2027: Seyi Tinubu, Yari seek stronger synergy between City Boy Movement, campaign council

Patron of the City Boy Movement, Seyi Tinubu Esq, has led members of the Movement on a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari Abubakar, as both sides seek stronger collaboration and coordination ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Senator Yari, a former Governor of Zamfara State and former Senator representing Zamfara West, recently assumed the role of Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election. The visit provided an opportunity for the City Boy Movement to congratulate him on his appointment and discuss areas of synergy between the Movement and the campaign structure.

Speaking during the visit, Seyi Tinubu congratulated Senator Yari on his appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the campaign council. He said the City Boy Movement was ready to work with the campaign structure and contribute to the broader mobilisation effort for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.

‘On behalf of the City Boy Movement, I sincerely congratulate you on your appointment. We are proud of the confidence reposed in you, and we are here to assure you of our support. We believe that by working together and building the right synergies, we can achieve even greater results for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027,’ Tinubu said.

Senator Yari commended the City Boy Movement for its growing impact, particularly its grassroots engagement and deliberate focus on young Nigerians. He noted that youth mobilisation would be critical to the success of the campaign, given the significant place young people occupy in Nigeria’s population and political landscape.

‘I commend the City Boy Movement for the work you are doing, especially your grassroots engagement. I also like your work with young people because they constitute the highest proportion of our population. If we are serious about taking the message of the administration to Nigerians, then young people must be at the centre of that conversation,’ Yari said. This emphasis on youth engagement is consistent with Yari’s recent call for young Nigerians to play a central role in communicating the administration’s achievements.

The Campaign Council Director-General assured the Movement of the Council’s willingness to cooperate and develop areas of synergy with its structures across the country. Both sides expressed optimism that closer coordination between the City Boy Movement and the Campaign Council would strengthen grassroots mobilisation, youth engagement and the broader campaign for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Kogi: Police mourn death of Assistant Commissioner, Anslem Ali

The Kogi State Police Command has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Anslem Ali.

The Command, in a statement, described the death of the senior officer as sudden and painful, noting that his passing represented a significant loss to the Nigeria Police Force and the people he served.

ACP Ali was remembered as a dedicated and committed police officer who contributed immensely to the discharge of his responsibilities and the security operations of the Command.

The Command expressed sadness over his death, saying his service, professionalism and commitment to duty would remain unforgettable to his colleagues and others who had the privilege of working with him.

The Kogi State Police Command also extended its condolences to the deceased officer’s family, colleagues, friends and loved ones, urging them to find strength in the memories of his service and contributions.

The Command prayed that Almighty God would grant ACP Anslem Ali eternal rest and give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The statement concluded with prayers for the gentle soul of the late senior officer to rest in perfect peace.

Why More Nigerian Investors Are Looking to Dubai

For Nigerian investors thinking beyond their home market, Dubai may stand out because it combines international access, varied property choices and a business environment shaped by global activity. It also offers the practical advantage of connections to major commercial centres, which can be important for people balancing investment, travel and long-term planning.

One reason Dubai attracts overseas interest is the ease with which international buyers can study different parts of the property market. Investors can consider residential options across established communities, newer developments and areas built around business or lifestyle needs.

For Nigerian buyers, this flexibility can make the city relevant when the aim is to hold property outside the domestic market. The decision still depends on personal goals, available capital and how long the property is likely to be held.

Some investors are drawn to the higher end of the housing market, especially where location, privacy, design and quality of construction carry more weight than short-term price movement.

Dubai’s luxury real estate market can be part of that search.

Buyers may come across properties in established residential areas as well as newer locations with a strong focus on amenities and design. Even in this segment, careful assessment matters.

A premium address does not remove the need to check legal documents, maintenance responsibilities, property condition and long-term suitability.

Dubai’s position can also appeal to investors who travel often or maintain business links across different regions. For Nigerian professionals and business owners, the ability to reach several important markets from one city may add practical value to property ownership.

