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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building an inclusive society where no resident is left behind, as Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence anniversary.

Speaking at the commemoration held on Tuesday at the State House, Marina, the Governor described independence as a reminder of both Nigeria’s struggles and resilience, stressing that national progress can only be achieved through collective responsibility between government and citizens.

Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos’ governance philosophy has been anchored on trust and partnership with the people, adding that the state’s development blueprint, the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, has now been expanded into T.H.E.M.E.S Plus to reflect deliberate focus on social inclusion, gender equity, and youth empowerment.

‘Our commitment is that no Lagosian will be left behind,’ the Governor declared, citing the expansion of the State Social Register, which now covers more than one million households across the 57 councils.

He explained that this shift was designed to balance investments in infrastructure with human capital development.

Sanwo-Olu listed ongoing interventions in healthcare delivery, food support schemes, affordable housing projects, educational scholarships, and vocational training available across 37 skill acquisition centres as proof of his administration’s determination to uplift residents, particularly the vulnerable.

He also recalled how Lagos provided a protective cushion during the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent removal of fuel subsidy, insisting that his government would continue to shield citizens during tough times.

The Governor urged Nigerians to strengthen unity, stressing that social media should be deployed to promote constructive dialogue rather than deepen divisions. Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (middle); Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat (third left); Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Kayode (right) and Youth Corp members during the 65th Independence Day Parade at the Lagos House, Marina, on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

‘We must resist the temptation to allow new platforms of communication to become weapons of discord. They must serve as channels of education, enlightenment, and shared responsibility,’ he said.

Sanwo-Olu praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for steering the nation through difficult but necessary reforms, pointing out that macroeconomic indicators in inflation, exchange rates, food prices, and security suggest that Nigeria is already on a recovery path.

Reiterating Lagos’ position as a secure and attractive investment hub, he acknowledged the contributions of security agencies, the legislature, the judiciary, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and especially young people in sustaining peace and harmony across the state.

Sanwo-Olu called for renewed patriotism, hard work, and mutual respect among Nigerians, noting that the next phase of the country’s journey would demand unity of purpose and unwavering dedication to the collective good.

‘History will remember us not for the challenges we faced, but for how we came together to overcome them,’ he said.

Nigerian singer Qdot has revealed a terrifying encounter with armed robbers who invaded his home in the early hours of Sunday, September 28.

The artiste, best known for hits such as Alagbe, disclosed that he and his official DJ, DJ FAYA, were attacked at about 2:00 a.m. by armed men who carted away all his valuables.

In an Instagram post, Qdot described the incident as the ‘most terrifying experience’ of his life, admitting he feared he would not survive the ordeal.

‘On the 28th of September, around 2:00 a.m., I was robbed at gunpoint in my own home, alongside my official DJ. It was the most terrifying experience of my life. At that moment, I genuinely didn’t know if I would make it out alive. But by the grace and mercy of God, I’m still here,’ he wrote.

Despite losing all his prized possessions, the singer said he remains grateful for life.

‘They took everything valuable I owned, down to the last pin. But they didn’t take my life, and that alone is a blessing I don’t take for granted.’

Qdot admitted he is still traumatised but reassured fans that he is safe and surrounded by love as he begins his healing journey.

He also expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support from his fans and colleagues.

‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the messages, calls, and outpouring of love. Your support means more than words can express. I love you all and I’ll be back, stronger and wiser.’

‘We suspended the action in good faith to respect government. But the moment we detect any foul play or gimmicks, we will return to the trenches immediately,’ the President of PENGASSAN, Mr Festus Osifo said on Thursday while confirming the suspension of industrial action declared by the union of alleged sack of its members by Dangote Refinery.

He added that the union will resume strike action if Dangote Group defaults on the agreement it reached with it for suspending the industrial action.

Osifo stated this during a news conference at the end of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, on Wednesday to assess government’s intervention in the prolonged industrial dispute.

The strike was initially triggered by the reported mass sack of more than 800 Nigerian workers by Dangote Petrochemicals and Fertiliser Limited after they voluntarily subscribed to join PENGASSAN.

Osifo described the dismissals as an attack on workers’ constitutional rights and a violation of Nigeria’s obligations under International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions protecting freedom of association.

‘Let it be known clearly that if there is any slip or breach in implementing this agreement, we shall immediately resume our suspended nationwide industrial action,’ Osifo warned.

He said NEC decided to suspend the strike out of respect for institutions, in spite of serious concerns over loopholes in the government-brokered agreement reached with Dangote management.

‘Even with our doubts about Dangote’s sincerity, we have chosen the moral high ground. Nigerians must see PENGASSAN as patriotic, law-abiding and committed to sustaining national economic stability,’ he stated.

Osifo said the union’s main demand was full reinstatement of the affected workers, but government instead opted for redeployment within related companies owned by the Dangote Group.

