”Help me Lord,” Tiwa Savage cries out over hidden struggles

Popular Nigerian singer, Tiwa Savage, has stirred concern among fans after sharing a prayer on social media about the pressures she faces.

Taking to her Instagram story on Friday, October 3, 2025, the Afrobeats star wrote: ‘The crown is heavy, help me Lord.’

The short but emotional post hinted at the weight of her fame and responsibilities. Savage added that while her life may appear glamorous on the outside, it comes with hidden struggles.

She also suggested that one day, she would reveal the full story behind her ongoing challenges.

Seyi Shay hails Wizkid as ‘Greatest of All Time’

Nigerian singer Seyi Shay has expressed her deep admiration for Afrobeats star, Wizkid, naming him as the Greatest of all time.

While speaking with The Honest Bunch, Seyi Shay spoke about her relationship with the singer, while lauding him for his talent and intelligence.

The singer praised Wizkid’s level of creativity while reminiscing on a studio session the two artists once had.

‘That I respect to this day. I still think he’s the greatest. I still do. Like there’s no way around it. I’ve worked with everybody in this industry and to me, he’s the greatest. I don’t care what anyone says. Wizkid, we became genuine friends now. It was now no longer industry friends because I realized that he’s actually so smart and so talented. Like I’ve actually seen him record while eating. And that was mad to me. I don’t know where he gets his inspiration from, but he’s like a magician,’ she stated.

Seyi Shay also revealed that Wizkid used to confide in her about happenings and experiences in the music industry. She also praised his level of discipline despite his global fame.

‘And I am attracted, heavily attracted to people with such levels of talent. And he used to tell me a lot about how people behave in this industry. So coming in new, I have to watch out for things like this, things like that, you know, and just be on guard. And, you know, and I wish I listened and not wasn’t so free because he does it so well. He’s very disciplined. Like he knows how to, you know, yeah. And that’s, he lives by that. And this is the things that he used to tell me. So from that, I was like, yo, you’re really cool. Yeah. But he was already famous. He was already wiz,’ she added.

Group commended for developmental efforts in Fulani communities

The National President of Gan-Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (GAN Allah), Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, has described the ongoing development initiatives in Fulani communities as a major achievement.

Dr. Abdullahi said the union, which now has branches across the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja is preparing to conduct elections.

He noted that the union has resolved many conflicts between Fulani and other ethnic groups, built schools for nomadic children in both northern and southern parts of the country, and also collaborated with international partners such as Doctors Without Borders (DWB) to expand educational opportunities.

He added that GAN-Allah has intervened in various court cases and secured favourable judgments for the benefit of Fulani communities.

Abdullahi also appealed to the Fulani communities in Niger State to remain respectful, law-abiding and obtain their voter cards in recognition of Governor Mohammed Bago’s support for their communities.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of Nomadic Affairs in Niger State, Alhaji Adamu Abdullahi Babayo, commended the union and expressed the state government’s readiness to work with all Fulani associations.

He said the union is expected to make meaningful contributions to the development of the state and the country at large.

Babayo praised Governor Bago for creating a ministry to address nomadic and pastoral issues, saying it has made the Fulani more relevant in the state, as he assured that the governor will continue to support Fulani communities.

Also, former national president of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and the Ardon of Paiko, Alhaji Hussain Yusuf Bosso, urged Fulani members to uphold the good image of their tribe.

He condemned the negative attitudes of some few individuals and encouraged them to work with the government in building peace and development.

Bosso stressed that Fulani are traditionally known for good character and respect, not only within their communities but also in their relations with other tribes across Nigeria.

My experience as an Illuminati member – Seyi Shay

Nigerian singer Seyi Shay has stirred controversy after revealing that she was once a member of the Illuminati, a secret society often linked to the entertainment industry.

The ‘Right Now’ crooner made the disclosure during a recent appearance on the OffAir Podcast with Gbemi and Toolz, where she reflected on a phase of her music career.

In a video clip from the show that surfaced online Thursday, Seyi Shay explained that her entry into the group coincided with a defining stage in her career.

‘That’s when I was in the Illuminati. That’s when I joined the Illuminati. That’s when it was official,’ she said.

The singer, whose real name is Deborah Oluwaseyi Joshua, added that while many fans may not be aware of such affiliations, people within the music industry often recognize those who have such ties.

