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The lawmaker representing Edo North in the Nigerian Senate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has said that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, stand no chance of defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Oshiomhole stated that both Atiku and Obi had faced defeats in previous elections, whether they contested jointly or separately, and would face the same outcome if they teamed up again.

‘Did Atiku not run with Obi before and contested against the APC. Were they not defeated?

‘Throw any number you want to throw. The point is that when these two ran together, they were roundly defeated by the APC,’ the former Edo governor stated.

‘They have a history of being defeated together and they have a history of being defeated apart. So, if they come back together, they will still be defeated,’ he added.

Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in 2023, while Obi flew the flag of the Labour Party (LP), both garnered a combined total of over 12 million votes in the election that produced President Tinubu.

The two opposition leaders, now members of a coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), finished second and third, respectively, in the last presidential election.

The Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, has explained that the fire incident that occurred on Monday evening at the State Secretariat Complex was caused by an electrical fault.

She, however, stated that no life was lost in the incident, which destroyed property worth millions of naira on the ground floor of the Podium Block in the complex.

Our correspondent reports that the fire, which reportedly started after the close of work, also affected key sections of the State Pension Board located in the same block.

Addressing newsmen, the Head of Service said the fire was promptly contained through the combined efforts of both the state and federal fire services, stressing that their swift response prevented further damage.

Dr. Brown expressed appreciation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his foresight in rehabilitating fire service stations across the state.

She said, ‘Other partners to the state also sent fire services. The Federal Fire Service and the military deployed their trucks as well. So, it was a combined effort, and the fire has been contained.

‘We thank His Excellency for being proactive in rehabilitating the state fire service before now; otherwise, the situation would have been worse.

‘From the preliminary report we received, the fire was caused by an electrical fault. But we thank God that no life was lost and no medical incident was recorded.’

She further urged civil servants in the state to take responsibility by ensuring that all electrical appliances are switched off at the close of work before leaving their offices.

Confirming the incident earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, said the fire started from the ground floor of the Podium Block.

He commended officers of both the state and federal fire services for their prompt response, which helped prevent greater damage.

The management of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, on Monday disclosed that the citadel of learning would be graduating the highest number of first-class graduates, totalling 185, who attained the top academic honour in the 2025 graduating set, since the inception of the institution.

He also hinted that the institution has been selected by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund as one of the eight private universities in Nigeria for the training of TETFUND-sponsored candidates for postgraduate degrees.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, while revealing these at a press conference to mark the university’s 17th convocation ceremony and 20th anniversary celebration, however, gave the total number of students graduating as 1,341 across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes during the convocation slated for October 9 and 10.

He further gave 662 as the number of students to be graduating with second class upper, 410 second class lower, 79 third class, and 5 pass.

The Vice Chancellor stressed that at the postgraduate level, a total of three hundred and thirty-eight students are graduating. This is made up of 109 students at the postgraduate diploma level, 65 students with a Master of Arts degree, 120 with a Master of Science degree, 25 with a Master of Business Administration and 19 with a Doctor of Philosophy degree.

He said, ‘The university milestone is a reflection of our commitment to academic excellence and character development, and the 2025 convocation represents a season of ‘double honour’ for the faith-based institution.

‘We are not only graduating from another distinguished class, the indomitable set of 2025, but we are also celebrating 20 years of Redeemer’s University. Indeed, this is a season of double honour.’

On the selection by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund as one of the eight private universities in Nigeria for the training of TETFUND-sponsored candidates for postgraduate degrees, the university don stated that, ‘the selection was a remarkable achievement for the university considering that Nigeria has 168 private universities presently.’

‘In recognition of the quality of postgraduate training in our university, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) of the federal government of Nigeria has selected Redeemer’s university as one of the eight private universities in Nigeria for training of TETFUND-sponsored candidates for postgraduate degrees,’

‘Also, the university’s African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), led by Professor Christian Happi, continues to earn global acclaim. Happi was recently listed among TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025 for his pioneering work in genomics and public health,’ he concluded.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to immediately effect the downward review of the 2026 Hajj fares.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has accordingly urged NAHCON) to come up with new fares for the exercise within two days.

Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media and Communications

(Office of The Vice President), Stanely Nkwocha, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

According to the statement, Shettima handed down the President’s directive at a meeting with management and board members of NAHCON at the Presidential Villa.

Shettima noted that the directive had become imperative considering continued appreciation of the naira against the dollar – a primary determinant for the pilgrimage fares.

He called for synergy among national and state officials, including state Governors, in streamlining and adopting a new set of fares for the exercise.

He aslo urged prompt action by all stakeholders to ensure quick payments and timely remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to facilitate a hitch-free exercise.

