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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike has assured that Police would unravel the circumstances surrounding the Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a news anchor at Arise News Tv and bring those responsible to justice.

Wike said this in reaction to death of Maduagwu in her home in Katampe area of Abuja early Monday morning, in the statement signed by Mr Lere Olayinka, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The Minister commiserated with the management and staff of the Arise News Channel over the death of Maduagwu, describing her death as tragic and painful.

The minister prayed for the repose of her soul and assured that the Police would unravel the circumstances surrounding her death and bring those responsible to justice.

He said her death was not only a loss to the Arise News family but to the Nigerian media and entire nation.

‘I feel pained that such a wonderful soul could be cut down in her prime. It is sad.

‘From the report by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Mandate Secretary on Health, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, Somtochukwu was brought to the Maitama General Hospital dead at about 4:30 a.m. on Monday.

‘Preliminary medical report will be made available to the police to aid their investigation while all efforts will be made to unravel the circumstances surrounding her death.’

Wike called for continuous prayers and support of the Almighty God for members of staff and management of the Arise News, especially the Chairman, Nduka Obaigbena, family and friends left behind by the deceased.

‘It is my prayer that God in His infinite mercies will accept her soul and give her family members, friends and associates the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.’

Wike’s colleague, the Minister of Information and National Orientation ministry, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, had in an earlier statement also described the death of Maduagwu as regrettable.

The Minister said this in a letter of condolence signed by Idris to the Chairman of the Arise News channel, Chief Nduka Obaigbena and issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the minister, her death is a grievous loss not only to her immediate family and the Arise News team, but to the Nigerian media fraternity and indeed, the nation.

‘I write to convey our deepest condolences to you and the entire ARISE News family on the shocking and untimely death of your esteemed anchor, Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu.

‘By every account, she was a vibrant and a dedicated news anchor, consummate lawyer, and a model of professionalism whose work resonated with audiences across Nigeria and beyond.

‘I am saddened by the heinous incident that cut down a promising young journalist in her prime.

‘Ms Somtochukwu’s tragic death is a grievous loss not only to the ARISE News family but to the Nigerian media fraternity, and indeed the nation,’ Idris said.

He gave assurances for a swift investigation to unravel the circumstances leading to the death of the late news anchor.

The minister also extended his heartfelt sympathy to the parents, siblings, colleagues, and all who knew and loved the late news anchor and prayed that God grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

The Nigeria Police Force said it has launched an investigation into the death of the journalist.

The Lagos State Government has filed contempt proceedings against the National Assembly, accusing lawmakers of defying a Supreme Court judgment on the regulation of lotteries and gaming in Nigeria.

Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing marking his second year in office.

Pedro recalled that in a landmark decision, the Supreme Court had ruled that lotteries and games of chance fall within the residual legislative powers of states, not the Federal Government.

The judgment, he said, affirmed the constitutional authority of Lagos and other states to regulate and generate revenue from gaming activities, thereby strengthening fiscal federalism.

Despite this clear pronouncement, Pedro noted that members of the House of Representatives recently passed a Central Gaming Bill, which seeks to bring lotteries and gaming under federal control.

He said the move was not only unconstitutional but also in direct violation of the apex court’s declaratory and injunctive orders.

‘The National Assembly, being bound by the decisions of the Supreme Court like every other person and authority in Nigeria, cannot enact a law on a subject already determined as outside its legislative competence,’ Pedro stated.

‘For this reason, Lagos State has approached the courts to initiate contempt proceedings against the National Assembly,’ he added.

The Attorney-General described the development as an affront to the rule of law, warning that allowing such acts to stand would undermine constitutional governance and judicial authority.

Beyond the gaming dispute, Pedro highlighted achievements of the Ministry of Justice over the past two years, including improved legal advisory services to government ministries and the successful prosecution of high-profile cases such as the conviction of Andrew Nice for the rape and murder of BRT passenger Oluwabamise Ayanwola.

He stressed that Lagos remains committed to upholding justice, protecting state revenues, and defending the constitutional principle of true federalism.

A factional chairman of Labour Party in Edo State, Mrs Elizabeth Ativie, has described the party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, as a dictator who is not fit to be entrusted with power.

Ativie who leads the faction loyal to LP’s national chairman, Julius Abure, said this while addressing journalists in Benin.

She described Obi as lacking in competence, character and capacity to actualise the vision of a new Nigeria, adding that it would be dangerous to entrust Nigeria into his care.

