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The Imole Progressive Network (IPN) has congratulated the people of Nigeria and Ondo State as the nation celebrates its 65th independence anniversary.

The group paid tribute to the country’s founding fathers, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, for their visionary leadership and unrelenting struggle against British hegemony.

Their efforts, the group noted, culminated in Nigeria’s independence on October 1, 1960, following the 1914 amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates.

In a statement released by the group, its leader, Mr Mike Adeyanju, emphasised the significance of the national milestone as a moment for both celebration and reflection.

‘This is a celebration of national freedom, unity and progress, a reflection on the achievements of our forefathers and a pointer to a hopeful future,’ the group declared.

The statement highlighted the importance of continued unity and collective effort in nation-building.

‘This day renews our aspirations for a stronger and more prosperous nation. It refreshes our minds and encourages us to uphold patriotism, bridge divisions and work together for the betterment of our country, focusing on our collective potential and shared dream of greatness,’ it said.

Reaffirming its commitment to national development, the group added: ‘The members of Imole Progressive Network, under the leadership of Engr. Mike Adeyanju, wish our dear country fruitfulness and success in all her endeavours.

‘We will continue to contribute to nation-building through unity, solidarity, resilience, enduring strength, the spirit of perseverance and hope for the future.

‘We remain committed to promoting patriotism, celebrating our rich culture and heritage, supporting economic reforms and advocating good governance.

‘We see a greater Nigeria in our unity and willingness to serve selflessly.’

Adamawa State governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has inaugurated a new Pension Committee tasked with ensuring fairness, transparency, and timely settlement of arrears owed to retired civil servants in the state.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Auwal Tukur, performed the inauguration on Monday at the State Secretariat Complex in Yola on behalf of the governor.

Tukur said the administration remains committed to easing the financial burden of retirees who have faced delays in receiving their entitlements.

As part of the renewed effort, Fintiri approved ?8 billion for the payment of pension liabilities. Of this, ?5 billion is allocated to state pensioners and ?3 billion to local government retirees across the 21 LGAs. He noted that payments would follow a ‘first retired, first served’ system to prevent favoritism.

The SSG commended the work of the previous committee and expressed confidence in the new team chaired by Engineer Benson Jelani.

‘The selection of the committee members was based on their competence and proven track records,’ Tukur said. ‘We trust that under Engr. Jelani’s leadership, this committee will perform with diligence and integrity.’

In his remarks, Jelani thanked the governor for the trust placed in the committee and pledged to carry out its duties with fairness and accountability.

‘We assure His Excellency and the good people of Adamawa that we will execute our duties without fear or favour,’ he said.

The committee’s reconstitution comes as calls for pension reform grow nationwide, with many states still burdened by large outstanding pension liabilities.

Four housemates recently evicted from the Big Brother Naija house, Thelma, Kuture, Joanna, and Bright Morgan, have shared thoughts about the connections and relationships they built inside the house.

Bright Morgan, while speaking alongside others in an interview with Tribune Online, clarified his stance with fellow housemate Dede. According to him, his actions were about setting boundaries rather than hatred.

‘Mide and Dede are close, so I just wanted to set boundaries. I don’t dislike her, but we had an issue the other day. Moving forward, I know I don’t have to be friends with everyone. I’m intentional about my relationships. When I have eyes on someone, I just focus on them,’ he explained.

Responding to questions on whether there was more to their connection with KayBobo, especially after a ‘kissing spree’ during her time in the BBNaija House, which apparently shocked other evicted housemates, Thelma revealed she values trust above all else.

She recalled feeling uncomfortable when she learned Isabella had shared KayBobo’s bed before he moved to hers, which created a wrong impression.

She said, ‘I didn’t see the need to explain to anyone, but I wasn’t cool with how things looked. I’d rather KayBobo come outside the house and explain the context, especially after he told housemates when asked about him and Thelma that the house is a social experiment. I don’t owe them an explanation. I just want clarity.’

On her part, Joanna addressed her relationship with Faith, explaining that what viewers saw on the reality show was not a serious relationship but just a friendship.

‘Faith isn’t a relationship person, and we decided to remain true friends. For me, mental connection comes first before anything else,’ she said.

On another relationship drama, Kuture recalled an outburst involving Isabella and Imisi, where things got heated to the point that Isabella poured pepper on Sultana before it was later resolved in a surprising way.