‘Our position was simple: bring them back to their original jobs. Government proposed a middle ground instead, and that remains our greatest reservation with the settlement,’ Osifo explained.

He added that the union accepted the compromise reluctantly, noting that the most important thing now was to get the affected workers back to earning and feeding their families.

However, Osifo made it clear that PENGASSAN would not be misled by unfulfilled promises or prolonged delays.

‘We will not wait endlessly if nothing happens.

The Dangote/PENGASSAN Agreement

The Federal Government had in an earlier statement indicated that PENGASSAN had agreed to suspend its two days strike action against Dangote Refinery.

This followed a two-day meeting, held on Monday and Tuesday between the Federal Government, PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery.

The agreement for calling off the strike stipulates three key positions: Dangote Group would immediately start the reabsorption of sacked workers, and PENGASSAN would suspend the strike and end workers’ victimisation.

‘Reabsorption of Workers: The Dangote Group management will immediately start the process of taking the disengaged staff to other companies within the Dangote Group, with no loss of pay,’ the communique read.

‘No Victimisation: Both sides agreed that ‘no worker will be victimised arising from their role in the impasse.’

PENGASSAN had while announcing the strike on Sunday directed its members to cut gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery.

The conflict in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has ended after the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) suspended its strike against Dangote Refinery.

The strike was called off after Dangote Refinery agreed to bring back workers who were sacked for joining the union.

The decision followed a two-day meeting between the Federal Government, PENGASSAN, and Dangote Refinery.

Nigeria’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, reminded both sides that workers have the right to join unions under Nigerian law.

After the meeting, it was agreed that Dangote Group would immediately begin re-assigning the disengaged staff to other companies within the Group without loss of pay, and no worker would be punished for their role in the dispute.

PENGASSAN also confirmed it would begin the process of ending the strike.

PENGASSAN had announced the strike on Sunday, asking its members to cut gas and crude oil supply to Dangote Refinery after the company dismissed workers for joining the union.

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, has charged Nigerians on the need for unity and teamwork to achieve the purpose of independence.

He gave the charge on Wednesday, in a speech he delivered to mark the nation’s 65th Independence Day anniversary.

He noted that every October 1 reminds Nigerians ‘of the sacrifices of our founding fathers, who fought with courage and vision to give us a free nation’, adding that it is a day of pride, reflection, and, above all, renewed hope.

‘Independence is not only about freedom from foreign rule. It calls for unity and teamwork in order to maximise the opportunities that come with freedom. We must always remind ourselves that we can achieve more if we come together as Edo people,’ Okpebholo said.

Addressing the children and youths, the Governor who described them as the heartbeat of this State, charged them not to give in to despair.

‘Do not give in to despair. Your energy and talents are the key to our future, and this government will continue to invest in you. My message today is simple: A New Edo Has Risen. A New Nigeria Has Risen. Together, with courage and dedication, nothing can stop us,’ he concluded.

On October 1, 2025, Google celebrated Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day with a special doodle on its homepage.

The design used Nigeria’s green-white-green flag colours and featured an eagle. When clicked, the doodle showed key facts and milestones about Nigeria’s history.

In his Independence Day speech, President Bola Tinubu said he is confident that Nigeria’s economy is recovering. He noted that the country’s GDP grew by 4.23% in the second quarter – the best in four years. Inflation has dropped to 20.12%, foreign reserves are rising, and oil production has improved.

Tinubu also announced that the government has shared ?330 billion with eight million poor households through its social investment programme. He promised more work on roads, power, and other infrastructure.

The President urged Nigerians to live in peace, tolerate one another, and work together, saying that differences are normal but should not stop progress.

The Yoruba traditional institution, once upheld as the custodian of tradition and moral compass of society, is facing a new kind of storm, not from rival kingdoms but from the era of ‘ring lights’ and social media ‘clout chase’.

The recent rift between the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, has shifted what was once sacred royal discussion into hot topics for online in-laws and netizens.

In an Instagram video on Tuesday, Oluwo claimed that the Ooni conspired to ‘set him up’ through his estranged Canadian wife, Chanel Chin, whom he divorced in 2019.

According to him, the marriage was orchestrated as a plot to end his reign and even his life. He further claimed that the Ooni accommodated and lodged her in hotels after their separation.

What once would have been resolved within palace walls is now broadcast through smartphones, ring lights, and livestreams, leaving social media users as the new jury in matters of royal dignity.

Since ascending the Iwo throne, Oba Akanbi has been outspoken critic of the Ooni’s authority.

In 2018, he accused Ooni’s bodyguards of humiliating him during a public event in Port Harcourt, an incident the Ooni’s palace firmly denied. Later, he controversially argued that an Iwo prince could become Ooni, citing ancestral ties to Oduduwa.

In 2020, he was suspended for six months by the Osun State Council of Obas after a public altercation with another monarch. He dismissed the suspension as void but eventually accepted it.

