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A medical expert, Dr. Abuh Raymond, and his co-coordinator, Sumayyah Muhammad Sani, have called for free distribution of sanitary pads to young girls in Nigeria, the same way condoms are often given out freely for sexual protection.

They made the call on Thursday in Kaduna while speaking on the launch of the ‘Pad the Girl Initiative’, a government-backed programme aimed at promoting health, dignity, and empowerment among young women.

The initiative, described as the first of its kind in the history of Kaduna State and Northern Nigeria, was rolled out by the Uba Sani administration on September 20 at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

It targets over 40,000 female students across tertiary institutions with free sanitary pads and menstrual health education.

Dr. Raymond and Sumayyah said the programme reflects ‘a bold, inclusive, and modern approach to governance under the visionary and compassionate leadership of Senator Uba Sani.’

According to them, menstrual health remains one of the least discussed yet most pressing challenges facing Nigerian girls, with many forced to miss classes or drop out of school due to lack of access to pads.

‘This initiative is a practical demonstration of the Governor’s belief that if condoms can be distributed free in the interest of public health, sanitary pads must also be free in the interest of women’s health and dignity,’ they said.

Governor Sani’s administration has also expanded scholarships for girls in STEM, strengthened laws against gender-based violence, promoted digital training, and supported vocational programmes for sustainable livelihoods.

Dr. Raymond and Sumayyah, who coordinate the Pad the Girl Initiative under the UBA Ambassadors Network, described the project as a ‘landmark intervention’ and a historic step towards ensuring that no girl in Kaduna State is denied education or dignity because of her gender.

‘Governor Uba Sani’s leadership is rewriting the narrative for Kaduna State and Northern Nigeria, ensuring equity and empowerment for the next generation. His unwavering commitment to the welfare of young women is truly making a difference,’ they added.

Chief Dele Omosehin, Lisa of Osooro Kingdom in Ondo State, and Convener of Asejere Progressive Movement, has called on Nigerians to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s reform with prayers, patience, and patriotic commitment.

Omosehin spoke at the 65th Independence Anniversary in his kingdom. He described the occasion as a period for sober reflection and renewed dedication to unity, peace, and development.

He said while the reforms may bring initial discomfort, they will reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth.

‘Every reform has its sacrifices, but there will be light at the end of the tunnel,’ Omosehin said. ‘What our nation needs is not despair but prayer, support, and willingness of every Nigerian to contribute to its progress.’

The Lisa emphasised patriotism and collective responsibility, stressing nation-building requires contributions of all.

‘We do not need to wait till we empower everyone. The little we do for our neighbour, community, and state will transform Nigeria,’ he added.

Citing President Tinubu’s increased allocation to states, Omosehin urged citizens to support their governors in complementing federal efforts.

‘Federal Government is doing its part, but lasting development depends on how states and communities channel these resources into the lives of ordinary people,’ he noted.

Beyond advocacy, Chief Omosehin highlighted his initiatives in grassroots empowerment, saying he supported youths in start-ups, gave scholarships, and created platforms for community development.

He referenced his forthcoming partnership with Bimbeads Concepts to train women and girls in Okitipupa and Irele in jewellery-making, mentorship, and market access.

He also cited BOF Unity Cup holding January 4, designed to promote peace, unity, and talent discovery among youths.

‘When youths are engaged positively – through skills, sports, or opportunities – they become productive drivers of national growth,’ he said.

In his message, he prayed for unity, peace, and prosperity, reaffirming his resolve to work with likeminds to ensure Okitipupa, Irele, and Ondo state contribute to Nigeria’s renewal.

‘The challenges before us are many, but the opportunities are even greater. With faith in God, support for President Tinubu’s vision, and a shared commitment to progress, Nigeria will rise to its full potential,’ he concluded.

Singer Seyi Shay has praised Wizkid hailing him as the ‘greatest of all time’ in the music industry.

In a recent interview on The Honest Bunch podcast, she expressed unwavering respect for the singer, stressing on his exceptional talent, intelligence, and discipline.

According to Seyi Shay, Wizkid’s creative process is nothing short of magical.

Seyi Shay recalled a memorable studio session where Wizkid effortlessly juggled recording and eating.

She marveled at how he could seamlessly multitask, producing remarkable music while going about his meal with ease.

Shay credited him with being a source of inspiration and guidance in her own career.

Beyond their professional relationship, Seyi Shay has developed a genuine friendship with Wizkid, appreciating his advice on navigating the music industry, particularly his warnings about the behaviors of certain individuals.

