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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Saturday, October 4, travel to Jos, Plateau State, to attend the funeral prayers of Nana Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe, mother of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nantewe Yilwatda Goshwe.

According to a statement on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President will also use the occasion to engage with religious leaders across the North at the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos.

‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Lagos on Saturday, October 4, for Jos, Plateau State capital, to attend the funeral prayers in honour of Nana Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe, mother of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nantewe Yilwatda Goshwe.

‘The President will later address Church Leaders across the North at the headquarters of the COCIN Church in Jos,’ the statement reads..

Tinubu is scheduled to return to Lagos later on the same day after the engagements in Jos.

Days after announcing a novel ?494 million Locker Room Bonus sponsorship for the Nigeria National League (NNL), Africa’s leading gaming and entertainment brand, BetPawa, at a colourful event in Lagos on Wednesday unveiled Afro-pop star Tekno as its new brand ambassador.

The unveiling highlights betPawa’s strategy of blending football, music and culture to connect with young Nigerians. Tekno, one of the country’s most celebrated hit-makers, now becomes the face of Africa’s ‘home of big winners,’ carrying a message that extends beyond gaming into lifestyle and inspiration.

‘Tekno represents everything betPawa stands for – energy, creativity, and breaking boundaries,’ said Borah Omary Ndanyungu, Head of Local Marketing and CSR at betPawa. ‘His music inspires millions, just as football does. This announcement comes on the heels of our ?494m investment in Nigerian football through the Locker Room Bonus. For us, it’s about rewarding performance on the pitch and creating unforgettable experiences off it.’

Tekno, known for chart-topping singles like Pana and Skeletun, welcomed the partnership: ‘I’ve always been about pushing limits, from the studio to the stage. That’s why betPawa felt like family. The odds, the pay-outs, the innovation – it’s a game-changer. And you know me, I’m here for winners only,’ he said.

Recall that the Locker Room Bonus initiative, launched in Abuja earlier this month, guarantees ?56,000 direct mobile-money payments to 20 players and three technical staff from every winning NNL team – ?1,288,000 in total per match. With 292 games scheduled, over ?369m will go directly to players and staff this season. Another ?100m will support league operations, while ?8.1m is reserved for end-of-season awards.

For the NNL, the deal is about more than cash; it represents professionalism and transparency. Club officials have already been trained on the Locker Room Bonus platform, which digitises line-up verification and automates payments, ensuring instant rewards for players.

The unveiling of Tekno signals that betPawa is embedding itself in Nigerian culture. From its 1,250% sports win bonus – the highest in Africa – to its exclusive 1M x multiplier on JetX crash games, the company is positioning itself as the ‘home of big winners.’

But the brand says its mission goes beyond business. ‘Across Africa, we’ve shown our commitment to grassroots development. Whether through Locker Room Bonuses or supporting local leagues, our focus is on empowering players and fans,’ Borah added.

Interestingly, at the Abuja launch, stakeholders urged betPawa to extend support to women’s football and basketball, areas where the company already invests in other African markets. The brand’s track record shows inclusivity, ensuring equal rewards for men’s and women’s leagues where it operates.

By investing in both sport and culture, betPawa is shaping a new model of corporate sponsorship in Nigeria – one that fuels ambition on the pitch, drives creativity in music, and empowers communities.

As Tekno prepares to release new music and the NNL gears up for its November kick-off, the synergy of football and Afro-pop promises to keep Nigeria buzzing. For betPawa, this is just the beginning of a bigger story.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that Nigeria can only defeat the Boko Haram insurgency when both the political and security leadership begin to think beyond the available narrative about the sect.

He added that documenting the experiences of those affected can help the country understand the issue and develop effective strategies to address it.

Obasanjo made this known while speaking as the chairman of the occasion at the public presentation of ‘Scars’, a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, in Abuja, on Friday.

He said, ‘When in 2011, after Boko Haram had attacked the UN office here in Abuja, I went to Maiduguri to find out if there was Boko Haram, and what it was? Who were they? What are their objectives? What do they want? How can we satisfy them? And I found out, yes, there was Boko Haram. I found they were not really aiming for anything political or anything seriously religious. But people who were looking for a better life, and any other thing attached to that, are a better life for them.