This is particularly relevant when the property is expected to serve more than one purpose. It may be considered for personal stays, work-related travel or as part of a broader international asset plan.

Many investors prefer not to keep all their assets tied to one geography. Property in Dubai may therefore enter the conversation as part of a wider diversification strategy.

That does not mean an overseas purchase automatically improves a portfolio. Currency exposure, transaction costs, financing terms, ongoing charges and resale conditions can all influence the outcome. These factors need to be weighed against the investor’s wider financial position rather than considered in isolation.

Buying property abroad involves more than completing the purchase. Day-to-day ownership also needs attention, particularly when the investor does not live in the same country.

Areas worth reviewing include:

Property management arrangements

Maintenance and service obligations

Ownership and registration requirements

Financing conditions, where applicable

Legal paperwork

Intended holding period

Resale considerations

A clear understanding of these points can help investors judge whether the property will remain manageable over time. Such criteria should be established before any property purchase in Dubai.

Cross-border property decisions should be approached with care. Nigerian investors may need to understand the local ownership framework, payment requirements, documentation and any continuing obligations attached to the property.

Independent legal and financial guidance can be useful before making a commitment. The aim should be to understand what you are purchasing, its holding cost, and how it fits into your broader plans.

Dubai may appeal to Nigerian investors because it offers international property access, a wide choice of residential options and regional connectivity. It can also fit into conversations around geographic diversification and long-term lifestyle planning.

The important question is whether a specific property suits the investor’s needs. Reviewing location, ownership terms, ongoing costs and exit options can support a more informed decision.

Nigeria records over 10,000 confirmed diphtheria cases in 2026 – NCDC

Nigeria has recorded more than 10,000 confirmed cases of diphtheria in 2026, although the proportion of confirmed cases resulting in death has declined considerably compared with the same period last year, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr Jide Idris, has disclosed.

Idris disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing on the current cholera and diphtheria outbreaks in the country, saying the continuing burden of diphtheria remained a major public health concern despite the improvement in the case fatality rate.

He said most of the confirmed diphtheria cases were concentrated in Kano, Borno and Bauchi states, with inadequate vaccination coverage remaining a major factor driving transmission.

‘The central issue is that too many children remain unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated. Vaccine hesitancy, insecurity, hard-to-reach communities, displacement and population movement make it more difficult to reach every child who needs protection,’ Idris said.

The NCDC boss stressed that diphtheria was vaccine-preventable, saying controlling transmission would require intensified vaccination and efforts to identify children who had missed their routine immunisation doses.

He said the national response was focused on strengthening vaccination coverage, rapidly identifying and managing cases, conducting reactive vaccination in affected communities and providing essential treatment and laboratory commodities.

Idris said the NCDC was coordinating the response with state governments and partners, while strengthening surveillance and laboratory capacity, supporting healthcare workers on case management and infection prevention and control, and engaging affected communities.

National Rapid Response Teams, he added, had also been deployed to affected states as the need arose to support investigation and response activities.

The NCDC DG said improved surveillance had contributed to the detection of more diphtheria cases in states where they might previously have gone unidentified.

‘For diphtheria, it used to be three, four states up north. Now it has spread to one or two this way. And the spread again is just a reflection again of increased surveillance systems. More cases are being detected unlike before,’ he said.

According to him, detecting more cases was a positive development because it enabled health authorities to respond, but such detection must be matched with effective control measures.

‘It’s a plus, but again when we detect more cases, we must be able to control and respond appropriately,’ Idris said.

He urged state and local governments to intensify vaccination efforts, particularly in affected, underserved and hard-to-reach communities, while identifying areas with low immunisation coverage and reaching children who had missed routine doses.

Idris also called on healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for diphtheria, promptly identify suspected cases using the standard case definition, report them and ensure appropriate management.

He said health facilities must have functional triage and isolation systems, adequate personal protective equipment, hand-hygiene facilities and systems for prompt notification and referral of suspected cases.

The NCDC boss also urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children were fully vaccinated against diphtheria.

‘If a child has missed any recommended dose, please take the child to the nearest health facility to complete it. Diphtheria vaccines are safe, effective and available free of charge through routine immunisation services and vaccination campaigns,’ he said.

He said early presentation for treatment remained critical because prompt action could save lives.

While diphtheria continues to pose a significant burden, Idris said the decline in its case fatality rate was encouraging, but warned that the country could not afford to relax its response.

He called for sustained collaboration among the Federal Government, states, local governments, healthcare workers, traditional and religious leaders, partners, communities and families to bring transmission under control.

Taiwo Hassan Ogogo (1959 – 2026)

As he fought terminal cancer, his daughter released a viral video desperately pleading for a healer, drawing widespread public attention.

The death of veteran Yoruba Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as ‘Ogogo,’ on August 23 triggered a huge wave of tributes from fans, colleagues, and cultural figures across Nigeria. He was 66.

President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) Bolaji Amusan, aka Mr Latin, said he ‘left an indelible mark on our industry and culture.’

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa described him as ‘a custodian of our culture, a proud voice of Yoruba storytelling, and a man who dedicated his life to building the Nigerian creative industry.’

Before becoming a star, Hassan trained as an automobile mechanic. He worked for 13 years as a technician at the Lagos State Water Corporation before resigning in 1994 to chase his passion for acting.

‘I began acting even before I started working for the water corporation,’ he explained in an interview. ‘I began acting in 1981… I am sure not many people believe that I trained as a mechanic.’

Born in Ilaro, present-day Ogun State, into ‘a family that is deeply rooted in Yoruba culture and tradition,’ he said his mastery of praise chanting earned him the nickname ‘Ogogo.’ ‘When I started acting, producers loved giving me the role of a traditional chanter because they knew I could chant ‘ewi’ and ‘oriki’ very well,’ he recalled.

His acting journey began on stage. He was a co-founder of the Odunfa Caucus in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, established in the late 1980s as a traditional travelling theatre troupe and drama collective.

As the 1990s home-video boom gained momentum, the group evolved into a major film production collective and acting academy, but it remained deeply rooted in traditional Yoruba theatre practice. It wasn’t merely a production house, but an informal educational institution for Yoruba filmmaking. His mentorship produced and groomed a generation of major Nollywood powerhouses.

Over a career spanning more than four decades, Hassan became one of the most recognisable and commanding figures in Yoruba-language movies. His performance in Tade Ogidan’s classic 1996 movie ‘Owo Blow’ launched him into stardom and earned him the Best Actor award at the 1997 The Movie Award (THEMA 97).

He acted in, directed, or produced over 300 films and was honoured with a City People Movie Lifetime Achievement Award in October 2017 for contributions to Yoruba cinema and the broader Nigerian film industry. His notable film credits include ‘Agbelebu,’ ‘Dr Brown,’ ‘Ekun-Ayo,’ ‘Omo Ghetto,’ ‘Omin,’ ‘Tenant of the House,’ and ‘Bank Alert.’

He was renowned for portraying principled leaders, disciplined community elders, honourable husbands, or smooth-talking action roles, usually characterised by his distinctive calm, deep voice and striking posture.

Significantly, Hassan used his screen presence to preserve Yoruba language, proverbs, idioms, and ethical philosophy. His deliberate, rhythmic speech delivery turned movie dialogues into masterclasses in indigenous rhetoric.

He remained professionally active into the 2020s. Beyond the home-video era, he seamlessly adapted to modern Nigerian cinema. He introduced himself to a new generation of viewers through major projects, including his nominated performance as Alaafin Ademuyiwa in Kunle Afolayan’s 2022 epic ‘Aníkúlápó.’ He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for his performance in the film. His performance introduced his artistry to a global Netflix audience, solidifying his status as a star of African storytelling.