She said: ‘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. 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’.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s foremost indigenous elevator and escalator company, Kresta Laurel Limited, on its 35th anniversary.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the management and staff of the company for their enterprise discipline, resilience, and commitment to sound business practices.

These, the President noted, have ensured the firm’s longevity in a highly competitive industry.

Headquartered in Lagos, with branches in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo, and a zonal office in Ibadan, Kresta Laurel has been a major player in the installation and maintenance of elevators and escalators.

The company is also a recipient of the African Order of Merit in Cranes, Escalators, and Elevator Technology.

President Tinubu recalled the company’s support during his days as Lagos State governor-elect in 1999, when it provided office space for his transition team as he assembled a technocratic State Executive Council (Exco) to steer the affairs of the state.

He expressed appreciation to the firm for its continued belief in the Nigerian market and for contributing to the growth of indigenous enterprise.

Extending his felicitations to the Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors, Senator Gbenga Daniel, the President wished the organisation many more years of success and greater milestones in its corporate journey.

The federal government is intensifying efforts to reposition the marine and blue economy as Nigeria’s next major revenue driver, with Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola declaring the sector poised to overtake crude oil as the nation’s dominant income source.

Speaking at the Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS), University of Lagos (UNILAG), on Friday, Oyetola described the maritime sector as a ‘goldmine’ that could fuel sustainable economic growth, create millions of jobs, and transform Nigeria into a global maritime hub.

His remarks came during the Lagos tour of Arsenio Domínguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), who is on a three-day official visit to Nigeria.

‘Nigeria’s future lies beyond oil,’ Oyetola said. ‘The marine and blue economy is a goldmine that can drive growth and prosperity, and we are determined to harness its full potential to become the primary driver of our economy.’

The minister, an alumnus of UNILAG, also urged Nigerian youths to embrace opportunities in shipping, logistics, fisheries, shipbuilding, marine research, and offshore energy, stressing that the nation’s long-term prosperity depends on a new generation of skilled professionals.

‘There are abundant opportunities for our young people in shipping, logistics, fisheries, shipbuilding, marine research, and offshore energy. I encourage you to be bold, innovative, and diligent. The future of this sector, and indeed the future of Nigeria’s economy, rests on your shoulders,’ he added.

Oyetola commended UNILAG and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for their collaboration in manpower development, citing NIMASA’s recent donation of a new building to the Institute of Maritime Studies. He said the nation’s marine and blue economy agenda is anchored on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, with youth capacity-building central to the long-term vision.

The IMO Secretary-General, who had earlier paid a courtesy call on President Bola Tinubu and met with heads of Nigeria’s maritime agencies, dedicated his second day in Lagos to inspecting critical facilities that underscore Nigeria’s maritime capabilities.

At the Nigerian Navy dockyard in Apapa, Domínguez toured NNS Lana, a hydrographic research vessel commissioned in 2021. He was received by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Gregory Oamen, and the vessel’s Commanding Officer, Captain O.S. Giwa.

NNS Lana, a state-of-the-art vessel designed for oceanographic and charting surveys, provides essential data for navigation, maritime safety, and offshore oil and gas exploration. Domínguez praised the Navy’s investment in modern hydrographic capability, describing it as a boost to maritime security and trade facilitation.

The IMO boss also visited NIMASA’s C4i Centre and the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (RMRCC) in Apapa. The C4i Centre, a key component of Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project, integrates advanced command, control, communication, computer, and intelligence technologies to monitor the country’s waters and coordinate rapid responses. The RMRCC oversees search-and-rescue operations across Nigeria’s maritime domain and collaborates with international bodies to ensure safety at sea.

Visibly impressed, Domínguez commended Nigeria for its leadership in securing the Gulf of Guinea and establishing frameworks that align with IMO’s mission.

‘Facilities like these reflect a level of preparedness and innovation that aligns with IMO’s global mission of safe, secure, and sustainable shipping. Nigeria’s leadership in securing the Gulf of Guinea and building robust safety frameworks is exemplary,’ he said.

At UNILAG’s Institute of Maritime Studies, Domínguez and Oyetola interacted directly with students, offering guidance and encouragement. Domínguez noted that Nigeria’s investments in manpower development, especially through NIMASA’s initiatives, would strengthen the country’s position in the global maritime community.

Oyetola, on his part, underscored that manpower and youth engagement were critical to the country’s transition from an oil-dependent economy.

‘Our goal is to build a new generation of maritime professionals who will drive Nigeria’s transformation as a global maritime hub,’ he said.

The IMO chief’s three-day visit, which concludes on Saturday, is expected to deepen Nigeria’s collaboration with the international maritime community and spotlight the country’s strategic investments in security, research, and blue economy development.

