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Associate Professor of Strategic Communication in Bayero University, Kano, (BUK), Dr. Sule Ya’u Sule, has urged journalists to keep working in unity and fraternity for adequate dissemination of information towards ensuring public good and national development.

Sule Ya’u Sule, former Director-General, Media and Public Relations, during the tenure of ex-Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, made the urge at Press Centre, Farm Centre, Kano, on Sunday, during Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Light Social Session tagged: ‘Tea Break.’

Sule Ya’u Sule, who also served as Director of Press, during ex-Kano state Military Administrator, Dominic Oneya, insisted that social gathering of journalists in relaxed atmosphere, provide window for them to unwind and derive professional intimacy that keeps the ink flowing.

The Communication expert who was the chairman and sponsor of the event, urged the leadership of Kano Correspondents’ Chapel to sustain the tempo by constantly organizing such social events where friends and members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm will gather and rob minds.

‘I decided to sponsor the event for us to fraternize and socialize. This event will give us the opportunity to relief pressures, after hectic work.

‘I congratulate the Correspondents’ Chapel leadership for this initiative. It will also keep you more united and focused.

‘I advice the Correspondents’ Chapel leadership to sustain the tempo, and keep inviting friends to participate,’ he said.

In his brief remarks, immediate-past Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Kano state, Halilu Baba Dantiye, commended Dr. Sule Ya’u Sule, for sponsoring the event, describing him as a veteran journalist, who has always championed the welfare and wellbeing of members of his immediate constituency.

Dantiye, former National President of Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), promised to always identify with Kano Correspondents’ Chapel in every good initiative their members and leadership pursue.

He commended the leadership of the Correspondents’ Chapel for introducing vibrant initiatives, and urged journalists to keep working within the ambit of ethics and rules guiding the profession.

In his address, chairman of Kano state Correspondents’ Chapel, NUJ,Comrade Murtala Adewale, said the ‘Tea Break’ was an initiative designed to create light social platform for members to unwind and rob minds, after the day’s hectic job, before departing to meet their families.

Adewale appreciated Dr. Sule Ya’u Sule for singlehandedly sponsoring the event, and promised to maintain the standard as more friends and collaborators of the Correspondents’ Chapel will be willing to participate.

The light social gathering was attended by the Kano state Command Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa; the Public Relations Officer of Kano/Jigawa Customs Command, Tahir Balarabe; Vice chairman NUJ Kano, Mustapha Gambo who represented the chairman; former chairman of Kano Correspondents’ Chapel and now Press Secretary to Kano state Deputy Governor, Ibrahim Shuaibu Garba; and emeritus chairman of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel who is now Director, Public Affairs, Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Lamara Garba, among other dignitaries and media personalities.

The South East Good Governance Advocates (SEGGA) has described a social media report that an Abia High Court has sentenced former governor Okezie Ikpeazu to death for embezzling over N5 trillion as false and malicious.

The embezzled fund was purportedly meant for airport and light rail projects, according to the report

But SEGGA, in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by Mark Onukwuwe and Anozie Madu, its coordinator and secretary urged those behind recent social media reports to focus on promoting good governance in Abia instead of peddling rumours.

The group also faulted the names associated with the alleged judgment.

‘For the sake of clarity, it is pertinent to note that there is no judicial officer by the name Emeka Nwogu serving in the Abia State judiciary.

‘This raises significant doubts about the authenticity of the alleged Court Judgment.

‘Furthermore, Nigerian jurisprudence does not classify corruption offenses as capital crimes warranting the death penalty.

‘This purported claim appears to be an egregious fabrication, likely propagated in social media seeking to besmirch the reputation of the esteemed Abia State Judiciary,’ it said.

The group said the report was not only entirely fabricated but also a blatant attempt to distract the public from what it described as failures of the current administration.

‘The people of Abia deserve transparency and accountability, not diversionary tactics,’ they said.

According to Onukwuwe, a simple arithmetic calculation reveals the absurdity of the claims against Ikpeazu.

‘If Abia State were to attract N4 billion monthly, that would amount to N48 billion annually, and N480 billion over 10 years.

