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The Kogi State Government has announced that it will begin strict enforcement of the ban on trailer parks across the state with effect from October 29, 2025, in line with the directive of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, who disclosed this in Lokoja, said the decision followed credible intelligence reports that some trailer parks in the state, particularly those located at Zariagi and Osara, have become hideouts for criminal elements.

According to him, the government cannot fold its arms while such facilities are used to compromise the security of lives and property in the state.

‘The directive of His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, is clear. From October 29, 2025, the state will begin full enforcement of the ban on trailer parks. Intelligence at our disposal shows that some of these parks, especially those at Zariagi and Osara, harbour criminals who threaten the peace and security of our people. This is a proactive and preventive measure. We have decided to move ahead of the criminals instead of lamenting that lives might have been lost. Government will not allow that to continue,’ Fanwo said.

He revealed that security agencies across the state have been strictly briefed to enforce the order without compromise, stressing that violators will face the full weight of the law.

The Commissioner further noted that the enforcement is backed by law, as Governor Ododo has already signed into law a bill banning the movement of articulated trucks during the day.

Fanwo urged operators to comply before the enforcement date and called on residents to support the government’s action, stressing that protecting lives and securing communities remain the top priority of the present administration.

The Jigawa State House of Assembly has directed its committee on health to investigate the multi-billion-naira upgrading of Kiyawa cottage to a general hospital.

Speaking to Tribune Online in Dutse, the state capital, the chairman House committee on health, Hon. Usman Abdullahi Tura, said the decision followed a complaint by the Kiyawa committee over misconduct in the contract by the contractor.

Tura explained that ‘today the Jigawa State House of Assembly under Rt Hon Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin has mandated its health committee to investigate the upgrading of Kiyawa cottage to a general hospital, equipment supply and installation.’

According to him, the committee has been mandated to visit and carry out an investigation into the award of the contract, how it was awarded, the execution of the contract, and to find out what went wrong and the real issues that are involved in the General Hospital Kiyawa project.

He added that the problem started when the state governor, alongside the Speaker of the Assembly, Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, paid a visit to the hospital recently on the day of the citizens’ engagement forum at Kiyawa town, where residents of the community have complained about the substandard materials in the projects.

The member representing Guri State Constituency in the Assembly confirmed that during the visit by the high-level government officials, there were some noticeable defects in the structure.

‘This is a sad development, but as a committee constitutionally saddled with the mandate, we intend to go and find out the critical issues involved and resolve the matter amicably without rancour within the four-week time frame given to us by the House.

‘We have already visited the hospital, the Kiyawa General Hospital; it now remains for us to invite the contractors to furnish us with what truly happened. We have noticed some defects during our last oversight visit to the hospital.

‘We added him, at least to come and look analyse some defects and if possible, amend them, but unfortunately, along the line he was not able to do so until now. So this is the time we’re asked to visit the hospital and see what went wrong so that the entire community can enjoy the facilities provided by the general hospital.’

The lawmaker confirmed that the grievances came from the community entirely and addressed the situation and found out why the community is not enjoying the facilities at are supposed to be installed at the hospital.’

He enjoined the community to feel free and approach the committee during its sitting to formally present their observations and complaints to the committee.

‘Therefore, we informed them that the situation is under control and we’re determined to address their complaints and find a lasting solution to their grievances,’ he declared.

Big Brother Naija Season 10 took a dramatic turn on Thursday as one of the housemates, Adewale Faith, simply known as Faith, was disqualified from the reality TV show.

The disqualification was announced by Big Brother while addressing the housemates, citing repeated violations of the show’s rules.

According to Big Brother, Faith’s recent altercation with another housemate, Sultana, breached the code of conduct guiding all housemates.

In a now-viral video on social media, he engaged in physical violence with Sultana, forcefully dragging a bucket from her until she fell.

Faith becomes the first housemate of the season to be disqualified, cutting short his journey for the ?120 million grand prize.

Big Brother Naija, which premiered its 10th season earlier this year, now has nine housemates competing for the ultimate prize.

Tribune Online reports that Faith, a few weeks ago, described fellow housemate Imisi as a threat to his progress in the competition.

During a conversation with Mide and other housemates, Faith explained that his strained relationship with Imisi had made it nearly impossible for them to work together effectively.

‘Imisi is a threat to my success,’ Faith said, drawing gasps from the housemates.

The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Bankers’ Committee for their role in revamping and reopening the National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.

AFRIMA described the restoration of the 1976 landmark as a major step in preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage and boosting the arts sector. The project, led by the CBN and Bankers’ Committee, was inaugurated during Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebrations.

AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, called the development a milestone for Nigeria’s creative industries.

