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Big Brother Naija Season 10 winner, Imisi, has revealed her admiration for Nollywood star Funke Akindele, describing the filmmaker as her ‘number one mentor.’

Speaking to journalists during her prize presentation in Lagos, the reality star expressed her desire to work with Akindele in the near future.

‘Yes, Funke Akindele is my number one mentor. I hope to work with her someday,’ Imisi said.

The reality TV winner, who recently clinched the N150 million grand prize, noted that Akindele’s creativity, resilience, and consistent success in the Nigerian movie industry have been a source of inspiration to her.

The medical panel set up by the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to assess the health status of the detained leader of the proscribed separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu is yet to conclude its assignment.

Justice James Omotosho had, in a ruling on September 26, ordered the NMA President to among others, empanel a team of medical experts to examine Kanu and ascertain whether or not he is still fit to undergo his ongoing terrorism trial.

At the mention of the case on Wednesday, the lawyer for the prosecution, Suraj Sa’ada (SAN), told the court that he was informed that the medical panel was yet to conclude its assignment.

Sa’ada said the panel plans to do a thorough job and should be given adequate time.

He suggested that the panel be given another one week to enable it conclude its task.

Defence lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) did not object to the one week adjournment sought by the lawyer to the prosecution, following which Justice Omotosho adjourned till October 16.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has criticized what it described as the anti-masses stance of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and denounced the alleged forced unionization of workers at the Dangote Refinery.

The student body also declared its unwavering support for the Dangote Refinery, warning against actions capable of sabotaging Nigeria’s economic growth and discouraging indigenous investment in the oil and gas sector.

During a peaceful protest at Oworo Berger, Lagos, students and youths carried placards bearing messages such as ‘Dangote Refinery-Pride of Africa,’ ‘Stop the Sabotage,’ and ‘Support Indigenous Industries, Not Monopoly.’ The demonstration, held under the supervision of officers of the Nigerian Police, called on stakeholders to protect local enterprises driving national development.

NANS President, Comrade Olusola Oladoja-represented by the association’s National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Adeyemi Ajasa-said the demonstration served as a national warning to both the government and industry stakeholders that Nigerian students and youths would not tolerate economic sabotage.

Oladoja cautioned international saboteurs and their local collaborators against frustrating operations at Dangote Refinery and other emerging private refineries, drawing parallels with the collapse of Nigeria’s once-thriving textile industry due to policy neglect and unfair competition.

He alleged that importers of petroleum products, international oil companies (IOCs), and certain trade unions were conspiring to undermine private refineries through undue pressure and regulatory manipulation.

Reacting to reports of PENGASSAN’s attempts to compel Dangote Refinery workers to join its union, Oladoja described the move as unconstitutional and a violation of Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association.

‘Private refinery workers have every right to decide whether or not to join any union,’ he said. ‘Just as lecturers in private universities are not forced to join ASUU, and teachers in private schools are not under COEASU, refinery workers must not be coerced into union membership.’

Oladoja outlined four key demands from the federal government: ‘Prioritize crude oil supply to all Nigerian refineries, including private ones; end crude under-valuation and the practice of selling cheaper crude to foreign refineries; incentivize local refineries to strengthen domestic production and reduce dependence on petroleum importation in favor of supporting indigenous refining capacity.’

He reaffirmed that Nigerian students stand firmly for industrial growth, job creation, and economic independence, declaring that NANS would resist any attempt to sabotage private investments in the oil and gas sector.

Nigeria’s 2025 wet season farming was marred by a combination of pest infestations, erratic rainfall, and surging input costs that dampened production gains despite farmers’ resilience, according to the 2025 Agricultural Performance Survey (APS) released on Tuesday in Abuja.

The report, jointly conducted by the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), offers an in-depth evaluation of the country’s agricultural performance, highlighting both achievements and persistent challenges.

Presenting the findings, the Executive Director of NAERLS, Prof. Yusuf Sani Ahmad, revealed that over 19,358 hectares of farmland were affected by pests and diseases during the season, resulting in an estimated 22.5 percent yield loss in the impacted regions.

