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Kogi State has been thrown into mourning after a tragic boat mishap on the River Niger claimed no fewer than 20 lives.

The ill-fated boat, packed with traders and community members from Onugwa in Ibaji Local Government Area, was heading to Ilushi Market in Edo State on Tuesday evening when it capsized midway.

Eyewitnesses said the passengers were travelling for the October 1 celebration and market day when the boat, overloaded with people and goods, went under.

Local farmer James Otoga, who witnessed the tragedy, said only five people were rescued alive. ‘So far, 20 bodies have been recovered, but more of our people are still trapped in the river,’ he said, his voice breaking.

Confirming the disaster, Ibaji council chairman Hon. Ugeh Emmanuel described it as ‘the most disastrous accident in the history of the local government.’

‘As I speak to you, nobody can say the exact number of casualties. We don’t even know how many boarded the boat. It happened around 4:30pm, and most of the victims were on their way for the October 1st celebration,’ he said.

The state government, through Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo, called the tragedy ‘unfortunate’ and confirmed the rising death toll.

Governor Usman Ododo, in a condolence message, directed emergency agencies to support the victims’ families and promised tighter waterway safety measures in collaboration with federal authorities.

He also urged riverine communities to prioritise safety by avoiding overloading and always using life jackets.

Boat accidents have become a grim trend in Kogi and other riverine states. Last December, 19 passengers died when another overloaded wooden boat capsized on the River Niger while heading to Kacha Market in Niger State.

For the families of Ibaji, however, this latest tragedy has brought October 1 not as a day of celebration, but of tears.

Nigerian video director ThankGod Omori Jesam, popularly known as TG Omori, has opened up on his celibacy journey.

While speaking on the impact of celibacy on his X handle on Wednesday, Omori revealed that he has had less problems since he became celibate.

The cinematographer known for expressing his opinions, also revealed that he took an oath of celibacy.

‘Since I became celibate, half of my problems got solved,’ he wrote.

This revelation quickly triggered reactions from other users. While some highlighted the advantages of practicing celibacy, others argued about the impossibility of such commitment.

The United States has congratulated Nigeria on its 65th Independence Anniversary, describing the country as a ‘beacon of resilience and leadership’ in Africa and beyond.

In a press statement issued in Washington on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended the goodwill of the American people to Nigerians, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

‘On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my warmest congratulations to the people of Nigeria on the 65th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence,’ Rubio said.

He noted that Nigeria’s six-and-a-half decades of nationhood had been marked by remarkable resilience and a capacity for leadership that continues to inspire.

‘For over six decades, Nigeria has stood as a beacon of resilience and leadership. The United States values our enduring partnership, rooted in shared democratic principles, a growing commercial relationship, and a commitment to fostering peace and security,’ he said.

Rubio praised the entrepreneurial drive and cultural vibrancy of Nigerians, stressing that these attributes have made the country a vital partner in global affairs.

‘On this special occasion, we celebrate the rich cultural heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering determination of the Nigerian people,’ he added.

Looking ahead, the U.S. Secretary of State pledged that Washington would continue to work closely with Abuja to tackle regional and global challenges.

‘We look forward to continuing to deepen our collaboration in the years ahead as we work together to achieve our shared goals,’ he said.

The statement ended with renewed wishes for Nigeria’s peace, unity, and progress: ‘Congratulations once again on this milestone anniversary. May the year ahead bring continued progress and prosperity to Nigeria and its people.’

Maritime stakeholders have commended the Federal Government for approving and rolling out the Marine and Blue Economy Policy.

They shared their views on Wednesday in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary.

Highlighting the policy’s significance, they described the policy and the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as a turning point for the maritime sector.

The Marine and Blue Economy Policy was hailed as a landmark initiative expected to unlock Nigeria’s ocean resources for economic growth.

Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Mr Kingsley Igwe, praised the government’s foresight in creating the new ministry.

He noted that President Bola Tinubu recognised the value of the sector and acted swiftly to give it direction.

‘Before now, there was no clear roadmap for the maritime industry. Today, with this policy, we have direction, structure, and vision,’ Igwe said.

He added that the minister’s action plan, presented during World Maritime Organisation Day on Sept. 25, showed how Nigeria would generate revenue from its ocean resources.

Igwe also applauded efforts to secure Nigeria a seat in Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), calling it a step towards global maritime recognition.

He stressed that such recognition would elevate Nigeria as a leading African maritime nation and strengthen its voice in global shipping governance.

Beyond fishing, Igwe said Nigeria’s maritime sector now spans tourism and energy, which he described as a major leap forward in 65 years of independence.

