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1. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Olumo Rock served as a natural fortress for the Egba people during the inter-tribal wars of the 19th century. It provided them with safety and a strategic view of approaching enemies.

2. MEANING OF THE NAME: The name ‘Olumo’ comes from two Yoruba words, ‘Olu’ (God or deity) and ‘Mo’ (molded), meaning ‘God has molded’ or ‘the rock that God molded.’

3. LOCATION: It is located in the Ikija area of Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, Nigeria. The city itself, Abeokuta, means ‘under the rock,’ which reflects its close relationship with Olumo Rock.

4. HEIGHT AND STRUCTURE: Olumo Rock stands about 137 meters (450 feet) above sea level. It has natural tunnels, caves, and platforms, which make climbing both adventurous and educational.

5. REFUGE DURING WARS: During the Egba wars (around the 1800s), the rock sheltered the Egba people for over two decades. They lived, cooked, and even raised families within the rock’s natural protection.

6. THE ANCIENT PRIESTESS: A remarkable woman named Iya Orisa Olumo (believed to be over 130 years old before her passing) was the chief custodian of the rock, serving as a spiritual guardian for decades.

7. CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL SYMBOLISM: Olumo Rock is considered sacred. It is believed to be the abode of protective spirits, and annual sacrifices are made to honor the deities that dwell there.

8. TOURIST ATTRACTION AND MONUMENT: It is one of Nigeria’s most visited tourist destinations, attracting both local and international visitors. The Ogun State government has developed it with walkways, elevators, and viewing platforms.

9. BREATHTAKING VIEW: From the summit, visitors can see a panoramic view of Abeokuta, including landmarks like the First Church in Nigeria, the Ake Palace, and the Ogun River.

10. HISTORICAL ARTIFACTS AND INSCRIPTIONS: Within its caves and walls are ancient carvings, symbols, and relics that tell stories of the Egba people and their ancestors’ survival and ingenuity.

11. EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL CENTER: Olumo Rock serves as a learning site for students, historians, and researchers interested in Yoruba culture, ancient architecture, and Nigeria’s precolonial history.

12. ANNUAL FESTIVALS: Every year, the Lisabi Festival is celebrated in Abeokuta, and Olumo Rock plays a central role in the festivities, celebrating Egba heritage, unity, and resilience.

The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, referred President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to establish a ?1.15 trillion domestic borrowing programme to the relevant committee for further legislative action.

The request, contained in a letter titled: ‘Request for the Approval of the National Assembly for a Borrowing Programme to Fund the 2025 Budget Deficit’ and dated October 31, 2025, was addressed to Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.

Presiding over the plenary, the Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, explained that the President’s request followed an upward review of the 2025 Appropriation Act by the National Assembly, which created an unfunded deficit gap.

According to the President’s letter, the National Assembly approved a total budget of ?59.99 trillion-an increase of ?5.25 trillion over the ?49.74 trillion earlier proposed by the Executive.

The adjustment, he noted, resulted in a total deficit of ?14.10 trillion.

However, the borrowing amount initially approved in the budget stood at ?12.95 trillion, leaving an unfunded deficit of ?1,147,462,863,321.39 (approximately ?1.15 trillion).

Tinubu stressed that the request was in line with Section 44 (1-2) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), 2007, which requires National Assembly approval for all new borrowings by the Federal Government.

In keeping with its oversight responsibility to promote fiscal discipline and transparency, the House referred the request to the Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management for detailed scrutiny. The committee is expected to examine the proposal and report back to the House for further consideration.

The referral reflects the House’s commitment to upholding fiscal responsibility, debt sustainability, and accountability in the implementation of the 2025 Budget.

During two closed-door sessions held on Wednesday, lawmakers demanded the full implementation of the capital component of the 2024 Appropriation Act.

They expressed displeasure over the protest by indigenous contractors who blocked the main entrance of the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Tuesday and Wednesday, calling for the immediate release of funds for completed projects.

The lawmakers also urged the Executive to ensure the prompt commencement of capital implementation for the 2025 Appropriation Act once approved, to prevent project delays and stalled development initiatives.

Following the deliberations, the House adjourned plenary until next Tuesday.

National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), Dickson Akoh on Wednesday urged United State President, Donald Trump to shun unilateral action that carries enormous risk over his threat to deploy military force to Nigeria.