He listed fall armyworm, rice blast, bacterial blight, streak virus, cassava mosaic, yam nematodes, cocoa black pod, and cotton smut as the most prevalent threats, adding that nearly all agro-ecological zones in the country were affected.

‘Maize, rice, millet, cowpea, cassava, and tree crops were the most affected,’ Prof. Ahmad said, warning that the widespread nature of the infestations underscores the urgent need for stronger pest surveillance and early response systems.

The APS also highlighted the burden of rising production costs on farmers.

Despite improved fertiliser availability through government efforts, input prices surged. NPK fertilizer rose by 19.5 percent, from ?43,500 to ?52,000 per 50kg bag, while urea increased by 10.1 percent to ?43,500.

‘These increases, mostly recorded in the North-West, North-Central, and North-East, have placed smallholder farmers under severe cost pressure. Affordability, not availability, has become the core problem,’ he added.

Fuel prices, transportation costs, and general inflation compounded the challenge, pushing maize and soybean production costs up by 29.2 percent and 36.8 percent, respectively.

The report also revealed disparities in farm mechanization across the country.

While the North-West and North-Central zones recorded the highest number of functional tractors 808 and 793 units respectively several machines in the South-West and South-South were non-functional, limiting efficiency and widening regional gaps.

‘Mechanisation access remains uneven and heavily skewed toward certain regions,’ Prof. Ahmad noted, warning that postharvest losses, especially in the South-West and North-Central, continue to erode farmers’ incomes despite gains in crop output.

In addition, irregular rainfall, localised flooding, and climate shocks further disrupted farming activities. The APS reported a 35 percent decline in cultured fish production in the North-Central and North-East, where insecurity and environmental degradation also took a toll.

The South-South maintained relative stability due to its strong fisheries base, while the South-West recorded inconsistencies linked to volatile aquaculture conditions and weak data systems.

Reacting to the findings, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, said the report presents both positive outcomes and warning signs for the sector.

‘The 2025 APS findings show encouraging growth in major staples and a welcome decline in food prices, but the persistent challenges from high input costs to pest outbreaks and postharvest losses demand renewed action,’ Kyari said.

He added that the government plans to institutionalize a Dry Season Agricultural Performance Survey to complement the wet season report, ensuring that agricultural planning becomes a year-round, data-driven process.

Kyari also outlined plans to boost local fertilizer production, promote climate-smart agriculture, modernize mechanization services, and recruit more extension agents to support farmers.

‘We are determined to ensure that Nigerian agriculture becomes more productive, inclusive, and resilient,’ the Minister stated.

Although rice and maize production recorded modest increases of 2.66 percent and 2.0 percent, respectively.

The APS further stated that Nigeria’s agriculture remains highly exposed to climate stress, price volatility, and infrastructure gaps yet capable of adapting through consistent data, coordinated policies, and sustained investment.

BBNaija Season 10 first runner-up Dede has cleared the air on her stance in the house, saying her refusal to hug was a matter of personal preference and not hostility.

The reality star, in a post show interview with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu explained how her decision defined many of her relationships in the house, especially with the male housemates.

Bright Morgan had earlier described it as ‘weird,’ but Dede disagreed.

‘I think what was actually weird was how they took it. I found it really weird. I’m like, okay, so what if I don’t want to hug, what if I don’t like hugs or what if I have to build a particular thing with you for me to want to hug you? That is really weird. The world will keep spinning even if I’m here or not so how is it a big deal? Even till today I still don’t get why I don’t like hugs,’ she said.

On the claim by Mide that she ‘asked for the friendship,’ Dede disagreed, saying she never demanded it.

‘First thing first, we really do appreciate the fact that we had something in the house. It made my life easier for the most part of it but we never had that conversation. I never said ‘we have to be friends,” she clarified.

She recalled only joking early in the show that their closeness might eventually lead to fights, but stressed it was not a demand.

What truly hurt, she added, was that Mide failed to show up when she was expected to.

‘At that particular time I just needed her to really show up like she said she would. So when she didn’t, I was like, you know what, I’ll just let it go,’ Dede said.

