurial dynamism, and Russia’s technological expertise, our two nations can pursue mutually beneficial partnerships in agriculture, food security, mining, energy, the digital economy, and healthcare,’ Oduwole said.

The minister underscored Nigeria’s gateway role under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), offering investors access to a $3 trillion market of 1.3 billion people.

Other speakers at the event included the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulieman-Ibrahim, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who stressed the importance of women and youth in driving innovation and inclusive growth.

The Spelling Bee competition organised by Coker-Aguda Local Council Development Area (LCDA) brought together brilliant minds from primary and secondary schools across the council.

The event, held at the Council Secretariat Hall, created a vibrant atmosphere as students showcased their spelling skills and intellectual abilities.

The competition was moderated by Mrs. Adetola Pinheiro, a retired principal with decades of experience in the education sector. Contestants displayed remarkable focus, determination, and confidence, spelling even the most intricate words with impressive ease.

In her opening remarks, wife of the council chairman, Mrs. Muibat Ogidan, encouraged the pupils to remain committed to learning.

She noted that success is about effort, not just winning.

Head of Education and Library Services, Mr. Taiwo Adejumo, emphasised the value of participation over competition, stating: ‘Whether you win or not, the real courage lies in your participation.’

In the primary school category, Miss Obiorah Chikaima emerged as the winner, while Masters Orji Philip and Alameen Omokehinde claimed the first and second runner-up positions respectively.

In the secondary school category, Samuel Emmanuel secured the top prize, with Chima Chinecherem and Nwokeocha Favour emerged as first and second runners-up.

Special recognition was also given to outstanding participants for their dedication and commitment to academic excellence.

The event was graced Vice Chairman Mathew Olaleye, management team, teachers, and pupils from participating schools.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has described Nigeria as fortunate to have President Bola Tinubu at the helm of affairs, commending his bold economic reforms and developmental strides.

Speaking on Wednesday at the 65th Independence Day celebration held at the Arcade Ground in Akure, Aiyedatiwa said Nigeria is on the right path under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He added, ‘Our country is blessed at a time like this to have a visionary leader like His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

‘We must continue to appreciate Mr. President for his bold economic reforms, social re-engineering, and massive infrastructural development.

‘Indications are that Nigeria is certainly making progress and on the path of glory under the Renewed Hope Initiatives,’ he said.

Reflecting on the essence of Independence Day, the governor urged Nigerians to remember the courage of the nation’s founding fathers and to draw lessons from the country’s journey since 1960.

‘This celebration is not just about remembering a date in history. It is about reflecting on our journey as a people. Independence gave us more than self-rule – it gave us the dignity of identity, the right to dream as Nigerians, and the opportunity to chart a course for our future,’ he noted.

Aiyedatiwa said his administration has remained committed to its promises under the ‘OUR EASE’ agenda, highlighting key projects across the state, including the dualisation and rehabilitation of roads, improvements in the health sector, bursaries and scholarships for indigent students, and support for security agencies.

‘None of these projects and programmes would have been possible without your trust, patience, and support. To the good people of Ondo State who believe in this administration, and even to those who watch silently, I say thank you,’ the governor said.

He further urged the people to remain optimistic, resilient, and united in the face of challenges, stressing the need for peace, love, and hard work in building a prosperous nation.

‘Let me assure you, in the coming months, you will see more progress. As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us remember that freedom comes with responsibility. We must remain united as a people, committed to peace, and focused on building a better future.

‘Ondo State is moving forward, Nigeria is moving forward; the sun of a new dawn is rising over our state. Let us walk together into that dawn with love, diligence, courage, and faith,’ he concluded.

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports suggesting that Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun obstructed justice in a rape case involving an American citizen and an Indian national, describing the claims as untrue.

The allegations were reportedly contained in a letter addressed to the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills, by a former senior police officer.

However, a senior police source who spoke on Monday said there was no truth to the claims, stressing that the IGP remains committed to upholding justice and the rule of law.

The source added that the police leadership would not be distracted by attempts to discredit the IGP, assuring that the Force remains focused on strengthening accountability, discipline, and transparency in its operations.

The Nigeria Police further reiterated its resolve to work with local and international partners to ensure justice is served in all cases, while calling on the public to disregard unfounded allegations capable of undermining the integrity of the institution.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in their commitment to building a stronger and more united nation, noting that the country’s economy has improved tremendously.

Oborevwori, in his Independence message signed by his chief press secretary, Festus Ahon, urged Nigerians to continue to support President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ and his administration’s ‘MORE Agenda’, which, he said, were designed to improve the people’s living standards.

He noted that his government is investing heavily in massive infrastructure upgrades across Delta State, advancing a power revolution through a renewable energy mix, and creating an enabling environment to attract foreign direct investments.

He explained that the efforts were aimed at making life more meaningful for Deltans and residents and significantly boosting the state’s economy.

The governor also used the occasion to appeal to all ethnic groups in the state to embrace peace and remain united, stressing that peace was a prerequisite for sustainable development.

Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and pledged to continue working for the progress and prosperity of all Deltans.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered the release of 36 inmates convicted for various offences in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.

The governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, disclosed on Wednesday that the beneficiaries, serving sentences at the Nigerian Correctional Service facilities in Ilesa and Ile-Ife, were freed under the constitutional powers vested in the governor by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, based on the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

In a proclamation dated September 24, 2025, and issued under his hand and the Public Seal of Osun State, Governor Adeleke formally granted amnesty to the listed convicts under the state’s jurisdiction.

‘I, Senator (Dr.) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Paragraph (a) Subsection (1) of Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), and acting in accordance with the Advisory Council of State designated under Subsection (2) of the said Section, am graciously pleased to extend my mercy to the said thirty-six (36) convicts.

‘By this act, I remit and release unto them all pains, penalties, and punishments whatsoever that may have accrued from their convictions, and I hereby require all to whom it may concern to take due notice thereof.

‘This shall be a sufficient warrant. Given under my hand and the Public Seal of Osun State, Nigeria, this 24th day of September, 2025.’

He noted that beneficiaries of this Independence Day amnesty include men and women convicted mostly of minor offences such as stealing and conspiracy, many of whom had served substantial portions of their sentences.

Rasheed noted that Adeleke emphasized that the decision reflects the spirit of compassion, justice, and renewal, which Nigeria’s Independence Day represents:

‘As a government of the people, we remain committed to upholding justice while extending mercy to deserving citizens. This amnesty is not only a gesture of freedom but also a call for true rehabilitation, reintegration, and a fresh start for these individuals,’ the governor said.