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Mrs. Patience Ibanga Akpabio has been disowned and excommunicated from the greater Akpabio family over comments against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his wife.

The decision by the Akpabio family was taken after Mrs. Patience allegedly rebuffed several warnings to desist from making damning allegations and uncomplimentary comments against the Senate President on social media.

At a briefing, the Greater Akpabio said they are saddened by the actions and comments made by their one of their daughters in-law, Mrs Patience against their highly reverred son and his wife.

The text of the press briefing read by Dr. Joe Akpabio,the deputy family head, said the image of the family has been badly bastardised and would no longer tolerate such disrespect from Mrs. Patience.

The family said: ‘The attention of our family, THE GREATER AKPABIO FAMILY has been drawn to various viral videos in circulation a certain wife in our family, Mrs Patience Ibanga Akpabio; making disparaging comments, unwholesome remarks and insulting our great son in the person of the Senate President, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, his dear wife Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Ekaette Unoma Akpabio and others.

‘Following this development, we had through our family head, and a public notification, served the said Mrs Patience Ibanga Akpabioa traditional injunction, demanding that she immediately cease and desist from making further statements about the person of HE, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, his wife, HE, Dr. (Mrs.) Ekaette Unoma Akpabio and other members of the Greater Akpabio family.

‘Regrettably and most unfortunately, she has continued in her tirade thus ignoring the injunction by the family. This in itself has brought the family to public ridicule, shame and suggestive of a family unable to manage and control her members. This has never happened and should not have happen at the first instance.

‘The Family is deeply saddened that despite the assurances of our son and her husband, Barr Ibanga Akpabio, that she will cease and desist immediately on her actions in view of the negative attention generated, the aspersions and insults directed at the persons of the Senate President, his wife and indeed the our greater family has continued unabated.

‘As you may probably know, the Greater Akpabio Family has very well-known norms of respect, unity and age-long channels to address grievances. To see that this norms and channels were not adhered to is regrettable. We therefore condemn these actions in their entirety.

‘Such acts are destructive and an affront to our collective survival and development while also being repulsive to family and human dignity. They undermine the essence of our core family values while bringing unnecessary distraction and suffering to our communities.

‘We are united in rejecting these actions and reaffirming our commitment to upholding the time-honored ideals of respect, unity and constructive engagement that have always defined us as a family.

‘The Greater Akpabio family shall not condone any act or behaviour that shall bring the family to disrepute or pubic opprobrium as exemplified by Mrs Patience Ibanga Akpabio’s current conduct and attitude.

‘Consequently, we strongly denounce the unwarranted and repeated attacks on our esteemed son and Pride of our Family, President of the Senate, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON. We are immensely proud of his exemplary representation of our Family, Senatorial District and his remarkable achievements as the President of the Senate.

‘As a family, we hereby use this medium to place a disclaimer on the person of Mrs Patience Ibanga Akpabio as being a wife, representative, and or member of the Greater Akpabio Family while also excommunicating her from the family.

‘Consequent upon this, the family hereby warns all members of the public to desist from any dealing with Mrs Patience Ibanga Akpabio as a member of our Greater Akpabio family. It is sad, that she has pushed us to this line of action by her untoward and satanic actions’

After over two months of the suspension of the Warri-Itakpe Train Service, all is set for resumption of operations on Wednesday.

The non-functioning condition of the train service forced an estimated number of 1,000 passengers who board the train daily to seek alternative means of transportation.

The Nation understands that each regular coach has 88 seats while the business class coach has 56 seats. Several passengers stand aboard the train ride, hence the estimated number.

The development also paralysed small businesses around the Ujevwu Station as well as reduced the influx of vehicular activities, mostly commercial, in the area.

The resumption comes three weeks after the Pan Niger Delta Forum called on the Federal Government to fix the Ujevwu-Itakpe rail line.

The Nation visited the Ujevwu Station take off point in Udu council area of Delta state, Tuesday, and observed some workers preparing for the resumption.

Operations will commence with seven coaches, comprising six standard class and one business class.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, in a statement apologising for the inconveniences experienced during the period of suspension, assured train users and stakeholders of ‘renewed commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient rail services.’

The statement signed by the NRC Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, Saturday, announced the resumption, stating that the ‘temporary suspension was necessary to carry out critical repairs, maintenance, and system checks on the track and rolling stock to ensure the comfort, reliability and safety of passengers.’

One of the workers, who explained that the major resumption activities were more visible at the main station in Agbor (Owa Oyibu), Ika North, said: ‘We have always been here, it was just the train service that stopped. But we are fully ready to resume and receive passengers from tomorrow.’

The staff disclosed that tickets were no longer sold at the stations but booked on the service portal which opened since Monday, ahead of the resumption.

Though the train was not present at the time of the visit, it was learnt that it would arrive tonight.

While some women were seen sweeping the front of the station at the time of the visit, petty traders were setting up their trade stands and displaying their goods around the entrance of the station.

Efforts to get comments of the Public Relations Officer at the Agbor Main Station proved futile as of press time.

The Naira on Monday appreciated further at the official foreign exchange market, trading at N1,452.79 to the dollar.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed the Naira gained N5.16 compared with Friday’s rate of N1,457.95.

This represents a 0.35 per cent appreciation, extending the weeklong positive trend recorded in the previous week.

The Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) commended the month-long appreciation of the Naira in both official and parallel markets.

ABCON President, Dr Aminu Gwadabe, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that several factors contributed to the gains.

He listed them as Nigeria’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, increased oil revenue, higher foreign reserves and diaspora remittances.

Gwadabe congratulated the nation for leaving the FATF grey list, noting that the Naira gained N10.00 against the dollar at the parallel market on Monday.

He said the development had boosted investors’ confidence and attracted more foreign investments into the country.

According to him, sustained reforms and information sharing among security agencies helped trace proceeds of crime and facilitated Nigeria’s exit from the list.

He added that the CBN’s success in raising foreign reserves to about 42.26 billion dollars provided a strong buffer for the Naira.

‘The sustained stability has reduced speculation. Speculators’ activities have been rendered ineffective in the market,’ he said.

The Super Falcons have sealed their place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating Benin Republic 3-1 on aggregate.

The ten-time African champions booked their qualification with a 1-1 draw against Benin in the return leg played at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, on Tuesday, having earlier won the first leg 2-0 at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo.

Nigeria got off to a bright start in the home tie, taking the lead in the 12th minute. Esther’s corner kick sailed past several defenders and found Ashleigh Plumptre, whose powerful header found the back of the net.

The goal marked Plumptre’s first for the Super Falcons since switching allegiance from England in 2021.

Benin Republic later pulled one back in the second half, but it was not enough to overturn Nigeria’s aggregate advantage.

With the result, the Super Falcons advance to next year’s WAFCON, where they will defend their continental crown.

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will take place from March 17 to April 3 and will also serve as the African qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The top four teams from the tournament will earn automatic World Cup slots, while two others will compete in inter-confederation playoffs for a chance to qualify.

It was a moment of joy in Nigeria’s education sector as the Unique Open University in Lagos, one of the recently approved institutions by the National Universities Commission (NUC), received its operational license, clearing the way for the commencement of academic activities.

The license was officially presented to the university’s founder and chancellor, Prof. Chris Imumolen, a renowned philanthropist and youth advocate by the NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Yusufu Abdullahi Ribadu, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Prof. Ribadu commended the university for its impressive infrastructure and readiness to begin operations, noting that its facilities reflect a strong commitment to quality education.

In attendance with Prof. Imumolen were members of his team and the university’s Governing Council.

Expressing appreciation to the NUC, Prof. Imumolen lauded the Commission’s prompt inspection and due diligence process that culminated in the granting of the provisional license.

He assured that Unique Open University will redefine higher education in Nigeria and across the West African sub-region by equipping students with practical skills to become both employable and job creators.

The official inauguration, dedication, and opening ceremony of the university is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at its campus located at Iyana Isashi Bus Stop, along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos.

Themed ‘Empowering Generations through Knowledge, Innovation, and Opportunity,’ the event will also feature the unveiling of Prof. Imumolen’s management team and the presentation of the university’s vision to the public.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday received Denmark’s richest man and Chief Executive Officer of Bestseller Group, Mr. Anders Holch Povlsen, at the State House, Abuja, as part of efforts to deepen economic relations and attract foreign investment to Nigeria.

Povlsen, who also chairs the Bestseller Foundation, was accompanied by the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Bach Hansen, and other senior officials of the global fashion and philanthropy group.

According to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed the engagement on his official X handle, @aonanuga1956, the meeting was held behind closed doors and attended by top government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.

The Bestseller Foundation, a private philanthropic arm funded by Denmark’s Bestseller A/S, focuses on driving social and environmental impact-particularly across West Africa-and supports entrepreneurs and ventures that combine social progress with sustainable financial outcomes.

Before the meeting with President Tinubu, Mr. Povlsen and his delegation were received by Gbajabiamila and Dr. Tijani at the State House.

Borno Governor Babagana Zulum has reiterated the State’s unwavering support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring total loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.

Zulum made the remark during the flag-off of the APC North-East e-registration workshop in Maiduguri, where he pledged his administration’s full support for the success of the exercise.

The event, which drew national and zonal party leaders, state executives, local government chairmen, and lawmakers, was part of the party’s broader effort to promote its ongoing digital membership registration across the North-East.

He said: ‘I want to assure you that the government of Borno State under my leadership will provide the desired support to ensure the success of the APC membership e-registration exercise in the North-East.

‘Our party members in other states governed by other political parties will also be supported to get captured,’ he added.

The Governor reaffirmed that Borno’s allegiance to the APC remains unshakable, describing the state as ‘100 per cent APC.’

‘Let there be no doubt in anyone’s mind, Borno State is 100 per cent for the APC. Our loyalty to the party and its leadership is absolute,’ he declared.