Fielding questions from journalists shortly after the meeting with the VP, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, said the meeting convened at the instance of the Vice President was to finalise preparations for the 2026 Hajj operations, particularly the determination of fares for the 2026 exercise.

He explained that the goal is to reduce the amount payable by pilgrims for the exercise, given the current trend in the economy occasioned by ongoing reforms being undertaken by the Tinubu administration.

He said, ‘Rates have continued to improve steadily, with the naira appreciating based on the effects of the economic reforms of the government. The Vice President felt that if pilgrims paid ?8.5 million to ?8.6 million based on negative exchange rate last year, and the exchange rate has improved, then the changes should reflect in the current fares, and the benefits should also be passed to the prospective pilgrims.

‘So, the commissions and all officers of the Hajj commission are here and they have been told to immediately go to look at more realistic exchange rates. If we achieve what we envisage, then we will have a very significant reduction in the Hajj.’

On his part, Secretary of the National Hajj commission (NAHCON), Dr Mustapha Mohammad, said the the President’s directive would increase the number of intending pilgrims for this year’s exercise.

‘It is a welcome development and the lower the Hajj fare, the better for Muslim faithful intending to perform Hajj. So, as directed by the Vice President, we will work tirelessly between today and tomorrow to see that we reduce it to the bearerest minimum and affordable rate for every Muslim faithful to have the opportunity to perform this very important pillar of Islam.’

Also, the Chairman, Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman, Forum of the Chief Executive of 36 and the FCT Chairmen of pilgrims Board, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, expressed delight with the presidential directive.

‘We are very happy because the President and the Vice President have already intervened. We thank God for what they have said, which is expected to bring down the cost of Hajj fare. So, we are happy,’ he said.

The senator representing Edo North in the Nigerian Senate, Adams Oshiomhole, has cautioned former President Goodluck Jonathan against heeding calls to contest the 2027 presidential election against President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Oshiomhole said Jonathan stood no chance against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if he decided to re-enter the race.

According to him, such a move would not only be futile but also damaging to Jonathan’s legacy.

‘We will defeat him flatly if he comes out because now, the South-South is no longer PDP, so where is he going to start from?’

The former Edo State governor said only those who do not wish Jonathan well would encourage him to contest, insisting that any attempt to return to power could undermine the goodwill the former president enjoys at home and abroad.

‘How can Jonathan be a threat? We defeated him before, when PDP was truly PDP. If a man had a PDP at its best, at its peak, and he was defeated, I think only his enemy will push him to go into election,’ he stated.

Oshiomhole urged Jonathan to preserve his image as a respected statesman, noting that his influence has continued to grow since leaving office in 2015.

‘If I were able to advise him, I will say, Sir, maintain this status. You governed for eight years; you don’t have to govern for nine years,’ Oshiomhole added. ‘He has managed to demonstrate that out of power, you can be relevant and be at peace.’

He further praised Jonathan’s decision to concede defeat in the 2015 presidential election, describing it as an act that elevated his global reputation.

Niger State government has domesticated and passed a law at the State House of Assembly setting the retirement age of teachers in the state at 65 years, effective from January 1, 2026.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago disclosed this during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held in Minna, organized by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Niger State Chapter, in collaboration with the Niger State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

The governor also revealed that the retirement age for professors is now 70 years, explaining that the decision aims to ensure that teachers’ values continue to be passed on to future generations.

Governor Bago approved the return of PTA levies in schools, stipulating that all payments must be supervised by the Ministry of Education to ensure effective utilization.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to teachers’ welfare, announcing a wage award of N20,000 for all teachers in the state by next month and the donation of an 18-seater bus to NUT Niger State.

The governor added that henceforth, primary school teachers’ employment and promotion will be handled by the Local Government Service Commission, while the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) will only have the mandate to screen and provide relevant information.

Governor Bago also approved a retreat for teachers entering level 17 and acknowledged their immense role in nation-building. He promised to protect teachers’ interests, removing them from civil service bureaucracy to provide them with a standard service structure.

The Chairman of NUT, Niger State Chapter, Comrade Adamu Mohammed Akayago, said the theme of this year’s event underscores that teachers are not merely transmitters of knowledge but architects of a collective future. He emphasized that their welfare, dignity, and professional status must remain a priority for all stakeholders.

Akayago commended Governor Bago for his dedicated service and revolutionary approach in transforming Niger State, expressing gratitude for the unprecedented approval of an N80,000 minimum wage for workers. He also highlighted some challenges requiring government intervention.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Hajiya Aishatu Nuhu Yalwa, said the occasion serves as a reminder that the future of children depends on teachers, who are promoters of values. She reiterated the administration’s commitment to providing access to quality and inclusive education.

In a keynote address titled ‘Together for Teachers, Together for Tomorrow: The Imperative for a Unified National Education Strategy,’ the Registrar and CEO of the National Examinations Council (NECO), Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, described Nigeria as having one of the youngest and fastest-growing populations globally.

He stressed that the nation’s future depends on collective action to elevate and empower the teaching force. He described teachers as strategic national security assets and key drivers of civic responsibility, adding that NECO will continue using data to improve teaching and learning outcomes nationwide.

In separate remarks, the Executive Chairman of Niger State Universal Basic Education (NSUBEB), Mohammed Baba Ibrahim; Director General of School Reforms, Maimuna Mohammed; State Coordinator of the Teachers Registration Council, Usman Muhammad Sani; and State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Idris Lafene, all acknowledged teachers’ critical role in nation-building.

Governor Bago was presented with an award of excellence for service delivery and commitment to the teaching profession. Other honorees included Senator Muhammad Sani Musa (representing Niger East Senatorial District), immediate past Commissioner for Basic Education Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, NLC Chairman Niger State Council Comrade Idris Lafene, TUC Chairman Niger State, and Thinklab company.

The 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration had the theme: ‘Together for Teachers, Together for Tomorrow.’

The Federal Government has overhauled agricultural education curricula in line with the ongoing transformation in the education sector and efforts of the government to tackle youth unemployment and food security challenges.

Director, Press and Public Relations, Mrs Folasade Boriowo, who made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja, disclosed that the Federal Ministries of Education and Agriculture and Food Security announced the reforms to modernise agricultural curricula, attract young people, and align training with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for a technology-driven agricultural sector.

Speaking during the official presentation of the new Agricultural Curriculum Framework in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, described the initiative as a pivotal step in repositioning agriculture as a pillar of national development.

Alausa expressed concern over the persistent decline in enrolment into agricultural degree programmes across tertiary institutions despite the nation’s heavy investment in the sector.

He noted that in the 2024 United Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) statistics on applications and admissions, 47.92 per cent of the allocated admissions were not utilised. While there are thousands of open slots in agricultural courses annually, only a fraction are filled, posing a serious challenge to Nigeria’s long-term food security and economic growth.

‘Agriculture is a major national priority, but enrolment in agriculture in higher institutions is dropping,’ he said.

‘In the last three years, there have been thousands of open slots in agriculture, but only a fraction have been taken. This is a serious gap, especially in an area that should ensure food security for Nigeria and make the country an export hub for agricultural products.’

He contrasted this with the growing enthusiasm for vocational and technical agricultural training. ‘Out of over 900,000 TVET applications received recently, more than 210,000 were for livestock farming alone, while agriculture overall ranked close to garment making, which recorded over 260,000 applicants,’ the Minister noted.

‘This shows that young Nigerians are eager to gain practical agricultural skills, but the outdated tertiary curriculum has not kept pace with modern realities.’

Dr. Alausa reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to modernising agricultural education to meet industry needs and align with emerging opportunities. ‘That’s why the Ministry of Education and state governments have agreed to modernise the curriculum to meet the needs of modern agricultural education,’ he said. ‘Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the government has already begun creating Special Agricultural Processing and Production Zones to add value and create new value chains that will employ hundreds of thousands of Nigerians.’

He cited the Republic of Benin’s cotton processing model bordering Borgu, Niger State, as an example of value addition and youth empowerment. ‘Benin moved from earning $500 million in raw cotton exports to $12 billion in processed cotton products, employing over 25,000 young people. Nigeria will replicate this success through curriculum reform and practical agricultural education that supports our production zones and export diversification goals.’

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, echoed Dr. Alausa’s position, emphasising that Nigeria’s food sovereignty agenda demands a comprehensive overhaul of agricultural education.

‘As Nigeria seeks to diversify, we need more people engaged in agricultural enterprise,’ Senator Abdullahi said. ‘Food security cannot be achieved without aligning our education and training systems with national priorities. Our curriculum must equip graduates not just with theoretical knowledge but with the practical skills and innovation needed to drive agricultural transformation.’

The newly developed Agricultural Curriculum Framework, jointly prepared by the Federal Ministry of Education and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, provides a roadmap for modernising agricultural education, strengthening technical and vocational training, and aligning Nigeria’s education system with global best practices to support the nation’s food security, youth employment, and economic diversification agenda.

‘The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the revised curriculum delivers modern, inclusive, and industry-relevant agricultural training across all levels of education,’ the statement added.

Anambra State Government has declared Tuesday a public holiday for school children to celebrate and honor teachers in the state.

In a statement issued in Awka on Monday, the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, explained that the school-free day on Tuesday is designed to celebrate teachers who have contributed significantly to shaping the future of the state.

According to the statement, the Solution Parents League will hold a mega endorsement march to express appreciation for Governor Soludo’s revolution in the education sector.

