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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded the immediate reversal of President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a 15 percent import duty on petrol and diesel, warning that the move will deepen economic hardship facing Nigerians.

In a statement on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the policy as insensitive, ill-timed and ill-conceived, saying it will push fuel prices beyond the reach of ordinary citizens.

‘From all indications, this new tax could raise petrol prices above ?1,000 per litre, making life unbearable for families, farmers, transporters, and small businesses,’ the party noted.

The ADC said while it supports private investment in the energy sector, any policy meant to protect such investment must also protect citizens.

It questioned the rationale for imposing the levy under the guise of encouraging local refining, pointing out that the Port Harcourt refinery, cited as a cornerstone of the government’s refining strategy collapsed barely five months after a $1.5 billion rehabilitation, resulting in a ?366.2 billion loss.

Accusing the government of removing fuel subsidies and devaluing the naira without social protection measures, the party said, ‘Tinubu administration’s economic policies have been a string of trial-and-error experiments that continue to ignore the daily struggles of Nigerians.

The ADC urged President Tinubu to ‘Stop pushing Nigerians to the wall and focus on restoring stability and trust.

‘A government that cannot manage its refineries has no business taxing those who keep the nation running with their sweat and blood’.

The party maintained that true economic patriotism cannot be achieved through hardship, noting that if government’s goal is energy security and local refining, there must first be transparent investment in domestic capacity.

‘Until then, any tax meant to discourage fuel imports will only worsen costs, since imported fuel still accounts for about 60 percent of national supply,’ it added.

The party insisted that the fuel import tax must be withdrawn immediately, saying Nigerians deserve a government that plans with empathy.

Billionaire businessman and Chancellor of Augustine University, Femi Otedola, has announced a N4 billion donation to fund the construction of a new Electrical and Electronics Engineering block on the university’s campus.

The facility marks the second phase of the Dame Doja Otedola Faculty of Engineering, named in honour of Otedola’s mother.

In a statement on X, Otedola described the donation as a tribute to his mother and a commitment to advancing education.

He wrote: ‘As Chancellor of Augustine University, I am proud to present my ?4 billion donation for the construction of a new Electrical and Electronics Engineering block.

‘This marks the second phase of the Dame Doja Otedola Faculty of Engineering a tribute to my beloved mother and to the power of education to transform lives.

‘Nigeria’s future depends on the brilliance of its young people, and we must continue to invest in the institutions that shape them. F.Ote’.

The new block will expand the university’s capacity to train engineers in critical disciplines, addressing a national need for skilled technical professionals.

Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Prince Adedayo Ladega, has reaffirmed commitment to quality and accessible healthcare for senior citizens through the distribution of Itoju Agba Health Insurance Cards to elderly residents.

The event, held at the O’Clean Event Center within the Ikorodu Local Government Secretariat, marked Day 2 of the council’s 100 Days in Office programme.

The initiative followed Day 1’s focus on sanitation and environmental advocacy, signaling a broad approach to community development.

Implemented in partnership with the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) under the Ilera Eko scheme, the Itoju Agba Health Insurance Programme aims to provide comprehensive medical access, preventive care, and financial protection for the elderly.

Friday’s exercise involved the official distribution of personalized health cards with policy numbers, enrolling beneficiaries into the state-backed healthcare system.

The event also featured on-site medical checkups conducted by LASHMA officials, enabling participants to receive health assessments and professional guidance.

Ladega described the programme as a major component of the Enhanced Healthcare pillar of his SEED Agenda – Security, Education, Enhanced Healthcare, and Development. He added that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes inclusive governance and welfare for vulnerable groups.

‘Our elders have contributed immensely to the growth of our communities. Providing them with reliable healthcare is not just a duty – it is a moral imperative,’ Hon. Ladega said. ‘Through this partnership with LASHMA, our senior citizens now have access to treatment, preventive care, and peace of mind. This programme reflects our broader goal of ensuring every resident feels valued and supported.’

The council chairman further noted that the initiative complements Lagos State’s THEMES+ Agenda, particularly its Health and Environment pillar, by strengthening local participation in state and national health priorities.

Residents and invited guests commended the chairman for prioritizing senior citizens’ welfare and praised the initiative as timely, impactful, and life-changing. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, noting that access to the Itoju Agba Health Insurance reduces the financial burden of healthcare for older adults.

Mavin Records founder Don Jazzy has revealed that his talent scouting prioritises the artist’s character and vision over raw musical skill, describing the process as investing in the ‘vessel’ behind the sound.

In an interview with RollingStone Africa, the producer emphasised evaluating personality, hunger, and cultural fit before signing anyone to the label.

He explained that while predicting breakout success is impossible, instinct often signals genuine drive.

Artists, he added, frequently underestimate their own potential until growth unfolds over time.

‘Beyond the music, I focus on the vessel, the person. I look at their personality, their hunger, their vision. At Mavin, we also pay attention to how well they’ll fit into our culture. You can’t always predict who will blow up, but sometimes you can feel when someone truly wants it. Many don’t realize how big their dreams can get until time unfolds,’ he said.

