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Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, on Tuesday, joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the call to the security agencies, especially the Police, to thoroughly investigate the circumstances that led to the tragic death of Arise TV anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu.

In a statement, Hon. Kalu extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, Arise TV and the entire media community in Nigeria.

Maduagwu, 29, reportedly lost her life during a robbery incident at her residence in the Katampe district of Abuja metropolis, Federal Capital Territory.

Expressing shock and sadness over the incident, the Deputy Speaker said that the perpetrators of the dastardly act that cut short a promising lawyer and broadcaster in her prime should immediately be apprehended and brought to justice.

He described Maduagwu as a stellar news anchor, extolling her display of brilliance and professionalism in her covering and reporting of the reserved seats bill that is before the National Assembly.

Hon. Kalu who sympathized with the bereaved family also prayed for the repose of Maduagwu’s soul.

He said: ‘I am shocked and deeply saddened by the devastating news of the passing of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a young and promising lawyer and journalist, who tragically lost her life in Abuja.

‘Maduagwu, who at the time of her death was a news anchor with Arise TV, distinguished herself with brilliance and professionalism. Her covering and reporting of the reserved seats bill was extraordinary. Her death is not only a painful loss to her family and loved ones but also to the media community, where she had already begun to make an indelible mark.

‘I join His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the call to all security agencies to thoroughly investigate this tragic incident and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

‘I extend my heartfelt condolences to her immediate family, friends, Arise TV family and entire media community. May the Almighty God grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss, and may her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.’

Four housemates recently evicted from the Big Brother Naija house, Thelma, Kuture, Joanna, and Bright Morgan, have shared thoughts about the connections and relationships they built inside the house.

Bright Morgan, while speaking alongside others in an interview with Tribune Online, clarified his stance with fellow housemate Dede. According to him, his actions were about setting boundaries rather than hatred.

‘Mide and Dede are close, so I just wanted to set boundaries. I don’t dislike her, but we had an issue the other day. Moving forward, I know I don’t have to be friends with everyone. I’m intentional about my relationships. When I have eyes on someone, I just focus on them,’ he explained.

Responding to questions on whether there was more to their connection with KayBobo, especially after a ‘kissing spree’ during her time in the BBNaija House, which apparently shocked other evicted housemates, Thelma revealed she values trust above all else.

She recalled feeling uncomfortable when she learned Isabella had shared KayBobo’s bed before he moved to hers, which created a wrong impression.

She said, ‘I didn’t see the need to explain to anyone, but I wasn’t cool with how things looked. I’d rather KayBobo come outside the house and explain the context, especially after he told housemates when asked about him and Thelma that the house is a social experiment. I don’t owe them an explanation. I just want clarity.’

On her part, Joanna addressed her relationship with Faith, explaining that what viewers saw on the reality show was not a serious relationship but just a friendship.

‘Faith isn’t a relationship person, and we decided to remain true friends. For me, mental connection comes first before anything else,’ she said.

On another relationship drama, Kuture recalled an outburst involving Isabella and Imisi, where things got heated to the point that Isabella poured pepper on Sultana before it was later resolved in a surprising way.

‘They called me to be a witness when they decided to settle their fight with a kiss,’ Kuture added.

The newly installed Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has told former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other political leaders that he has retired from politics following his ascension to the throne.

Oba Ladoja made this known on Tuesday while receiving Atiku, El-Rufai, former Senate President Iyorcha Ayu, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, and other chieftains of the African Democratic Congress, who paid him a visit at his private residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The monarch, who became the 44th Olubadan after the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7, 2025, emphasised that he would now focus on serving the people with justice and fairness.

‘I’m not one of you again. I am the Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, I am for everybody now. I am no more one of you. I am not a politician anymore. Welcome to my house.

‘Now that I am the Olubadan, I am no more interested in any other than the Olubadan. You are welcome to my house.

‘We started from the Social Democratic Party, we were in exile together, we were in the Peoples Democratic Party together. When I wanted to create an identity, I went to the Accord Party, which became a household name here. I know you politicians have a way of coming back.