‘Have we understood that? If we have, have we taken the steps that we should take? If we have, why is it that after 15 years, Boko Haram is now gradually becoming part of our lives? Should we accept that? If we do not accept it, what should we do? How much do we know?’

‘Even from the other side, and from this side, have we been active enough? Have we been proactive enough? I think we have to ask ourselves the necessary questions to be able to deal with this . something that is now becoming a monster within our country.’

The former president noted that while Nigeria has faced various security challenges since independence, Boko Haram stands out for persisting for over 15 years without resolution, largely due to a lack of proper understanding of the group.

He noted that General Irabor’s book examines the past to identify factors that could be hindering progress in the present and future, praising the courage of the author to say things as they were.

Obasanjo said, ‘I believe that is what you have tried to do in your book. There is normally the tendency of ‘don’t talk about it’, let’s leave it. And I believe that we will get out of that culture.

‘The history and life of any nation has the good, the bad, and the ugly. What is important is to look at it and to think about it. And when we have to find solutions, we may even look beyond what we can see. Let us think beyond what is available. And I think that is what you have done here.

‘I will urge and appeal to those who have things to say about this particular issue of Boko Haram to say it. We don’t even know where Boko Haram stops and banditry starts, and kidnapping begins. They are all mixed together.

‘And by the time we go, even those who have been on the other side, who have been part of a supporter of Boko Haram, for whatever Boko Haram is, let them write, let them speak up, and that way, we will be able to find solutions to these ugly problems,’ he added.

Bayelsa State Chapter of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has scored Governor Douye Diri high on performance, saying he ranks above his predecessors in infrastructural development.

IPAC, in a statement by its state Chair, Simeon Imomotimi, and Secretary, Pastor Peace Oruama, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence and 29th anniversary of Bayelsa creation, they said Diri had performed well in office.

The statement said: ‘Without mincing words, Senator Douye Diri, in our assessment, stands tall and unmatched among the persons that have administered the state to this point in terms of infrastructural development.’

IPAC noted that Diri was most outstanding in road network, social services, health, transportation, sports, health among others.

On road network, IPAC said the governor had done well to connect all the communities in the state listing Glory Land Drive phases two and three: the bridge at Imgbi junction linking Glory Land Drive; new Yenagoa city, Airport Road; AIT/Igbogene outer ring road; Onuebum/Otuoke road; expansion of Etegwe/Amassoma road: Prosco road and Ogu/Akaba/Okodi road, among others, as the governor’s interventions.

The statement said: ‘Senator Diri’s most outstanding achievement in road construction is the completion of earlier sections and furthering of new sections of three senatorial roads, namely Ekeremor/Agge road; Nembe/Brass and Angiama/Oporoma road with the bridge at Angiama near completion with spurs to Otuan, Enewari and other communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government’.

IPAC further lauded Diri for uplifting education in Bayelsa through employment of young Bayelsa graduates to fill up vacant positions in post-primary school board as classroom teachers; building and upgrading of school facilities, establishment of technical colleges to promote vocational skills and accreditation of new courses and programmes in the higher institutions.

The council insisted the governor had done well in health by encouraging primary health care services; establishing health a centre in each ward; referral hospitals in each local government and posting doctors to reside in rural areas.

On social services and sports, IPAC said: ‘Other indices for measuring Diri’s performance is provision of social amenities and services for Bayelsans.

‘Such lofty social amenities and services provided by Governor Diri include the modern gas turbine at Elebele, which is near completion; the first governor to Implement the local government reforms by voting out funds and clearing gratuities and pensions arears owed local government retirees.

‘Similar payment and clearance of outstanding gratuities and pensions arrears have also been effected.

‘We commend the governor for the construction of the Olympic standard stadium at Igbogene and placing Bayelsa in the front burner of sports through support of our sports men and women.

‘IPAC lauds Diri for a job well done in delivering dividends of democracy to the people.

‘However, like Oliver Twist, we appeal to His Excellency to do more by providing portable drinking water for Bayesans mostly those resident in Yenagoa and the LGA headquarters.

‘It also our further plea for His Excellency to also build units of low cost houses at Yenagoa and the LGA headquarters to accommodate the rapidly increasing urban and rural population in the state

‘This notwithstanding, we assure His Excellency of our full cooperation realising that it is only through our collective partnering that the dreams of turning our state into an Eldorado will be achieved.’

Veteran Nollywood actress, Bukky Wright, has celebrated her son, Eniola, as he tied the knot with his international partner.

Wright expressed her gratitude and joy in a heartfelt Instagram post, thanking Allah for sparing her life to witness the milestone.

‘This is the day that the Lord has made!! I rejoiced and was glad with so much gratitude to Allah for sparing my life to see my baby boy get married and start his life with his wife. I have seen the beginning of your life till date, I will not see your end insha Allah,’ she wrote.

She also prayed for the couple’s marriage to be blessed and filled with happiness.

‘Almighty Allah will make this union one made from heaven. He will continue to be with your family and by His grace you will never lack anything good in life. As you start the journey into real life with your wife you will not know sorrow. Thanks for making me a proud mother. I can go on and on but I will stop here for now. I love you guys.’

Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC – Edo North) has criticized the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) for shutting down government-owned oil organizations over its trade dispute with Dangote Refinery.

Speaking on ‘The Morning Show’ on Arise News Television on Friday, the former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president said the action was misplaced and should not have been escalated to the level of crippling the oil sector.

PENGASSAN had ordered members to withdraw their services following the alleged dismissal of about 800 workers by Dangote Refinery, leading to the closure of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) offices in Abuja on Monday.

The move triggered fuel scarcity across the country as queues resurfaced at petrol stations.

Oshiomhole, however, maintained that while workers’ rights must be respected, shutting down critical oil agencies in solidarity with a small group of employees was an overreach.

Oshiomhole said, ‘What I’m not sure is right is the ease with which Ferguson resorted to escalating the manner to secondary level, what we call the secondary solidarity, to a point of shutting down the oil sector. I think that, in seeking to protect a particular set of workers, you do not then risk the job of several other workers.’

Oshiomhole averred that before a labour union can call for a national strike, there must have been an argument or a fight with the government over an issue that affects all Nigerians.

‘I don’t have any proof, but my experience is that, before you shut the gate of NNPCL, there has to be a fight. So when I saw NNPCL’s gate effortlessly closed, all the other companies, government-owned oil companies, without any effort. I’m like, if this were private employers, would they allow their companies to close without any resistance. I do not think so. So, why is everybody seemingly so helpless that we are at the mercy of anyone?’ he said.

Oshiomhole argued that labour unions’ operations are regulated by the law, adding that before union leaders can go to the extent of shutting down the economy, the workers must see a valid reason to support their call.

‘Before you take those measures, you are ready for a fight. And the workers for them to follow must see the linkage between their well-being and what is at stake,’ he said.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has pledged stronger collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission to improve revenue generation, enhance national security, and safeguard public safety through tighter monitoring of imported communication devices.

Adeniyi made the commitment in Abuja when he received the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Aminu Maida, and his team.

He said the Service was already looking beyond revenue to the security implications of unchecked importation of mobile devices, stressing that closer synergy with the NCC would allow both agencies to strengthen their monitoring systems.

Adeniyi explained that technology-related imports, such as mobile phones, network boosters, and other telecom equipment, must be subjected to proper certification and classification under the Customs’ tariff regime, noting that such measures would ensure only authorised importers are permitted to bring them into the country.

Adeniyi also highlighted that the Service would work with NCC to train its officers on certification processes and align tariff codes with regulated devices to curb abuses at the borders, adding, ‘Both for effective security and revenue, we will be committed to deepening collaboration.’

On broader safety issues, the CGC noted the growing need for cooperation in maintaining facilities in highly populated urban areas. He observed that the concentration of high-rise buildings in Abuja, coupled with places of worship and sensitive institutions, demands vigilance and shared learning between both agencies to prevent disasters.