He helped propel African narrative art across four distinct epochs: from live travelling stage theatre, to the VHS home-video explosion of the 1990s, the VCD/DVD era of the 2000s, and finally to modern global streaming platforms like Netflix.

He will be remembered as a disciplined craftsman and cultural ambassador who prioritised substance over spectacle.

Ogogo: Farewell to action man in Nollywood

DEATH has no manual or format of operation. The only difference between life and death is that life can be daunting, challenging, or friendly while death has nothing to do with friendliness. It walks with sorrow and tears where ever it goes. Aside from that, both life and death are not selective. They can visit anyone. When life visits, the world will revolve around you with merriness, and when death visits, the world still revolves around you with condolences. The one who enjoys life today should take caution; death is in the pocket. On Sunday, August 23, 2026, the popular Nollywood actor, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan Ogogo put upon a greatness trust. Ogogo omo kulodo gave it all to death after a tough battle with cancer. Between Ogogo and death, it was a survival of the fittest. At the end, death won. The stage 4 cancer inundated and left Nollywood in a somber mood.

History has its ways of preserving and reserving names on its pages. Among the actors whose names are written in gold on the pages of Nollywood history is the late Ogogo. He was among the stars I grew up knowing with relevance until his last breath. Down to the memory lane, Taiwo Hassan Ogogo shined bright in the era of black and white screen television. Ogogo was among the faces one looks out for on a VHS cassette to identify an interesting movie. As a movie lover, laying hands on a cassette to pick intriguing movie relies on the character’s face pasted on the cassette. Late Taiwo Hassan comes first with Yinka Quadri known as Kura in the realm of most preferred actors on the black and white screen.

Ogogo’s relevance in the era of black and white was not based on immoral scenes; his actions and energy on set were more than scintillating, a very thorough, combative character full of street orientation. From all indications, many tough actors playing street boys roles picked from the late legend. He paved the way. From the black and white VHS cassette to coloured screen television with DVD player, Ogogo dominated the scene with diversification from street urchin character to more local roles that reflect customs and tradition. Playing the role of a king, chief, father or chanter in epic movies increased his relevance in the Nollywood. Many movie lovers appreciated the new Ogogo’s transition, featuring in ‘epic-sodes.’ He was relevant among his peers and contemporaries. He was not just a mere actor; he was among the A-lists.

The late Ogogo never relented in his art in the era of LED plasma TV, YouTube, and, of course, Netflix series movies. He never lived in past glory for once throughout his career. He identified his niche from the onset, embraced it, and became most sought after for his roles. He maintained his relevance and championed it. In the words of Isaac Asimov, American author and professor of biochemistry, ‘Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It’s the transition that’s troublesome.’ The troublesome transition has occurred in the Yoruba movie industry, a painful one. American writer Isabel Allende, Chilean posits that ‘Just as when we come into the world, when we die, we are afraid of the unknown. But the fear is something from within us that has nothing to do with reality. Dying is like being born: just a change.’ But this change is too heavy to bear, a great loss to the creative world.

We all live to die but to live in the hearts of people is never to die. Ogogo Omo Kulodo will continue to live in the hearts of many for his remarkable impacts on the screen. Like every mortal being, the late Taiwo Hassan has reached the bus stop. He left a footprint that cannot be erased in the industry. Brymo in his Olanrewaju music says ‘Gbogbo eni abi lo ma ku, iwa ti awu lo ma ku’meaning all living souls shall taste death, but what we do while alive will live after us. The death that kills one’s kinsman is speaking in parables. Taiwo Hassan left the screen already; he would forever be a great actor, even in death. Tell Hubert Ogunde, Baba Suwe and others you have played your part distinctively. May your soul continue to rest in peace, not in pieces. Farewell to the action man. Ogogo Omo kulodo.Adieu!