‘They called me to be a witness when they decided to settle their fight with a kiss,’ Kuture added.

Nigerian hitmaker, T.I Blaze (born Akintunde Abiodun Timileyin in Ogun State) has unveiled ‘Porsche’, a single that pushes his signature mix of grit and Afrobeats melody into new territory.

Signed to Dapper Music and Entertainment and distributed by Dvpper Digital, T.I Blaze has steadily risen to prominence, building on a streak of impactful singles that showcase his consistency and cultural relevance.

Since breaking out with ‘Sometimes’, T.I Blaze has delivered records that speak to both the streets and the mainstream, from the charting success of ‘Beamer’ to fan favourites like ‘Dodge’, ‘Mario’, ‘Eko’, ‘Introduction’ and ‘Trenches Love’. With ‘Porsche’, he adds to this evolving discography, continuing a ‘car-themed’ creative thread that has become a signature mark of his artistry.

Speaking on the track, T.I Blaze explains:’Porsche represents balance – the enjoyment and the hustle. Songs like ‘Beamer’ and ‘Dodge’ opened doors and connected with people in their own way, and Porsche is me showing growth, proving that no matter how far I go, grace and balance will always drive everything I do.’

South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya have emerged as the top-performing parliaments in Africa, according to the 2025 Africa Open Parliament Index (OPI) report launched by the Africa Parliamentary Monitoring Organisations Network (APMON).

The OPI provides a comprehensive assessment of 33 African national parliaments, measuring their performance across three critical dimensions: transparency, civic participation, and public accountability.

According to the Secretary General of APMON, Sammy Obeng, ‘The OPI is not just a ranking – it is a roadmap. It challenges parliaments to open up their work, engage citizens meaningfully, and demonstrate accountability.’ Obeng emphasised that the index highlights areas where urgent reforms are needed, while also showing encouraging progress in many countries.

The South African Parliament ranked first with an overall score of 79.69%, making it the most open parliament in Southern Africa. Ghana’s Parliament followed closely, ranking second with an overall score of 77.60%, and leading in West Africa. Kenya’s Parliament took third place with an overall score of 73.96%, and leading in East Africa.

In contrast, the Parliament of Comoros ranked 31st with an overall score of 29.69%, while the Parliament of South Sudan ranked 32nd with an overall score of 28.65%. The Parliament of Guinea-Bissau ranked lowest, with an overall score of 28.13%.

The launch event featured a panel discussion with civil society leaders, who shared strategies for co-creating reforms that will make African parliaments more open, responsive, and citizen-centred. APMON and its partners are calling on governments, parliaments, and development partners to work together to implement evidence-based reforms inspired by the index.

The OPI 2025 report is now available for download on (link unavailable). APMON will be engaging with individual parliaments, civil society organisations, and regional bodies to present country-specific findings and support the development of action plans that advance parliamentary openness.

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has assured citizens that his administration is delivering tangible results across key sectors of governance, with more progress to come in the months ahead.

Speaking at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, Akure, during the 65th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria, the governor said the state was witnessing a remarkable transformation under his ‘OUR EASE’ policy framework.

According to him, the government is executing projects simultaneously in health, education, agriculture, infrastructure and security, which include the dualisation of Akure-Idanre, Akungba-Ikare and Okitipupa-Igbokoda roads, the construction of jetties and walkways in the riverine areas, and the rehabilitation of five kilometres of roads in each of the 18 local government areas.

‘Roads are not just pathways, they are lifelines that will boost commerce, agriculture, reduce travel stress and encourage economic activities and the daily life of our people,’ he said.

On healthcare, Aiyedatiwa disclosed that his government had expanded the contributory health scheme, completed a pharma-grade warehouse to guarantee a steady supply of medicines, renovated hospitals and prioritised recruitment into the health sector.

‘Our people in rural areas will no longer need to travel far to access basic healthcare. Beyond this, we have resolved that all health facilities in the state would be upgraded to meet global medical standards,’ he added.

The governor also highlighted strides in education, including classroom rehabilitation, provision of instructional materials, bursaries and scholarships, digital learning opportunities, as well as the continued operation of free shuttle buses and boats for students.

In agriculture, he announced that the state had secured 26,000 hectares of land and earmarked ?7.5 billion for development to strengthen food security and create jobs.