The World Bank Group has said that Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms have led to a significant rise in government revenues at all tiers, resulting in increased spending by both the federal and subnational governments.

This is contained in the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) titled ‘From Policy to People: Bringing the Reform Gains Home,’ released in Abuja on Wednesday by the World Bank.

World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Mathew Verghis, said the reforms are beginning to deliver measurable fiscal outcomes, including improved revenue generation, higher public investment, and signs of macroeconomic stability.

The report stated that subnational governments, in particular, have witnessed an increase in capital expenditure, which now accounts for nearly 60 to 65 percent of their total spending. According to the report, capital spending by state governments rose from about one percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022 to a projected 2.7 percent of GDP by 2025.

Mathew Verghis, however, noted that at the federal level, recurrent expenditure still dominates, with wages and salaries consuming about 70 percent of total spending – leaving limited room for capital investment.

‘Reforms by the federal government have yielded more revenues for all levels of government, leading to higher spending. Subnational governments, in particular, are directing more of their resources toward capital projects, which is a positive development,’ Verghis said.

He explained that Nigeria’s economy has started showing encouraging signs of stabilization, noting that revenue collection is on the rise, debt indicators are improving, the foreign exchange market is stabilizing, reserves are increasing, and inflation is beginning to ease.

‘So these results are exactly what you need to see in a stabilization. These are big achievements,’ he said. ‘However, despite these stabilization gains, many Nigerians are still struggling. Most households are dealing with eroded purchasing power.’

According to the World Bank chief, poverty levels remain deeply concerning, with an estimated 139 million Nigerians projected to live in poverty by 2025.

‘In 2025, we estimate that 139 million Nigerians will live in poverty. So the challenge is clear – how to translate the gains from the stabilization reforms into better living standards for all,’ Verghis stated.

He said the government must take decisive steps to reduce inflation, particularly food inflation, ensure efficient use of public funds, and expand social safety nets to protect the poorest and most vulnerable citizens.

‘Food inflation affects everybody, but particularly the poor and has the potential to undermine political support for the reforms,’ he said. ‘Public resources must be used more effectively, ensuring that spending drives real development results that benefit people. Expanding the safety net is also critical so that the poorest and vulnerable get the support they need.’

Presenting an overview of the report, the World Bank Lead Economist for Nigeria, Mr. Samer Matta, said gross revenues shared as federation allocations have increased significantly over the past eight months of 2025.

However, he expressed concern over the high deductions by revenue-collecting agencies, noting that such payments do not contribute to the country’s development. ‘A large portion of what is collected goes to deductions that don’t impact real development outcomes,’ Matta observed.

He described Nigeria’s economic outlook as ‘cautiously optimistic,’ supported by steady growth, easing inflation, fiscal stability, and a strong external position, though risks remain from oil price volatility, reform fatigue, electoral cycles, and climate shocks.

According to the Nigeria Development Update, GDP growth is projected to rise modestly to 4.4 percent by 2027, driven by stronger performance in the services sector, a rebound in agriculture, and improved industrial activity under a more stable macroeconomic environment.

The report also forecasts that inflation will ease to 15.8 percent by 2027, supported by tight monetary policy and reduced supply pressures. Fiscal deficit is expected to average 2.7 percent of GDP between 2026 and 2027, helped by rising tax revenues and lower interest payments.

The Bank projected that Nigeria’s debt would remain stable, averaging in the low 40 percent of GDP range.

‘The outlook is subject to several risks,’ the report cautioned, ‘as growth and disinflation remain vulnerable to oil price shocks, reform fatigue, election uncertainties, and climate shocks.’

Overall, the World Bank’s latest assessment suggests that while Nigeria’s reforms are yielding fiscal and macroeconomic gains, the pressing challenge ahead lies in ensuring that these gains translate into tangible improvements in living standards and poverty reduction across the country.

Big Brother Naija Season 10 finalist Kola has stated that he has no intention of pursuing a romantic relationship with Dede outside the show.