OK Movement rejects merger with NDC, backs Ughulu as DG

The Obi/Kwankwaso (OK) Movement has rejected any proposal to merge the organisation with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), insisting that it will retain its independence as a grassroots support group.

The movement also reaffirmed its founder, Mr. John Ughulu, as its Director-General, saying his removal could lead to the collapse of its grassroots structure.

These were among the resolutions reached at the National Leadership Summit of the movement held on Wednesday in Abuja.

The summit, attended by national leaders, the six geopolitical zonal coordinators, state coordinators and local government and ward mobilisers from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, said the decisions were taken unanimously.

In a communiqué signed by the Convener, Oladipo Johnson; Deputy Director-General (North), Prince Suleiman Abubakar; Deputy Director-General (South), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Lanihun; and National Secretary, Saadatu Mohammed Sani, the movement said Ughulu’s leadership remained central to its grassroots mobilisation.

The leaders said the movement was ‘built ward by ward’ largely on the personal credibility of its founder, adding that the loyalty of its volunteers was to the leadership that recruited and trained them.

‘The strength of any political movement rests in its human structure on the ground, and that structure was assembled around his leadership,’ the communiqué said.

The summit consequently ‘respectfully declined’ any proposal for Ughulu’s replacement.

It also resolved that the movement would neither merge with nor be absorbed into any external political organisation.

According to the communiqué, such a merger could disrupt programmes already underway, weaken the identity recognised by supporters and undermine the momentum built by the organisation.

It, however, stressed that maintaining independence did not amount to isolation, saying the OK Movement remained willing to work with allied groups in pursuit of common objectives.

The summit also extended an invitation to Ms. Jacky Wayas to return to the movement as Director for Strategic Implementation and Planning.

The leaders said Wayas’ contributions remained valued and expressed readiness to welcome her back ‘in her original office,’ working under the leadership of the Director-General.

The summit further approved the appointment of Prince Suleiman Abubakar as Deputy Director-General (North), following the resignation of Ambassador Muhammad Auwal Musa from the position.

The movement thanked Auwal Musa for his service and wished him well in his future endeavours.

The communiqué also contained a warning on the possible consequences of removing the Director-General or abandoning the movement’s independence.

It said state, local government and ward leaders had informed the summit that they would not continue to operate under any arrangement resulting from the removal of Ughulu or the surrender of the movement’s independence.

‘We do not say this to apply pressure,’ the leaders said, explaining that the position was stated to give the public an accurate picture of the grassroots structure that would remain available to the movement.

The leadership said it preferred to resolve the disagreement internally rather than allow ‘a capable structure’ to dissolve.

Following the summit, the national leadership visited former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, at his residence to brief him on the unity of the movement and the outcome of its deliberations.

The delegation also visited Alhaji Buba Galadima, head of the movement’s Advisory Council.

According to the communiqué, Galadima reaffirmed the importance of unity within the OK Movement and encouraged it to remain an independent support group.

He also cautioned against any proposal to merge the movement into the NDC, irrespective of how such a proposal might be presented in the name of efficiency.

The leaders said the movement remained committed to its objective of mobilising ordinary Nigerians behind the vision of a better Nigeria.

‘We ask only that the collective will of the grassroots, freely expressed, be respected,’ they said.

Troops kill several terrorists, recover AK-47s in Sokoto

Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have killed several suspected terrorists and recovered arms, motorcycles and rustled livestock during an encounter in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The operation was conducted in the Maikujera general area following intelligence indicating that suspected terrorists were moving through the area with rustled livestock.

The troops swiftly mobilised to intercept the group but came under an attempted ambush while advancing towards the area.

However, the troops reportedly responded with superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres, overpowering the attackers and killing several of them.

A statement on the operation said the surviving terrorists fled into the surrounding bush after coming under sustained pressure from the troops.

‘Demonstrating high tactical readiness, the troops immediately engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, breaking through the ambush to neutralise several terrorists and forcing the remaining to retreat into the surrounding bush,’ the statement said.

