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Oladapo OJ Adewunmi, visionary CEO of Apollo Endeavor, has been recognized among the 100 Iconic Personalities of the Year 2025, winning the prestigious title of Iconic Entertainment Entrepreneur of the Year.

The annual 100 Iconic Personalities Awards celebrates trailblazers, innovators, and leaders whose contributions have shaped industries and inspired communities.

This year, Adewunmi stood out for his groundbreaking achievements in the entertainment business landscape, where he has consistently pushed boundaries, fostered creative excellence, and created sustainable growth opportunities within the sector.

Under his leadership, Apollo Endeavor has become a powerhouse in entertainment and entrepreneurship, bridging the gap between creativity and commerce while empowering talents across Africa. His ability to merge innovation with strategy has not only positioned his brand as a global player but has also paved the way for emerging creatives to thrive.

In his acceptance remarks, Adewunmi expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying:

‘This award is not just about me; it is about every creative mind, every dreamer, and every entrepreneur who believes in the power of entertainment to transform lives and communities. At Apollo Endeavor, we remain committed to building platforms that amplify voices, create opportunities, and redefine the future of entertainment in Africa and beyond.’

The recognition reaffirms his role as a dynamic leader, mentor, and advocate for innovation in Africa’s entertainment industry.

With this milestone, Oladapo OJ Adewunmi continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs who believe in the limitless possibilities of combining passion, creativity, and business excellence.

About Apollo Endeavor

Apollo Endeavor is a leading entertainment and business solutions company dedicated to empowering creatives, delivering world-class entertainment experiences, and driving industry innovation. With a vision to transform Africa’s entertainment ecosystem, Apollo Endeavor provides platforms, resources, and strategies that enable talents and businesses to reach global heights.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed the speculations of internal disagreements within the party National Working Committee (NWC) members may derail its planned November 15 National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The rumours of conflict followed following separate conflicting letters written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the party’s state congress in Cross River and Akwa Ibom by the National Chairman and Secretary of the Party.

Speaking at a new conference in Abuja, Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, said what some perceived as conflict was merely democracy in action.

Ologunagba noted that PDP is a party that debates and resolves issues through its constitution.

He said that the leadership requires responsibility, and the constitution is clear on the roles of the party officers, adding that when anybody has the opportunity and the privilege of being a leader in the party, the minimum expected was responsibility.

He said that Section 35 of the party’s constitution provides for the office of the national chairman, including the power assign responsibilities, call for and preside over National Executive Committee, the national caucus and the NWC meetings.

‘The national chairman provides overall leadership and can summon meetings, while the national secretary carries out administrative duties such as issuing notices and keeping records.

‘The secretary cannot unilaterally call meetings or release statements without approval. Some of the confusion seen in public stems from either ignorance or deliberate mischief,’ he said.

On the party state congress in Cross River, Ologunagba insisted that the NWC had already suspended the congress, while it also directed the South-South Caretaker Committee to take responsibility of the party affairs on the state.

On the issue concerning the Akwa Ibom chapter of PDP, Ologunagba maintained that the party has taken clear decisions which ‘stand,’ and warned against any individual attempting to act outside the party’s authority.

‘Our constitution does not allow anyone to belong to two parties at once and we will not tolerate actions that undermine unity.

‘The meeting that produced the party’s position was properly convened, with records and videos to prove it. Anyone claiming otherwise is misleading the public,’ he said.

Ologunagba also insisted that the national convention will hold as as planned as the state chapters and leaders of the party across the country are working to ensure its success.

He dismissed claim that the national convention is under threat as a result of internal crisis within the party.

He assured members of the party that everything that needs to be done are being done and in very seamless way.

‘Let me be clear, the PDP convention will hold as planned. Every chapter is involved, our leaders across the country are working together and preparations are on track. There is no threat to the process.

‘We are moving all over the country towards the Ibadan. Indeed, the preparatory train is already in Ibadan,’ he said.

Reacting to President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast, the PDP spokesperson described it as uninspiring and disappointing with claims not reflecting the reality Nigerians face including cost of living and security challenge.

The PDP publicity secretary also demanded transparency on the use of funds claimed to be saved from the subsidy removal.