Earlier, the NCC boss congratulated Adeniyi on his election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation Council, describing it as recognition of his leadership both at home and abroad.

Maida emphasised that the NCC’s Device Management System, a platform designed to track imported phones and block substandard devices, would not only help Customs boost revenue but also enhance the quality of service for telecom subscribers.

‘One of the least understood factors affecting service quality is the device itself. If a subscriber is using a substandard phone, no matter the investment operators make in their networks, service quality will remain poor. That is why the DMS project is critical,’ he said.

He, however, raised concerns over the uncontrolled use of network boosters, which, though sometimes helpful to individuals, often distort signals and reduce overall network quality.

He called for Customs’ support in restricting the importation of uncertified boosters and ensuring only approved devices enter the market.

Maida also added that both agencies must continue to sustain the ‘spirit of collaboration’ already established, assuring that the NCC would work closely with Customs to tackle the dual challenges of revenue leakages and consumer protection.

The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to reject proposals for the creation of State police in Nigeria, warning that such a move would endanger democracy, minority groups, and religious freedom.

The forum, in a statement on Friday through its chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, a member of the APC campaign council in the 2023 elections, reacted to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s recent declaration that ‘the time for state police has come’ during a court session marking the 2025/2026 legal year in Jos.

Rejecting the proposal, the Forum argued that state police would worsen insecurity, encourage impunity, and destabilize democracy.

‘State police will only lead to anarchy and increased impunity across the country, and as a result, these calls should be rejected by all right-thinking Nigerians,’ it said.

The group alleged that governors already exploit the Federal police despite lacking direct control, and warned that giving them full command of state police would be disastrous.

‘As we speak, most governors are using the machinery of the state to intimidate, oppress, and harass minority groups and the opposition. We are afraid of how far they will go when they now have a full-fledged police force at their beck and call. State police will give them the license to do and undo,’ the statement read.

The Forum noted that Federal police are already being misused to destroy businesses and properties of opponents, raising fears of far greater abuse.

‘What they are doing now will be child’s play compared to what they will do when they have their own police force,’ it warned.

According to the Forum, State police would become a weapon of oppression, ‘State police will derail the democratic system as it will be used to suppress dissent and turn governors into dictators.

‘With state police, anybody seen as an opponent of government would be hounded, jailed, or worse still, lose their lives. Opposition will be criminalized.’

The Forum also expressed fears over religious implications in the North-Central region, warning, ‘We don’t want state police in the North-Central, which is a secular region with minority groups and diverse religions.

‘We have observed that some governors in the region don’t want to accommodate minorities, including their religious practices.

‘If you arm these governors with state police, they will criminalize the traditional practices and religions of minority groups.’

It further accused some governors of prioritizing religion over governance, emphasising that, ‘One of the biggest problems in Nigeria at the moment is that most governors are practicing religion more than governance.

‘They believe in religious doctrines more than the Constitution. If you give them state police armed with AK-47s, what will be the fate of those who do not agree with them?’

The Forum maintained that creating State police would be counterproductive and could plunge Nigeria into crisis, urging President Tinubu, lawmakers, civil society groups, and Nigerians to resist the proposal.

‘These are the reasons why we, the North-Central APC Forum, are urging President Bola Tinubu and members of the National Assembly, especially senators and representatives who have the interest of the country at heart, to reject calls for state police.

‘State Police is an evil wind that will not blow anyone any good. We also urge civil society organizations and all Nigerians to reject this proposal,’ the Forum noted.

The coronation Jumat Thanksgiving service of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, drew dignitaries, including members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Mogajis, senators, and politicians.

The event, held on Friday at the Central Mosque, Oja’ba, Ibadan, formed part of the weeklong activities marking the coronation of Oba Ladoja, who was presented with the Staff and Instrument of Office by Governor Seyi Makinde last week at Mapo Hall.

In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abubakar Agbotomokekere, urged residents and indigenes to support the monarch for a successful reign, cautioning against distractions that could hinder the city’s progress.

