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Eight traditional rulers in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State on Thursday threatened legal action against Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi.

They also ssued 21-day ultimatum to the monarch to withdraw the alleged false accusation against Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The monarchs, including the Alasipa of Asipa, Oba Mufutau Oyekanmi; Olulamokun of Yakoyo, Oba Mesharch Oyediran, Alakinlaalu of Akinlaalu, Oba Oluwabusola Oloyede, among others, under the aegis of Origbo Meje Obas, led by the Salu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Adesoji, flayed the allegation by Oluwo that Oba Ogunwusi attempted to poison him in a viral video on social media.

Oba Adesoji held that Oluwo’s conduct amounted to insult and gross disrespect to the sacred throne of Oduduwa, describing his allegations against Ooni as criminal defamation and unbecoming of a traditional ruler.

He recalled the activities of Oluwo in the past, which led to his suspension from the meetings of the Osun State Council of Obas after assaulting the Agbowu of Ogbaagba during a peace meeting.

He insisted that the recent outbursts of the Oluwo were aimed at ridiculing the institution of traditional leadership in Yorubaland, warning that such behaviour would no longer be tolerated.

His words: ‘Oluwo has 21 days to write to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to substantiate his allegations or retract them publicly. Failure to do so will leave us with no choice but to take legal action against him at the expiration of this ultimatum.’

The monarchs noted that the Ooni of Ife remains the head of all traditional rulers in Yorubaland, describing the Oluwo’s continued outbursts as attempts to gain undue attention.

They stressed that no amount of unruly conduct from the Oluwo of Iwo would diminish the supremacy of the sacred stool of Oduduwa.

Lille goalkeeper Berke Ozer delivered a stunning performance in the closing stages of their Europa League clash against Roma, saving three consecutive penalties to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory for the French side.

The match began with an early goal from Hakon Arnar Haraldsson, who capitalized on a defensive error to score in the 6th minute. Despite Roma pressing for an equaliser, they were continually frustrated by Lille’s defense.

Their best chance came in the 80th minute when Aissa Mandi was penalised for a handball inside the box. Substitute Artem Dovbyk stepped up for the home side but his penalty was saved by Ozer. However, the referee, Erik Lambrechts, ruled the save out as Ozer was judged to have moved off his line, prompting a retake.

Dovbyk tried again, and once more, Ozer denied him. But for the second time, the Lille keeper was penalised for moving too early, giving Roma yet another chance from the spot.

Matias Soule took the third penalty, but Ozer stood tall yet again, producing a third stunning save – this time, a legal one – to preserve Lille’s lead and seal a memorable win.

Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini said afterwards: ‘I’ve never seen three missed penalties in one match. It was an almost unique, random situation, which ultimately compromised the result.’

Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have threatened to withdraw their services if the federal government failed to meet their demands.

The union has extended its ultimatum by seven days to ‘allow the government room to respond.’

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) had issued a seven day ultimatum beginning from 15th September 2025, to the federal government to meet its outstanding demands.

The demands include: renegotiation of the 2009 FG/SSANU agreement, non-payment of withheld salaries and unjust disbursement of warned allowances.

In a communique signed by its National President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim at the end of its 52nd National Executive (NEC) meeting at Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri Imo state, the university workers expressed displeasure over government’s continued silence, as the ultimatum draws closer.

The communique reads, ‘NEC expresses deep disappointment over the continued silence and inaction of the Federal Government’s Renegotiation Committee regarding the 2009 FG/SSANU Agreement. NEC strongly calls on the government to honour the two weeks extension given by JAC of SSANU/NASU in order to avert the impending industrial crisis in the university system.

‘NEC strongly condemns the continued withholding of salaries of SSANU members who participated in the 2022 industrial action.

‘NEC therefore, urges the Federal Government to immediately release the outstanding two (2) months withheld salaries as a demonstration of good faith and commitment to restoring industrial harmony within the University system.

‘NEC also notes that third-party deductions from the already paid two months of withheld salaries have yet to be remitted and therefore calls for the immediate release of these funds.

‘NEC expresses deep concern over the Federal Government’s persistent disregard for Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), Memoranda of Action (MoAs), and other duly negotiated collective bargaining agreements entered into with SSANU.’

The union reiterated that such agreements, reached through structured dialogue and mutual consent, are binding and must be honoured in full.

The SSANU warned that if this pattern of neglect continued, it will have no choice but to ‘explore all lawful and appropriate avenues to compel compliance.’

The union also condemned the formula adopted for the disbursements of earned allowances (EA) that was released by the government.

It alleged that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had a larger share of the released EA.

The union further said, ‘SSANU frowns at the inequitable and negligible allocation of the N50 billion Earned Allowance, wherein only 20% which amounts to N10 billion was allotted to the three (3) non-teaching unions (SSANU, NASU and NAAT) as against the N50 billion agreed in the signed MoU/MoA before the suspension of the 2022 industrial action.

‘This allocation is unjust, discriminatory, and fails to acknowledge the indispensable role SSANU members play in the effective functioning of Nigerian Universities.

‘It is also in breach of the MoU/MoA signed with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NASU and SSANU in August 2022. NEC calls for an immediate release of the balance of ?40 billion Earned Allowance to reflect principles of fairness, equity, and inclusiveness across all non-teaching staff unions of universities and Inter-University Centres in line with the Memorandum of Understanding and Memorandum of Action signed with the unions.’

The union also deliberated on the state of the health sector and other sectors in the country.

It expressed deep concerns over the poor funding of the sector and deteriorating condition of critical sectors, the rising spate of insecurity including kidnappings, banditry, and communal clashes which have continued to disrupt daily life, displace families, and cripple economic activity.

SSANU also expressed concerns that, ‘Agriculture and food security are under severe threat, with an estimated 33.1 million Nigerians facing acute food shortages due to conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability.

Key recommendations made to federal and state governments include: granting full autonomy to university governing councils to reduce political interference and enable decisions that best serve the staff and students of the universities; strengthen existing research and innovation funds and make them accessible to all disciplines to ensure consistent support for groundbreaking studies and technological development; and provide a living wage with guaranteed, timely salary payments to attract, motivate, and retain top talents among both teaching and non-teaching staff.

Others are: increase budgetary allocations to health and education, and to ensure that all funds are fully and transparently disbursed; strengthen primary healthcare systems while improving working conditions to curb the brain drain of professionals; declare targeted security emergencies in high-risk states with the deployment of modern technology, intelligence gathering, and community policing, while addressing root causes such as poverty, youth unemployment, and land-use conflicts.

It also recommended support for farmers through provision of inputs, access to credits, storage facilities, and irrigation systems to safeguard food security and stabilise prices; prioritise infrastructure development by maintaining roads, ensuring reliable electricity, providing safe water, and implementing effective flood-control measures.

The union’s NEC called on all tiers of government to act with urgency and sincerity, noting that Nigerians deserved concrete action, not promises.

The Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) has announced an operating profit of N30.47 billion for the financial year ended 2023, more than double the N13.75 billion recorded in the previous year.

A statement from the bank described the performance as a testament to its financial resilience and operational efficiency.

Managing Director of NEXIM, Mr. Abba Bello, said the bank had stepped up its support for the non-oil export sector, with disbursements exceeding N495 billion.

He noted that these interventions have created and sustained more than 36,000 direct and indirect jobs across different sectors of the economy.

According to him, ‘NEXIM has continued to expand its role in stimulating non-oil exports, providing financing that not only boosts trade but also supports value addition in agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, and services.’

Reflecting its improved financial condition, NEXIM Bank was recently assigned a ‘BBB+’ rating by the leading credit rating agency, Agusto and Co. Limited. The agency cited the bank’s strong capacity to meet obligations and its solid position among development finance institutions (DFIs) in Nigeria.

Owned equally by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), NEXIM was established to promote Nigeria’s non-oil exports and support import-substituting businesses. In recent years, the bank has maintained strong liquidity and capital adequacy ratios while growing its loan book and equity instruments.

The bank is currently driving several initiatives to expand Nigeria’s trade footprint. These include: the Regional Sealink Project, a public-private partnership aimed at improving maritime logistics across West and Central Africa; promotion of factoring services by providing alternative financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in export; and the Joint Project Preparation Fund (JPPF), developed in partnership with Afreximbank to enhance the bankability of export-oriented projects.

In addition, NEXIM said it is designing tailored financing schemes for the mining industry, such as contract mining, equipment leasing, and buyers’ credit/export credit agency (ECA) financing. ‘These schemes are intended to unlock export potential in solid minerals and improve Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings,’ the statement said.

NEXIM Bank reiterated its commitment to supporting local processing capacity and ensuring that Nigeria moves up the commodity value chain. ‘Our focus remains on driving value addition, increasing non-oil export revenues, and strengthening Nigeria’s participation in global trade,’ NEXIM said.

The newly inaugurated leadership of the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque (LSCCM), Alausa, has pledged to deepen stakeholder engagement, enhance religious facilities, and expand community-driven programmes to foster harmony and development.

Speaking after his swearing-in for a second term, LSCCM Chairman, Abdulhafis Toriola, who is also the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Housing, assured worshippers of the leadership’s commitment to sustaining the mosque’s legacy.

He noted that the mosque leadership will continue to assess areas for improvement, while emphasizing regular training for Imams to enhance the quality of sermons.

‘Our message to the Muslim community is to continue to believe in Allah, obey His rules, and be good ambassadors of Islam,’ he said.

LSCCM vice chairman and chairman of Shamsideen Adisa Mosque, Dr. Ismail AbdusSalam, stated the need for unity and financial support from the Muslim community.

‘This is a call to serve Allah, and we cannot do it alone. We need cooperation in the form of prayers, financial support, and active participation in our projects. With this, we can harmonise the community and achieve the objectives of the mosque,’ he stated.

He urged Muslims to remain steadfast, contribute to the mosque’s programmes, and continue to pray for the leadership so that ‘Allah accepts our efforts as an act of worship.’

LSCCM Women Affairs Secretary, Hajia Jelilat Abdulhamid, said the mosque runs a weekly women’s forum that provides spiritual guidance, vocational training, and counselling services.

Hajia Abdulhamid, who is the Deputy Director at the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), added that the forum addresses the needs of single sisters by providing platforms for marital connections, educational sponsorship programmes, and supporting young women, some of whom are currently in universities.

‘We need upright women to nurture children and strengthen families. Our society can only thrive if women return to their primary roles of building the home and raising responsible children,’ she said.

Yiaga Africa and the International Press Centre (IPC) have urged the National Assembly to include provisions for early voting in the ongoing electoral reform process.

Director of Programmes at Yiaga Africa, Cynthia Mbamalu, said that about two million eligible voters, including journalists, election observers, security personnel, and INEC staff, were unable to vote during the 2023 general elections due to the nature of their work.

Speaking at a Consultative Roundtable with media stakeholders on the Citizens’ Memorandum on Electoral Reform, convened by IPC in partnership with Yiaga Africa and the European Union under the EU-SDGNII programme, Mbamalu stressed the need to amend the Electoral Act to allow early voting.

She noted that many Nigerians on essential duties have been disenfranchised for years, a trend also observed in other parts of the world, and urged stakeholders to ensure their voting rights are protected in future elections.

She said, ‘We have never had early voting in Nigeria. This is essential for those who work during elections. It would enhance transparency, inclusivity, and rebuild citizens’ trust in the process.’

Executive Director of the IPC, Lanre Arogundade, called on the media to play a vital role in the ongoing constitution and Electoral Reforms at the National Assembly.

Arogundade said that it had become pertinent to review the proposals for electoral reforms to determine their feasibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said, ‘Distinguished colleagues, notwithstanding the considerable efforts invested in advancing the citizens’ memo, we have now reached a pivotal juncture where media support is both essential and highly valued.

‘As the National Assembly reconvenes, it will be reviewing several proposals for electoral reforms to determine their feasibility for enactment within the statutory period required for amendments to take effect before the 2027 general elections.

‘Historical precedent, such as the 12-year campaign for Nigeria’s Freedom of Information Act, demonstrates that meaningful reform is often achieved when the media actively champions the cause.

‘Throughout this advocacy effort, the media played a significant role by serialising the bill’s content, publishing editorials, columns, news reports, features, analytical pieces, vox pops, and conducting interviews.

‘Additionally, media organisations and professional bodies contributed to public hearings through formal presentations.

‘The significant influence exerted by the media contributed to the passage and enactment of the FOI bill under the administration of Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.

‘Additionally, it should be noted that the electoral reforms previously mentioned were also achieved with media support, reflecting a pattern observed in other countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Mexico, South Korea, and several Eastern European nations, where the media serve as key catalysts for legislative and policy advancements.

On his part, a senior lecturer at Paul University, Akwa, Anambra State, Dr Tony Oyima, added that diaspora voting must also be prioritised.

Onyima, a former managing director of The SUN newspaper, said, ‘Nigerians abroad remit millions of dollars to the economy, yet they cannot vote. Early voting would address this injustice.’

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to put an end to sabotage and punish those stealing streetlights in the nation’s capital.

Wike said this on Thursday when he officially flagged off Lot 1 and 2 of the transformative ‘Light Up Abuja’ project, which involves the provision of integrated (hybrid) solar lighting across Abuja’s districts and expressways.

He disclosed that the project was designed to provide uninterrupted light across the various districts and expressways, adding that the initiative was an essential step towards improving security and the city’s aesthetic appeal.

The FCT Minister emphasised the importance of a well-lit Abuja, which he said was crucial for national pride and development, especially as the city approaches its 50th anniversary in February next year.

He expressed the belief that the Light Up Abuja project will dramatically transform the city within the next seven months and improve security.

According to him: ‘In the next seven months, it will be a different thing. Anybody coming to Abuja, not only will you see good roads, you will see the entire place being lit up’.

Wike, who also disclosed that the hybrid solar system comes with surveillance features, said it will enable the immediate identification of anyone attempting to vandalize or steal the facilities.

He said: ‘Criminals will run away because when there is light everywhere, by the time they come to steal our facilities, at least you know that people will see you’.

Recalling the challenges faced in tackling persistent darkness and sabotage in the FCT, the minister revealed that upon assumption of office, he met a situation where nearly 80 percent of the FCT was plunged into darkness at night, directly contributing to a rise in insecurity.

He also detailed the costly and ineffective cycle of maintenance, noting that previous maintenance contracts were often awarded to ‘political contractors,’ resulting in payments for maintenance without visible results-a practice he described as a ‘nightmare’.

To solve the recurring problems of darkness and infrastructure sabotage, Wike said the FCT Administration took a decisive action during an investment-driven trip with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Beijing in 2024, where key agreements were signed with two reputable international firms – Chinese Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) and Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to provide water to the satellite towns, which is currently ongoing, and to light up Abuja.

Furthermore, the Minister stated that the contracts stipulate that the companies were responsible for the full maintenance of the streetlights for four to five years, thereby eliminating the previous costly and ineffective system of perpetual maintenance.

Acknowledging the anticipated backlash from those who benefited from the old corrupt system, the Minister said the FCT Administration expects attacks from three main groups – the previous contractors who will now lose their lucrative maintenance contracts, criminal saboteurs who thrived in darkness to steal cables, and corrupt FCTA officials involved in generating maintenance files.

However, Wike said he is undeterred by any sentiments or political campaigns, emphasizing his commitment to the nation’s interest.

‘We have made a decision. This work must be done, and I will do it with the support of Mr. President, and that is what is key’, he asserted.

The Minister of State, FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, described the light up Abuja project as more than just poles and solar panels, but about bringing light where there was darkness, safety where there were fears, and hope where there were doubts, expressing optimism that the initiative will ensure that Abuja continues to shine at night.

Mahmoud extended profound appreciation to President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the provision of vital infrastructure in the FCT.

Providing an overview of the Light up Abuja project, the Acting Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda stated that the contract was awarded in two lots to Messrs CCECC and CGC Nigeria Limited, adding that they were expected to complete the work within six months.

He said Lot 1 covers Maitama, Central Area, Wuse, and Asokoro districts, as well as the Airport Expressway, while Lot 2 covers Katampe, Katampe Extension, Jabi, Garki, Gudu, and Mabushi districts.

Dauda added that the scope of work includes supply and installation and Retro fitting of Integrated Hybrid Solar Street lighting, fittings of 300 watts solar powered lights with luminous blocks ranging from 7,500 lumens to 17,500 lumens along streets and expressways with other necessary accessories, installation of galvanized street light posts at locations where they need replacement or have been vandalized and installation of surveillance facilities for the street lights.

He added that the integrated hybrid solar street lighting system, when completed, will illuminate the city and help guard against theft and vandalism, and also provide other benefits like improved security of lives and properties, improved aesthetics and ambience in the streets at night, reduction of electricity bills, maintenance costs, and technical losses.

Managing Directors of CCECC and CGC Nigeria Ltd, Guan Shuai and Zhang Xiang, respectively, thanked President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for entrusting their companies with the key responsibility and pledged to deploy their best resources to deliver a world-class project that will make Abuja shine brighter and set a benchmark for sustainable urban development.

Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State has called for stronger collaboration between the media and his administration to promote peacebuilding, democracy, and development in the state.

Speaking at a public lecture organised by the Katsina State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Radda, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, reaffirmed his commitment to open governance and urged journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness, and responsibility in their reportage.

He cautioned against fake news, hate speech, and incitement, noting that the media plays a critical role in shaping public perception and ensuring societal stability.

He also recalled recent citizen engagements on security and governance, stressing that public contributions are vital for shaping responsive policies and building trust between the government and the people.

As part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen communication, Radda announced the approval of a full digital upgrade for Katsina State Television to align with global broadcasting standards.

During the event, the NUJ Katsina Council presented Governor Radda with the Pillar of Democracy Award in recognition of his support for journalism and exemplary leadership.

The award was received on his behalf by Dr. Zango.

Governor Radda also urged journalists to embrace developmental journalism that highlights both challenges and government interventions, citing examples in healthcare and education.

He encouraged the NUJ to invest in training and modern technology to enhance investigative reporting, transparency, and accountability.

Earlier, NUJ National President Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi called on journalists to focus on solution-driven reporting that addresses pressing issues in northern Nigeria, including poverty, education, and health, while advocating for mentorship, better welfare, and insurance cover for practitioners.

A renowned political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, will headline the maiden Discourse Series on Poverty Reduction in Lagos.

The event, scheduled for Friday, October 17, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, is organised by Conversation Media Limited to mark the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Themed ‘Pathways to Inclusive Development: Rethinking Communication, Policy and Partnership,’ the gathering will explore how communication, governance, and partnerships can be leveraged to break the cycle of poverty and reduce inequalities in Nigeria.

Utomi, founder of the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL), will focus on rural poverty while drawing from global poverty alleviation strategies.

A major highlight will be the public presentation of the book Media and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria by Dr. Victor Ikem, CEO of Conversation Media Limited. The programme will also feature panel discussions, audience dialogue, networking sessions, and a book signing.

Organisers said the initiative goes beyond a book launch, describing it as the beginning of a sustained platform for solutions-driven engagement on poverty in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Policymakers, academics, civil society leaders, media executives, and development practitioners are expected to attend what is described as a ‘strategic and impactful gathering.’

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Thursday launched the Flow with Confidence nationwide distribution of menstrual hygiene packs, a landmark initiative designed to support schoolgirls and promote menstrual health across the country.

Speaking at the launch in Gombe, Mrs. Tinubu described the intervention as vital to empowering young girls by ‘promoting knowledge, dignity, and confidence’ through improved menstrual hygiene.

In a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media Busola Kukoyi the First Lady said ‘in today’s modern world, no girl should have to miss school because of her inability to afford sanitary products.

‘It is unacceptable that our girls still continue to face significant challenges during their menstrual cycle, especially those in rural communities, who miss school days every month because they cannot afford sanitary pads’, she said.

The First Lady noted that many resort to unsafe alternatives or stay at home, causing them to fall behind academically and in some cases drop out of school.

She said the programme, under the Education framework of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), is meant to end this trend.

Mrs. Tinubu disclosed that all states and the Federal Capital Territory would each receive 10,000 packs of disposable sanitary pads through State First Ladies and RHI coordinators, targeting vulnerable schoolgirls in rural communities.

‘Today, I will be handing over 10,000 packs of disposable sanitary pads to the First Lady of Gombe State for distribution to 10,000 deserving girls in rural communities across the state. Each beneficiary will receive a one-year supply of the pads,’ she announced, while urging traditional rulers, religious leaders and community leaders to ensure the supplies reach the intended beneficiaries.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, and Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, both pledged federal support to scale up the initiative so that more girls in underserved areas benefit.

Gombe Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, commended the First Lady for the programme, as well as her interventions in health, agriculture, economic empowerment and education.

Mrs. Tinubu declared open the maiden Gombe State Health Summit, where she emphasised that health should be viewed as a driver of economic prosperity, social development, and national growth.

During her two-day visit to Gombe, the First Lady was also honoured with the traditional title of Sarauniya Yakin Kumo (Queen Warrior of Kumo) by the Emir of Akko, Alhaji Umaru Muh’d Atiku, in recognition of her contributions to national development.