‘All the religious leaders said that the only thing the leaders can do is to promote justice and fairness. I will serve my people. Ibadan people, the state, Africa and the world at large. I will depend on your support and advice,’ the monarch stressed.

Earlier, Atiku explained that his absence at the coronation ceremony was due to protocol arrangements and not intentional.

He said, ‘We are here to say congratulations to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja. We regretted that we didn’t attend the coronation. It was not intentional. Protocol arrangements did not allow us to come during the coronation, not that we don’t want to come.

‘We know your roles and relationship with some of us. We are here to congratulate you. Kindly accept our apologies for not making it to the coronation. We regret not attending the programme.’

The Coalition of Farmers Association of Nigeria (COFAN) and the Himma Youth Farmers Association of Nigeria (HYFAN) have expressed concern that the Federal Government’s ongoing restructuring of the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI) could lead to sharp increases in fertilizer prices, threatening smallholder farmers and food security across the country.

Speaking on behalf of the groups, Dr. Abubakar Bamai commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his agricultural reforms and policies aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s food systems, but urged the administration to safeguard the achievements recorded under the Buhari-led government.

‘Mr. President, Nigerian farmers cannot afford a disruption in fertilizer supply at this critical moment. We deeply appreciate your reforms, but we appeal: do not kill the legacy of Buhari’s agricultural transformation on fertilizer access. Sustain raw material importation until Nigeria’s local capacity is ready’, Bamai said.

The groups noted that the PFI, introduced under former President Muhammadu Buhari, had been central to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, making fertilizer more affordable by supporting local blending plants through the importation of raw materials.

Millions of farmers, they said, had benefited from the scheme, which boosted food production and strengthened national food security.

COFAN and HYFAN urged the Tinubu administration to adopt a balanced approach that shields farmers from immediate shocks while building local production capacity for the future.

They specifically called on the government to continue importing fertilizer raw materials until local capacity can fully meet demand, retain the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) as the agency responsible for managing raw material imports to ensure transparency and efficiency and guarantee stability in fertilizer supply and pricing during the transition.

The farmer groups reaffirmed their commitment to working with government, the private sector, and development partners to ensure the restructuring of the PFI strengthens the sector rather than undermines it.

Lagos State Kick Against Drug and Substance Abuse (LASKADA) has appointed social media personality Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, popularly known as ‘Mandy Kiss,’ as its ambassador.

In a viral video posted by an X user, #dammiedammie35, on Tuesday, Lagos Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, conferred the ambassadorship on Mandy Kiss at an event organised by LASKADA.

He urged citizens to join the fight against substance misuse.

He said, ‘We’re here with Mandy Kiss, and you know, she’s actually agreed to become one of our LASKADA brand ambassadors, Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse.

‘Drugs are a pandemic that is hitting our streets, it is a pandemic that is hitting our society, it is a pandemic that is hitting our community.

‘The government cannot fight it alone. We must work in collaboration with those that can reach as many people as possible, and we know Mandy Kiss has a large followership, 402,000. We’ve had conversations and we’re trying to do things differently.’

He said, ‘With the powers conferred on me, I make her one of our brand ambassadors. So, say no to drugs. Say what? Say no to drugs.’

The development comes a few days after Mandy Kiss was at the centre of public backlash over her controversial ‘marathon sex’ announcement.

Tribune Online reports that the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, had petitioned Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, calling for her arrest after she declared via Instagram that she planned to set a Guinness World Record by engaging with 100 men in 24 hours.

The monarch described the plan as ‘shameful, disgraceful, and a stain on Nigeria’s reputation.’

Earlier, Guinness World Records later distanced itself from the stunt, stressing that it does not monitor such attempts due to ethical and safety concerns.

In reaction, Mandy Kiss admitted in a TikTok video that the announcement was a desperate attempt to revive her fading online presence.

‘I was just trying to see if I was still relevant. Everywhere was dry on my page, so I came up with the idea to boost engagement and get adverts,’ she explained, adding that she could not afford legal battles.

