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Former House of Representatives aspirant from Obudu Federal Constituency, Martha Agba, has expressed optimism that the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Major General Emmanuel Udiandeye, will transform the agency.

She noted his sterling leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to national service.

In a goodwill statement, Agba described Major General Udiandeye as a ‘distinguished officer and patriotic Nigerian whose discipline, integrity, and strategic leadership have continued to strengthen Nigeria’s security intelligence system.’

She also expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in the Cross River-born military chief.

She noted that the appointment reflects the President’s commitment to merit, excellence, and national unity.

‘Major General Udiandeye represents the best of Nigerian military professionalism, intellect, and dedication to duty have earned him respect both within and outside the security community, the first officer from Cross River North to be so decorated as a 3 -star General’ Agba said.

‘We also thank President Tinubu for identifying and entrusting such a capable officer with a crucial national responsibility.’

Agba assured the Defence Intelligence Chief of the prayers and solidarity of Nigerians, especially the people of Cross River State, who remain proud of his rising profile and contributions to national peace and security.

‘The people of Cross River, particularly from the Northern Senatorial District, are solidly behind him.

‘We are confident he will continue to make the state and the nation proud through his exceptional service and commitment to Nigeria’s stability,’ she said.

She urged Major General Udiandeye to remain steadfast in his patriotic duty, assuring him that Nigerians appreciate his sacrifices and are rooting for his continued success.

Agba further lauded President Tinubu for appointing credible and competent leaders across strategic institutions, noting that such decisions reinforce the Renewed Hope Agenda and public confidence in government.

While everyone’s busy talking about bananas and apples, there are quiet heroes sitting in your kitchen or local market that are doing wonders for your body, from improving sleep to balancing hormones and even helping your skin glow.

1. Tiger nuts (Ofio) – Nature’s energy booster

They are rich in magnesium, fiber, and healthy fats. They improve digestion, support heart health, and even boost libido naturally.

2. Bitter leaf – The detox

It may not taste pleasant, but this green leaf is packed with antioxidants that cleanse your liver and lower blood sugar. Regular consumption can help detox your system and improve skin clarity.

3. Dates – the natural sweetener

Beyond being a Ramadan staple, dates are full of iron and potassium. They’re great for fighting fatigue, improving digestion, and satisfying your sweet cravings in a healthy way.

4. Garden egg – The detox snack

Garden eggs are rich in fiber and antioxidants that improve heart health and brain function. Eating them raw helps reduce cholesterol and support weight management.

5. Soursop (Graviola) – The immune system warrior

This tropical fruit isn’t just delicious – it’s loaded with vitamin C and compounds believed to have anti-inflammatory and even anti-cancer properties. A cup of soursop juice can help strengthen immunity.

6. Ube (African pear) – The skin’s secret friend

When roasted or boiled, African pear becomes a buttery, nutritious snack. It’s rich in healthy fats and vitamin E, which promote glowing skin and support cell repair.

7. Zobo (Hibiscus drink) – More than a refreshment

Zobo isn’t just a party drink. The hibiscus flower used to make it contains antioxidants that lower blood pressure, aid digestion, and keep your liver healthy.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to resist impunity which he claimed is going on in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Wike, who hailed the court ruling on PDP national convention, declared that no one within his opposition party would be allowed to use him or his loyalists as bargaining tools in the ongoing internal crisis.

Wike stated this in Abuja while addressing Concerned PDP Stakeholders shortly before a closed-door meeting at his Lifecamp official residence, following the court judgment that halted the party’s planned national convention.

Some of those in attendance at the meeting were: PDP National Secretary Senator Sam Anyanwu; former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom; former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu; Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda, Hon Micah Jiba, Rivers Speaker, some BoT members, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa and others.

Some other Senators and Reps members mostly from the South East and South South and North Central were also in attendance.

He said those seeking to hijack PDP’s leadership structure through impunity and disregard for due process would be resisted, adding that ