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89 members of the minority caucus in the House of Representatives under the umbrella of Active Minority have thrown their weight behind the embattled minority leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) warning that they would resist any attempt to remove him.

This is coming on the heels of a meeting of the Minority Caucus slated for Monday evening in Abuja.

Notice for the meeting was jointly signed on Sunday, October 5, by Hon. Agbedi Frederick, leader of PDP Caucus, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, leader, LP Caucus, Hon. Muktar Umar-Zakar, NNPP Caucus and Hon. Peter Uzokwe, leader, YPP.

It was titled, ‘Notice of emergency meeting of the minority caucus of the House of Representatives’, and addressed to ‘All Minority Members of the House of Representatives’

The notice read, ‘You are hereby invited to an emergency meeting to discuss recent developments in the minority leadership, particularly to review the lawsuit instituted by Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, against all members of minority parties in the 10th House of Representatives’.

The meeting is scheduled for The Envoy Hotel in Abuja. But as at last night, the venue of the meeting was said to have been changed to Conference Room 028 in the House of Representatives New Building at 8pm.

Recall that Chinda had last week filed a suit seeking an injunction to prevent the speaker of the House, the clerk and leadership of National Assembly and the minority parties’ caucus from removing him as minority leader.

Some minority lawmakers are planning to replace Hon. Chinda over allegations of not providing leadership and working for the ruling APC, being a close confidant of the FCT minister, Chief Nyesom Wike.

But the Active Minority group, led by a PDP member from one of the Northern states has also been meeting in Abuja ahead of the resumption of plenary on Tuesday, October 7th.

A member of the Active Minority, who is privy to the meetings spoke on condition of anonymity boasting that they are prepared to counter the moves by certain interests in the PDP and the ADC bent on replacing Chinda because of his affiliation to the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike.

According to him, ‘We have stumbled on a plot by certain leaders in the PDP and ADC to replace the minority leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda. His only sin is the allegations that he is close to the FCT minister, Chief Wike.

‘But I can assure you, we are ready for those sponsored to come to the floor and execute this insidious plan. Our group, the Active Minority is prepared to resist this because Hon. Chinda has discharged his responsibilities as an opposition leader very well.

‘As I speak with you, the Active Minority has a membership strength of 89 honourable members and more honourable members are identifying with us. Mind you, the entire opposition lawmakers are about 140 and we have an overwhelming majority to counter any undemocratic move’.

When asked about the list of the Active Minority, the lawmaker said; ‘We are keeping our identities under wraps until the House resumes. We don’t want to let the cat out of the bag now. Our strategy is also within us until we meet on the battle field’.

While giving reasons why they are supporting minority leader, the lawmaker said ‘Hon. Chinda’s unwavering commitment to upholding democratic principles and advocating for the rights of the Nigerian people has set him apart as a beacon of hope in times of uncertainty.

‘Chinda has since 2023 vehemently stood against the detection of opposition lawmakers to APC. One of Chinda’s notable contributions lies in his staunch opposition to members of the opposition defecting to the ruling party, citing violations of constitutional provisions and electoral laws.

‘He has always been a strong voice drawing the attention of the leadership to at least obey the law and do what is right’.

According to him, ‘In the face of adversity and resistance, Chinda has stood firm in his convictions, fearlessly challenging the status quo and holding the government accountable for its actions.

‘His vocal stance on critical issues has resonated with many, inspiring a sense of unity and solidarity among those who seek a more just and equitable society.

‘By setting a precedent of integrity and adherence to legal frameworks, he encourages others to follow suit in promoting a fair and transparent governance system. So, why would you suddenly decide to remove such an effective leader from his position because of a flimsy excuse that he’s close to Wike. Why don’t you go and face Wike and leave Chinda alone?

‘Again, Chinda’s relentless pursuit of transparency and accountability underscores the importance of strengthening democratic institutions to foster a resilient system of governance in Nigeria.

‘His dedication to uplifting the voices of the often overlooked in decision-making processes showcases a deep-rooted commitment to inclusivity and representation.