‘The National Arts Theatre has played a crucial role in nurturing African creativity, serving for decades as a hub for music, theatre, film and cultural festivals. Its revival speaks volumes about Nigeria’s vision and the dedication of stakeholders like the CBN and the bankers’ committee to supporting the creative economy,’ Dada said. ‘This is not just a building restored, but a renewal of cultural confidence and an investment in future generations of Nigerian and African talent.’

Dada also congratulated Nigeria on its 65th independence anniversary, commending the country’s resilience and leadership in music, film, fashion, and digital culture.

‘On behalf of the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Nigeria as the country marks 65 years of independence. Nigeria remains a vital partner to AFRIMA and a key pillar of Africa’s cultural identity. Its creative energy continues to inspire not just the continent but the world,’ he added.

He noted that Nigeria’s role as host of the 9th AFRIMA Awards has further amplified African music globally and strengthened unity across the continent.

AFRIMA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting African music, nurturing young talent, and advancing culture as a driver of pride and development.

Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has explained that he accepted the renaming of the National Theatre after him because of its history, his personal nostalgia for the iconic edifice, and the recognition that ‘somebody has to carry the can’ for Nigerian theatre even though he has long criticised the practice of naming public monuments after individuals.

Speaking at the reopening and re-dedication of the refurbished complex in Iganmu, Lagos, now christened the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts by President Bola Tinubu, Soyinka admitted that the honour left him conflicted.

‘I accepted this honour with mixed feelings. First of all, I’m notorious for having criticised any appropriations, personal appropriations of public monuments by some of our past leaders, which would end up that everything is named after them,’ he said.

‘I have been guilty of saying other people do not merit this kind of monumental dedication, and then I had to stand up in public and watch my name being put up as yet another appropriator. It just didn’t seem well with me.’

Reflecting on pioneers of Nigerian theatre such as Hubert Ogunde and Adam Fiberesima, Soyinka said he eventually concluded that ‘somebody has to carry the can.’

He also recalled the building’s role in FESTAC ’77, noting his despair over its decay and his surprise at its transformation after renovation.

‘I took one look at it, and when the governor and his team wanted to come back to take a second look, I said you go without me. I said I would advise you, get somebody secretly, plant a bomb, and blow it up. It was irredeemable. I said it’s not just a desert, it was a slum,’ he said.

Soyinka praised its rebirth, adding: ‘If eating one’s word produces a morsel like this, then it’s a very tasty set of words.’

In his remarks, President Tinubu said the renaming was his personal decision and not influenced by any political agenda.

‘No conspiracy anywhere. I did it,’ the president said. ‘You are a gem and talent. You are one of the greatest assets of the world, the continent and the country Nigeria. So, it couldn’t have been anything else. I said it has to be Wole Soyinka Centre. And I’m glad you are here to accept the honour.’

Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, has approved the full implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health workers in the state.

According to the directive announced in a statement signed and made available to Journalists in Awka on Thursday by the State Head of Service, Dame Theodora Okwy Igwegbe, the 100 per cent salary structure takes effect immediately and applies to nurses, nurse anaesthetists, psychiatric nurses, community health technicians, dental therapists, medical laboratory technicians, radiographers, and physiotherapists.

The governor directed all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies, including the Local Government Service Commission, the Office of the Accountant General of the State, and the Accountant General for the local government system, to commence immediate enforcement of the directive.

Authorities have been instructed to circulate the notice widely and ensure full compliance across all affected establishments.

Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, who represents the people of Kaduna South Senatorial District, has debunked rumours circulating on social media about his alleged defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement issued by his media office and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Midat Joseph, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday, the Senator clarified:

‘We wish to state unequivocally and for the record that, as of today, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung is a committed member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).’

The statement further noted that he was elected on the platform of the PDP and remains dedicated to upholding the mandate given to him by the people of Kaduna South Senatorial District.

While acknowledging that the political landscape is dynamic, the statement stressed that any decision of such magnitude would be communicated officially and transparently by the Senator himself, not through clandestine speculation.

‘The current rumours are needless distractions from the Senator’s primary focus, which is effective representation, legislative excellence, and attracting developmental projects to Kaduna South Senatorial District.’

The statement therefore urged the media, constituents, and the general public to disregard the unfounded speculations.

President Bola Tinubu has said that the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day military parade gave him the opportunity to rest well and enjoy a ‘nice breakfast’ on Wednesday.

The Federal Government had earlier announced the cancellation of the parade scheduled for October 1.

In a statement released on Monday by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, it was explained that the decision ‘is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary.’

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Speaking at the unveiling of the renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Arts Theatre in Lagos, Tinubu said the cancellation gave him a break from the ‘monotony’ of the usual military parade.