Trump recently designated Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ and threatened the use of military might over perceived genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

Reacting to the development, Akoh while speaking to journalists at the PCN headquarters in Abuja acknowledged the gravity of insecurity affecting citizens of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds, including foreign nationals.

Akoh said the PCN appeal to Trump, in the interest of global peace and security, is to rather than resorting to the threats of deploying military force, choose diplomacy and a peaceful approach as the best option in the interest of the vulnerable and peaceful Nigerians and foreigners alike.

He said: ‘The Peace Corps of Nigeria is greatly concern by the recent remarks by the American President, Mr Donald Trump, wherein he recently designated Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ and threatened the use of military might over the perceived genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

‘Military intervention, especially unilateral action, carries an inherent and enormous risk. It complicates an already complex environment, threatens to escalate violence, and risks destabilizing the very communities it seeks to protect, potentially creating a humanitarian crisis far worse than the original problem. We must avoid this tragic playbook.

‘Nigeria requires collaborative, strategic support, not confrontation. This is where the non-kinetic approach is vital. We stand ready to partner with international bodies and the US government through peaceful and developmental means. The deployment of resources for job creation, education, and peace-building programs represents a far more sustainable and effective path to peace than the deployment of troops. We urge the United States to respect our territorial integrity and engage through established diplomatic channels.

‘By virtue of its Special Consultative Status granted in 2013, the Peace Corps of Nigeria is part of the UN system and shares its core ideal: a commitment to global peace and security. Since any regional threat risks global stability, we call on the United Nations to urgently leverage consultative dialogue, integrated negotiation, and high-level diplomacy to mediate the rising tensions between its member states, America and Nigeria.

‘Nigeria is a proud and sovereign nation committed to fundamental freedoms. For the sake of all innocent lives, the peace of diplomacy must always be chosen over the trauma of military deployment. Therefore, the UN must act decisively to intervene before this current tension spirals into any form of confrontation. By urgently bringing both nations together under its neutral auspices, the United Nations can secure a path of mutual respect and sustainable, non-kinetic solutions that truly benefit the vulnerable people of Nigeria’.

Akoh commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing new Service Chiefs and urged them to tackle insecurity headlong.

Global automation giant, FEDLOCKS Automation, has strengthened its presence in Nigeria with the announcement of its second official training programme for the year, scheduled to hold from November 3 to 5, 2025, in Lagos.

Founded in the United States and now operating across North America, Asia, Europe, and Africa, the company continues to deepen its commitment to Nigeria through innovation, skill development and technological empowerment.

The upcoming programme follows the success of the firm’s first training earlier in the year, which recorded strong participation from engineers, technicians and industry partners nationwide.

With Lagos serving as a major technology and enterprise hub in West Africa, demand for FEDLOCKS’ technical training has grown significantly, positioning the city as a key centre for the company’s capacity-building efforts in Nigeria.

Managing Director, Mr. John Aondoakaa Akerenyi, said plans are underway to expand the training to more cities across the country.

‘Our brand is not just about automation; we are about people, progress and partnerships,’ Akerenyi said. ‘We are committed to supporting Nigeria’s growing interest in smart home and security technology through quality products and impactful training programmes.’

He added that a third phase of the training is already being planned for next year, with target expansion to Abuja, Warri, Port Harcourt and Imo, as part of the company’s drive to build a skilled workforce in automation and security systems nationwide.

The firm also reiterated its openness to partnerships and distributorships with individuals, businesses and organisations committed to advancing smart automation solutions in Africa.

Through sustained investment in local talent and industry development, the company continues to position itself as a major player in Nigeria’s rapidly growing automation and smart technology sector.

Grammy-winning Afrobeats artist Burna Boy has shed light on the story behind his collaboration with rock legend Mick Jagger.

In a recent appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Burna Boy credited British supermodel Naomi Campbell for making the unlikely partnership possible.

According to Burna Boy, Campbell played a pivotal role in initiating the collaboration.

‘It’s actually crazy because it was initiated by Naomi Campbell, she made it happen. Before I knew it, I was talking to Mick Jagger, and it felt like we’d known each other forever.’

The seamless chemistry between the two artists is evident in their song ‘Empty Chairs,’ which blends Afrobeats rhythms with classic rock influences.