‘Where is the evidence to support the claim of N5 trillion embezzlement?

‘This fictitious report is a clear example of reckless journalism and malicious prosecution,’ the group noted.

It urged the public to disregard the false report but demand accountability from their elected officials.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep concern over the state of Nigeria as the country marks its 65th Independence Anniversary.

In a statement shared on social media, Atiku described the current situation as ‘tragic,’ highlighting widespread hunger, insecurity, and the plight of millions of Nigerians displaced within their own country.

‘Atiku noted that in a nation blessed with immense human and material resources, millions have been reduced to refugees and beggars in their fatherland,’ the statement read.

He criticised the current administration, saying it has ‘abandoned its people,’ leaving citizens vulnerable to starvation and violence from bandits and armed groups.

The former presidential candidate emphasised the power of democracy, reminding Nigerians that the ballot box remains a tool for change.

‘Oppressed and battered as our people may feel today, they will have the chance to sweep away this inept government at the next polls. That is the power no cabal can take away from the people,’ he said.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s 65-year journey, Atiku described the country as a ‘giant moving painfully slow on feet of clay,’ attributing the nation’s slow progress to decades of poor leadership and mismanagement.

He nevertheless expressed optimism that with responsible governance, Nigeria could recover and reclaim its position among the leading nations of the world.

Concluding his message, Atiku extended Independence Day greetings to all Nigerians, wishing them a day of reflection and celebration despite the challenges.

Nollywood actress Liz DaSilva has shared an emotional testimony after narrowly escaping a tragedy during a routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

The actress took to Instagram on Tuesday to reveal how she almost entered the MRI machine with hidden metal pins in her wig, a mistake that could have caused a serious accident.

‘I had an appointment this morning for 10:40 a.m.,’ she recounted in a tearful video. ‘I took off my earrings, bra, waist beads, and even asked for help to remove my chain. I was almost ready to go in when I remembered that my wig had pins inside.’

DaSilva explained that the attendant confirmed she was about to ask about the pins when she mentioned it. Overcome with emotion, she broke down in tears, thanking God for what she described as divine protection.

‘Truly, God saved me. I can say it boldly anywhere. I am not ashamed, I am not afraid. If God had not protected me, who knows what would have happened? Maybe I wouldn’t even be here,’ she said in Yoruba.

An MRI machine uses powerful magnets to create detailed images of the body, and any metallic object can be extremely dangerous inside the scanner.

Author JK Rowling has lambasted actor Emma Watson in an angry response to the latter’s comments about their relationship, saying she is ‘ignorant of how ignorant she is.’

Rowling, author of the ‘Harry Potter’ made the remarks in her 700-word response to Watson on X after the actor reflected on their relationship while appearing on On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast.

J.K. Rowling and Emma Watson have been at loggerheads for years due to their differing views on transgender rights.

Watson had said, ‘I really don’t believe that having had that experience and holding the love and support and views that I have, mean that I can’t and don’t treasure Jo (JK Rowling) and the person that I had personal experiences with.’

She maintained that people who don’t agree with her opinion will love her, adding ‘I hope I can keep loving people who I don’t necessarily share the same opinion with’.

Rowling, in her long X post stated that Emma Watson and her co-stars had every right to embrace gender identity ideology.

Such beliefs, she emphasised, are legally protected, adding that she would not want to see any of them threatened with loss of work, or violence, or death, because of their beliefs.

She also claimed that instead of reaching out to her, Watson ‘asked someone to pass on a handwritten note,’ which read, ‘I’m so sorry for what you’re going through.’

She declared: ‘Emma had just publicly poured more petrol on the flames yet thought a one-line expression of concern from her would reassure me of her fundamental sympathy and kindness.’

Rowling also said, ‘Emma was ‘never likely to need’ to use the types of single-sex spaces she has campaigned against trans people having access to, such as changing rooms and public toilets.’

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday said the All Progressives Congress (APC) saved Nigeria country from collapse during the 10 years it has been in power so far in the country.

Tinubu said this in Owerri at the presentation of a book entitled: ‘One Decade of Progressive, Impactful Leadership in Nigeria.’

The forum held at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre.

Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo authored the book.

The president upon arrival in the state had inaugurated the 120 km Owerri – Umuahia Road, the Assumpta twin flyover as well as the 10,000 capacity Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Conference Centre.

In a speech, Tinubu said the book launch was significant as it reflected the collective efforts and sacrifices of progressive minds over the past 10 years, starting with late President Muhammadu Buhari.

He commended Uzodimma for his thoughtfulness, vision and achievements in infrastructure and for taking up the challenge of writing the book.

‘By recording the milestones and struggles of the 10 years we have gone through, he has given Nigeria a gift.

‘No nation can afford to forget its own journey and for which no leader should escape the beauty of confidence,’ he stated.

The president expressed confidence that Nigeria was no longer where it was 10 years ago under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said following the stabilisation of the nation’s economy, it grew by 4.23 per cent in the second quarter of the year.

Tinubu said: ‘That growth is with purpose, not just on paper. It is real growth.

‘Inflation has fallen to 20.12 per cent in August, the lowest in more than three years.

‘You may not feel it yet. Be patient. I thank you for your endurance, patience and perseverance.

‘Nigeria is changing for the better and you will feel the better days.’

He added that the nation’s external reserve currently stood at 42.03 billion US Dollars, the highest since 2019.

Tinubu noted that it was proof that the country was regaining its strength and credibility in the global economy.

‘Our trade surplus rose by more than 44 per cent in the last quarter while manufacture export surged by 173 per cent.

‘These numbers speak of a Nigeria that is producing, exporting, and competing more than ever before,’ he said.

He said the Naira had steadied under the exchange reform with new investment flows restoring confidence in the economy.

The president urged critics to have confidence in the progressive government, assuring them that the economy would eventually work for all Nigerians.

He debunked reports that religious persecution was thriving in the country, insisting rather of religious harmony among Nigerians.

‘The last decade was a time of change, the coming decade will be an era of renewal and stability that will ensure victory for the country,’ he said.

Tinubu lauded Uzodimma for his commitment and scholarship as well as the people of the state for the warm hospitality accorded him in the state.

In his remarks, Uzodimma said the book offered an ‘honest writing’ on APC’s journey in government from 2015 to 2025, detailing its milestones, challenges and lessons.

He further described the work as ‘a reference point for where the party has been and a guide for where we must go.’

The governor said he was inspired by curiosity and a duty to document APC’s performance after 10 years in office.

‘The party inherited a fragile economy, deep security challenges, and a weary citizenry,’ he noted.

He acknowledged that Tinubu’s ‘pragmatic ideas and decisive leadership inspired many of the chapters.’

Uzodimma recounted the president’s role as the ‘arrow head’ in the 2013 formation of the APC, which ‘ousted an incumbent government in 2015.’

He praised Tinubu’s ‘courage and clarity’ for shaping the progressive family and carrying the country through transitions.

‘His ideas and his persistence shaped the progressive family,’ the governor stated.

Uzodimma expressed surprise at the ‘depth and seriousness’ of the party’s efforts, which he said ‘doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves.’

The governor stressed the party was built on values ‘equity, inclusion, service and discipline.’

He said that events since the book’s May 2025 finalisation showed ‘tangible progress,’ including inflation dropping and the Naira regaining stability.

The governor cited a trade surplus for six consecutive quarters, which stood at over five trillion naira in the first quarter of the year.

For Imo, Uzodimma reported an ‘infrastructure renaissance’ and investments in people, proudly stating that Imo workers are ‘happier today than they were some years ago.’

Uzodimma called on all Nigerians to ‘rally behind this progressive extraordinaire, President Bola Tinubu, in 2027.’

Earlier, the National Chairman of APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said the party had proved that Nigeria needed more than previous political party had offered.

Yilwatda praised Uzodimma’s leadership and intellectual commitment, stating that he had through the book shown himself as a ‘stabiliser, chronicler and conscience of the progressive journey.’

The chairman also praised Tinubu for ushering a leadership that opened a new era for bold decisions that had transformed the nation’s economy.