‘Most importantly, Chinda has demonstrated exceptional leadership by spearheading the sponsorship of various bills and motions that address pressing issues facing the nation. So, we cannot allow such an excellent material to be thrown under the bus. All we are saying is Chinda must stay,’ he stated.

Recall that Chinda has named the National Assembly, speaker of the House, clerk of the National Assembly and members of the minority caucus as defendants in the suit challenging moves to remove him as minority leader.

He alleged that the plot to remove him stems from his close association with Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister, who is also the only PDP member in President Tinubu’s APC-led cabinet.

Nigeria must create at least 27 million new formal jobs within the next five years or face a potential doubling of unemployment and underemployment to 30 per cent, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has warned.

In its Jobs and Productivity Report, released on Monday during the ongoing NES#31 in Abuja, the NESG outlined an urgent roadmap for employment creation and productivity growth, describing the next half-decade as critical for stabilising the country’s labour market and achieving inclusive economic growth.

‘Jobs and productivity are central to Nigeria’s economic development,’ the report stated. With the working-age population projected to reach 168 million by 2030, the country faces a defining challenge: to create 27 million new formal jobs or risk unemployment and underemployment rates doubling to 30 per cent,’ the NESG report states.

The report emphasised that sustainable job creation must be anchored on economic transformation and productivity growth, calling for bold policy measures that stimulate enterprise, attract private investments, and address long-standing structural weaknesses.

It identified several key obstacles to employment expansion, including a shallow private sector base, skills mismatch, a weak education system, and jobless growth patterns that have limited the capacity of industries to absorb Nigeria’s growing youth population.

The NESG also highlighted regulatory bottlenecks and infrastructure deficits as major constraints to business competitiveness, urging the government to implement comprehensive reforms to unlock private sector-led growth.

According to the group, tackling the jobs challenge will require coordinated efforts across sectors, particularly in manufacturing, agriculture, digital technology, and services, to build a resilient economy capable of providing decent work for millions of Nigerians.

The NESG noted that Nigeria’s weak productive foundation, hampered by infrastructure deficits, inconsistent policies, and widespread informality, necessitates a focus on industrialisation and enterprise development, particularly for job-creating MSMEs.

It highlighted that transforming this landscape is crucial for economic advancement.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has suspended its State Secretary, Hon. Sa’idu Adamu, over allegations of gross misconduct and anti-party activities.

The decision was reached on Monday, October 6, 2025, during a meeting of the State Working Committee (SWC) held at the party’s secretariat in Kaduna.

In a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Maria Dogo, the party said the suspension was in line with the provisions of Articles 58(1)(h) and 57(3) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).

‘The suspension, which takes immediate effect, will last for one month pending the outcome of investigations and subsequent decisions of the party. During this period, Hon. Sa’idu Adamu is hereby barred from participating in any party activity at all levels,’ the statement read.

The party assured members and the public of its commitment to internal discipline, fairness, and justice under the leadership of the State Chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha.

‘The ongoing efforts of the State Working Committee are aimed at strengthening the party’s structures and ensuring accountability across all ranks,’ Dogo added.

The leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has expressed optimism that the party is prepared to offer Nigerians a credible alternative capable of steering the nation out of its current challenges.

Speaking on the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 general election, Adebayo said the SDP remains distinct from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as an independent party built on clear principles and integrity.

‘It is very rare to find a true SDP person who will have interest in the APC or the PDP because the idea of what they are doing is totally opposite to what the SDP is preaching,’ he said.

Adebayo noted that efforts were ongoing to strengthen the party and reposition it for the next election cycle, adding that leadership changes were being made to ensure greater accountability and discipline among members.

‘When I ran for president, there were elements that worked against us in the party. There were party agents who would not show up and state chairmen who collected our agent card and then went and gave it to another political party.

