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The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) has declared its support for Nigeria’s new tax laws, describing them as vital for economic growth and sustainable development across the continent.

In a statement issued by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, ATAF pledged technical assistance to ensure Nigeria reaps the benefits of its tax reforms.

The Executive Secretary of ATAF, Ms. Mary Baine, who assumed office recently, made this known during a courtesy visit to the FIRS chairman in Abuja on Tuesday.

Baine recalled ATAF’s intervention in Zambia’s mining sector, where the organisation helped the country improve its capacity to generate revenue. She assured that Nigeria could expect similar support in key sectors of its economy.

‘When you look at the strategic vision of FIRS, we see the things you are doing and the way you’re changing the tax system, the kind of reforms and the time that it has taken and of course the movement forward.

‘So, we applaud you, and I wanted to say that ATAF is here to say that we stand with you, we applaud you, and we’re ready to provide whatever support that could lead to its success.

‘In terms of your strategic vision-people, technology and data-we find that this is something that is really critical for the rest of the continent and that it is an area where ATAF will be happy to support as well,’ she said.

Baine also said ATAF would leverage Nigeria’s influence on the continent and beyond to mobilise other member countries towards strengthening the organisation’s work.

In his remarks, Adedeji praised Baine’s leadership qualities and expressed optimism that her tenure would advance the forum’s objectives. He urged African countries to devise their own solutions to pressing challenges rather than rely on external assistance.

‘My belief has always been that solutions to Africa’s challenges can only come from Africa. There is no free lunch anywhere. I have said that I don’t believe in aids; I believe in cooperation.

‘There is a saying that when you are not on the table, you are definitely on the menu. So, Africa must be on the table and that is it. We should stop being on the menu. That is my charge to you.

‘So, the expectation from us as a continent is also to bring what we can contribute to the work, most especially in tax matters. For us, we have to evolve our own fiscal policies which is what Nigeria has done with the new tax laws,’ he stated.

Adedeji noted that Nigeria’s new tax regime replaced colonial-era legislation that had long outlived its relevance.

‘Before now, we had tax laws that were colonial relics. We had the Stamp Duties Act of 1939 which was enacted when there was no internet,’ he added.

The new tax laws, he explained, were crafted to align with Nigeria’s current realities and position the economy for sustainable growth.

The Akoko Youths Forum (AYF) in Ondo State has launched the distribution of business start-up tools and financial support to empower over 40 young entrepreneurs, in a bid to tackle unemployment and boost economic growth across Akokoland.

The empowerment programme held in Ugbe Akoko, Akoko North-East Local Government Area, formed part of the activities at the Forum’s annual summit, which attracted young business owners and community stakeholders.

President of the Forum, Engr. Blessing James Akeju described the initiative as a milestone in the Forum’s commitment to youth empowerment and economic development.

‘Today represents a historic moment in the history of this organization. We have been able to change the lives of 40 young persons in Akoko by empowering them to build a life for themselves,’ Akeju said, stressing that the support would enable beneficiaries to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

He further lauded the resilience of Akoko youths and assured them of the continued support of the Forum’s national executives.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Regent Tinuade Babalola, represented by Prince Temitope Obamuwagun, urged the youths to embrace peace and unity, noting that the development of Akoko depends largely on their collective resolve to work together.

Guest speaker at the summit, Dr. Bayo Fasunwon challenged the youths to maximize their talents, steer clear of vices such as cultism and internet fraud, and make meaningful contributions to their communities and academic pursuits.

He also reiterated his call for the creation of Ose State, which he argued would accelerate development and economic growth in the region.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Akoko North-East Local Government Area, Hon. Mutiu Olawale Mohammed, applauded the AYF leadership for initiating the empowerment scheme, which he said aligns with his vision of seeing young people thrive and live decently in society.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on Nigerians to embrace the nation’s unity in diversity and resist external narratives that misrepresent the country.

‘Our unity is our strength. We must be strong enough to tell our own stories against others’ narratives about us,’ Obasanjo said on Wednesday in Sokoto at the commissioning of the St. Bakhita Catholic ICT facility, equipped with 250 computers and 50 tablets for children aged 5 to 10.

The former president stressed that Nigeria must leverage its diversity to drive inclusive governance and prepare for its rapidly growing population, projected to reach 400 million in the next 25 years.

He warned that failure to create opportunities for the youth could worsen current security challenges, noting that education remains the foundation for national service and progress.

Commending Bishop Hassan Matthew Kukah for spearheading the ICT project, Obasanjo described it as a facility for all Nigerians, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or gender.

‘Education, knowledge, and learning are basic drivers to unite us, not divide us,’ he added, while recalling his past educational initiatives in Sokoto through the UPE and UBE programmes.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, represented by his Chief of Staff, Aminu Halliru, hailed Obasanjo’s contributions to national unity and reiterated the state government’s commitment to expanding ICT infrastructure across its three senatorial districts to boost digital literacy, cybersecurity, and software development.

Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar also praised the project, noting its potential to transform lives and foster peaceful coexistence. He emphasized that education is the best legacy for future generations.