For Nigeria, the blue economy is no longer a peripheral ambition but a central pillar of national strategy, according to industry players. As Oyetola put it, the country is betting on the oceans to fuel its next phase of prosperity.

When FIFA slammed South Africa with a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player, Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers was suddenly thrown wide open. The sanction, which overturned Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 win over Lesotho into a 3-0 defeat, means Nigeria’s Super Eagles are back in contention.

Nigeria, languishing in third place, now find themselves just three points behind leaders Benin and South Africa, with two games left to play. On paper, FIFA’s helping hand offers renewed hope. Yet it is a herculean task before the Super Eagles if they are desirous of making the World Cup party after missing out at the 2022 edition held in oil-rich Qatar.

In fact, for most football Stakeholders, the Super Eagles must seize chance and gird their loins in the upcoming contests when they play away to Lesotho on October 10th before concluding the race in Uyo on October 14th .

‘My concern is not Benin or South Africa but we should watch out for Lesotho and Rwanda behind us,’ former Nigeria midfielder Friday Ekpo noted in an interview on a Lagos-based Sports radio station, Brila Fm. ‘Nigeria not being able to win back-to-back games is a big worry.

‘We need to sit back, rethink our strategy and ensure we pick up six points from our remaining fixtures. While we are busy calculating, other teams are simply focused on winning their matches.’

Ekpo’s sentiments were echoed by former Flying Eagles winger Dimeji Lawal who urged for caution rather than celebration of the misfortune that had just befell South Africa in the race to the 2026 Mundial, adding the approach of the Super Eagles in recent times does not inspired any confidence.

‘I don’t get excited about the sanction of South Africa. One thing is to get three points taken away from them, another is for us to win our remaining games. That’s the real test,’ Lawal said matter-of-factly. ‘The bottom line is: can we win the last two games?’

Former left-back Ifeanyi Udeze was more direct insisting that the Super Eagles players must be made aware of the essence of what it means to play at the FIFA World Cup while adding that the awareness of this would help the Nigerian team to know how to plan for both games:

‘Both games are must-win. The players must know their lives depend on it. Even after we win, we still need South Africa to drop points. This is not a time for complacency,’ he averred.

Equally, the 1996 Atlanta Olympic football gold medallist , Abiodun Obafemi, was even sterner in his outlook stating that the present crop of players may miss the chance to go to the World Cup if they throw this new lifeline away.

‘FIFA has given us a lifeline. If we miss this chance, this generation should forget about the World Cup. Too often, we expect our boys to rise up and they disappoint. This is a lifetime opportunity, and for many of them, it might be their last shot.’

But for erstwhile youth international Taiwo Enegwea who is currently attached as an assistant coach at Heartland Football Club of Owerri, the Super Eagles must not only win their forthcoming two matches but they must win with probably with cricket margins, adding that goal difference could be the decider if all the contending teams cancelled themselves out as being speculated.

‘We must do everything humanly possible to win the last two games, especially against Benin. A good win against them may bridge the gap. We must score goals and not just settle for slim wins,’ Enegwea noted.

Enegwa’s coaching colleague at Heartland and former U20 goalkeeper, Emeka Amadi, described the sanction against South Africa as a ‘morale booster’ for the Super Eagles, adding they must be on top of the two games to boost their chances of making it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be jointly co-hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.

‘It’s good news, but the important thing is to win with good goals. Goals difference may count. We still have a chance but we must take it now,’ noted Amadi, a two FIFA U-17 World Cup winner as the goalkeepers’ trainer to the Golden Eaglets class of 2013 and 2015.

Additionally, George Aluo, a board member of the NFF agreed that three points taken off South Africa should be morale booster for the Super Eagles to fight to the finishing point.

‘The decision by FIFA has thrown the group wide open,’ Aluo who doubles as the Chairman of the Nigeria national League (NNL), told NationSport, adding the Amavubi of Rwanda who are currently in fourth position can be regarded as the dark horses in the race for the Group C ticket. ‘ Now , it is possible for Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa to finish on 17 points(at the end of the qualifiers) .

‘All eyes will be on what happens between Rwanda and Benin.

‘Should Rwanda win that game and we beat Lesotho, then anything, just anything can happen at the end of the race. All the four countries Nigeria, South Africa, Benin and Rwanda are all very much in contention and I know Rwanda will fight to the end against South Africa should they beat Benin at home.’

Despite all the positives indices, Nigerian football historian and diarist, Kunle Solaja, has yet urged the rank and file of the Super Eagles to take lessons from history.

He reckoned that Nigeria’s football history is littered with reminders of the dangers of administrative or technical errors which befell South Africa, warning that attention must also be paid to details as the Super Eagles approach the double header this month.