‘I went to Kwara and discovered that from our research sheets, we scored 122,000 votes, but they recorded only 22,000 for us. Those who were supposed to defend our votes thought they could have a relationship with the ruling party, and that messed things up. So, we’re changing those leaderships and bringing in new people,’ he revealed.

The SDP leader said the party was focused on building a structure rooted in patriotism and selflessness.

‘It takes a while to get a political party whose majority of members will be people that are selfless, patriotic and in politics because they want nothing other than a better country. That’s what we are building in the SDP,’ he stated.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s 65 years of independence, Adebayo lamented the country’s continued disunity, saying the nation’s formation lacked the philosophical and visionary foundation that united other countries.

‘If you study the history of some kingdoms and societies, you’ll find that even when they were divided, a great leader emerged to unite them,’ he said. ‘That’s not the history of Nigeria. Nigeria started accidentally. There were no great philosophers or great thinkers within our population who said, ‘Let us all come together. Let me unite the people.”

Adebayo traced the roots of Nigeria’s disunity to its colonial origins, explaining that the country began as a trade zone under the Royal Niger Company before being merged by the British for administrative convenience.

‘So, Nigeria started merely as a trade zone, just like you have a free trade or export processing zone,’ he explained. ‘It was a business arrangement handed over to the British government to manage as a protectorate and colony. In 1914, they decided to amalgamate the territories, and 46 years later, they handed them over to local leaders who were united only by their indigenous identity.’

He said early nationalist leaders such as Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Ahmadu Bello took charge of an inherited structure that lacked unity of purpose, a challenge the SDP now seeks to address through value-based politics and people-focused leadership.

Oyo State Government has sealed off Covenant College of Health Technology and Medical Sciences, Apata, Ibadan, for operating without proper accreditation and for offering unauthorised health-related programmes.

The enforcement operation was carried out on Friday by a team from the Oyo State Ministry of Health, led by the Director of Nursing Services, Dr Kehinde Oyebode, who represented the Commissioner for Health during the inspection.

Officials revealed that the institution had been deceiving unsuspecting members of the public by running unapproved courses under the guise of legitimate health training. Among the fraudulent programmes identified were so-called ‘Nursing Technician’ and ‘Nursing Assistant’ courses, which are not recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) or approved by the Ministry.

‘Let it be clear: there is no such thing as a ‘Nursing Technician’ or ‘Nursing Assistant’ course within the framework of Nigeria’s approved health training curricula,’ Oyebode stated.

‘This institution has been operating illegally and misleading students and parents who believe they are enrolling in accredited professional programmes.’

Oyebode expressed concern over the implications of such unauthorised operations on public health and safety. She noted that the school had not only commenced academic activities without approval, but had also been collecting tuition fees from students despite having no regulatory clearance from relevant authorities.

‘This is a serious violation. The health sector is not one where we can afford to cut corners,’ she emphasised.

‘Untrained and unlicensed individuals posing as health workers endanger lives. The government will not tolerate this kind of illegality.’

She explained that nursing education in Nigeria is strictly regulated, and only accredited Schools of Nursing or approved institutions affiliated with recognised teaching hospitals are permitted to train individuals in the nursing profession.

In line with its findings, the Ministry of Health issued an immediate shutdown order on the college’s operations, pending compliance with all necessary regulatory requirements, including programme accreditation and institutional licensing.

The Ministry further issued a public advisory warning residents of Oyo State and beyond to steer clear of Covenant College of Health Technology or any similar institutions offering unrecognised health programmes.

‘We urge parents, guardians, and prospective students to always verify the accreditation status of any health-related institution before making commitments. The list of approved schools is publicly available through the Ministry and regulatory bodies like the NMCN,’ Oyebode said.

This incident adds to growing concerns over the proliferation of mushroom institutions across Nigeria that exploit the demand for professional training in healthcare by offering fraudulent courses with no legal standing.

Stakeholders in the education and health sectors have repeatedly called on government agencies to intensify monitoring and enforcement to prevent unsuspecting citizens from falling victim to these illegal setups.

The enforcement action reinforces Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration’s strong stance on education reform, public accountability, and ethical standards in both public and private institutions across Oyo State.

Government officials reiterated their commitment to sanitising the education landscape and ensuring that only credible, accredited, and professionally guided institutions operate within the state.

The Oyo State Ministry of Health reiterates that Covenant College of Health Technology and Medical Sciences remains shut until it secures proper licensing and programme accreditation from relevant authorities.

For inquiries or to verify the accreditation status of any health training institution, members of the public are advised to contact the Ministry directly or visit the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) website.

A two-year-old girl, Aryatara Shakya, was recently chosen as Nepal’s living goddess in another display of the country’s centuries-old custom. The little girl was carried by her family from their home in a Kathmandu alley to the temple palace during Nepal’s biggest Hindu festival.

The selection, rooted in religion and tradition, has once again drawn global attention to Nepal’s living goddess tradition, a practice that continues to interest and puzzle people around the world.

The living goddess, also known as the Kumari or living virgin, is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists and believed to represent divine feminine energy.

A Kumari is a young, prepubescent girl chosen from the Shakya clan within Nepal’s Newari Buddhist community. It is believed that the girl is possessed by the goddess Taleju or Durga.

However, behind the calm and ceremony lies a system of beliefs, selection rules, and emotional effects that make this one of the world’s most unusual traditions.

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at five facts about Nepal’s living goddess tradition.

1. Chosen before age four

One striking part of Nepal’s living goddess tradition is that candidates are often selected between the ages of two and four. The selection is carried out by priests who look for 32 qualities, including clear skin, calm behaviour, and physical balance.

This means that before they can fully understand the world around them, these young girls are made symbols of holiness and begin a new life inside the temple palace.

2. They live in isolation

After selection, the Kumari lives almost entirely inside the temple palace, meeting only a few caretakers, family members, and priests. She is rarely allowed outside except during major festivals when she is carried through the streets for people to worship.

While this isolation is meant to preserve purity, it also keeps the child from everyday experiences like going to school, playing outdoors, or meeting other children.

3. She loses her divinity at puberty

In Nepal’s living goddess tradition, the Kumari’s divine role ends as soon as she reaches puberty. Once her first menstrual cycle begins, she is believed to lose her purity and must step down immediately.

After this, she returns to ordinary life, learning to do chores, attend school, and live outside the temple. Many former Kumaris find this change difficult because they move from being worshipped to living like everyone else.

4. They face difficulties adjusting later in life

Many former Kumaris struggle to adjust to normal life after years of being kept indoors and treated as sacred. Doing everyday tasks, making friends, or walking freely in public can be hard at first.

Some also face emotional struggles as they try to adapt to a world that once saw them as goddesses but now treats them as ordinary people.

5. Curse of marriage

A well-known Nepalese belief warns that any man who marries a former Kumari will die young. This fear has led many former living goddesses to remain unmarried for most of their lives.

Although Nepal is becoming more modern, this old belief still affects how people see former Kumaris, making it hard for many of them to live freely after leaving the temple.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, on Monday declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is poised to take over the governance of Abia State in 2027, expressing gratitude to the people for their support.

Addressing a mammoth gathering of APC supporters and members of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) across the 17 Local Government Areas of the State in Umuahia, Kalu emphasised that the party’s victory would be through the votes of the masses, not federal government force.

He urged all Abia residents and eligible voters to obtain their voter cards in the ongoing continuous voter registration to enable them to participate in the electoral process.

Kalu also commended the people for supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government and assured that Abia would align with the federal government to maximise benefits.

The Deputy Speaker urged the state government, led by Governor Alex Otti, to do more for the people to reflect the increased revenue allocation from the federal government.

Kalu stressed that the federal government has increased the state’s revenue allocation since the removal of the oil subsidy, stressing that it should reflect in the state’s infrastructure development.

He insisted that the President must be commended for supporting the states to run effectively.