Chairman of Global Transport Policy, Dr Olusegun Musa, urged that the policy be test-run for at least ten years to ensure adjustments and measurable results.

According to him, Nigeria had lost valuable time through inconsistent policies, abandoned investments, and lack of automation in port operations.

‘In Nigeria, we once had shipping capacity but abandoned it. Now, we are trying to revive it,’ Musa said.

He stressed the importance of port automation, international standards, and an enabling environment for investors, including disbursement of long-delayed funds such as the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF).

Amb. Florentina Ukonga, a maritime diplomat, congratulated Nigeria at 65 and stressed the country’s untapped maritime potential.

She said Nigeria’s youthful population, if properly guided, could harness maritime opportunities and position the nation as a dominant player in Africa’s blue economy.

Similarly, President of the Master Mariners Association of Nigeria (MMAN), Capt. Tajudeen Alao, said the policy would create opportunities for biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.

He urged the government to support indigenous shipping lines to fly Nigeria’s flag and strengthen its presence in the Gulf of Guinea.

‘There is hope that Nigeria’s Blue Economy will become a hub in Africa,’ Alao said, noting the importance of securing the IMO Category C seat.

He added that Nigeria must prioritise exports and value addition rather than depending on imports, to boost industries and improve gross domestic product.

The MMAN president also stressed the importance of biodiversity treaties, which would enable Nigeria to create marine protected areas and harness resources beyond national jurisdiction.

Alao called on investors to acquire vessels that would provide Nigerian cadets with sea time and international exposure.

He recalled that earlier generations of Nigerian shipowners had made remarkable contributions, which he said could be replicated if the CVFF is transparently disbursed.

Tragedy struck in Bauchi as police confirmed the death of a 24-year-old woman, Fatima Salihu Mohamed,m days after she was declared missing.

The Bauchi State Police Command said Fatima was last seen on September 24 when she left home to buy groceries at Birshin Fulani but never returned. Her father, Salihu Mohammed Chimo, 62, lodged a missing person report the following day at the ‘E’ Divisional Police Headquarters.

Police spokesperson, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, said detectives and surveillance experts were deployed to trace her whereabouts.

A breakthrough came when the village head of Birshin Fulani relayed a report from one Bashar Adamu, who discovered a decomposing body on his father’s maize farm near the Federal Polytechnic Staff Quarters. Detectives led by CSP Yahaya Yunusa later confirmed the corpse to be that of the missing Fatima.

She was found with her shopping bags and groceries by her side. Her body was taken to the Federal Polytechnic clinic, where a medical practitioner confirmed her death before it was released to her family for burial.

Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered a homicide team to investigate the case thoroughly.

According to Wakil, the commissioner assured that the inquiry will be evidence-driven to ensure justice is served.

As the United States battles through a government shutdown, rumours have gone viral that America’s borders are now wide open for illegal immigrants. But Washington has moved quickly to shut down the claims, insisting immigration laws remain intact and border enforcement as strict as ever.

In a statement issued on X, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement stressed that immigration laws and border enforcement remain fully intact despite the shutdown.

‘There is no change to U.S. immigration laws or border enforcement. Rumors that a shutdown will allow illegal immigrants to enter the United States are false,’ the advisory stated.

The ICE clarified that border security remains strict, and anyone attempting to cross without authorization will face the full weight of the law.

The message comes amid rising speculation online that the budget standoff in Washington had created loopholes at U.S. entry points. But authorities insist the shutdown only affects funding to some government operations and has no bearing on immigration enforcement.

Crossing America’s borders without legal clearance, they warned, ‘remains a crime.’

The U.S. government shutdown has sent ripples across global markets, and Nigeria, as an oil-dependent economy and frontier market, stands right in the middle of the storm.

This isn’t really another Washington drama. It’s a market event with real consequences. From Wall Street to Broad Street, from the dollar index to the naira, the tremors are already here.

What Happens At Global Scene?

Dollar weakens: As trading opened, the U.S. dollar index dipped, making way for stronger currencies and boosting gold.

Gold rallies: Investors ran for cover, pushing gold past $3,800/oz, an all-time high.

Oil wavers: Brent crude traded around $66.31/barrel; U.S. crude hovered at $62.63/barrel. The market is torn between fears of weaker demand and supply constraints.

Stocks stumble: Wall Street futures slipped, with traders worried about delayed U.S. economic data releases, including payrolls, that normally guide global interest rate expectations.

History tells us shutdowns rarely cause long-term market collapses. But in the short term, volatility is the rule.

Where Nigeria Stands

For Nigeria, this shutdown is a double-edged sword.