In separate remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Obi of Onitsha congratulated Uzodimma over the book, describing the effort as a great service to the nation.

Davido’s longtime manager, Asa Asika, has stirred conversations online after sharing lighthearted advice about marriage and football.

In a social media post, Asa revealed how his wife made his night easier by helping him find a link to watch his favourite Champions League match.

He described the gesture as a small but meaningful win, noting that marriage goes beyond romance and thrives on everyday acts of support.

According to him, choosing a partner who understands and complements one’s lifestyle makes a big difference.

‘Marry a woman who doesn’t drag with your love for football,’ he advised.

‘That’s why we all have to marry our best friends,’ one user wrote.

Another added, ‘Having a good wife is a big W.’

In contrast, a fan joked, ‘This is nice, but I’m not getting married anytime soon.’

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has explained how reckless motorists killed five of its operatives while on official duties at various parts of the country.

It also revealed that the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed has directed the immediate prosecution of the motorists involved in the incidents.

FRSC revealed this in a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer, (CPEO), Olusegun Ogungbemide on behalf of the Corps Marshall on Tuesday.

Mohammed said that the directive was to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice and to serve as a deterrent to others who undermined road safety and endanger the lives of law enforcement officers.

He said that the incidents occurred across its formations.

This, he said include Ekiti Sector Command on Sept. 6, Ogun Sector Command on Sept. 8, Taraba Sector Command on Sept. 15, Jos By-Pass Unit Command on Sept. 19, and Obollo Afor Unit Command on Sept. 24.

‘Their deaths are not mere statistics. They represent human lives which are dedicated fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and breadwinners, cut short in the line of duty while safeguarding Nigerian roads, ‘he said.

Mohammed expressed deep concern over the increasing risks faced by FRSC operatives, noting that in addition to speeding vehicles, personnel were also being subjected to kidnapping, violent attacks, and targeted assaults.

He warned that the Corps would no longer tolerate acts of recklessness that endangered its staff, stressing that offenders would face the full weight of the law.

Mohammed also charged personnel nationwide to exercise a higher level of alertness and prioritise their safety while on duty, pointing out that they needed to be safe and alive to save others.

‘In line with this, the Corps is intensifying engagements with relevant authorities on the protection of its personnel and installations.

‘This measure is not intended for aggression but as a safeguard to deter assaults and ensure that officers can perform their duties without fear of attack, he said.

On behalf of the management and staff, the Corps Marshal commiserated with the families of the deceased officers and saluted their courage and sacrifice.

He further urged Nigerians to honour the memory of the fallen operatives by obeying traffic laws, respecting FRSC personnel on duty, and supporting the Corps’ mandate to end avoidable deaths on highways.

‘Disregard for traffic laws and the safety of FRSC personnel will attract serious sanctions and legal consequences going forward,’ he warned

Nigerian singer and songwriter Seyi Shay, has spoken on the importance of children having a father figure while growing.

While speaking with the Honest Bunch podcast, Seyi Shay explained that having a father figures is important for stability and guidance.

She added that the narrative being spread about men’s importance is an agenda created to divide families.

‘Most women that have a father figure are generally more stable growing up. They have a lot more access to a lot more things like good education, good moral values and there’s a bar when they want to get married or when they choose male friends and stuff like that. All this agenda pushing of men are not important. You can do this. I think it’s bullshit because that’s just an agenda placed for there to be more disparity and more division in a home so that we can churn out more broken souls or more lost females and males,’ she stated.

Seyi Shay who is a mother of one also spoke on motherhood and the importance of timing before having kids.

‘Look at me. I’m just so very lucky that I didn’t have a child when I was like 20 or 23. My daughter would probably grow up to be a mess. Like, having her at this age means that I’m her cheat code. It means that I’m able to, like, put her on to certain things and she can avoid certain routes that I took. Because I’ve done them. I’ve been through them. I can tell her all about guys, all about certain friends and how and why and be real and honest with her, and hopefully she will be 10 million times better than me without having to also go through the tribulations and trials that I’ve been through,’ she added.