‘The wind has blown and Nigerians have seen the true dictatorial nature of a would-have-been President of Nigeria. Peter Obi since then has been jumping from from one alliance to another and it is becoming clearer that he has shot himself politically on his feet’

‘We want to state clearly that the problem in Labour Party was created by Obi. It was him and Dr. Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia State that convened the ill-fated and illegal expanded stakeholders meeting in Umuahia, on September 4, 2024 for the sole purpose of removing a legally constituted National Working Committee of the party through underhand means.

Continuing, Ativie said: ‘We want to advise Peter Obi to always inform and educate his followers properly to avoid pushing them into unnecessary problems.

‘A leader who cannot advice or guide his followers properly, can hardly be a good leader. It is even more dangerous to entrust the whole Nigeria into such one’s care.’

The Edo LP chair further alleged that after achieving over 6 million votes in the 2023 election with the huge electoral capital working for him, instead of Obi to concentrate on how to win more sympathy, structures and followers, he resorted to fighting leaders of the party

She added that after the party lost the presidential election, Obi should have called an enlarge meeting of his members, encourage them and strategize to build the party but he is started moving from one alliance to another.

She alleged that the problem that emanated from the party primary in Edo, Anambra, Plateau, Borno states, amongst others, Obi could not solve anyone before the governorship election.

‘For instance, the party leader met in Abuja including Obi and resolved that the party will choose its governorship candidate in Edo election would come from Central as other parties and should between Kenneth Imasuagbon and Sergus Ogu, but unfortunately Obi came to Edo and raised the hands of Bar. Olumede Akpata from South to our surprise.’

According to her, party politics is about leadership and that leader should be able to hold a meeting and solve issues arising from primary by bringing member together to chat the way forward.

Nigerian comedian and actor Bovi Ugboma, has opened up on his relationship with fellow colleague, Bright Okpocha, also known as Basketmouth.

While speaking in an interview, Bovi explained that there is no ongoing feud or rift between them, stating that hey both just drifted apart.

Bovi further explained that there was a shift in his focus, which led him to invest in other interests and his family.

‘I’m cool with Basketmouth, nothing happened. I’ve answered this question before. You get what I’m saying. Interests changed, especially for me. You know, I wanted to focus more, spend more time with my family. I wanted to also elevate myself. I easily get bored with things. So when I’m doing something for too long, I try to do something else,’ he stated.

Bovi also explained the need for independence. He revealed that he wanted to be able to grow professionally and financially as an independent creator.

‘So as you know, I started to do films. I went back to TV, and then I wanted to build my own brand in the sense that I needed people. I needed the world to know that I can stand with the mic endlessly by myself and talk. You know, also, there’s the, I also started to think of stuff like when I blow the whistle and say, I’m having an Eko hotel, it fills up. So why should I go and share money? Why should we be many doing one show? And then I guess I can keep all the money myself,’ he added.

A 27-year-old carpenter identified as Toheeb Ahmed has been arrested for allegedly hacking his grandmother to death in Aiyegbami Street, Ore town, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State

The tragic incident which occurred on Tuesday threw residents of the community into panic.

An eyewitness and neighbour of the victim who preferred anonymity, said that what transpired between the suspect and the grandmother who has been living quietly in her residence, could not be ascertained.

‘The movement of suspect was suspicious and out of curiosity, I went to mama’s room while he was away and discovered she had been hacked to death.

‘When he returned, I noticed he was carrying a cutlass and was accompanied by a friend, probably to move the corpse, that was when I raised the alarm,’ the neighbour said.

Meanwhile, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), who confirmed the incident to NAN said that the suspect has been arrested and in police custody.

He said that investigation was ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure justice.

‘Yes, I can confirm the incident. The suspect is in our custody and investigations are ongoing to unravel the circumstances surround the incident for justice to take it’s course,’ Ayanlade said.

Nollywood veteran Toyin Afolayan, popularly known as Lola Idije, has opened up about being a single parent and some difficulties that comes with it.

Lola in an interview, explained that societal support for single parents is scarce and this makes the experience a tough one.

The Yoruba actress also spoke about the struggles of single parents and single mothers. She highlighted responsibilities like paying fees and providing daily meals.

Lola who became a single mother after the death of her husband, revealed that single mothers are constantly judged by the society. She, however, urged single mothers to focus on the task at hand, and raise their children well.

Sen. Shuaib Salis has said President Bola Tinubu is set to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic broadband across the country, stressing that the development would cover all states, local governments and wards.