On security, Aiyedatiwa said: ‘We have provided not less than 75 high-grade Hilux vehicles equipped with modern security gadgets to our security agencies to help them respond quickly and effectively to threats.

‘Our goal is that every citizen of Ondo State should feel safe in their homes, farms, markets, schools and places of work.’

Commending citizens for their trust and resilience, he pledged: ‘In the coming months, you will see more progress. Ondo State is moving forward, Nigeria is moving forward; and nothing is beyond our reach.’

Earlier in his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, said the anniversary celebration was not only a reminder of Nigeria’s historical struggles for freedom, but also an occasion to highlight the achievements of the current administration.

‘In recent times, the state has witnessed unprecedented socio-economic revival and restoration. Mr. Governor has deliberately provided an ambience that opened up the industrial and economic frontiers of development in the state, thus strategically placing Ondo State on the world map,’ Fasoranti said.

He lauded Aiyedatiwa’s fiscal transparency and accountability, describing them as enablers of reforms and transformational programmes.

The colourful event featured a parade mounted by the Nigeria Police, schools, political and non-political groups, and was attended by top government officials, royal fathers, religious leaders, and other dignitaries, including Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Chief Judge, Justice A.O. Odusola, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has begun nationwide enforcement against foreigners who overstayed their visas or violated immigration rules after the Federal Government’s visa amnesty closed at midnight on September 30, 2025.

The amnesty, introduced on July 5, 2025, gave non-citizens with expired documents an opportunity to regularise their status without facing penalties.

In a statement released late Tuesday, minutes before the deadline, NIS spokesperson ACI Akinsola Akinlabi confirmed that officers would commence operations on October 1.

The enforcement will target holders of expired Visa on Arrival, expired single or multiple-entry short-visit and business visas, and those with expired Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permits and Automated Cards (CERPAC).

Offenders now face removal from Nigeria, daily fines, and bans on future entry.

According to the Service’s penalty framework: ‘Three months to one year: removal, payment of $15 per day, or a five-year entry ban. One year and above: removal and a 10-year or permanent entry ban.’

The NIS explained that the measure is part of efforts to ensure compliance with migration laws.

NIS added that the crackdown on Visa overstayers is expected to promote lawful residence, safeguard national security, and support transparency in Nigeria’s immigration processes.

A former Chief of Defence Staff and retired army general, Lucky Irabor, will on October 3, 2025, release his new book, ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,’ a book reviewers said is ‘destined to change the Boko Haram narrative.’

According to the organisers, the book, which is a compelling revelation of the complex dynamics of Boko Haram terrorist organisation, would be unveiled in Abuja.

Chairman, Book Launch Organising Committee, Jonah Ejenavi, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been invited to the book presentation as Special Guest of Honour, while former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, is the chairman of the occasion.

Also, Most Rev (Dr) Matthew Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, will serve as book reviewer.

Boko Haram’s emergence in 2002 ushered in an unprecedented era of bloodbath, destruction of property, and devastation of economies, not just in Nigeria, but also across the West African belt, with far-reaching regional, continental, and global consequences.

In Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, Gen Irabor dissects the Boko Haram conundrum, while proposing solutions to a challenge that threatens the future of Nigeria and other West African states.

The bird’s-eye view of Gen Irabor, who led Nigerian forces against one of the biggest threats to his country, offers a deeper understanding of Boko Haram and the insurgency challenge.

Ejenavi, in the statement, said the 330-page book has 14 chapters divided into three parts. The parts explore Nigeria’s historical past while unravelling the roots of the country’s security challenges, the conundrum caused by Boko Haram, and the paradigm shift required to establish peace in Nigerian society despite the threat of insurgency.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike has described the nation’s capital, Abuja, as one of the most peaceful places to reside in Nigeria, citing both security measures and residents’ intolerance for insecurity.

This was contained in his Independence Day anniversary message to residents on Wednesday. Wike used the occasion to reflect on the nation’s journey, celebrate its unity, and catalogue his administration’s achievements in line with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.

The Minister, who emphasised the FCT’s symbolic role, describing it as Nigeria’s symbol of unity and nationhood, urged residents to continue to embody the faith that they are greater together and to ensure that the labour of the nation’s founding fathers is not in vain.