The good edge:

Oil is priced in dollars. When the dollar weakens, Nigeria earns more in local currency terms. This could temporarily lift dollar inflows and strengthen external reserves.

Higher gold prices usually signal a weaker dollar, a trend that makes Nigeria’s crude receipts more valuable.

The bad edge:

Investors fleeing risk could pull capital from emerging markets like Nigeria, weakening the naira and hitting the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).

If the U.S. slowdown drags global demand, oil prices could sink further, eating into Nigeria’s revenue despite the dollar advantage.

Currency pressures are already familiar. In April, the CBN had to sell nearly $200 million to stabilize the naira after global shocks. A prolonged shutdown could trigger similar interventions.

My Take

Nigeria doesn’t escape this spared. The dollar’s weakness looks like a gift, but it’s the kind that comes with strings. Yes, oil earnings may shine brighter in the near term, but capital flight and demand risks lurk in the shadows.

In the end, this shutdown is neither fully good nor completely bad for Nigeria. It is exactly what it looks like, a double-edged sword, and the sharper side depends on how long Washington keeps the lights out.

A couple have been captured by CCTV stealing a gold necklace from a jewellery showroom in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Police are investigating with CCTV footage to identify the accused soon, local media reported on Wednesday.

The video of the couple has gone viral, showing them posing as customers before discreetly stealing a gold necklace from the jewellery showroom.

According to INDIA TODAY, the theft came to light when the shopkeeper noticed a shortage of 6gms of gold during closing stock checks.

This prompted the checking of the CCTV installed in the showroom which footage revealed that, while browsing necklaces, the woman cleverly tucked one under her saree and walked out of the store with her partner.

According to the owner of the jewellery showroom, Gaurav Pandit, who immediately reported to the police, the missing gold necklace is worth nearly Rs 6 lakh.

Though the thieving couple were yet to be apprehended as of press time, a police official is reported to have confirmed that the footage was being examined closely.

He reportedly assured that the couple would soon be identified and brought to justice.

Arsenal secured a commanding 2-0 win over Olympiacos Piraeus in their latest European outing, with Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka finding the net in a game filled with drama, missed chances, and VAR controversy.

The Gunners started brightly and nearly struck early when Viktor Gyökeres hit the post in the 12th minute.

Moments later, Martinelli pounced on a loose ball inside the box to score from close range, handing Mikel Arteta’s men the breakthrough they deserved.

Olympiacos responded with a few dangerous moments, particularly through Daniel Podence and Ayoub El Kaabi, but David Raya produced key saves to keep Arsenal in front.

The visitors thought they had equalised in the 67th minute when Chiquinho found the net, but VAR intervened and ruled the goal out for offside, a decision that infuriated the Greek side.

Arsenal remained in control, with Martin Ødegaard pulling the strings in midfield and forcing a goal-line clearance after his low strike in the 82nd minute.

As Olympiacos pushed for a late leveller, Arsenal punished them on the counter. In stoppage time, Ødegaard slid a clever pass into Saka’s path, and the winger finished clinically into the bottom corner to seal the win.

The match ended with frustrations boiling over for Olympiacos, as late yellow cards compounded their disappointment.

For Arsenal, the result not only secured three points but also underlined their growing efficiency in Europe, balancing attacking flair with defensive resilience.

As Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence Anniversary, a South-West chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent steps toward revamping the nation’s economy and tackling unemployment, especially among graduates.

In a statement to journalists, Ajadi expressed concern over the persistent decline of the economy despite Nigeria’s abundant resources and democratic governance.

He urged the Tinubu-led administration to seize the independence milestone as a moment of reflection and accountability.

‘President Tinubu should use this occasion to look back and tell Nigerians what he has done in the past two years to improve their lives. The condition of the average Nigerian is pitiable, and there is a pressing need to rescue citizens from the terrible state of things,’ he said.

Ajadi, who congratulated Nigerians on the anniversary, lamented that the country has regressed since independence.

According to him, Nigeria’s past economic glory stands in stark contrast to the present hardships faced by its people.

‘In the 1970s, the Naira was stronger than the British Pound and the US Dollar. The economy was booming, agriculture brought in foreign exchange, and jobs were waiting for graduates even before they completed school. Sadly, today’s reality is the opposite,’ Ajadi noted.

He questioned how the nation had descended into such economic decline, stressing that the government must urgently fashion out policies to strengthen the Naira, improve livelihoods, and provide sustainable employment opportunities for the youth.

‘Years back, the Naira was stronger than the CFA and Ghanaian Cedi, but now the reverse is the case. After 65 years of independence, Nigeria remains like a toddler. This is a sad story for our nation,’ he added.