The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) sustained its bullish momentum for the fourth straight session on Tuesday, with the benchmark All-Share Index (ASI) rising 0.23 per cent to close at 142,710.48 basis points.

This lifted the year-to-date return to 38.65 per cent from 38.33 per cent in the previous session, while market capitalisation advanced by N465.88 billion to settle at N90.58 trillion.

The positive outing was largely driven by strong demand in heavyweights such as Transcorp, up 8.48 per cent, Fidelity Bank, up 5.26 per cent, and Aradel Holdings, up 9.82 per cent.

Their gains outweighed profit-taking in top-tier banking stocks, including United Bank for Africa, down 2.70 per cent, Access Holdings, down 0.19 per cent, Zenith Bank, down 0.86 per cent, and Guaranty Trust Holding Company, down 0.11 per cent.

Sectoral performance closed on a mixed note. Oil and Gas gained 3.14 per cent, Industrial Goods rose 1.48 per cent, and Banking advanced 0.34 per cent. On the other hand, Insurance lost 3.77 per cent, while Consumer Goods fell 0.77 per cent, reflecting selective investor positioning across sectors.

Trading activity strengthened significantly, with transaction volume and value soaring by 223.09 per cent and 156.72 per cent, respectively. Fidelity Bank dominated the session, accounting for 793.04 million units valued at N15.88 billion, underscoring strong investor appetite in the mid-tier lender.

Despite the gains, market breadth closed negative, with 28 advancers against 31 decliners. UPDC, which gained 9.98 per cent, led the gainers’ chart, while Union Dicon, which fell 10 per cent, topped the laggards. Several other stocks closed flat.

Analysts note that the sustained bullish run in the market reflects resilient investor sentiment, particularly in energy and select banking names, despite profit-taking pressures in blue-chip lenders.

Market watchers expect momentum to remain largely driven by bargain-hunting and portfolio rebalancing as the quarter closes.

The Kogi State Government has expressed deep shock over the tragic death of Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, an anchor, reporter, and producer with ARISE News, who was killed during an alleged armed robbery in Abuja.

In a condolence message signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government described the late journalist as a consummate professional who carried out her duties with passion, brilliance, and a deep sense of responsibility.

‘Her tragic passing is not only a loss to her family and colleagues at ARISE News but also to Nigeria, where her voice echoed professionalism in national discourse,’ the statement read in part. The government extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, her colleagues in the media industry, and the management of ARISE News, praying that God grants her eternal rest and gives her loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.

The statement also urged security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of the crime are swiftly brought to justice, noting that no society can thrive when its brightest lights are cut down by acts of criminality.

Fanwo added that her memory would continue to inspire courage, patriotism, and excellence in the noble profession of journalism.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, on Tuesday converged in Sokoto with a common message: Nigeria must urgently invest in education, skills, and unity to avert future instability.

The key to this, they suggest, lies in significant investment in education.

They spoke at the commissioning of the Bakhita ICT Centre, a facility equipped with 250 laptops and 50 digital tablets to provide training in ICT and vocational skills for young people, including children. Such facilities represent a tangible investment in education and vocational training.

Obasanjo warned that Nigeria’s 24 million out-of-school children constitute ‘a ticking time bomb’ that could worsen insecurity if not urgently addressed. Prioritising investment in education is essential to mitigate these risks.

‘You don’t need an oracle to know they will become the recruiting ground for Boko Haram of tomorrow,’ he said, cautioning that with the population projected to hit 400 million by 2050, failure to plan would make current security challenges appear mild.

He also highlighted the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence on jobs and lamented Nigeria’s dependence on food imports despite vast agricultural potential. ‘If farmers cannot make profit, they will stop planting,’ he said.

The Sultan of Sokoto, in his remarks, urged Nigerians to reject divisive narratives, describing the country’s diversity as its greatest asset. He dismissed foreign reports alleging religious genocide in Nigeria as ‘false and exaggerated,’ citing the interfaith harmony reflected at the event itself.