‘People know who they are. it’s not the fans, guys. It’s the people in the industry. It is not the fans. It is the people that work with me, work with her, work with this one, work with that one,’ she stated.

Nigerian govt, Meta opt for settlement in $32.8m data privacy sanction

Nigerian government and and Meta Platforms, Inc., on Friday, agreed to settle out of court over the $32.8 million fine imposed against the company for alleged violation of privacy of Nigerians.

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) had filed the suit against Meta Platforms.

But when the matter was called for ruling on Friday, counsel for the parties told Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja of the ongoing plan to settle the matter out of court.

Justice Omotosho had, on July 16, fixed today for ruling on NDPC’s preliminary objection against the suit filed by Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.

The judge had also scheduled today for ruling on Meta’s request to amend its process.

The NDPC had, on Feb. 18, imposed both a remedial fee of 32,800,000 million US dollars and eight corrective orders against Meta Inc.

The American multinational technology company was alleged to have violated the fundamental privacy rights of its Nigerian users with respect to behavioural advertising on Facebook and Instagram.

Dissatisfied with the action, Meta Platforms Inc., in a motion ex-parte dated and filed on Feb. 26, dragged the regulatory agency to court as sole respondent.

In the motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/355/2025 and moved by Fred Onuofia, SAN, on March 4, Justice Omotosho granted one of the two orders sought.

The judge had granted leave to Meta to commence proceedings by way of judicial-review seeking, inter alia, an order of certiorari quashing the compliance and enforcement orders dated Feb. 18 issued by NDPC against the company.

It urged the court to nullify ‘all other investigations, proceedings and actions taken by respondent against the applicant leading to the ‘Final Orders.”

The judge, however, refused to grant Meta’s relief seeking a stay of the proceedings of all matters relating to the ‘Final Orders’ issued by NDPC against it, pending the hearing and determination of the judicial review proceedings.

Instead, the judge made an order of accelerated hearing of the suit.

But NDPC, in a preliminary objection filed by its lawyer and the head, ALPHA and ROHI Law Firm, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, told the court that the suit was incompetent and the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain same.

At the scheduled ruling, Meta’s lawyer, Onwuobia, begged the court to defer the ruling on NDPC’s preliminary objection and the motion on notice to amend their suit.

He told the court that the parties had reached an advanced stage on settlement in this case.

The lawyer said settlement was the option the parties had resolved to opt for, stating that the parties ‘are afraid’ that the ruling might affect discussions on settlement.

‘The draft terms of settlement have been exchanged,’ he said.

He, therefore, urged the court to grant an adjournment for a report of settlement.

NDPC’s lawyer, Adedipe, confirmed Onwuobia’s submission.

According to him, settlement discussions have advanced appreciably.

The senior lawyer urged the court to adjourn so they could return with settlement terms that the court would adopt as a ‘consent judgement’ for the parties.

Justice Omotosho, in response, held that since the court encouraged settlement, he was inclined not to deliver the planned ruling.

He, subsequently adjourned the matter until Oct. 31 for either a ruling or adoption of terms of settlement.

The regulatory agency, in its objection dated April 10 and filed April 11 by Adedipe, urged the court to either strike out or dismiss the case.

Adedipe, in two grounds of argument, submitted that the originating summons filed by the company is incompetent for non-compliance with the mandatory provision of Order 34 Rule 6(1) of the FHC (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019.

Quoting the provision, the lawyer said: ‘No ground shall be relied upon or any relief sought at the hearing, except the grounds and reliefs sought in the statement.’

He also argued that the suit, as presently constituted, is grossly incompetent and academic, the reliefs sought therein, not being capable of activating the jurisdiction of the court.

‘The suit is liable to be struck out/dismissed, in limine,’ Adedipe had argued.

The fine against Meta came as one of the measures by the NDPC to protect Nigerians’ data under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.

Why US report on Nigeria’s public procurement falls short

THE 2025 US fiscal Transparency Report alleging lack of transparency in public procurement and, by extension, categorising Nigeria among the 32 African countries without fiscal policy should be totally rejected. The US report did not reflect the current realities in the public procurement ecosystem in Nigeria, particularly the reforms initiated by the federal government to institutionalise transparency and accountability in public procurement contracting in Nigeria. To be sure, Nigeria is among the top five African countries with sound public procurement frameworks and/or regimes. For instance, recent reforms by the regulatory agency- the Bureau of Public Procurement [BPP], discouraging the use of selective tendering as against the default methods of procurement shows the determination to cut abuses and open the procurement space for all contractors to participate, thereby promoting competition and ensuring transparency in public contracting.