Ologunagba also described the announced N25, 000 cash transfers as an ineffective solution, arguing that ‘handouts do not build an economy.’

He advocated for true reforms through policies like tax breaks for home renovation, which he said would stimulate production and create jobs, rather than token payments that deepen poverty and dependence.

He said that the PDP remains the only truly democratic party committed to providing the leadership that Nigeria needed.

FIFA has unveiled Trionda, the official match ball for the 2026 World Cup, at a ceremony in New York.

Designed by long-time World Cup ball supplier Adidas, Trionda features a blend of high-tech innovation and symbolic design, celebrating the three host nations – the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The ball carries red, blue and green colours, with design elements including Canada’s maple leaf, Mexico’s eagle, and the U.S. stars, all linked by a triangular motif symbolizing unity.

Technologically, Trionda boasts deep seams for flight stability, embossed icons for better grip, and an in-ball motion sensor chip that will transmit data to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said he was ‘delighted and proud’ to present the ball for what will be the first-ever World Cup hosted by three countries, with 48 teams competing from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

The unveiling comes as ticket sales move into the next phase, with more than 4.5 million fans from 216 countries already in the presale draw. The tournament draw will hold in Washington on December 5, 2025.

English Football League assistant referee Gareth Viccars has been jailed for more than 13 years after admitting to a series of child sexual offences involving teenage girls he groomed online.

Viccars, 47, who officiated in the EFL and FA Cup, targeted three 15-year-old girls between November 2021 and October 2024.

Using Snapchat, he lied about his identity, claiming to be a teacher and built emotional connections with the victims before engaging them in sexual communication and arranging meetings.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court, Judge Caroline English described his behaviour as ‘predatory and deliberate,’ noting that he sought out vulnerable teenagers and manipulated them for his own gratification.

She sentenced him to 13½ years in custody with a 3½-year extended licence period, warning that Viccars posed a continuing risk to young girls.

Prosecutors revealed that Viccars sent hundreds of sexualised messages and voice notes, exploiting the victims’ trust and convincing them to keep their interactions secret.

On one occasion, he was said to have nearly isolated a victim from her peers and family through his manipulation.

During the proceedings, the court heard how the abuse left the teenagers traumatised. One victim described feeling ‘trapped and confused,’ while another said she feared nobody would believe her if she spoke out.

In addition to his prison term, Viccars has been placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and made subject to a sexual harm prevention order.

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which oversees referees in the professional leagues, confirmed he was immediately suspended and struck off their list once allegations surfaced.

The organisation condemned his actions, stating that his conduct was ‘abhorrent and incompatible with the values of football.’

The Metropolitan Police believe Viccars may have had other victims and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

‘This case is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online grooming,’ said Detective Inspector John Stevens.

‘Viccars exploited his position of trust and authority in sport to prey on vulnerable young girls. We urge anyone who may have been affected to contact us in confidence.’

Contentions over leadership of opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives has assumed a new dimension with the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, filing a suit to stop alleged plan to remove him from office.

Some opposition lawmakers have faulted Chinda’s leadership, accusing him of being one of the reasons they have not been able to live up to the expectations of checking activities of the ruling party in the Green chamber, a situation that has resulted in the legislature being tagged a ‘rubber stamp’ to the executive.

Specifically, the minority leadership under Chinda has been accused of being overly cozy with the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, a situation which has rendered it unable to hold the ruling party accountable on pressing issues affecting Nigerians like crippling hardship, rampant insecurity, and widespread corruption.

Also, Chinda has been accused of refusal to convene any meeting of the Minority Caucus meeting since the inauguration of the 10th House of Representatives over two years ago.

He has also been criticized by his colleagues for granting media interviews that contradict the collectively agreed position of the PDP, and for allowing the Minority Caucus to be perceived as a lame duck Assembly.

Thus, there have been speculations that key opposition lawmakers are gearing up to demand for the removal of Chinda as their leader when the House resumes from its vacation next Tuesday, October 7.

However, having gotten wind of the move, Hon. Chinda has filed a suit against the speculated plan to remove him.

The Minority Leader named the National Assembly, House of Representatives, the Clerk, the Speaker and all minority parties, as defendants in the suit.