Salis who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security said the 90,000-kilometer fibre optic network will soon be launched nationwide to boost digital penetration.

The Senator spoke on Monday in Abeokuta during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun council.

At the program themed, ‘The Future of Journalism: Navigating AI and Objective Reporting,’ the senator predicted a revolution in Nigeria’s digital communication landscape.

‘This government under President Bola Tinubu is going to deploy 90,000 kilometers fibre optic broadband across the country.

‘Not just in some states, not just in some local governments; there is no ward that will not have fibre optic presence.

‘A number of studies have confirmed that any 10 per cent increase in your fibre penetration in the country will lead to a minimum of two per cent increase in your Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.

‘So, just imagine if you deploy more technology; and it is very easy to fathom. Just imagine we have fibre optic in all our wards.

‘I just came back from the UN General Assembly with Minister of Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani where we went to preach this to investors to come and invest in Nigeria,’ he said.

According to the lawmaker, a significant challenge for professional journalists is the potential for AI to exacerbate quackery in the industry.

He emphasised the need to integrate technology into the curriculum for mass communication and journalism training.

‘The challenge for professional journalists is that AI also has the potential of increasing the incidence of quackery in the profession.

‘So, what do we need to do? Our curriculum for mass communication and journalism training institute must embed technology into the curriculum.

The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, in his keynote address emphasised ethical dimension.

Onasanya noted that Nigeria lacks clear regulatory guidelines on disclosing AI-generated content, including images, audio, and video.

He urged the leadership of the union to publish a widely adopted code of practice to address AI.

In his speech, the Chairman of the council, Wale Olanrewaju noted that the council has recorded milestones progress and development in less than three years.

Olanrewaju stated that AI has changed the way news are gathered, processed and disseminated.

‘As a union, our responsibility is to prepare our members not just to adapt, but to lead in this new reality. We must ensure that technology enhances our credibility rather than diminish it,’ he said.

The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Prof . Dele Odunlami, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye.

The discussants included Mr Kunle Durosimi, President, Ogun Tech Community and Registrar, West Midlands Open University and Mr Lekan Adeeko, AI Enthusiast and Co-founder, Tedprime Hub.

They deliberated on the merits and demerits of using AI as journalists.

The speakers urged journalists to maintain professionalism when utilising AI in their work, highlighting its potential to foster national unity and cohesion.

In a bid to prevent diseases among the children in Lagos State, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has emphasized the importance of immunization, urging parents to vaccinate their children and wards for a healthier future and a disease-free society.

The Deputy Governor, who made this charge today at an ‘Inaugural meeting of the Lagos State Taskforce on Immunization and Primary Health Care Services’, held at the Conference Room, Office of the Deputy Governor, Roundhouse, Alausa, Ikeja, said vaccination remains one of the most effective means of protecting the children in the community.

According to Hamzat, ‘Vaccination remains one of the most effective and reliable means to protect children from life-threatening illnesses, ensuring their growth and development in good health.’

He added that immunization is a collective responsibility that will not only secure the well-being of individual families but also contribute to building a healthier future and a disease-free society for Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

The Deputy Governor also charged religious leaders and traditional rulers to collaborate with the state government in sensitizing the people on the importance of vaccination and nutrition for their own children, noting that religious houses are always welcome to visit the government for clarification and enlightenment on the different policies put in place.

He noted thus: ‘Our royal fathers must also help us in the community to spread the good news that we have been able to sustain our health conditions because of vaccination.’ Using COVID-19 as an example, Hamzat said contagious diseases have been eradicated in society because of the immunization process carried out, and such can be extended to other illnesses.

While emphasizing the importance of the inaugural meeting, Hamzat pointed out that it was crucial to include all stakeholders, such as the State Executives, members of the Primary Health Care Board, Traditional Rulers, Local Government Chairmen, Religious leaders, and others, because of the need for everybody to have an understanding of the severity of the challenge.

Similarly, in his address, Chairman, House Committee on Health, Hon. Lawal Aina, charged the Local Government Chairmen in the state to encourage the people in their constituencies to ensure their children and wards embrace the immunization programme to ensure a disease-free environment.

‘I want to admonish us to intensify our efforts to do our best in encouraging our people to bring their children out for vaccination, as health education is a key responsibility of the chairmen in ensuring the good and well-being of the people,’ said Lawal.

In his opening remarks, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stated that the primary objective of primary healthcare is to increase the coverage for immunization within the state.