Public procurement records – from planning to procurement execution – have been made available on the Open Contracting Portal and it is mandatory for all government agencies to publish their procurement records in the Nigeria Open Contracting Portal [NOCOPO], giving access to civil society organisations and even contractors opportunity to assess records at all times from procurement planning stage to procurement execution. Significantly, Standard Bidding Documents [SBDs] and the monetary thresholds were recently reviewed to international standards and in alignment with the current economic realities respectively, thus paving the way for women participation in procurement opportunities and small and medium enterprises to fully take advantage of the affirmative procurement opportunities, including initiative for community-based procurement just to mention a few of the ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s public procurement processes. For the avoidance of doubt and to put the records straight, our procurement models are structured to ensure value for money. It ensures that taxpayers’ money is properly/ judiciously spent for the intended purposes, eliminating underhand dealings as against what was obtainable before the enactment of the Publuc Procurenent Act [PPA] 2007. The Bureau of public Procurement for the first time in history is encouraging members of the public to ‘say something, do something’ by reporting any procurement process they deem is not conducted transparently. The BPP has been engaging with the civil society organisations, professional bodies and various stakeholders to check abuses in public contracting in Nigeria.

Our system is robust enough, emphasising transparency, accountability, and promoting openness and access to information by taxpayers.

Bushes Out, Safety In: Ogun highways undergo FERMA rescue operation

The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) on Friday launched ‘Operation Safe-Guard Roads (OSGR), ‘a vegetation control and drainage desilting initiative, along major federal highways across Ogun State.

The exercise began with the clearing of a 3-kilometre stretch on the Ishaga-Ilaro-Owode-Ado-Ikoga Road, aimed at improving visibility, enhancing road safety, and deterring criminal activities such as kidnapping along highway corridors.

FERMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Engr. (Dr.) Chukwuemeka Agbasi, represented by the Ogun Field Engineer, Engr. Fasoranti Bamidele, said the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on safety, infrastructure, and youth empowerment.

‘The road verges have been overtaken by bushes. By clearing these areas and desilting shoulders, we aim to give motorists clearer visibility and prevent criminal hideouts,’ Fasoranti explained.

He added that the initiative also seeks to empower Nigerian youth aged 18-45, employing them from within host communities as part of the ongoing operations.

‘This project doesn’t only enhance safety; it also creates jobs for our youth, allowing them to earn a living while contributing to national development.’

Motorists applauded the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary.

Mr. Taofeek Akinlolu, a motorcyclist, said: ‘This is safety at its peak. The road feels more secure already.’

Mrs. Animasahun Adedoyin, a native of Igbojila, also praised the effort, noting that miscreants would no longer have places to hide.

Mr. Momodu Jamiu, a truck driver, said the intervention had boosted confidence among road users: ‘This is a huge relief – we now feel safe while driving through these roads.’

Fasoranti assured that FERMA is actively sourcing funds to expand similar interventions to Ijebu and other federal road corridors in the state.

He appealed to motorists for patience during the exercise and urged host communities to cooperate with the agency as the project progresses.

Kachikwu’s bid to compel derecognition of David Mark-led ADC exco fails

Justice James Omotosho of Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, refused to hear an application filed by Dumebi Kachiku against Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Sen. David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In the motion brought by Dayo Akinlaja, SAN, on his behalf, Kachikwu, the 2023 presidential candidate of ADC, is seeking an order compelling INEC to, forthwith, withdraw the unlawful publication of Mark and Rauf Aregbesola’s names as national chairman and secretary of the party pending the determination of the suit.

‘This court is not inclined to nullify anything at this stage whether done before or now. This is a political case.

‘I am not taking any interlocutory matter,’ he said.

Instead, Justice Omotosho held that all the processes filed by the parties, including the preliminary objections of the defence, would be taken together with the substantive suit.

All efforts by Akinlaja to have his application heard were rebuffed by the judge.

INEC had, recently, recognised Mark, the former senate president, and Aregbesola, ex-governor of Osun, as ADC’s national chairman and national secretary.