This declaration comes in response to Dede’s recent comments, where she mentioned that she wouldn’t consider dating Kola even if she were single, signaling their incompatibility.

Kola, in a recent interview with GOTV, emphasised that his focus is now on himself, his career, and personal development.

‘The show is over. I’m focusing on my myself. I’m focusing on my career, work and what I’m bringing to the world.

‘Right now, the show is over and I’m in the next phase of my life. This is where I’m currently headed,’ he said.

The local gaming market in Nigeria is saturated and dynamic. In a competitive environment, bookmakers use bonuses to attract players: welcome packages, free bets, and loyalty programs. These offers have become the norm and may seem boring to bettors looking for more exciting promotions. Check out the most riveting offers from five notable betting sites in Nigeria to understand what’s behind the flashy banners.

Bet9ja is one of the most recognizable brands in Nigeria, largely due to its focus on the local market. Some bettors might be disappointed to find out that Bet9ja does not offer the usual 100% welcome bonus on the initial deposit. However, Bet9ja provides other interesting options for bettors:

Super9ja. Anyone has the chance to win the grand prize of ?50,000,000 in this free-to-play promotion simply by predicting the correct result of six matches. If you predict fewer than six matches correctly, you may still win smaller cash prizes, which are shared among the top scorers each week.

‘1UP’ Early Payout. With the Early Payout feature, you don’t need to wait until the end of the match to receive your winnings. The process is simple: your bet is settled as a win automatically if your chosen team goes one goal ahead at any point (using the special 1X2 1UP market).

‘Cut 1’ Feature. This feature helps secure your accumulator bets but requires at least 5 selections. Usually, if one game in an accumulator bet loses, the entire bet is lost. With the ‘Cut 1’ feature, even if one of your games loses, your bet still stands, but the odds are recalculated.

1xBet is known for its extensive betting lines and numerous promotions. It offers live streaming for many matches, along with a wide range of deposit methods. In terms of bonuses, the site provides a generous 200-300% welcome bonus on your first deposit, depending on the amount. But that’s not all, as they also offer:

Advancebet. You can use this feature with your unsettled bets to place wagers on live events or matches scheduled within 48 hours. Advancebet lets you borrow betting credit against your open bets. If those bets win, the Advancebet is covered; if they lose, the Advancebet is simply voided.

Accumulator of the Day. Every day, 1xBet selects pre-match and live accumulator bets with the highest winning potential and boosts their odds by 10% if they win.

TOTO Free Bet. This daily promotion lets you make free predictions on 12 selected sporting events. Correct outcomes earn you special 1xBet bonus points, which can later be exchanged in the Promo Code Store.

SportyBet targets mobile users, offering a simple app with a clear interface and a strong focus on user experience. Its welcome bonus is usually presented as a percentage of the first deposit, for example, up to 150%. Now, let’s look at the stand-out features:

Flexi. This feature reduces risk by securing your multiple bets. You set the number of correct predictions required, ensuring a payout even if not all selections are correct.

‘2UP’ Early Payout. Similar to Bet9ja’s ‘1UP’ Early Payout, but here your team must lead by two goals at any point in the match. Your bet will be settled as a win once your team goes two goals ahead, even if the opponent later equalizes or wins. Note that this feature applies only to pre-match bets.

Live Odds Boost. This promotion enhances a single bet by increasing the odds. It can be used once per live event.

Betano offers a well-structured website with 25+ sports markets to bet on, ranging from soccer and baseball to Formula 1. Among the standard promotions, they provide a 50% First Deposit Sports Bonus. However, they also feature some more attractive offers:

Accumulator Boost. This promotion stands out with a massive bonus of up to 400% on your accumulator bets in football, tennis, or basketball, with minimum odds of 1.20 per selection. The more selections you add, the higher the percentage bonus that will be added to your winnings.

2 Goals Ahead. This is Betano’s early payout offer, similar to SportyBet’s. If your team goes two goals ahead at any point during the match, your bet is instantly settled as a win. Note that it applies only to matches in major leagues and competitions (like the EPL or UEFA Champions League); see the full list on Betano’s website.