More recently, in September, the Oluwo declared that Ile-Ife is not the origin of the Yoruba race. ‘Ife has no Yoruba culture,’ he said in a Facebook broadcast, adding that Iwo holds the ‘real history of the race.’

This statement stirred a response from Ife, with Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, stating that ‘no reasonable person will react to Oluwo’s comments.’

The Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ekiti, Oba Akinwande Ogundana, warned that Oluwo’s frequent derogatory remarks could undermine the sanctity of revered stools. ‘The Oluwo should be called to order,’ he urged.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke also cautioned monarchs against ‘acts capable of creating discord,’ stressing their roles as custodians of peace.

‘We cannot afford a situation where royal fathers are seen openly fighting one another,’ he said in a statement.

Once upon a time, kings settled disputes in palaces; today, they settle them on Instagram. What happened to the sacred thrones? If kings are fighting online like influencers, who then settles disputes in society?

Media personality and disc jockey, Florence Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy, has joined in the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary with an emotional tribute to her homeland.

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Cuppy proudly declared that if given another chance at life, she would still choose to be Nigerian.

‘Èmi ni Omo Naija. My birthplace. My home. My country. Nigeria turns 65 today. Through it all, our people keep pushing, persevering, and finding joy even in the toughest times. God didn’t rush when He made us. He gave us resilience, spirit, and endless energy. In my next life, I’d still choose to be Nigerian,’ she wrote.

The billionaire heiress praised Nigerians for their resilience, strength, and ability to thrive despite numerous challenges. She noted that her national identity is central to her brand and personal values, as it allows her to carry a piece of Nigeria wherever she goes.

This is not the first time DJ Cuppy has expressed deep pride in her roots. During last year’s independence celebration, she described Nigeria as her ‘superpower’ and a ‘piece of hope.’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, said the country is recording decisive victories against insecurity while rolling out bold initiatives to empower young Nigerians across education, technology, and the creative economy.

The President, in his national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, praised the armed forces and security agencies for their sacrifices in reclaiming territories once overrun by insurgents and criminals.

‘We are working diligently to enhance national security, ensuring our economy experiences improved growth and performance. The officers and men of our armed forces and other security agencies are working tirelessly and making significant sacrifices to keep us safe.

‘They are winning the war against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes. We see their victories in their blood and sweat to stamp out Boko Haram terror in the North-East, IPOB/ESN terror in the South-East, and banditry and kidnapping,’ Tinubu said.

He added that peace had returned to hundreds of communities in the North-West and North-East, with thousands of displaced persons safely resettled.

According to him, the government would continue to celebrate and honour the gallantry of those defending the nation.

Turning to young Nigerians, Tinubu described them as the country’s greatest assets and urged them to pursue their dreams with courage.

‘You are the future and the greatest assets of this blessed country. You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories in your various fields of science, technology, sports, and the art and creative sector. Our administration, through policies and funding, will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high,’ he declared.

He highlighted several initiatives designed to empower young people under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), he said, had already supported 510,000 students in 228 higher institutions across all 36 states and the FCT, with ?99.5 billion disbursed as loans and an additional ?44.7 billion provided as upkeep allowance.

Tinubu also cited Credicorp, which has granted ?30 billion in affordable loans to 153,000 Nigerians for vehicles, solar energy, home upgrades, and digital devices, as well as the newly launched YouthCred programme which he said has begun supporting National Youth Service Corps members with consumer credit to ease their resettlement after service.

Looking to the future, the President announced that the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme was ready for full rollout, backed by the Bank of Industry, the African Development Bank, the French Development Agency, and the Islamic Development Bank.

‘Over the last two years, we have collaborated with our partners to launch the programme, supporting our young builders and dreamers in the technology and creative sectors,’ he explained.

Tinubu reassured Nigerians that his administration’s twin focus on security and youth empowerment would lay the foundation for a stronger, more prosperous nation.

A popular Kano Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Lawal Abubakar Triumph, has been suspended from all teaching and preaching activities pending the investigation into the allegations of blasphemy levelled against him

Triumph, who was alleged to have made an inappropriate derogatory statement about Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was suspended by Kano State Shura Council

The council’s Secretary, Shehu Wada-Sagagi, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Kano on Wednesday after the committee reconvened to review allegations against the cleric.

He said the committee listened to and viewed both audio and video clips containing the allegations, adding that the evidence was carefully examined and documented.

‘Allegations without supporting evidence were set aside, while those backed with verifiable evidence have been duly recorded.

‘Even instances where he stammered or hesitated in the videos were noted in the report,’ Sagagi said.

He explained that the committee resolved to invite Sheikh Triumph to appear and defend himself, after which a formal report and recommendations would be submitted to the government for further action.

‘The cleric will be invited shortly and given adequate time to appear before the committee,’ Wada-Sagagi assured.