Prof. Abayomi added that human beings are living longer now because the world has advanced technologically to produce effective vaccines that eliminate both infections that cause immediate sickness and diseases that can lead to complications such as liver cirrhosis with hepatitis, cervical cancer with HPV, and malaria, which can cause significant depletion.

He noted that to improve the immunization uptake in Lagos, it is important that the state government work on the aspects that make access to the primary healthcare more attractive to citizens, urging traditional rulers, Local Government chairmen, and stakeholders to collaborate with the government to further boost the capacity of the primary healthcare.

‘So, we are working diligently on renovating our primary healthcare platform. We know that many of you want to provide infrastructure to the state, and at the moment, we are doing 47 PHCs. So, I will be appealing to you to tag into this medical infrastructure transformation,’ the Commissioner concluded

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary HealthCare Board, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustapha, explained that the establishment of the Taskforce reflects the second ‘H’ in the THEMES + agenda of the State Government.

He said that it is a strong commitment to strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC) governance, driving accountability, and ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing life-saving vaccines and essential health services, adding that the Taskforce has been constituted to provide a high-level platform for coordination, oversight, and problem-solving in the delivery of immunization and other PHC services.

Commuters and motorists have expressed hope of relief from traffic jams following the reopening of Ogudu-Ifako Bridge following the completion of repair works on 400 metres of its four expansion joints by Lagos government on Tuesday.

A commuter, Ms Adebisi Adesesan, expressed relief, noting that the reopening would ease traffic. ‘We suffered long hours during the closure, but this is worth it,’ she said.

A commercial driver, Mr Taofeek Shittu, said the reopening would reduce fuel costs and travel time. ‘Traffic was terrible. This reopening is a big relief for us,’ he noted.

A section of the bridge was closed to vehicular traffic on June 28 to enable construction.

The Ogudu/Ifako Bridge inbound Alapere was originally expected to be ready in 100 days, but the repair works were completed in just 73 days.

The first four phases of the project, covering the Ogudu/Ifako inbound Alapere stretch, were completed between June 28 and Aug. 16.

The fifth to eighth phases, which covered the Ogudu/Ifako inbound Oworoshoki axis, commenced in August and have also been successfully completed and reopened to traffic.

Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Daramola, and Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Seun Osiyemi, led a team to inspect the project and certify the works.

Daramola stated that the project, initially scheduled for 101 days, was finished in 78 days due to cooperation from stakeholders and commitment from the contractors.

He explained that defects on the expansion joints, if left unattended, could have compromised motorists’ safety and further weakened the busy bridge.

According to him, the early completion was possible through combined efforts of contractors, security agencies, and the patience of Lagos residents throughout the repair period.

‘We undertook this repair to guarantee safety. Thankfully, with the cooperation of the people, we have been able to deliver ahead of schedule,’ Daramola said.

He commended residents for their endurance during the partial closure, stressing that the bridge is now fully opened to vehicular movement without restrictions.

The special adviser revealed that the next point of attention for government engineers would be the Maza-Maza area, where similar maintenance works are planned.

Also speaking, Osiyemi expressed gratitude to Lagos residents for their understanding, promising that the state government would continue its infrastructure renewal drive.

‘This success belongs to everyone. Lagosians endured the inconveniences and supported the process. We sincerely appreciate your perseverance and patience,’ the commissioner said.

He urged the people to protect the facilities, stressing that they are funded with taxpayers’ money and designed to provide long-term benefits.

Osiyemi recalled that the administration had delivered similar repairs at Odo-Iyalaro and Apongbon bridges, with several other projects currently underway across the state.

‘Our focus remains the delivery of safe, durable and sustainable infrastructure for a greater Lagos. We will need the same cooperation in future projects,’ he added.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday landed at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, for a one-day working visit. The presidential jet touched down at 12:52 p.m.

During the trip, Tinubu is set to inaugurate major infrastructure projects executed by Governor Hope Uzodimma, including the reconstructed 60-kilometre Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia Federal Road, the Assumpta Flyover, and the 6,000-capacity Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre.

The President will also attend the public presentation of Uzodimma’s book, ‘A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria,’ highlighting governance milestones under the All Progressives Congress over the past ten years.

Ahead of the visit, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President’s itinerary underscores the Federal Government’s partnership with Imo State on infrastructure development, modernisation, and sustainable growth.

Other projects to be commissioned include the Imo Concorde Hilton Hotel and the state-of-the-art Imo Digital Learning Centre, reflecting a shared commitment to enhancing the state’s socio-economic landscape