‘If we can sit here in Sokoto, just five minutes from the Sultan’s palace, with Christians and Muslims praying side by side, why does nobody talk about that?’ he queried.

He stressed that insecurity has lingered for over 15 years because it has become ‘a business,’ urging leaders to confront the root causes with sincerity.

Bishop Kukah, who initiated the project with the support of legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola, said the centre was his contribution to tackling poverty and unemployment in Northern Nigeria. This further exemplifies how targeted investment in education can change lives.

‘Among the almajiri on our streets, there could be an Albert Einstein. Geography must not define destiny,’ he said, adding that the facility would provide free Wi-Fi and affordable digital resources to ensure access for all.

Kukah, who described Obasanjo as ‘a man whose energy and service remain unmatched,’ also thanked the Sultan for his consistent support in promoting harmony.

The event, attended by traditional rulers, clerics, political leaders, and youths, featured cultural displays and underscored the call for interfaith collaboration as a pathway to peace and development.

The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo has released the sum of N1. 5 billion as bursary awards for students of tertiary institutions for the 2025/26 academic session.

With the bursary, successful students will be paid the sum of #30,000 each while law students across the seven Law schools across the country will be paid N300,000.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Wemi Jones while unveiling the portal for the commencement of registration process for the 2025 bursary allowance at press conference in Lokoja, declared the exercise open said the bursary was meant for indigenes of the state in tertiary institutions across the country.

He disclosed that the registration portal will be opened to students as from September 29 and will close on October 31, 2025 and urged eligible students to register via the official website https://scholarshipboard.kogistate.gov.ng

While urging students to take advantage of what he described as an improved and transparent registration process,the commissioner reaffirmed governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s commitment to making Kogi State a positive reference point for educational development in Nigeria.

He noted that this year’s exercise, described as ‘Season Two’ of the bursary scheme, was designed to consolidate on the successes recorded during the previous phase.

‘His Excellency, Governor Ododo, is determined to build on the foundation already laid to ensure more students benefit from this bursary award.

‘We expect the number of beneficiaries to surpass that of last year, and I assure you that the funds are already set aside for disbursement,’ Jones said.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Scholarship Board, Afolabi Joseph-Raji, praised governor Ododo for setting aside the sum of N1.5 billion for the scholarship scheme saying no fewer than 8,750 students benefited from the bursary in first phase where students of higher institutions who are of Kogi State origin received ?30,000 and those in law school got ?300,000 respectively.

He commended Governor Ododo for revitalizing the bursary process and ensuring it is now more accessible to students.

‘Unlike last year where students had to undergo pre-qualification, this year’s registration is straightforward. Students simply need to visit the portal, create an account, and upload the required documents and information.

‘Over 44,000 students registered last year but only 11,000 uploaded their documents for verification, out of the 11,000, only 8,750 qualified for the bursary. So, it is not enough to just register, you have to upload some required documents too.

‘As an improvement, the board has made the process more direct whereby submission of required documents like admission letter, school identity card and other information are done before registration is completed,’ Afolabi explained.

Two of the students who benefited from the bursary award last year testified to how the money helped them to solve some of their academic challenges.

Responding the President of NAKOSS, Comrade Sunday Adeola, commended Governor Ododo for sustaining and expanding the bursary initiative and promised that the students’ body will carry out a wide sensitization exercise across all tertiary institutions in the state to inform the students to register for the bursary award.

A coalition of civil society organisations, faith leaders, market associations and petroleum consumers on Tuesday stormed Abuja in protest against what they described as a dangerous alliance of cartels and unions seeking to sabotage the Dangote Refinery.

The protesters, under the aegis of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON), the Nigerian Interfaith Forum (NIF), the National Coalition for Market Men, Women and Artisans (NACOMWA) and the Petroleum Consumers Protection Alliance (PCPA), gathered at the Unity Fountain Abuja while they dispatched their grievance letter to

the Presidential Villa, the National Assembly and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Jointly reading a prepared speech during the rally, the coalition said Nigeria was ‘at a critical crossroads,’ accusing the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) of waging an anti-people war to protect its profiteering from fuel imports. The group also condemned the strike threats by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), describing them as a conspiracy to destabilise the economy and deepen the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.