Paripesa boasts a vibrant, user-friendly website with numerous betting markets. Nigerians can enjoy a simple and straightforward registration process that unlocks a variety of attractive bonuses:

Losing Bets Bonus. If you lose 20 bets in a row within a month, Paripesa offers you a bonus based on your stake size. To qualify, bets must be placed at odds not higher than 3.0.

Saturday 100% Bonus. This recurring offer doubles your deposit and is available only for sports betting. Be sure to check the minimum deposit requirement and wagering conditions.

3,000,000 NGN Monthly Tournament. Place single winning bets with odds of 5.00 or higher to compete. The more winning bets you collect, the greater your chance of winning a share of the prize pool.

In summary, the amount of the bonus and the complexity of the wagering requirements are always trade-offs when selecting a bookmaker. The terms and conditions of each promotion should be carefully reviewed.

Film director and treasurer of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Lagos Chapter, Oghenenyerhovwo Nana, popularly known as Ny Nana, has urged the Nigerian film industry to give directors the recognition and compensation they deserve.

Speaking on the evolving role of the DGN, Nana said, ‘Visibility is no longer enough. Directors need to be recognized as the backbone of the industry and compensated accordingly. The DGN is evolving into not just a community but a bargaining force-one that advocates for fair wages, royalties, and credit recognition both locally and internationally. In the future, I see us moving toward stronger legal protections and professional standards that place directors at the center of negotiations.’

Nana, who began her career as a radio and television presenter before transitioning into film, also highlighted the importance of financial discipline in sustaining Nollywood. Reflecting on her dual role as a filmmaker and Treasurer of the Guild, she explained:

‘For me, it’s about discipline and perspective. As filmmakers, our creativity drives us, but as Treasurer, I recognize that sustainability in our industry comes from financial accountability. I approach Guild finances with the same attention to detail I bring to storytelling-every number must serve a purpose, just as every scene must serve the story. I balance both roles by separating passion from process. While I create from instinct, I manage resources with structure, transparency, and foresight.’

She has directed projects including April 1st, Hypocrites Chair, and Thin Line, and is regarded as one of Nollywood’s bold voices advocating for authentic storytelling and industry reform.

Following the resignation of the Minister for Innovation Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, President Bola Tinubu’s former campaign spokesman in the south east, Denge Josef Onoh has asked Enugu Governor Peter Mbah to jettison the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and cross over to take leadership of the national ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Onoh extended gratitude to the former Minister for his dedicated service and contributions to the APC during his tenure, expressing confidence that Nnaji will continue to make positive impacts.

Turning his gaze to Governor Mbah, Onoh said that the road ahead for Enugu State now is for renewed unity and strategic leadership within the Enugu APC chapter.

He regretted that the APC in Enugu state has endured needless fractures and disarray since 2015, hindering collective progress and electoral triumphs.

‘It is with this in mind that I urge His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, to seize the mantle of leading the APC in Enugu State and uniquely to heal these divides. I implore him to prioritize stability, foster reconciliation among stakeholders-from zonal executives to grassroots mobilizers and unify all ranks into a formidable force,’ Onoh urged.

He stated that under Mbah’s guidance while ensuring to carry all stakeholders along, the APC can reclaim its stature as the true vehicle for Enugu’s renaissance, transcending past shadows to deliver inclusive growth and security for all.

‘Rest assured that as we champion this unity, I pledge my full cooperation and that of my network, not limited to the full meaningful and patriotic support of Mr. President towards our paramount goal in ensuring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resounding victory in Enugu State come 2027,’ he pledged.

Onoh said that with Governor Mbah at the helm of a cohesive APC in Enugu state, alongside the enduring legacies of former governors of the state such as Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Senator Ken Nnamani -who championed Tinubu’s 2023 campaign in the South East, they can surge forward as one, securing federal patronage, economic dividends, and a brighter tomorrow for the people of state.

‘Let us collaborate unreservedly, for in unity lies our strength and triumph. I remain committed to this vision and look forward to our joint efforts ahead of 2027. As I welcome you to our great party in the coming hours.’