He praised Oba Ladoja as a respected leader whose pedigree and antecedents command recognition within and outside Ibadanland, stressing that leadership begins at the family level and requires accountability.

Highlights of the event included special prayers for Olubadan’s reign and the presentation of a gift to him.

Among the dignitaries present were CCII President General, Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole; President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori; Senator Sharafadeen Ali; Senator Fatai Buhari; former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin; ex-lawmaker, Soji Akanbi; former Osun SSG, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade; and ICPI Coordinator, Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade.

The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has said that Leah Sharibu and every Nigerian child still unaccounted for in the war against Boko Haram remain scars on the nation.

Kukah made the remark while reviewing ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum’, a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, at its official launch.

He said, ‘Now, the issue of Leah Sharibu and the Chibok girls, these are what the author refers to as the scars. And in my view, as long as Leah Sharibu is unaccounted for, as long as any of the abducted children in Nigeria is unaccounted for, every child that is unaccounted for is a scar on the face of Nigeria.’

According to him, military action alone cannot end the Boko Haram insurgency, as insurgents are driven by a readiness to die, unlike soldiers who fight to stay alive.

Kukah also faulted the label ‘Boko Haram,’ insisting that such narratives divert attention from the deeper causes of the crisis.

‘And I think this is where the Nigerian government has gotten it wrong. First of all, let’s not forget. We are the ones who gave them the name Boko Haram,’ he said.

‘They didn’t say that they are Boko Haram. We are the ones who gave them the name, and because we gave them the name Boko Haram, we have become comfortable. It has affected our strategy.

‘Boko Haram says their name is Jama’at Ahl al-Sunna li al-Da’wa wa al-Jihad. That is their name. And the English translation is that people committed to the prophet’s teachings for the propagation of jihad. The challenge is what context of preaching,’

While charging political leaders to write biographies, he said the nation was already in trouble and needed solutions on the way out.

He said, ‘First, the Nigerian military must be inspired by this book to also create a sense of urgency about returning to the barracks so that their honour, their integrity, their professionalism can be guaranteed.

‘Soldiers have written to say that they are often better off under civilian government than under military government. However, the presence of the military in 36 states out of 36 states in Nigeria makes the notion of democracy an oxymoron.

‘We cannot be in a democracy and be surrounded by soldiers, because increasingly, psychologically, people are beginning to think, see the military as an army of occupation. It shouldn’t be so.’

He also charged the federal government to expand its concept of national security to cover all aspects of security, including food and health.’

Kukah accused northern leaders of using ‘Islamism’ as a tool to grab power, which he said was destructive Islam.

‘I would like to use this opportunity to speak to my Muslim brothers, especially from Northern Nigeria. Islamism is what is called political theology. In Christianity, it could be the same thing, but political theology, that is, the instrumentalization and the skewed usage and manipulation of religion as a tool for governance.

‘Nigeria is a democracy, and there is a way that good Muslims can participate in democracy, and good Christians can participate in democracy. But the idea that we want to use religion to enforce power is what Islamism is all about. It has become destructive to the religion itself. Suddenly now, in this day and age, we are here.’

However, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, faulted Kukah’s claim.

He said, ‘I also want to correct a wrong notion that many non-Muslims hold about jihad. Jihad does not mean a Muslim must kill a non-Muslim. Jihad means ‘to strive.’ In every aspect of life, one strives to be the best they can be-to be a good Muslim, a good Christian, a good farmer, or a good engineer. Jihad is not about killing non-Muslims; that is a misconception that has persisted for decades.

‘In addition, I want to clarify another issue. When Bishop Kukah spoke about Islamism, he may have used some words in a way that created misunderstanding, making Islam appear negative. But Islamism is not about seeking power for its own sake. Rather, Islam emphasizes good governance in society. Whoever is in power-take, for example, President Goodluck Jonathan-we gave him 100% support throughout his presidency. Nobody said anything negative about him, and he himself knows that.

‘So, Islamism is not what some people think. It is not about seizing power; it is about promoting good governance.’