He said: ‘We have come to take over, and there is no going back. We want to work with the President to move our state forward. We are gathered because of the love we have for our President. All Abians, the youth, women, men, leaders, everyone, we are all gathering for what is to come in 2027.

‘The crowd here is to show they are there for the Renewed Hope Partners and to move the State and the federal governments forward. I want to appreciate you for supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has been assisting the governor to work for the people.

‘The miracle maker is the President who releases funds, the man who stopped oil subsidy and did not keep the money in Abuja but released it to the State. That is the right miracle worker. The President wants to see what the government is doing with the funds released.

‘I’m an opposition member in Abia state. We can be friends or family, but as long as we are from different political parties, our job is to be the watchdog of the administration.

‘As opposition leader in my state, I must speak for the masses. The job done so far by the state government is not enough. You cannot be getting the kind of money you’re getting and doing the job that former Governors who got less were doing. You can’t be delivering what a former governor used N4 billion or less to do.

‘Let me tell you, get ready, All Progressive Congress, APC will take over this state. APC will take over Abia state. And you know why? So, what is released from Abuja will get to your ward. And we are not going to take over by force. Some people think we are going to use federal power, no. We are going to use the vote of the masses to take over this state.

‘We are saying that we need more. What we are getting from them now is not enough. You are the people who will vote for APC in Abia State. The President and the party will be strong in Abia State. APC is strong and big in Abia State.

‘The purpose of this meeting today is for you to start registering people in your polling units. You must populate the voter register. We have to register to vote.

‘As we speak today, Abia is one of the States with the least registered voters. That’s not good. We need to show President Bola Tinubu that we have what it takes to vote for him, come 2027’.

The Deputy Speaker also encouraged students and traders amongst the APC supporters to apply for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) loan as well as the Nigerian Consumer Credits Cooperation (CREDICORP) facility to pay their tuition fees and boost their businesses.

‘As a student in the university, if you have not applied for the NELFUND loan, please go and apply. Another one is CREDICORP. When you get home today, go and form what we call the Renewed Partners Cooperative Society in your various local government areas. It is this cooperative that we will use to help you. There are also other people, and we will help revive their small businesses,’ Kalu said.

Legend Internet PLC Nigeria’s pioneering indigenous broadband service provider, has been assigned a long-term corporate rating of ‘Bbb-‘ and a short-term rating of ‘A3’ with a Stable Outlook by Agusto and Co., West Africa’s foremost credit rating agency.

This marks Legend’s inaugural rating since its incorporation in 2021 and represents a strong validation of the Company’s business fundamentals and growth strategy. The rating also reflects Legend’s satisfactory financial condition, supported by its cash-driven operations and low leverage. It also reflects robust infrastructure investments across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), passing 250,000 homes with 22,000 connected and 10,000 currently active, improving profitability margins, with gross profit rising to 63.9 percent in for year end 2024/25.

In a statement signed by Legend Internet’s Chief Marketing Officer, Shakirah Alaga, the Chief Executive Officer of Legend Internet Plc, Aisha Abdulaziz, said: ‘This is first-time rating from Agusto and Co. is a milestone achievement for Legend Internet Plc. It validates our resilience, prudent financial management, and commitment to building Nigeria’s most reliable broadband network. As we expand into Lagos and other key markets, this rating reinforces the confidence of our investors, partners, and customers in Legend’s ability to grow sustainably while powering digital lifestyles across Nigeria.’

Legend Internet, which transitioned to a Public Limited Company in April 2024, is advancing plans for a dual listing on the Nigerian Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. The Company continues to diversify its ecosystem with complementary solutions such as LegendMail, Nigeria’s first commercial email platform; MailPay, its proprietary fintech application; and Legend Omni, Fibre-to-the-Room (FTTR) services introduced in partnership with Huawei.

With this rating, Legend Internet PLC strengthens its position as one of Nigeria’s leading broadband providers, building a stable foundation to accelerate growth, attract investment, and deepen digital inclusion nationwide.