He noted: ‘In 1984, Shooting Stars were rocked before the second leg of the CAF Champions Cup final against Zamalek when Felix Owolabi was ruled ineligible due to accumulated yellow cards. Disorganized and demoralized, the Ibadan side lost 2-0 in Cairo and 3-0 on aggregate, missing out on Nigeria’s first Champions Cup title.

‘In 2018, during the Russia World Cup qualifiers, FIFA awarded Algeria a 3-0 win after Nigeria fielded Shehu Abdullahi despite his suspension. Though Nigeria had already qualified, the embarrassment highlighted NFF’s administrative lapses.’

He argued with clear warning : discipline and paperwork matter as much as performance on the pitch.

‘The Super Eagles now walk a fine line. Twelve players are sitting on yellow cards, including Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Any additional bookings could rule them out of the decisive final match against Benin Republic in Uyo,’ he explained.

South Africa’s costly mistake has opened the door, but walking through it depends entirely on Nigeria. The Super Eagles face Lesotho away on October 10 before hosting Benin Republic in Uyo on October 14.

Victory in both matches is non-negotiable. Discipline, tactical sharpness, and ruthless finishing will define whether the lifeline leads to redemption or regret.

As Obafemi bluntly put it: ‘If we don’t take this chance, forget about the World Cup.’

For Eric Sekou Chelle’s men and the Nigeria Football Federation, the FIFA lifeline is a reminder that fortune only favours the prepared. This time, Nigeria cannot afford to learn the hard way.

American singer, television host, and actor RuPaul recently shared a seemingly awkward yet hilarious exchange with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

The moment that has since become one of the most replayed and talked about clips in late night television, thanks to RuPaul’s impeccable sense of humor and timing.

During the interview, Fallon proudly held up RuPaul’s Vanity Fair cover, eager to celebrate what he thought was a historic first.

‘This was the first time ever that a drag queen had been put on the cover of’ Fallon began.

Before he could finish, RuPaul leaned in with a sharp, mock-offended expression and repeated, ‘A drag queen?’

The tone was so pointed that Fallon immediately froze, his face draining of color as the studio fell into a stunned silence.

For several long seconds, the tension in the room was palpable.

Fallon appeared visibly nervous, unsure whether he had crossed a line.

RuPaul broke the silence and said , ‘I am the Queen of Drag!’

The audience erupted in laughter and applause as Fallon doubled over in relief, laughing and clutching his desk.

His embarrassed smile captured both the chaos and charm of the exchange, which quickly became a viral sensation across social media.

Clips of the moment circulated widely on X , TikTok, and Instagram, with fans praising RuPaul’s flawless delivery and mastery of live comedy.

One user described it as ‘a fake-out for the ages,’ while another called it ‘pure RuPaul brilliance.’

The viral clip not only highlighted RuPaul’s trademark wit and charisma but also showcased the effortless chemistry between the two stars.

What could have been an awkward misunderstanding instead turned into a perfectly orchestrated moment of late night television magic.

RuPaul’s playful response served as a reminder of why he remains one of the most commanding figures in entertainment a performer who can turn any situation into a masterclass in humor, grace, and showmanship.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday launched the ‘Flow With Confidence’ nationwide distribution of menstrual hygiene packs

The initiative was designed to support schoolgirls and promote menstrual health across the country.

At the launch of the initiative in Gombe State, 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.’

Mrs. Tinubu noted that many schoolgirls resort to unsafe alternatives or stay at home, causing them to lag 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.

According to her, all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will 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,’ the First Lady promised.

She urged traditional rulers, religious 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, pledged federal support to scale up the initiative so that more girls in underserved areas could benefit from the initiative.

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

Mrs. Tinubu had opened 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 State, 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.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has declared that the Nigerian Navy has successfully curtailed piracy and maritime crime, resulting in safer waters and increased oil production.

Ogalla made the remarks on Friday during a Regimental Parade held in his honour at his alma mater, the Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria, where he also commissioned new projects and addressed students.

He said the Navy had achieved ‘undeniable results’ under his command, noting that Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) had not recorded a single piracy incident since 2022.

‘Our determination from the onset was clear – to turn the tide against those criminal elements bringing insecurity into our maritime environment. And I am proud to say we have achieved that. The results are evident, especially in improved oil production and the elimination of piracy in our waters,’ Ogalla stated.

He explained that piracy, oil theft, and illegal refining had long crippled Nigeria’s oil revenues and discouraged investment, but enhanced operations – including Operation Delta Sanity and joint missions with other security agencies – have reversed the trend and safeguarded critical oil infrastructure.