Wike noted that the anniversary was a time for sober reflection and stock-taking, necessary to look ahead with renewed hope towards a better future.

The Minister expressed gratitude for residents’ support for the President’s agenda, which centres on economic growth, national security, food security, sustainable development and infrastructure development.

He used the opportunity to lay bare his vision and the progress the FCT Administration had been able to make on several fronts under his watch.

‘The FCT Administration, with your unflinching support, will continue to work to provide first-class infrastructure and public utilities as demonstrated in the completion and commissioning of strategic roads.

‘It is our firm belief that no city can be said to be a city without a good network of roads, hence our focus on road construction.

‘We have reconstructed most of our schools and hospitals and provided much-needed equipment and personnel,’ he said.

He also pointed to support for farmers and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as part of efforts to empower the nation’s youths and women and reinvigorate the economy.

The Minister further addressed the upcoming Area Council elections in February 2026, marking the formal start of the country’s electioneering process.

‘I implore residents to go about campaigning for candidates of their choice in a peaceful and orderly manner and to vote for leaders who evidently have their interest at heart; leaders who have vision and capacity to attract development and prosperity to the people,’ he stated.

He assured residents of the Administration’s partnership with law enforcement to ensure security, law and order in the FCT at all times, while appealing to citizens to be watchful over their neighbourhoods and to report all suspicious movements to security agents.

The Minister praised President Tinubu as a leader who is intentional about prioritising the well-being of the citizens and called for continued collective effort to ensure that the ‘FCT’s potentials and our collective aspirations are realised to the fullest.’

‘Amidst the various challenges we face as a nation, we are very optimistic that the future is brighter,’ he said.

As Nigerians celebrate the 65th year of our dear country, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has granted amnesty to six prisoners serving various jail terms in Adamawa State.

The Governor, who granted the amnesty in his speech at the march past ceremony by the police and other paramilitary organisations at the Ribadu Square, said, ‘Nigeria stands at the proud threshold of sixty-five years of independence, a moment not just for celebration, but for deep reflection. On 1 October 1960, the chains of colonial rule were broken, and our people took their destiny into their own hands. That day was filled with promises, the dream of a Nigeria united in vision, rich in justice, and rising in prosperity.’

But he noted that ‘sixty-five years later, we must ask ourselves with courage and honesty, how far have we travelled on that journey? As a nation, we have walked through fire, we weathered the storms of civil war, endured the shadows of dictatorship, and stood firm through waves of poverty and insecurity. Yet, we endured, not by luck, but by the unwavering spirit of our people.’

‘Still, we must acknowledge a truth: survival is not success, independence without progress is only a symbol, but the real freedom is measured by how it transforms everyday lives.’

‘In Adamawa, we strive to turn that truth into action. We believe independence means a child in Michika learning under a proper roof and not a crumbling structure, it means a farmer in Demsa reaching the market on a safe, motorable road. It means a mother in Guyuk receiving health care close to home. It means the youth of Yola finding hope through opportunity, not hopelessness through crime,’ the Governor noted.

‘For us in Adamawa, we have rebuilt classrooms and reimagined education, we have revitalised healthcare because a healthy society is a strong one. We have also connected communities with roads and bridges, and pursued peace as a precondition for growth. Are we perfect? No.’

Fintiri also announced that 12,000 qualified candidates are currently undergoing processes for recruitment into the Adamawa State Civil Service.

‘This includes 5,000 positions in MDAs, 5,000 in post-primary education, and 2,000 in the health sector. This is not just a job drive; it is an investment in efficiency, public service, and the future of our youth.

‘Today, through fiscal discipline, digital reforms, and accountability, our IGR has grown to ?16.2 billion, nearly tripling in just five years. Nigeria’s freedom also demands responsibility. Governance must be anchored on justice, fairness, and transparency. And citizens must stand on pillars of discipline, truth, and hard work.’

‘Our greatest treasure is our unity. In Adamawa, we are a vibrant mosaic of cultures, languages, and faiths. That diversity must never be our weakness; it must be our strength. Like rivers that flow into one mighty stream, our differences must flow into one shared destiny.

‘Our administration will stay the course, expanding infrastructure, deepening healthcare, empowering education, and securing every corner of our state. We will lead with justice and humility, always mindful that power is not privilege, but a sacred trust before God and humanity.’