This exemplary rating is the outcome of cost optimisation measures and strong expansion prospects, including its planned entry into Lagos via merger and acquisition, alongside organic growth in Abuja and future rollouts in Kano and Port Harcourt.

Agusto and Co. noted that Legend’s strategic pause in customer activations during Abuja’s city-wide construction works has positioned the Company to scale more efficiently as disruptions subside. The recently approved 50% tariff hike by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is also expected to boost earnings and cash flow in the near term.

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, has called on residents of the state to strengthen collaboration with security agencies by providing credible intelligence that will help in winning the ongoing fight against criminal elements in the state.

The governor made the call over the weekend during a stopover at Gegu community, Kogi Local Government Area, where he was warmly received by residents who trooped out to welcome him on his return from national engagements.

Governor Ododo commended members of the Gegu community for their unity, communal spirit, and commitment to peace, describing such values as vital for effective community policing and overall security of the state.

‘I appreciate you all for your love, unity, and commitment to peace. Our communities must remain vigilant and work closely with security agencies to keep Kogi safe,’ Ododo said.

He urged citizens to promptly report any suspicious movements of individuals or groups whose activities could threaten public safety, stressing that the fight against insecurity requires the active participation of everyone.

‘If you see something, say something. Intelligence is the lifeline of security, and every citizen has a role to play. We will not allow criminals to take shelter among us,’ the governor stressed.

Ododo emphasised that intelligence sharing between communities and security operatives is crucial to sustaining the gains recorded so far in the state’s security architecture, noting that his administration remains resolute in ensuring that criminal elements find no hiding place in Kogi.

‘We have made significant progress in securing our state, and we must not relent. This administration will continue to provide all necessary support to our security agencies to protect lives and property,’ he stated.

Governor Ododo, who is on a working visit to Yagba Federal Constituency following recent reports of security concerns in the area, assured citizens that the state government will continue to strengthen logistics and coordination to maintain law and order across all communities in the state.

The Governor further enjoined traditional rulers, community leaders, and youths to serve as the first line of defence by volunteering timely and accurate information that can aid in crime prevention, arrest and prosecution of criminals.

Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde, has constituted an 11-member committee to plan and coordinate the celebrations, as part of preparations to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the creation of Oyo.

The Governor named Hon. Saheed Akinade Fijabi, a former member of the House of Representatives, as Chairman of the committee for Oyo @ 50 anniversary.

The appointment was formally conveyed in a letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, and made public on Monday.

Also appointed as Deputy Chairman is the immediate past Head of Service in the state, Alhaja Ololade Agboola.

Other members of the committee include Dr Ajuwon, OON, Mustapha Razaq Areo, Alhaja Fatimah Ololade Azeez, S.A. Adejumo, Pastor John Olasunkanmi Alabi, Alhaji A.K. Bello, Mrs. Ronke Adedayo, who will serve as Secretary of the committee, COMPOL Fatai Owoseni (Rtd.), Mr. Samuel Adegboyega Badejo, Director General of Protocol, Oyo State Government

The committee is expected to immediately commence work and put forward a comprehensive roadmap for a befitting celebration of the state’s golden jubilee.

Oyo State was created on February 3, 1976, following the breakup of the old Western State. The upcoming anniversary in 2026 marks 50 years since its establishment, a milestone the state government says deserves significant reflection, celebration, and public engagement.

Governor Makinde, in the appointment note, expressed confidence in the capacity of the committee members, drawn from both public and private sectors, to deliver a memorable and impactful celebration.

The Governor has also mandated the committee to work closely with relevant ministries, agencies, and stakeholders across the state to ensure inclusivity and statewide participation in the anniversary programmes.

The committee’s terms of reference are expected to include designing the theme and logo for the Oyo @ 50 celebration, recommending and coordinating activities to mark the anniversary, collaborating with corporate, traditional, and community stakeholders, and showcasing the state’s historical achievements, cultural heritage, and developmental milestones.

The appointment takes immediate effect, and the committee is expected to submit its preliminary report within a defined timeframe.