‘These operations have restored confidence in our maritime environment. Oil production has improved, revenues have gone up, and investors can now see Nigeria as a safer maritime hub. That is the strategic importance of the work we are doing,’ Ogalla emphasised.

He added that the fight against maritime insecurity was not only a military task but a national duty, as the protection of Nigeria’s oil assets directly impacts economic growth and national development.

‘The Nigerian Navy, by its mandate, is the guardian of our maritime environment. That means defending the nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty at sea. By improving security, we are directly strengthening Nigeria’s economy, because oil is still our major source of revenue,’ the CNS noted.

Ogalla stressed that the successes were made possible by the dedication of naval personnel across formations, whose sacrifices at sea had restored sanity to Nigeria’s waters.

‘I salute the gallant officers and ratings who have put in the hard work. Without their commitment, we would not be celebrating these achievements. Their sacrifices are the foundation of the stability we now enjoy in our maritime domain,’ he added.

He urged continuous vigilance, warning that criminal elements often adapt, and security forces must stay ahead through technology, training, and intelligence-led operations.

The Naval Chief’s remarks were delivered during what he described as a ‘deeply emotional homecoming’ to NMS, where he said the foundations of his discipline and leadership were built.

‘It is with a deep sense of honour and nostalgia that I stand before you today, not just as the Chief of Naval Staff but as a proud product of this great alma mater. This noble institution shaped the foundation of my character, resilience, and leadership,’ he told the students.

Ogalla commissioned a block of six modern classrooms, each furnished with smart boards and learning aids, as part of his contribution to advancing academic excellence at the school.

‘This intervention reflects my belief that learning must evolve with the times. These facilities will equip the Boys with the tools to excel academically and to prepare for the future,’ he said.

He also inaugurated other projects and pledged to deepen collaboration between NMS and the Nigerian Navy Military School in Ikot Ntuen, Akwa Ibom, to strengthen military education.

The CNS commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General O.O. Oluyede, for renovating the Boys’ Lines and other facilities at NMS, while also applauding the Ex-Boys Association for sustaining the tradition of giving back.

For Ogalla, however, the highlight was tying the Navy’s operational victories at sea with Nigeria’s economic rebound, declaring: ‘We’ve turned the tide against pirates. We’ve improved oil production. And by doing so, we are securing Nigeria’s future.’

The Commandant of NMS, Brigadier General Owoicho Ejiga, described Ogalla’s visit as ‘a historic milestone,’ noting that it would inspire the students and further cement the legacy of excellence the school has maintained since its establishment in 1954.

Ejiga said the commissioned projects, alongside other interventions by Ex-Boys and military leadership, would continue to transform NMS into a modern centre of discipline, patriotism, and academic excellence.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has threatened legal action against Eze Chikamnayo, also known as Iyierioba Chikamnayo, for ‘defamatory and malicious’ publications against him.

In an October 2 letter signed by his counsel, Dr. Sonny Ajala (SAN), Otti demanded a written retraction, public apology, and compensation of N100 billion from Chikamnayo.

The governor accused the former commissioner of persistently publishing libellous posts on his Facebook page, ‘Iyierioba Chikamnayo.’

Among the publications were those titled ‘Alex Otthief is a confirmed criminal and disaster!’ (September 22, 2025), ‘Fighting Promax!!!!’ (September 21, 2025), ‘Old or new Abia?’ (September 14, 2025), ‘Sabbath Message’ (September 13, 2025), and ‘Alex Otthief is a confirmed criminal and congenital liar = looting governor!’ (August 15, 2025).

Ajala, of Deeplaw Associates, said the posts were targeted at Otti, noting ‘our client, for the avoidance of doubt, is the only governor and chief executive of a state in the 36 states of Nigeria who bears the name Alex Chioma Otti. Thus, no effort is required by the public to link all your spiteful, false and defamatory attacks to him.’

He said Otti is a man of integrity with a distinguished career in banking, where he rose to managing director/chief executive of Diamond Bank Plc before entering politics.

The letter said Otti noticed the Facebook posts on September 29, while in Abuja for the conferment of SAN on the attorney-general.

Ajala said Otti ‘denies your malicious defamatory materials,’ emphasising that the governor has no criminal indictment or conviction by any court of law. He added that the posts inflicted ‘mental torture, depression, denigration, and brutal destruction of his reputation built over decades.’

The governor is demanding a written retraction of the posts on the same Facebook page and in four national newspapers. He is also seeking a written public apology on the same page, compensation of N100 billion, and an undertaking to desist from such poswts.

The letter warned that failure to comply in seven days would leave Otti with no option but to seek redress in court.