In the court document dated September 15, 2025, Hon. Chinda is seeking an injunction to restrain the defendants (the National Assembly, House of Representatives, Speaker of the House, all minority parties and Clerk of the House) and their agents from removing him as Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

The Rivers lawmaker alleged in the suit, according to the court documents, that the opposition against him was because of his close association with Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State.

Wike is notably the only PDP member in President Bola Tinubu’s APC-led cabinet.

However, some opposition lawmakers have faulted the suit, describing it as attempt at self-preservation that failed to take into consideration the collective good of the legislature and essence of opposition voice in a democracy.

The opposition lawmakers likened the suit to a classic case of the guilty fearing accountability.

By rushing to court, Hon. Chinda may be attempting to buy time and stall the removal process, allowing the Minority Leadership to mobilize resources to compromise the process.

Already, it’s alleged that some members, especially from PDP and Labour Party are being wooed with between $2000 and $5000 not to endorse the removal of the Minority Leader.

Despite this, opposition lawmakers have expressed concerns that the current minority leadership’s apparent compromise and collusion with the ruling party undermine their ability to provide effective oversight and hold the government accountable. This has raised doubts about their commitment to genuine opposition objectives and the interests of the people.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga says those who have condemned the Lagos-Calabar Highway currently being constructed will be ashamed of themselves when it is completed.

Onanuga implied that the highway, a flagship infrastructure project of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, is already transforming commuting in Lagos.

In a post shared on Facebook, Onanuga described his recent experience traveling from Ajah to Isaac John Street in Ikeja, a journey that typically takes upwards of two hours during peak periods.

He said though construction is ongoing, the stretch from Ogombo to Ahmadu Bello Way has ‘greatly blessed users, slashing commuting time by more than 50 per cent.’

Onanuga wrote: ‘The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of President Bola Tinubu’s best gifts to Nigeria. Those who have condemned this historic project will be ashamed of themselves when the Tinubu administration completes the road. Though construction is ongoing, the stretch from Ogombo to Ahmadu Bello Way has greatly blessed users, slashing commuting time by more than 50 per cent.

‘On Friday morning, when I set out from Ajah to Isaac John in Ikeja, Google Maps first indicated the journey would last two and a half hours. But in a flash, it showed me an alternative route that will last just 70 minutes. I took the option and found myself on the Coastal Road. In less than 25 minutes, we arrived at the Ahmadu Bello end of the road. Except for the traffic snarl at the MRS fuel station caused by motorists queuing for Dangote petrol, the journey to Ikeja was smooth sailing.

‘We arrived in Ikeja in a record 65 minutes on a usually traffic-busy Friday. Blessed be the visioner and dreamer, and blessed be the contractors for the quality work on the road.’

The 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway could be described as among the most ambitious infrastructure projects undertaken in Nigeria in recent years. When completed, it is expected to link Lagos with coastal cities in nine states, enhancing connectivity, boosting commerce, and easing congestion in key urban areas.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating a supportive and enabling environment for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state.

The governor gave the assurance on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle O. Nafiu, at Lagos House, Marina.

Sanwo-Olu commended the contributions of corps members to communities across Lagos, describing their role as vital to the state’s socio-economic growth. He also reaffirmed his government’s readiness to complete the NYSC permanent site project in Ikorodu.

‘It is gratifying that a large number of corps members are serving in Lagos. I want to assure you again that we will continue to provide an enabling environment for them to feel wanted, loved and appreciated during their time here,’ the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu stressed that corps members remain a source of national pride, adding that his administration would continue to encourage and support them in every sector they are deployed.

On his part, Brig. Gen. Nafiu praised the Lagos State Government for its consistent support to the NYSC scheme, noting that Lagos remains the number one destination for corps members nationwide.

According to him, over 44,000 corps members are currently serving in Lagos, including 303 doctors, 7,148 teachers, and 274 nurses deployed to various institutions. He said the scheme saves Lagos about ?14.8 billion annually in manpower costs.

Nafiu also noted the state’s peaceful security environment, which he said reassures parents that their children are safe while serving.

‘Lagos has continuously provided an enabling environment for corps members. Parents are always eager to have their children posted here, and for the past six years, the state has consistently recorded more female corps members than male,’ he added.