Obasanjo lightened the mood with a playful exchange about Bishop Kukah, describing him as a tireless voice against societal ills.

‘He is a Bishop, I am not. I once teased him that I would enter the kingdom of heaven before him,’ he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.

The event highlighted education and technology as unifying forces for Nigeria’s development, with leaders urging collective responsibility to build a peaceful and prosperous nation.

‘It is the only long term repayment benefit to the people of Sokoto state for they’re generosity’, The Bishop said noting that the world was moving as Nigeria is.

He pointed out that a large number of Nigeria’s and northern population were poverty stricken with 70% to 90%bof children hovering the streets.

‘Nigeria is not expanding but we can only expand if we help to grow together. Build bridges for the younger ones by teaching them the skills to do better in various trades irrespective of differences’, he pointed out noting that Nigerians were born in different environments not by accident nor by fault hence geography should not be defining factor for their future.

‘So is the world not bounded by where you come from ‘, the Bishop explained emphasising that Nigeria had all it took to full the stomach of citizens yet in hunger.

Colonel Emmanuel Ola Arogundade (Rtd)is dead.

He died in the early hours of Friday September 19, 2025, according to a statement on behalf of the family by David Seyi Arogundade.

It reads ‘ It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather, brother Colonel Emmanuel Ola Arogundade (rtd) whose kindness, love, and impact touched many lives’

‘Please keep us in your prayers as we mourn his demise in this period. Further announcements will be made public in due course.’

This is an unusual time – a dreadful one. We are not used to it. Lives are at stake. The anxiety is justified, and there is no dismissing people’s experiences and feelings – not by any inch.

Some have said we are in a state of war. It is their own way of saying it. However, in honor of the dead and to save everyone, this is a time to major only in the major.

So much has been said about the statement of the Nigerian Air Force which was issued yesterday. It has degenerated into arguments. Two things are at issue here: was there a statement on Monday September 29 by the NAF announcing an air strike on enemy position? Yes. The Air Force shared the statement on its official WhatsApp platform at 1:54pm yesterday. Some people claim the statement was not posted on their Facebook or other social handles. Does that invalidate its authenticity? No. Has the NAF disputed it issued the statement since it went viral yesterday? No. There is absolutely no basis for the disputations. Was there a security operation last night in the area of interest? Yes. There are pictures from the secret police, which was heavily involved in the operation last night.

Attached herewith are pictures from the DSS on the operation between Kogi and Kwara, in which several criminals were eliminated, and a screenshot from the NAF WhatsApp platform with editors.

What does the government gain in saying there was an operation if there was none? Many operations happen without getting to the media, legacy or new. When things are shared with the public, it is sometimes to keep our people at ease in times of tension. Nothing more. It serves no general good if we do not operate with minimal trust in times of crisis.

We should focus on the real issue, unite in the outrage against the enemies, and leave ‘fine, fine details’ for the good days. No one should have time for petty partisan bickering and twaddle now.

The other issue is the picture, which accompanied the NAF statement on different platforms. Yes, the NAF didn’t share its statement with the picture. But hey, what does that matter in the context of whether the operation happened? The problem would be if there was no engagement or airstrike at all, and someone just wrote a fiction and attached the picture. The strike happened. It did.

The news reporter in me took it further. At 3:11p.m. this afternoon, September 30, I spoke with the NAF spokesman Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame to confirm to me if he issued the statement. He confirmed he issued it! My call was to satisfy ‘all righteousness’. Multiple authoritative sources had earlier told me the airstrike took place.

News media (including Sahara Reporters) have used pictures from thousands of kilometers away to illustrate their stories – attached herewith are screenshots of news media using old pictures to illustrate new stories. What is the fuss about a picture of a previous air strike in Borno or Alabama accompanying the statement?

Politicians do not miss opportunities to wrong-foot their opponents. Average citizens who are concerned about all of us getting out of this crisis stronger and better as a community should not join such chitchat. It is not worth it.

Finally, and this is in good faith, there is no truth to the claim that DSS withdrew weapons from the forest guards at any time. The leadership of the forest guards has disputed this claim. The DSS, for its part, has expressed strong reservations about the demoralising, albeit false, claim which was made in a viral video. We pray to God to console the bereaved woman- and every other ones – but her claim is not true. This clarification does not in any way delegitimise her grief. Not at all. May God uphold her and others in her position.

We will get out of this stronger and safer. Let us remain United and calm, and refuse to be at daggers-drawn with ourselves. That will be a road to the Golgotha.

Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick and reached 60 Champions League goals as Real Madrid thrashed Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan.

The France captain slotted a penalty into the bottom corner early on after home goalkeeper Sherkhan Kalmurza came flying out of his area and took out Franco Mastantuono.

He doubled his tally in the 52nd minute when he latched on to Thibaut Courtois’ ball over the top and dinked it over Kalmurza.

In the 67th minute Valeri Gromyko appeared to be fouled by Dani Ceballos, with a penalty awarded to Kairat, but the decision was overturned after a VAR check.