Recalling the state’s difficult past, Zulum said Borno had faced years of insecurity and economic collapse before the APC took over power.

‘Before the APC came to power, Borno State was on its knees. Our local governments were under siege, our economy was shattered, and our people lived in fear,’ he said.

‘But look at where we are today. The narrative has changed, and this is due to the relentless efforts and massive support from the APC-led Federal Government.’

He commended former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for its role in fighting terrorism and establishing the North East Development Commission (NEDC), which has helped rebuild affected communities.

Zulum further praised President Tinubu for sustaining strong federal support for peace and stability in the region.

‘Under our leader, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that support has not wavered; it has grown stronger. The President has shown a deep commitment to the final restoration of peace in Borno and the entire North-East. The Federal Government continues to work with us to ensure the safe resettlement of our people and the rebuilding of their livelihoods,’ he said.

Highlighting the APC’s recognition of Borno’s contributions, Zulum noted, ‘For the first time, our son became the Vice President of Nigeria under the APC. This is a testament to the party’s trust and confidence in Borno.’

He urged residents to remain united and rally behind President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‘I wish to reiterate my call to the good people of Borno State to join me in supporting the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027. Let us begin to build that momentum now and work together to ensure his leadership continues to move our nation forward,’ Zulum said.

Former Big Brother Naija housemate Faith has received his brand-new Innoson electric car worth N38 million despite being disqualified from the show.

He won the car in a task before his exit on October 2, 2025, after a clash with fellow housemate Sultana.

The show’s organiser’s confirmed that Faith would retain the car since he earned it before his disqualification.

Faith was visibly excited when he inspected the car, asking about its battery level and checking the display showing the battery status.

The General Manager, Sales Operations at Innoson Vehicles, Obum Osigwe, shared a video of Faith picking up his new car on TikTok, captioning it ‘Faith finally picks up his Innoson vehicle. Congratulations’.

Some fans and critics initially doubted Faith would receive the prize due to his disqualification, but the show’s organisers have upheld the rules, allowing him to keep the car.

This win marks Faith’s second major prize of the season, following his earlier success in the SuperKomando challenge.

The Federal Government has called on business owners in the Southeast to take advantage of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) to boost cross-border trade and expand their markets across West Africa.

Director, ECOWAS National Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olawale Emmanuel Awe, made the appeal on Tuesday in Enugu during a one-day sensitisation workshop on the scheme, organised to enlighten Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the region with the theme: ‘Increasing intra regional trade through ETLS’.

He explained the ETLS was designed to promote economic integration among member states by allowing goods produced within any ECOWAS country to be traded freely within the sub-region without payment of customs duties.

‘The ETLS is primarily made for business people, particularly MSMEs, big entrepreneurs, and petty traders who have products that can be sold within the West African region,’ Awe said.

‘Once registered under the scheme, Nigerian manufacturers can export their products to the 12 ECOWAS countries without paying customs duties.’

According to him, the scheme, which is one of the protocols underpinning ECOWAS’ founding vision in 1975, aims to achieve free movement of goods and services and foster regional prosperity through economic integration.

Awe stressed that businesses must, however, complete the required registration process to benefit from the initiative.

‘Any businessperson manufacturing in Nigeria must first register with us. They will need to submit samples of their products, after which the National Approval Committee-comprising the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Trade, SON, NAFDAC, Customs, MAN Export Group, and NEPC-will conduct factory inspections to confirm that the products are genuinely made in Nigeria,’ he said.

He warned that the scheme does not permit re-export of foreign goods. ‘We don’t want a situation where someone imports from China and re-exports. Only products made in Nigeria are eligible,’ he added.

Awe noted the sensitisation workshop was necessary because many business owners in the South-East were still unaware of the benefits of the scheme despite the region’s thriving entrepreneurial base.

‘We are doing this to enlighten our businessmen to leverage this opportunity and earn more profit. Once you don’t pay customs charges, you are as good as selling within Nigeria,’ he said.

Edo Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to immediate past Deputy Governor, Mr. Godwins Omobayo, to immediately return all government property and assets in his possession.

Okpebholo, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said his administration observed that several official items, including vehicles, documents, and other State-owned assets assigned to Omobayo were yet to be surrendered to the appropriate authorities, despite multiple formal reminders.

The statement said all assets acquired or utilised in the course of public service remained the property of the State and must be duly returned upon cessation of office.

It said the continued retention of such property by any individual constituted a clear breach of public trust and an unlawful possession of state assets.

It reads in parts ‘Failure to comply within the stipulated period will compel the Government to direct the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, to effect his arrest and ensure the immediate recovery of all State assets still in his possession through lawful means.

‘The Edo State Government remains committed to accountability, due process, and the protection of public property.

‘No individual, regardless of former position or political affiliation, will be permitted to unlawfully appropriate or retain assets belonging to the people of Edo State.

‘The Government urges Mr. Omobayo to respect this directive and avoid actions that could invite consequences or further embarrassment.’

On his part, Omobayo said the matter was before a competent court.

He said be received all entitlements including his November salary.