‘This is a direct call by PENGASSAN, NUPENG and TUC for anarchy,’ declared Comrade Ibrahim Suleiman, President of COCSON. ‘President Tinubu should hold these people responsible if there is a breakdown of law and order in this country. They should be immediately arrested for disobedience to court order.’

The coalition insisted that the opposition to Dangote Refinery was not about patriotism or sound policy but a desperate move to retain control of a corrupt fuel import system. ‘For decades, Nigerians have been held hostage by a cartel that thrives on import dependency, round-tripping, subsidy scams and artificial scarcity,’ Suleiman said. ‘DAPPMAN’s agenda is to keep fuel importation alive so they can continue profiteering at the expense of ordinary citizens already battered by poverty, unemployment and inflation.’

Echoing his concern, Rev. Dr. Mathew Ayodele, National Chairman of the Nigerian Interfaith Forum (NIF), condemned the planned industrial strike as ‘a dagger to Nigerians’ hearts.’ He said it was immoral for unions to threaten a shutdown of oil and gas operations at a time when families were already struggling to survive. ‘Let us be clear: this is not a strike for workers. It is a strike for cartels. History will not forgive any union that aligns with saboteurs against the very people they claim to represent,’ he warned.

The coalition welcomed the recent ruling of the Federal High Court barring PENGASSAN from stopping gas supply to Dangote Refinery. Barr. Yusuf Danladi, Chairman of PCPA, said the judgment ‘validates our position that the strike threats were never in the interest of workers or Nigerians, but a calculated move to sabotage Nigeria’s refining revolution. The judiciary has spoken clearly: no union or cartel has the right to hold 200 million Nigerians hostage in pursuit of selfish interests.’

Comrade Boma Agbede, National President of NACOMWA, accused the unions of hypocrisy in their attempts to drag Dangote Refinery into their fold. ‘ASUU does not go after Covenant, Baze, Babcock or JABU to force lecturers into membership. NURTW does not compel drivers in GUO, Chisco or Ekeson to join its ranks. NUT does not march into Chrisland or British International School to conscript teachers. So why should Dangote Refinery, a private enterprise built with private sweat and risk, be forced into the grip of PENGASSAN or any union that can shut it down at will?’ he asked.

The coalition painted a grim picture of what Nigerians stand to suffer if DAPPMAN and the unions succeed, warning that fuel scarcity would return, black markets would thrive, transportation would collapse, electricity supply would worsen and inflation would spiral further. ‘It is not just wickedness, it is economic terrorism against the Nigerian people,’ Suleiman declared.

The groups urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and regulators to stand firm with Dangote Refinery and other indigenous refineries. They commended the President’s commitment to industrialisation but cautioned against yielding to what they described as DAPPMAN’s blackmail. ‘Any attempt to bend will be resisted by Nigerians,’ the coalition warned.

They vowed to pursue a lawsuit against DAPPMAN for economic sabotage and anti-competition practices, organise more rallies in Abuja, and mobilise international advocacy through ECOWAS, the African Union and the United Nations to expose the weaponisation of petroleum products against Nigerians.

‘You have bled this nation long enough,’ the coalition declared in a warning to DAPPMAN and strike organisers. ‘Nigerians will no longer sit idle while you mortgage our future. If you proceed, we will meet you in court, in the streets and in the global arena. This nation belongs to its people not to cartels, not to saboteurs, not to profiteers.’

Furthermore, the coalition reaffirmed its ‘unwavering support’ for Dangote Refinery as a symbol of energy security, job creation and economic sovereignty. ‘Nigerians deserve relief, not renewed suffering. Nigerians deserve progress, not sabotage. Nigerians deserve energy security, not endless scarcity,’ the speech concluded.