The song is featured on Burna Boy’s latest album, ‘No Sign of Weakness’, released on July 11, 2025.

The Federal Government has signed an agreement with Training Service Providers(TSPs) to train over 30, 000 youths on market-relevant skills under the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative.

The government explained that the youths will undergo a six month hands-on training and receive starter – packs at the end of the training.

National Project Coordinator, IDEAS Project, Blessing Ogwu disclosed this during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with 217 Training Service Providers(TSPs) under the IDEAS – TVET initiative two.

According to her, the Federal Government is focusing on skills acquisition, especially TVET education in order to improve the economy, gross domestic product (GDP) and reduce unemployment.

The government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, obtained a credit to finance a World Bank-supported IDEAS project aimed at improving the country’s TVET system.

According to the government, the objective of the IDEAS project is to improve skills acquisition in Nigeria using a comprehensive approach and addressing key aspects of the skills development delivery system.

It leverages industry involvement for better labour market fit and crowding in of private resources in the formal training system.

The national project coordinator said: ‘The objective of the project is to reduce unemployment. We have so many Nigerian youths that are roaming the streets and the government is worried about the state of Nigerian youths being unemployed. That is why the federal government is focusing on skills acquisition, especially TVET education in order to improve our economy, our gross domestic product (GDP) and to reduce unemployment.

‘This present TSPs will train over 25, 000 youths in six months. They will undergo hands – on training. At the end of the training, our youths will have something to do. The ones that will not get government jobs will be able to work on their own because the government will equally give them a starter pack that they can start with.

‘The trainees will also be exposed to soft loans which the government is also working on for those who will need it to start on their own.

‘The government will also give them stipends to enable the trainees to go to the training centres. The government is giving them N22,500 monthly to enable the trainees to move to the centres.’

World Bank Co – Task Team Leader of IDEAS Project, Dr Mistura Rufai, said the TVET 2 sub-component aims to address gaps in the skills ecosystem and youth unemployment by providing market-relevant skills and facilitating job placement, especially for disadvantaged youth with some secondary education but without regular employment.

According to her, the bank has earmarked $70 million for the TVET 2 sub-component.

Rufai said: ‘The creation of the TVET 2 sub-component under IDEAS responded to the Federal Government’s request to increase the focus on results-based contracting (RBC) for skills training targeted at literate and numerate youth seeking employment.

The sub-component aims to address gaps in the skills ecosystem and youth unemployment by providing market-relevant skills and facilitating job placement, especially for disadvantaged youth with some secondary education but without regular employment. The objective is to provide approximately 75,000 Nigerian youth with market-relevant skills that enhance their employability, including self-employment opportunities.

‘The budget for this sub-component is about $70 million, and this is the second batch of training service providers engaged. The project currently has a total of about 325 training service providers and about 40,000 trainees under the sub-component.

The Agege Legislative Arm in Lagos State has announced the receipt of a resignation letter from the incumbent Executive Chairman of the Council, Alhaji Tunde Azeez, saying the correspondence would be communicated to the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

It was earlier reported on Wednesday that Hon. Azeez resigned on failing health grounds after transferring power to his Vice Chairman, Hon.AbdulGaniyu Vinod Obasa about two months ago to embark on medical leave.

Speaking to newsmen at a press briefing attended by all the seven councillors, the leader of the legislative arm, Hon. Haruna Adeshina, acknowledged the receipt of Azeez’s letter on behalf of his fellow councillors.

Adeshina declared that the councillors unanimously commended the Council Chairman’s decision to turn in his resignation letter to enable him, attend to his health.

‘We commend Hon. Tunde Azeez profoundly for this decision to relinquish his chairmanship position and not hold on to power at the detriment of the development of our community,’ the leader said.

He added that the final decision on the matter lied with the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

‘While AbdulGaniyu Vinod Obasa still remains as the Acting Chairman of the Council, we are in the process of sending Hon Azeez’s resignation letter to our supervising ministry, the Ministery of Local Government for onward transmission to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his consideration, in line with the provision of the constitution’ the Council leader stated.

In attendance at the media briefing were immediate-past Council Chairmen of Agege Local Government and Orile Agege Local Council Development Area, Chief Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi and Pastor JS Babatunde.

Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general elections, Omoyele Sowore, on Wednesday escaped a warrant for his arrest being issued by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, following his failure to appear for arraignment.

Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) for alleged defamation alongside ‘X’ Meta Corp (Facebook). He allegedly called President Bola Tinubu ‘criminal’ on the social media platforms.

During proceedings on Wednesday, Counsel to the Department of the State Service (DSS) Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, urged Justice Mohammed Umar to issue a bench warrant against Sowore for being absent in court without justification, having been served the charges and hearing notice from the last adjourned date.

The senior lawyer said that staying away from court despite being served with the charges is an affront to the sanctity of the court and must be treated with the punishment deserving of such behavior.

Kehinde said Sowore’s action was disturbing and unacceptable because no lawyer appeared for him as required by law.

He urged the Judge to invoke its inherent power to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of the defendant by security agents whereever he may be.

Earlier in the proceeding, the DSS lawyer drew the attention of the court to a letter by a lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, calling for an adjournment of the case, hence his request for a bench warrant, noting that Sowore is only taking the court for granted.

META (Facebook) INC, through their lawyer, Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, aligned himself with the prosecution’s request for a bench warrant against Sowore, stating that he (Sowore) had accused them of taking sides with the prosecution.

Oyetibo noted that the letter for adjournment is a from of distraction as Sowore knows what he is doing.

Justice Umar however noted that the submission of the 2nd defendant, X Corporation that they have not been served the charge sheet even though they received hearing notice, was a ground to excuse Sowore’s absence.

The trial Judge then directed that all parties be duly served and thereafter adjourned the case to December 2, 2025 for arraignment to take place.

Meanwhile, counsel to ‘X’ Corp, Christabel Ndiokwelo told the court that the complainant had yet to serve the formal charges on their client, noting that only a hearing notice was served.

After taking arguments, Justice Umar fixed December 2 for arraignment of all the defendants and also directed that hearing notices be served on them.

Afrobeats singer Tiwa Savage has clarified recent comments about being open to being a second wife, stating that her remarks were borne out of frustration and emotional pain from past experiences.

In an episode of the American podcast ‘Air Service’, the 45-year-old artist disclosed that her pool of eligible suitors primarily consists of men in their 50s or those already married, prompting her to consider being a second wife.

‘If I meet somebody who can really marry me, they are either in their 50s or already married.

‘So, I don’t know. Maybe I can be a second wife. I think so. I could be a second wife,’ she said.

According to Savage’s recent video, her words were misinterpreted and she has no genuine interest in polygamy.

Savage explained that her past experiences with love have left her with emotional scars, and being the only wife to her ex-husband didn’t amount to sustainability.

She said : ‘I was a first wife, where did that get me? I got married as the only wife but here we are. I’m tired of being heartbroken; maybe I’m getting it wrong. Maybe I should try being a second wife.’

The mother of one emphasised that being a second wife is not her choice and she doesn’t want to be in such a situation.

‘It’s not my choice, though. I don’t want to. I wish I could tell my truth, but I will be dragged,’ she said.

A mother Mrs.Salami Blessing and daughter, Miss Precious Salami, have been abducted in Ondo State.

The family said they were kidnapped from their home at No. 7 Idoani, Akoko, Ondo State, on September 18th, 2025.

Mrs. Salami Blessing, 65, is dark-skinned and about 5 feet 3 inches tall while the 22-year-old daughter is also dark-skinned and stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall.

Both women are fluent in English and Yoruba.

The family called on security forces to help secure their release.

‘Anyone with credible information regarding their whereabouts is urged to contact the nearest police station immediately or reach out through any available security channels.

‘We plead for their safe return and call on the public to support efforts to locate them,’ the family appealed.

A mother Mrs.Salami Blessing and daughter, Miss Precious Salami, have been abducted in Ondo State.

The family said they were kidnapped from their home at No. 7 Idoani, Akoko, Ondo State, on September 18th, 2025.

Mrs. Salami Blessing, 65, is dark-skinned and about 5 feet 3 inches tall while the 22-year-old daughter is also dark-skinned and stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall.

Both women are fluent in English and Yoruba.

The family called on security forces to help secure their release.

‘Anyone with credible information regarding their whereabouts is urged to contact the nearest police station immediately or reach out through any available security channels.

‘We plead for their safe return and call on the public to support efforts to locate them,’ the family appealed.