Despite missing an excellent chance to seal his hat-trick when he sent the ball wide with the goal gaping, Mbappe did eventually finish from close range to complete his treble.

Substitutes Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Diaz both scored to complete the rout in the closing stages.

Camavinga headed home from close range and Diaz slotted into the bottom corner from Gonzalo Garcia’s pass as Kairat fell to their heaviest defeat in European competition.

It was a much-needed win for Xabi Alonso’s side after a 5-2 humbling by city rivals Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Saturday.

Mbappe’s goals were his 58th, 59th and 60th in the Champions League and meant he overtook former Bayern Munich striker Thomas Muller to become the sixth highest scorer in the competition’s history.

Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has released his tracklist ahead of his highly anticipated album ‘FUJI’ on October 3.

The album will feature 15 carefully crafted tracks that showcase his personal journey, lessons learned, and stories of love, loss, and identity.

In a statement on Instagram, Adekunle Gold invited listeners to experience the music with open ears, allowing the songs to speak for themselves before revealing the features on October 6th.

Adekunle wrote, ’15 songs carefully crafted for your ears. I want you to experience the music with open ears first, feel the stories, the emotions, the journey.

‘The features will be revealed on October 6th, but until then, let the songs speak for themselves. FUJI out October 3rd’.

The album promises to be a cultural statement and a deeply personal project that blends traditional Fuji music with modern Afrobeats.

With ‘FUJI,’ Adekunle Gold aims to redefine Afrobeats and bring traditional Nigerian sounds to the global stage.

A foundation member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu, has faulted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s push for Nigeria to secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja ahead of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, Okechukwu described Nigeria’s quest as a bold and visionary move, aligning with Vice President Kashim Shettima’s call at the UN for fairness, African representation, and institutional reform.

He emphasised that Nigeria’s contributions to global peace, including its role in World War II, justify its claim for a permanent seat and representation on behalf of Africa.

Okechukwu urged political stakeholders to support the initiative as a unifying national aspiration rather than framing it around domestic challenges.

‘In the 2023 presidential election, they erroneously breached zoning, an unforced error, hoping to harvest northern voters they quarantined in a dormitory. They paid dearly with voters’ punishment.

‘Penultimate week again, ADC recklessly dismissed the time-tested convention of rotation of the presidency – a glue that binds our fragile 4th Republic democracy. Even when their mother party, PDP recanted.’

He also cited the false claim of Tinubu’s Life Presidency Agenda, recalling, ‘Last week, they hallucinated by alleging that Mr. President was plotting for a life presidency, as if Nigeria operates in a banana republic without a constitution or institutions to check such excesses.

‘Yesterday, they incongruously derided Nigeria’s push for a permanent UN Security Council seat, speaking as though the seat is President Tinubu’s personal property, instead of a lifetime strategic gain for Nigeria and Africa.’

Reacting to ADC National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi’s vile statement condemning the country’s request for a UN permanent seat, Okechukwu stressed that asymmetrical security challenges should not be used to undermine Nigeria’s hard-earned international seat, noting that every great nation balances political parties’ ambition with patriotic goals.

‘Methinks that this UN Security Council seat is not for Bola Tinubu’s Emilokan, but a strategic asset for Nigeria and Africa. Albeit a step towards resorgimento, where our voice is heard and we participate in shaping global peace and security.

‘For ADC to ridicule such a quest is not only a short-sighted, unforced error, but purely unpatriotic to our collective national interest.’

Okechukwu concluded by appealing to ADC leadership that instead of divisive tendencies and unforced errors, to as a matter of urgent national importance, apologise to our sister political party – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), they demolished.

‘Sincerely, we in APC, in the interest of viable democracy in our dear fatherland, we want ADC to unite with PDP and form a formidable opposition party before they start playing blame games.’Okechukwu submitted

Former Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate, Sabrina Idukpaye, has said she would have made it to the finals if not for her forced exit from the show due to health issues.

In an interview with The Beat FM, Sabrina expressed confidence in her performance and interactions during her time in the house, insisting she was destined to be a finalist.

Her exit followed hospitalization over undisclosed health concerns. Although later declared medically fit, she claimed the show’s organizers denied her re-entry.

Despite the setback, Sabrina expressed gratitude to MultiChoice and the Big Brother franchise for the platform and opportunity.

Hundreds of people trooped to the Emmanuel Iwanyanwu International Conference Centre (EIICC) on Tuesday to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Imo State.

By 8 a.m., excited residents had begun streaming into the venue to catch a glimpse of the President, who is set to commission four signature projects: the EIICC, Concorde Hotel, the new twin flyover at Assumpta Cathedral Roundabout, and the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road.

Security personnel worked tirelessly to manage the enthusiastic crowd, which included men, women, youths, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries.

Meanwhile, major roads such as Wetheral, Tetlow, and Bank leading to the Okigwe roundabouts were closed to vehicular traffic, causing some inconvenience as commuters trekked long distances to reach their destinations.