Don Jazzy stressed alignment with Mavin’s collaborative ethos, noting that every addition to the roster is vetted for long-term compatibility.

The strategy has fueled the label’s track record, launching global acts like Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Rema, and Ayra Starr.

The National Director General of Tinubu Support Group (TSG), Dr. Umar Tanko Yakassai, has expressed strong confidence the North will repay President Bola Tinubu with his bold economic reforms in transforming the country with overwhelming votes in the 2027 general election.

Yakassai, who stated the North is ‘morally bound’ to support Tinubu’s second-term bid, said tthe President has shown courage in tackling the challenges avoided by his predecessors.

He spoke at the formal inauguration of the TSG Ondo chapter in Akure, the state capital, where Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was decorated as the ‘Grand Patron’ of the group held on Friday.

The event was held amid a large turnout of political leaders, party loyalists, and stalwarts of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who led a delegation from Abuja to officially inaugurate the state structure of the TSG.

Yakassai assured the north is behind the President, adding that despite political noise from opposition voices, Tinubu continues to enjoy broad national support.

‘We, in the North, are morally bound to support President Tinubu’s second-term bid, just as we stood by Buhari in 2015 and 2019. The President has shown courage in tackling challenges his predecessors avoided,’ he said.

He lauded the new leadership of the TSG in the state for its readiness and unity of purpose, noting that the support group is not a typical political platform but the ‘mother of all Tinubu support organizations’ nationwide.

‘TSG is the number one support group in Nigeria. It’s an umbrella body that registered over 5,000 support groups during the 2023 general election. Every APC governor across the federation is a Grand Patron of TSG in their respective states,’ Yakassai said.

He emphasised that the TSG’s umbilical cord under the national leadership of Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, leads directly to the Presidential Villa, stressing the group’s pivotal role in mobilizing grassroots support for President Tinubu’s administration and his prospective 2027 re-election bid.

Prince Ademola Adegoroye, the Director General of TSG in Ondo State, expressed gratitude to the leadership of the group for the confidence reposed in him and assured them of his commitment to building a strong, united structure that will sustain the legacy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Adegoroye, who was the former Minister of State for Transportation, added that the group would work to restore the long-lost ‘reward system’ in Nigerian politics, ensuring that loyalty and commitment to the APC are duly recognized.

‘A lot has happened that could have discouraged many of our leaders, but because you have faith and hope, you are here today.

‘Through TSG, we will bring back the reward system that has been lacking in our politics,’ he stated.

He pledged to mobilize all stakeholders across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State in support of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and the governor’s leadership of the party in the state.

‘The Ondo State chapter’s objective is to promote Tinubu’s achievements, unify party members, and mobilize voters under the leadership of Governor Aiyedatiwa as the state party leader.’

Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose-Ajasin, the daughter of the late former Governor of old Ondo State, Chief Michael Ajasin, lauded President Tinubu for his courage in confronting Nigeria’s economic and structural challenges.

She urged members of the APC and TSG to remain steadfast in mobilizing for Tinubu’s success in the 2027 elections.

‘President Tinubu has taken bold steps where others hesitated. As Yoruba people, it is our duty to rally behind him and ensure his administration succeeds,’ she said.

Mrs Ajasin described the decoration of Aiyedatiwa as the Grand Patron of the TSG Ondo Chapter as a unifying moment for the APC in the state, applauding the governor for his loyalty to the President and his efforts to strengthen the party’s base.

The Governing Council of University of Calabar (UNICAL), led by Mr Ekpo Udom has announced Prof. Offiong Offiong as the 12th substantive Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the announcement was made following the conclusion of the selection process which began on Thursday.

Offiong, a Professor of Chemistry will replace the outgoing VC, Prof. Florence Obi, whose tenure ends on Dec. 1.

NAN reports that Offiong, 62, is an alumnus of the university, having graduated in 1984 with a BSc (Hons) in in Chemistry( Second Class division)

In 1990, he obtained his Ph.D. in Coordination/Inorganic Chemistry from the same department and institution.

He was supported by DAAD in Germany with a scholarship to conduct laboratory bench work in Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.

Prof. Offiong also holds a Certificate in Equipment Maintenance (1991) from Bristol Polytechnic, Bristol, UK.

He started his lecturing career in 1985 after completing his NYSC as a graduate assistant in the Department of Chemistry, and rose to the rank of Professor in Coordination/Inorganic Chemistry in 2002.

A socio-political organisation in Akwa Ibom State, the Akwa Ibom Liberation Movement (AILM), has called on residents of the state to evaluate the activities of the Conference of Former Speakers of Akwa Ibom State legislatures, following the group’s recent endorsement of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno ahead of the 2027 general election.

The group made its position known in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Akparawa Prince Emmanuel Sam.

According to the statement, AILM expressed concern over the timing and motive behind the endorsement, noting that the former Speakers’ forum had not consistently issued public statements on developmental issues affecting the state.

AILM urged Akwa Ibom citizens to remain vigilant and prioritise leaders who support policies that advance the state’s development and welfare.

The group cited several unresolved legislative matters it believes require renewed public focus and commitment from political actors, such as the Youth Development Fund Bill – which has remained without executive assent since 2019 – and the domestication of the Disability Act of 2018.