Kachikwu and others had, on July 7, filed the originating summons to challenge the purported appointment and declaration of Mark and Aregbesola as national chairman and secretary of the party.

Others in the suit include Adikwu Elias, Etimbuk Umoh, Muhammed Khala, Alaku Godwin William as 2nd to 5th plaintiffs.

They named INEC, ADC, Chief Ralph Nwosu, Mark, Aregbesola as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

When the case was called on Friday, Akinlaja informed the court that the matter was adjourned for hearing.

The lawyer, however, told the court that a motion was filed on Sept. 19 by the plaintiff.

He said the motion was hinged on the fact that despite the pendency of the suit in court, INEC chose to recognise the leadership of Mark and Aregbesola.

In the motion, the plaintiffs sought an order setting aside the purported recognition and publication of Mark and Aregbesola’s names as chairman and secretary of ADC.

They argued that the action, having been done during the pendency of the suit and in violation of the doctrine of lis pendens.

They also sought an order of injunction restraining Nwosu, Mark and Aregbesola from continuing to deal or relate with INEC in the capacity of national officers of the party.

Akinlaja, therefore, pleaded with the judge to have the motion taken but to no avail.

Shaibu Aruwa, SAN, who appeared for ADC, and other lawyers for the defence, opposed the application.

Justice Omotosho, who granted an application for joinder filed by Nkemakolam Ukandu, the deputy national secretary of ADC, made a consequential order for amendment of the suit to accommodate Ukandu’s name as a defendant.

The judge gave 48 working hours to the plaintiff’s to file their consequential amendment and seven days to the defence to respond.

He adjourned the matter until Oct. 23 for hearing.

When Nigeria first Travelconexpo created one-stop-shop for future entrepreneurs

It was a new dawn for Nigerians at the Ballroom of Federal Palace Hotel Lagos where the first-ever Travelpreneur conference and Expo hosted visitors, trade buyers, sellers and host of other tourism value chain participants to a two-day event packed with exciting take home for future entrepreneurs.

Organised by Travconex Projects Limited, a subsidiary of Aeroport Group, the two days MICE platform came handy with tailored-made sessions that created B2B sessions for all segments of participants.

For stakeholders who thronged the event in their numbers, travelconexpo was a one-stop-shop to connect, share ideas, learn the power of collaboration and how to leverage on the trend of the moment, which is the effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) ana the digital space to go global.

Also, an area of interest highlighted by one of the speakers and a good take home for the future is to know that there is commerce before e-commerce and for anyone to strategically remain globally relevant you must think globally and work locally.

Speaking at an opening session titled; Transforming Travel: The Next Frontier for Travelpreneurs, the Group CEO, Wakanow, Mr Bayo Adedeji highlighted the complexities of operating in Nigeria’s unique market compared to western countries.

Adedeji added; ‘Nigeria requires tailored solutions for its distinct environment through infrastructure, payment systems and technological needs.

‘To succeed, businesses must invest in locally adapted technology, develop payment systems that cater to the Nigerian market’s preference for bank transfer, and ensure seamless integration between digital platforms and payment systems.’He noted that understanding the local market and adapting strategies accordingly is crucial for business success in Nigeria.

He noted that strategies that work in Western countries such as the UK and US may not be effective in Nigeria due to differences in infrastructure, payment systems, and technology.

*Investing in solid technology is crucial, but it can be expensive, with some companies paying up to $2 million annually. Moreover, Nigeria’s unique business environment requires tailored solutions, making it impossible to rely on foreign technology without adapting it to local needs.

*Nigeria’s payment landscape is dominated by bank transfers, with only four per cent of customers using cards for online transactions.

‘This makes it essential for businesses to innovate and find solutions that cater to local preferences, such as virtual accounts tied to specific transactions.’

Adedeji emphasised the importance of seamless integration between digital platforms, customer inspiration, and payment systems to drive business success.

He explained that in Nigeria, businesses cannot afford to use dollar-based technology to make naira, emphasizing the need for locally adapted solutions, pointing out that payment and collection systems must be designed with the Nigerian market in mind, where bank transfers are the norm.

He jowevet advised that to succeed in Nigeria, businesses must understand the local market and adapt their strategies accordingly.

‘This includes investing in technology that can be tailored to Nigeria’s unique business environment, developing payment systems that cater to local preferences, and ensuring seamless integration between digital platforms and payment systems,’ Adedeji added.