The statement further noted that the Association of Private School Owners will join the Solution Parents League in the endorsement march to show their support for Soludo’s educational reforms.

‘In view of the fact that the 2025 World Teachers’ Day falls on a Sunday, the State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has approved Tuesday as a school-free day to celebrate and honor teachers in the state.

‘Furthermore, the Solution Parents League will organize a mega endorsement march in appreciation of Soludo’s revolution in the education sector.

‘The Association of Private School Owners will join the Solution Parents League for the endorsement march.

‘Accordingly, all teachers, parents, and proprietors/proprietresses are expected to assemble at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, by 8:00 a.m. prompt to give honor where honor is due.’ the statement concluded.

The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) opened the week on a bullish note, sustaining positive momentum from the previous session as investors’ appetite for blue-chip stocks drove the benchmark index higher.

The All-Share Index (ASI) gained 0.86 percent to close at 144,822.77 basis points, while market capitalisation rose by N786.24 billion to N91.92 trillion. This performance lifted the year-to-date return to 40.71 percent, underscoring renewed investor confidence in the equities market.

The rally was primarily fueled by gains in Seplat Energy, MTN Nigeria and Guaranty Trust Holding Company, as they appreciated by 10 percent, 3.53 percent and 3.29 percent, respectively; which offset declines in UBA down by 1.4 percent, Access Holdings by 1.89 percent and Cadbury by 1.99 percent.

Market sentiment remained firmly positive, as 47 stocks advanced against 23 decliners. On the performance board, Axa Mansard Insurance ld he gainers chart having appreciated by 10 percent, followed by Seplat Energy also with 10 percent increase; SFS Real Estate Investment Trust added 9.91 percent, Ellah Lakes went up by 9.95 percent, and Chams added 9.76 percent.

Meanwhile, International Energy Insurance went down by 8.42 percent, McNichols down by 8.33 percent, Thomas Wyatt declined by 6.90 percent, Berger Paints dipped by 6.25 percent, and Associate Bus Company depreciated by 5 percent.

Sectoral performance was broadly positive, with all major indices closing in the green. The Oil and Gas index led with a 3.35 percent gain, followed by Insurance by 3.13 percent, Commodities up by 1.72 percent, Banking by 0.64 percent, and Consumer Goods by 0.12 percent, while the Industrial Goods index closed flat at zero point zero one percent.

However, trading activity declined as investors adopted a cautious stance. Total trading volume fell 4.56 percent to 519.92 million units, while transaction value dropped 25.89 percent to N14.55 billion. Despite the pullback, trading frequency surged 31.13 percent to 35,490 deals, reflecting a rise in smaller transactions.

Ellah Lakes emerged as the most traded stock by volume, accounting for 80.07 million units, while Guaranty Trust Holding Company led by value with N1.97 billion worth of shares exchanged.

A coordinated police operation has resulted in the death of several suspected kidnappers following a dramatic ambush and firefight in a forest in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The incident occurred after operatives from the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), acting on intelligence, arrested two suspects, Abubakar Musa, 28, and Yusuf Sale, 25 in separate operations across Rivers and Imo States.

The suspects subsequently led officers to a secluded bush between Upper Agbarho and Oviri-Ogor communities to recover a cache of weapons.

According to SP Bright Edafe, as the team exited the bush, they were ambushed by other gang members attempting to free the arrested suspects. A fierce gun battle ensued.

‘The operatives engaged the suspects in a fierce gun duel, where the suspects and some members of their gang who came to rescue them sustained gunshot injuries,’ the Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State Command added.

Two police officers were also wounded in the exchange and are currently receiving treatment.

The injured suspects, he disclosed, were taken to hospital but were pronounced dead while receiving treatment.

Recovered exhibits included one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 43 rounds of live ammunition, one pump-action gun, and a locally made pistol.

A manhunt for the remaining fleeing suspects is ongoing.

In a related development, the Delta State Police have apprehended 12 suspected cultists and recovered a Beretta pistol in a raid on a suspected gang hideout in Jesse town.

Jesse is in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The operation, conducted on Sunday 5th October 2025 by a combined team of the State Anti-Cult Unit, targeted a location believed to be used for stockpiling weapons and planning attacks on rival groups.

Acting on intelligence following recent cult-related violence in the area, officers stormed a property on Sylvester Street, Ethiope West LGA.

During the raid, one Mudiaga Obey, aged 20, and eleven other individuals were taken into custody.

‘The operatives stormed a hideout where stockpiling of firearms, ammunition, and meetings is usually held before attacks on rival cult groups,’ confirmed SP Bright Edafe in a press release.

The police successfully recovered one Beretta pistol and one live round of ammunition during the operation.

All 12 suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue.