Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Troops of 6 Brigade in collaboration with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Taraba have arrested two fake police personnel with cannabis consignments in two vehicles.

A statement on Wednesday by Lt. Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations 6 Brigade, said the arrest was made in Wukari.

‘Acting on credible intelligence, troops alongside NDLEA personnel intercepted and apprehended two fake policemen at Takum Junction in Wukari Local Government Area.

‘The suspects, who were dressed in mobile police uniforms, were found with two Toyota Hilux vehicles loaded with substances suspected to be cannabis.

‘Preliminary investigation revealed that none of the occupants are serving policemen.

‘The cannabis-laden vehicles were traced to have been loaded from Akure, Ondo State, and were heading towards Adamawa State before interception.’

According to him, the occupants of the second Hilux abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on sighting the troops.

‘A total of 1,134 blocks of cannabis were recovered from the two vehicles. Both the suspects and the recovered exhibits have been handed over to the NDLEA office in Wukari for further investigation and prosecution.’

The Commander 6 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Kingsley Uwa, who commended the troops and NDLEA operatives for their synergy and resilience, reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to ensuring that Taraba remained unsafe for criminals.

Uwa urged members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance ongoing operations across the state.

The U17 Women National Team, Flamingos, are wrapping up their World Cup preparations in Abuja with a streak of impressive results that demonstrate their growing confidence and cohesion.

Since returning to camp, the girls have played eight friendly matches, winning all, scoring 26 goals and conceding nonea perfect record that has boosted morale ahead of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals taking place in Morocco.

Last week, the Flamingos turned on the style. They cruised to a 3-0 victory over Abuja All-Stars, with Praise Agba scoring on a loose ball, Olamide Olanrewaju converting from the penalty spot, and Zainab Raji adding a thundering third soon after the break. Goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu was heroic, pulling off multiple saves to keep her sheet clean.

Earlier, they battled through a rain-disrupted friendly against Josiah Academy, winning 2-0 thanks to a Chisom Nwachukwu brace inside the opening 10 minutes before the heavens forced an early halt.

There were also emphatic wins over Nazareth Angels (5-0), with Queen Joseph scoring twice alongside goals from Praise Agba, Mariam Yahaya, and Chisom Nwachukwu, and a commanding 5-0 triumph over Horvel

Prime, in which Queen Joseph grabbed a hat-trick in 35 minutes, supported by strikes from captain Shakirat Moshood and Azeezat Oduntan.

In all their tune-up games, the Flamingos have demonstrated balance, depth, and hunger, from precise finishing in attack to defensive resilience.

The team is now fully focused on their World Cup campaign, where they have been placed in Group D against Canada, France, and Samoa.

The team is scheduled to depart Nigeria on 8th October, bringing their perfect run and growing belief to the international stage as they seek glory in Morocco (17th October – 8th November 2025).

The Pro-Chancellor/Chairman Governing Council of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, has applauded the four lecturers of the institution recently named among the world’s top two percent scientists in the global ranking released by Top Scientists Network (TopSciNet).

Ndoma-Egba, who gave the applause in a statement, expressed great joy in the way FUOYE lecturers and students are redefining excellence in research and innovation, making the 14-year-old university proud through their outstanding accomplishments.

He said the feats of the lecturers have enhanced the institution’s reputation, and elevated its standing both nationally and internationally.

Noting that FUOYE, a highly rated young institution, has become one of the fastest growing universities in the country, the legal luminary said the Governing Council will continue to work with the management team to effectively manage the astronomical growth of the institution and ensure its sustainability.

The FUOYE Pro-Chancellor and ex-Senate Leader, stated: ‘I am excited, I am very proud and I am elated. I commend the four FUOYE lecturers who made the list for the 2025 world’s top 2% scientists. FUOYE is certainly on the path to national and, indeed, global distinction and recognition. We will keep our hands on the plough looking forward to greater glory and ignore the contrived distractions of the University by merchants of fake news.’

The Acting Vice Chancellor (VC) of FUOYE, Prof. Olubunmi Shittu, was reported to have also hailed the FUOYE scholars, noting that their global recognition validates the university’s efforts in fostering a culture of impactful research and innovation.

Prof. Shittu was quoted as saying: ‘Their achievements not only bring global visibility to our institution but also inspire young academics across Nigeria.’

According to FUOYE’s report on its website, the university’s lecturers that made the 2025 list of the world’s top 2% scientists are Prof. Olayide Samuel Lawal, Dr. Adeolu Adesoji Adediran, Prof. Bukola Olalekan Bolaji and Prof. Basiru Olaitan Ajiboye.

The report indicated that ‘The annual ranking identifies scientists whose research impact, citations, and productivity place them in the top 2% globally within their respective fields. This year’s list highlights the growing influence of Nigerian scholars on the international research stage.

‘The TopSciNet list, updated annually, evaluates millions of researchers worldwide across all disciplines, factoring in citations, h-index, and other standardized metrics. FUOYE’s inclusion affirms the university’s rising profile as a hub for cutting-edge research in West Africa.

‘This recognition adds to FUOYE’s growing reputation for academic excellence and its mission to produce research that addresses national and global challenges.’

Popular disc jockey and billionaire heiress, Florence Otedola, better known as DJ Cuppy, has joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

Taking to her official X account on Tuesday, the entertainer penned an emotional message about her love for the country of her birth.

‘My birthplace. My home. My country. Today Nigeria turns 65 ,’ she wrote.

Despite the challenges bedeviling the nation, Cuppy praised the resilience and unwavering spirit of Nigerians.

‘Through it all, our people keep persevering and finding joy even in the toughest times. God didn’t rush when He made us!!! He gave us resilience and spirit. In my next life, would STILL choose to be Nigerian,’ she added.

Her post has since sparked reactions online, with many users hailing her for her patriotic message while others called on leaders to make the country truly worth celebrating.

Nigeria marked 65 years of independence on October 1, 2025, with nationwide events and messages of hope from citizens both at home and abroad.

Ebonyi governor, Francis Nwifuru has assured that the state is working hard to overcome the challenge of high illiteracy among its people by expanding opportunities for education.

Nwifuru said that the state had expanded opportunities for primary, secondary and higher education in the state.

The Governor revealed this in Abakiliki on Wednesday at a rally marking the state’s 29th and Nigeria’s 65 years anniversary.

He, however, said it was unfortunate that many youths in the state were not leveraging opportunities being created by the government to advance their education background.

He urged the youths to embrace the policies of the state government on education and ensure that they went back to school to protect their future.

‘My government has created a lot of opportunities for the youths. We have 200 young graduates who are on overseas scholarship and no fewer than 600 are also in different universities on scholarship.

‘Sincerely I commend our past leaders and elder statesmen. I appreciate your resilience in advancing the state, your efforts and the infrastructure that you have put in place are commendable.

‘I salute former governor, Sen. David Umahi, for the legacies he left behind. The infrastructural development speaks volumes in the state and Nigeria at large,’ he said.

‘I thank God Ebonyi is moving forward; 2026 is our set year for project commissioning. We have done a lot in human capital development,’ Nwifuru said.

Also speaking, a former governor of the state, Dr Sam Egwu, commended Nwifuru for his developmental stride and urged him to keep the flag flying.

‘I commended him for taking Ebonyi to greater heights, especially in the area of education and infrastructure,’ Egwu said.

An American animated sitcom, The Simpsons Movie has announced that it will be making a comeback with a sequel.

This sequel, which comes 20 years after the original was released is set to be released in 2027. The announcement of the sequel was made on Monday and was confirmed by 20th Century Studios and Disney.

Fans quickly expressed their excitement for the announcement. The initial Simpsons movie, which was directed by David Silverman, made about $536 million at the box office.

Matt Selma, the sitcom’s writer and producer also expressed his excitement for the sequel, noting that it will gain fans from a different generation.

Kogi State has been thrown into mourning after a tragic boat mishap on the River Niger claimed no fewer than 20 lives.

The ill-fated boat, packed with traders and community members from Onugwa in Ibaji Local Government Area, was heading to Ilushi Market in Edo State on Tuesday evening when it capsized midway.

Eyewitnesses said the passengers were travelling for the October 1 celebration and market day when the boat, overloaded with people and goods, went under.

Local farmer James Otoga, who witnessed the tragedy, said only five people were rescued alive. ‘So far, 20 bodies have been recovered, but more of our people are still trapped in the river,’ he said, his voice breaking.

Confirming the disaster, Ibaji council chairman Hon. Ugeh Emmanuel described it as ‘the most disastrous accident in the history of the local government.’

‘As I speak to you, nobody can say the exact number of casualties. We don’t even know how many boarded the boat. It happened around 4:30pm, and most of the victims were on their way for the October 1st celebration,’ he said.

The state government, through Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo, called the tragedy ‘unfortunate’ and confirmed the rising death toll.

Governor Usman Ododo, in a condolence message, directed emergency agencies to support the victims’ families and promised tighter waterway safety measures in collaboration with federal authorities.

He also urged riverine communities to prioritise safety by avoiding overloading and always using life jackets.

Boat accidents have become a grim trend in Kogi and other riverine states. Last December, 19 passengers died when another overloaded wooden boat capsized on the River Niger while heading to Kacha Market in Niger State.

For the families of Ibaji, however, this latest tragedy has brought October 1 not as a day of celebration, but of tears.

Nigerian video director ThankGod Omori Jesam, popularly known as TG Omori, has opened up on his celibacy journey.

While speaking on the impact of celibacy on his X handle on Wednesday, Omori revealed that he has had less problems since he became celibate.

The cinematographer known for expressing his opinions, also revealed that he took an oath of celibacy.

‘Since I became celibate, half of my problems got solved,’ he wrote.

This revelation quickly triggered reactions from other users. While some highlighted the advantages of practicing celibacy, others argued about the impossibility of such commitment.

The United States has congratulated Nigeria on its 65th Independence Anniversary, describing the country as a ‘beacon of resilience and leadership’ in Africa and beyond.

In a press statement issued in Washington on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended the goodwill of the American people to Nigerians, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

‘On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my warmest congratulations to the people of Nigeria on the 65th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence,’ Rubio said.

He noted that Nigeria’s six-and-a-half decades of nationhood had been marked by remarkable resilience and a capacity for leadership that continues to inspire.

‘For over six decades, Nigeria has stood as a beacon of resilience and leadership. The United States values our enduring partnership, rooted in shared democratic principles, a growing commercial relationship, and a commitment to fostering peace and security,’ he said.

Rubio praised the entrepreneurial drive and cultural vibrancy of Nigerians, stressing that these attributes have made the country a vital partner in global affairs.

‘On this special occasion, we celebrate the rich cultural heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering determination of the Nigerian people,’ he added.

Looking ahead, the U.S. Secretary of State pledged that Washington would continue to work closely with Abuja to tackle regional and global challenges.

‘We look forward to continuing to deepen our collaboration in the years ahead as we work together to achieve our shared goals,’ he said.

The statement ended with renewed wishes for Nigeria’s peace, unity, and progress: ‘Congratulations once again on this milestone anniversary. May the year ahead bring continued progress and prosperity to Nigeria and its people.’

Maritime stakeholders have commended the Federal Government for approving and rolling out the Marine and Blue Economy Policy.

They shared their views on Wednesday in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary.

Highlighting the policy’s significance, they described the policy and the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as a turning point for the maritime sector.

The Marine and Blue Economy Policy was hailed as a landmark initiative expected to unlock Nigeria’s ocean resources for economic growth.

Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Mr Kingsley Igwe, praised the government’s foresight in creating the new ministry.

He noted that President Bola Tinubu recognised the value of the sector and acted swiftly to give it direction.

‘Before now, there was no clear roadmap for the maritime industry. Today, with this policy, we have direction, structure, and vision,’ Igwe said.

He added that the minister’s action plan, presented during World Maritime Organisation Day on Sept. 25, showed how Nigeria would generate revenue from its ocean resources.

Igwe also applauded efforts to secure Nigeria a seat in Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), calling it a step towards global maritime recognition.

He stressed that such recognition would elevate Nigeria as a leading African maritime nation and strengthen its voice in global shipping governance.

Beyond fishing, Igwe said Nigeria’s maritime sector now spans tourism and energy, which he described as a major leap forward in 65 years of independence.

Chairman of Global Transport Policy, Dr Olusegun Musa, urged that the policy be test-run for at least ten years to ensure adjustments and measurable results.

According to him, Nigeria had lost valuable time through inconsistent policies, abandoned investments, and lack of automation in port operations.

‘In Nigeria, we once had shipping capacity but abandoned it. Now, we are trying to revive it,’ Musa said.

He stressed the importance of port automation, international standards, and an enabling environment for investors, including disbursement of long-delayed funds such as the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF).

Amb. Florentina Ukonga, a maritime diplomat, congratulated Nigeria at 65 and stressed the country’s untapped maritime potential.

She said Nigeria’s youthful population, if properly guided, could harness maritime opportunities and position the nation as a dominant player in Africa’s blue economy.

Similarly, President of the Master Mariners Association of Nigeria (MMAN), Capt. Tajudeen Alao, said the policy would create opportunities for biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.

He urged the government to support indigenous shipping lines to fly Nigeria’s flag and strengthen its presence in the Gulf of Guinea.

‘There is hope that Nigeria’s Blue Economy will become a hub in Africa,’ Alao said, noting the importance of securing the IMO Category C seat.

He added that Nigeria must prioritise exports and value addition rather than depending on imports, to boost industries and improve gross domestic product.

The MMAN president also stressed the importance of biodiversity treaties, which would enable Nigeria to create marine protected areas and harness resources beyond national jurisdiction.

Alao called on investors to acquire vessels that would provide Nigerian cadets with sea time and international exposure.

He recalled that earlier generations of Nigerian shipowners had made remarkable contributions, which he said could be replicated if the CVFF is transparently disbursed.