‘I’m more than grateful for tonight. I enjoyed the evening. Happy 65th Independence Anniversary. This has broken the monotony of military march-past, parade and everything.

‘By cancelling this programme, I was able to have a good sleep, have a nice breakfast and wait for this evening. And the evening is well spent,’ he said.

Tinubu arrived at the venue at about 6:24 p.m. for the reopening ceremony of the monument, which was funded and overseen by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee.

The president had in July renamed the edifice after Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, describing him as ‘one of the greatest assets of the world, Africa and Nigeria.’

‘So, it couldn’t have been anything else and I know definitely you (referring to Soyinka) will not disobey this president. I said it has to be Wole Soyinka Centre,’ Tinubu added.

The unveiling was attended by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; Speaker Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; and Wole Soyinka himself, who was the host of the occasion.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has officially declared open the maiden Gombe Health Summit.

In her remarks, she commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his bold and visionary reforms, which, according to her, have repositioned the state’s health sector as a model for the nation.

The First Lady described the health policies of the Inuwa Yahaya administration as transformational and trailblazing.

She pointed to the expansion of primary health centres, the modernisation of hospitals across the three senatorial districts, and the innovative approach to tackling child malnutrition as clear evidence of the Governor’s commitment to building a workable and sustainable health system.

‘What I have learnt today is truly impressive. Even Bill Gates once attested to Gombe State’s problem-solving mindset and its commitment to results. We see that here again today, and we are proud of what Governor Inuwa Yahaya is doing. I believe Mr President is equally proud,’ she said.

Senator Tinubu also praised the Governor for his recent decision to improve salaries for health workers, describing the gesture as a mark of transparent and accountable leadership. She expressed hope that the Governor’s legacies in the health sector would be sustained for years to come.

In his keynote address, Governor Inuwa Yahaya recalled the difficult situation his administration met in 2019, when the health sector was underfunded, infrastructure dilapidated, personnel overstretched, and health indicators far below the national average.

He explained that at the time, only 3.5 per cent of the state’s budget was allocated to health, while the Abuja Declaration recommended 15 per cent.

According to him, access to healthcare was largely dependent on the ability to pay, and the absence of proper oversight and coordination left the system fragmented and ineffective.

Faced with these realities, he declared a state of emergency in the health sector in 2019, a step which marked the beginning of what he described as a new era of transformation.

He noted that the results of the 2023 National Demographic and Health Survey speak to the success of these reforms, with immunisation coverage rising from 18 per cent in 2018 to 49 per cent in 2023, DPT3 coverage increasing from 26 to 60 per cent, deliveries by skilled birth attendants improving from 21 to 38 per cent, and the use of modern contraceptives by women of childbearing age growing from 16 to 30 per cent.

The Governor further highlighted landmark achievements, including the revitalisation of 228 primary healthcare centres across the state, each equipped to provide 24-hour services with solar power, boreholes, and staff quarters; the recruitment and deployment of hundreds of health workers to underserved communities; the remodelling of general hospitals in Kumo, Bajoga, and Kaltungo; and the transformation of Gombe Specialist Hospital, which now trains house officers and residents in accredited postgraduate programmes.

He also pointed to the construction of a 200-bed ultra-modern hospital in Kumo, which has since been converted to a Federal Medical Centre by the Federal Government.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also spoke of institutional reforms, including the establishment of a Hospitals Management Board and the introduction of biometric attendance systems, which uncovered 440 ghost workers and saved the state over N4.5 billion.

He noted the establishment of the Gombe State Contributory Health Scheme, which has enrolled more than 380,000 residents and provided coverage to over 100,000 vulnerable people, and the creation of GoPharma, a pharmaceutical company designed to make quality medicines affordable and, in the long term, to produce drugs locally.

In a major announcement at the summit, the Governor approved the immediate implementation of the CONMESS and CONHESS salary structures for all health workers in Gombe State, effective November 2025.

He explained that this intervention, at a cost of N250 million monthly or N3 billion annually, represents a direct investment in the welfare of health professionals.

‘This commitment comes with a call to all health workers to match our efforts with renewed commitment, productivity, and professionalism in service to our people,’ he stated.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, commended the timing of the summit, describing it as aligned with the Federal Government’s current investments in the sector.

He said the reforms implemented in Gombe have already yielded measurable results in reducing maternal morbidity and child mortality, while strengthening infrastructure and manpower.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, described the summit as a reflection of the priority Governor Inuwa Yahaya places on healthcare.

He emphasised that the administration has successfully repositioned the sector to meet the health needs of the people in a sustainable and holistic manner.

Highlight of the opening session was the unveiling of the Gombe State Health Workforce Strategic Development Plan 2025-2030 by the First Lady.