Also Dr Daisi Olotu, GMD/CEO, Dees Holdings, in his remark applauded the uncommon effort by the organiser to not only put this together but also rallied the personalities and crop of speakers that graced this event.

‘Somebody came up with this and we have always seen it as something that is unachievable but the Group CEO of Aeroport Group, Gideon Oludauo has been able to put this up. This is commendable, He said.

Alao, the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, who was represented by a director, acknowledged the Travelvonexpo initiative and its place in the travel landscape as a veritable platform for stakeholders to learn from experts and professionals in the industry.

He added that the rave of the moment test on digital space and technology but not that beyond that, stakeholders need to study the style of the market in order to strategically align with the trend that will boost their businesses.

Earlier, while welcoming guests to the first-ever Travelpreneur Conference, Expo TRAVCONE??? 2025, Dr Oludayo said ‘this moment is historic. What was once a dream has now become a platform, a movement, and a legacy in motion..

‘Today, we gather in the grand ballroom of the Federal Palace Hotel to celebrate, not just an event, but the birth of a new era for travel and tourism in Nigeria and across Africa.

‘Our theme for this maiden edition ‘Innovating the Future of Travel: Empowering Entrepreneurs in a New Era’ – captures the heartbeat of our mission. ‘The future of travel will be shaped by those who embrace innovation, creativity, and resilience. TRAVCONEXPO was created as that platform where entrepreneurs rise, ideas connect, and opportunities thrive, He said.

Over the two days, you will experience a rich program designed to inspire and equip you with different insightful sessions and references by powerful keynote sessions that bring clarity to the future,

Among these are panel discussions addressing real industry challenges, practical workshops that deliver tools you can apply immediately, and avibrant trade fair showcasing solutions, partnerships, and possibilities.

According to Oludayo, TRAVCONEXPO is about people. It is about the conversations you will have, the connections you will make, and the visions that will be birthed in this atmosphere.

‘I must pause here to express heartfelt gratitude to the Institutes and industry bodies who endorsed us, the trade partners and sponsors who believed in this vision, the exhibitors who showed up to make it real, and you – the participants whose presence has made this first edition historic. Your trust and support have turned what was once only an idea into a living reality,’ added Oludayo.

Ex-senator Abbo breaks silence on alleged rape of 13-year-old girl

A former senator from Adamawa State, Elisha Abbo has described report that he was detained by the police for raping a 13-year-old girl as the handiwork of his political detractors. orchestrated to disturb his peace.

The former Senator said this in reaction to a viral report that he was detained by the police in Abuja after the mother of the alleged rape victim reported the incident.

Also, the reports had indicated that a former female senator from Adamawa State tried to stop the mother of the victim from reporting the incident to the police.

But speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, the former Adamawa North Senator denied claims in the reports.

He, however, revealed that a woman had recently accused him of assaulting her daughter.

The Senator said the woman demanded N5 million payment so that she will not report the alleged assault to the the police.

Abbo said he reported the matter to the police himself.

‘The thing is that someone first requested N5 million from me that I assaulted her daughter and that I must pay her N5 million if not she will take me to the police and I told her that I’ll report the matter to the police.

‘So, I reported the matter to the police myself, they invited me to come and I was away, so the moment I came in, I went to the police station, the mother now printed that news,’ he told journalists in Abuja on Friday.

The Senator said the report was orchestrated by his political enemies.

‘The said report is the handiwork of my political detractors. It is an orchestrated smear campaign to disturb my peace by political enemies,’ he added.

However the police has not reacted to the controversies over the alleged rape. But this was not the first time that the Adamawa State Senator will be linked to a sexual controversy.

Abbo grabbed the headlines when he was caught on camera assaulting a woman in an Abuja adult toy shop in 2019.

However, she later apologized to the victim of the assault.

A woman had also on a popular Abuja radio station in 2024 accused him of secretly recording an intimate video with her.

The woman claimed Abbo later released the video online to blackmail her.

But the former Senator denied the accusation.

Abbo was sacked as the the Senator in October 2023 by the Court of Appeal

Delivering Judgement, the three-member panel presided over by Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to issue a Certificate of Return to Amos Yohanna of the Peoples Democratic Party as the duly elected senator representing Adamawa North Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

The judgement invalidated INEC’s declaration of had declared Abbo winner of the February 25, 2023 parliamentary election.