Items recovered during the exploitation of the area included AK-47 rifles, motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists, and the recovered rustled livestock.

The military said the situation in Rabah and Maikujera remained calm and stable following the operation, assuring residents that troops were maintaining a strong presence in the area.

‘Troops remain firmly in position, maintaining high morale and conducting routine patrols to ensure the continued safety and security of local residents,’ the statement added.

AGILE graduates 1,868 girls, women from alternative education programme in Zamfara

Zamfara State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), has graduated 1,868 girls and young women from an Alternative and Mass Education programme in the state.

Speaking during the presentation of certificates to the graduates in Gusau, AGILE project coordinator in the state, Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdu Gusau, said the occasion was about more than certificates, describing it as a celebration of the power of opportunity.

‘It gives me pleasure to welcome you all to this memorable occasion, the graduation and certification of the first cohort of 2,250 adolescent girls and young women under the AGILE Alternative Education Subcomponent 2.2C in the state,’ she said.

‘The results are encouraging. Of the 2,250 learners enrolled, 1,868 have completed the programme and are graduating today.

‘In addition, 1,186 have transitioned to post-literacy programmes, 682 have been mainstreamed into formal schools, 367 are repeating the learning cycle, while 15 have dropped out. These are not merely statistics; they represent renewed opportunities and new pathways for girls and young women.

‘In the 14 local government areas, the first cohort completed a 10-month programme covering foundational literacy and numeracy, life skills, digital literacy, and vocational and livelihood skills in market-driven trades.

‘As we celebrate this milestone, we must also look ahead. We call for continued partnership and collaboration to sustain, strengthen and scale up Alternative Education in the state.’

Also, the Executive Secretary of the Zamfara Mass Education Board, Zuwaira Abdu Gusau, revealed that an additional 80 vocational centres had been mapped for similar interventions, bringing the planned coverage to 100 centres.

‘These 80 vocational centres that were mapped will also be equipped with learning and livelihood resources to target 19,500 beneficiaries in the state,’ she said.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abdulmalik Garba Gajam, represented by the permanent secretary, Hajiya Maryam Shantali, lauded the efforts of Governor Dauda Lawal for his commitment to the education sector.

She also commended the Mass Education Board and the AGILE Project Implementation Unit for their unwavering commitment to the successful implementation of the programme in the state.

Step-By-Step: How to apply for your Driver’s Licence online

Want to get your Nigerian driver’s licence? The process is now easier, as you can complete a large part of your application online before visiting a Driver’s Licence Centre for biometric capture.

According to the Nigeria Driver’s Licence portal, applicants can now fill in their personal details, make the required payments, and book an appointment online, reducing the time spent at the licensing centre.

Before you apply, you’ll need to attend an FRSC-accredited driving school and obtain a driving school certificate. You’ll also need your National Identification Number (NIN), a valid means of identification and a recent passport photograph.

After completing the required steps, you may be issued a temporary driver’s licence valid for 60 days while your permanent licence is being processed.

Here is a step-by-step application process to get your Nigerian Driver’s Licence:

1. Visit nigeriadriverslicence.org, the driver’s licence application portal.

If you are using a smartphone, you may need to switch your browser to the Desktop Site if the portal does not display correctly.

2. Once on the website, click on DL Application, then select New Driver’s Licence.

3. Enter your driving school certificate number and provide your personal information.

Ensure that names and other details match the information attached to the applicant’s National Identification Number (NIN).

4. Select a preferred FRSC Driver’s Licence Centre for biometric capture and book an appointment.

5. After booking, you can make payment through the Remita payment gateway available on the official portal. Depending on the options provided, you can pay by card, bank transfer, or USSD.

Applicants are advised to make payments only through the official platform and avoid transferring money to individuals or unofficial agents.

After payment, applicants should print their receipt and attend the biometric appointment on the scheduled date. They should also take their original documents for verification and biometric capture.