It also encouraged residents to evaluate past legislative decisions and prioritise leaders who support policies that safeguard vulnerable groups and strengthen good governance in the state.

AILM encouraged the public to assess political endorsements critically and support leaders based on their track record in promoting the interests of the people.

It was gathered that the Conference of Former Speakers met at D’Angelo Hotel, Uyo, on October 30, 2025, where they declared their support ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Police Command in Delta has apprehended seven kidnap suspects at Ubeji Community in Warri South Local Government of the state.

The Spokesman for the command, SP Bright Edafe, who disclosed this to newsmen on Friday in Warri, said that three male victims were rescued from the custody of the suspects.

Edafe said that the suspects were arrested on Thursday by the police operatives attached to the Ekpan Division, Uvwie Local Government of the state.

He said that the suspects were nabbed following a credible information received by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the Ekpan Division, CSP Labe Joseph.

According to Edafe, the DPO received a distress report of a suspected case of kidnapping incident at Ubeji Community, behind the Ubeji Gas Plant.

‘Acting on the report, the DPO deployed a team of detectives and patrol operatives to the scene.

‘On sighting the police teams, the suspected kidnappers fled into an abandoned poultry within the same community.

‘The police team swiftly cordoned off the area, leading to the successful arrest of the seven suspects,’ he said.

Edafe said that the rescued victims had since reunited with their families.

The police spokesman said that preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were abducted at a dredging site at Ubeji and ferried across the river.

He said that the suspects immediately contacted the families of the abductees, and threatened to kill them, if certain demands were not met.

Edafe added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the other fleeing members of the gang.

Tanzanian singer Juma Jux’s luxury fashion store has been looted by protesters amid violent demonstrations following the country’s disputed general elections.

The unrest erupted over allegations of electoral irregularities and the disqualification of key opposition figures.

Contrary to initial reports, Juma Jux’s wife Priscilla Ojo clarified on Snapchat that the store was looted, not burnt.

She wrote; ‘Looted not Burnt’.

The looting occurred as protests spread across Dar es Salaam and other cities, with demonstrators demanding the cancellation of the election results.

The Tanzanian government has faced criticism for alleged repression and the exclusion of major opposition candidates from the presidential race.

Tottenham will host Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend in a high-stakes London derby, a clash loaded with intensity, flair, and pressure.

Both teams will be desperate for a win, with Spurs looking to prove their early-season promise and Chelsea aiming to find consistency after a mixed start. With bragging rights, momentum, and confidence on the line, this fixture promises end-to-end action and a fierce battle in every area of the pitch.

Stats to know

· Tottenham have won just one of their last 13 Premier League meetings with Chelsea.

· Chelsea have claimed five wins in six league visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

· Chelsea have lost three of their last five Premier League games, more than in their previous 16 combined.

· Thomas Frank has lost only two of his eight Premier League matches against Chelsea.

· Tottenham’s Mohammed Kudus has completed the most dribbles in the Premier League this season.

The rivalry renewed

There’s tension in the air. North London knows it, West London feels it. Tottenham and Chelsea-two proud, volatile clubs-are both desperate for a result that can shift their seasons.

For Spurs, it’s about proving their bright start wasn’t a false dawn. For Chelsea, it’s about finding consistency after weeks of mixed performances. Both sides crave momentum, and neither can afford another stumble.

Recent form

Tottenham sit inside the top four after nine matches (five wins, two draws, two losses). Their football has been bold and attacking but occasionally erratic, and they’re coming off a 2-0 Carabao Cup loss to Newcastle. With James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski sidelined, new signing Mohammed Kudus has become their main creative spark.

Chelsea, meanwhile, sit mid-table (four wins, two draws, three losses). They’ve struggled for rhythm under Enzo Maresca but showed resilience with a Carabao Cup win over Wolves. When they click, they look dangerous-but too often, inconsistency and defensive lapses undo their efforts.

Team news

Tottenham’s injury list is easing, with Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie nearing returns. Kudus has been a standout performer, while midfielders Palhinha and Bentancur are regaining form.

Chelsea’s injury troubles continue-Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, and Benoît Badiashile remain doubts. João Pedro’s creativity and Enzo Fernández’s control will be vital if the Blues are to dictate play.

Key battle: Mohammed Kudus vs João Pedro

Kudus has dazzled since joining Spurs, combining flair with end product and already registering four assists. Pedro, meanwhile, has two goals and three assists for Chelsea, showing glimpses of the creativity and composure the Blues have been missing since Eden Hazard’s departure.

Tactical outlook

Tottenham will press high and look to dominate possession, while Chelsea will rely on Fernández and Caicedo to absorb pressure and hit on the counter. Both sides have attacking quality but defensive vulnerabilities, suggesting this could be an open, end-to-end game.

Match details

Date: Saturday, November 1

Kick-off: 4:30 p.m. GMT

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

Referee: Jarred Gillett

VAR: Craig Pawson

With both teams searching for rhythm and confidence, this derby could define the direction of their seasons. Bragging rights, belief, and momentum are all on the line in North London.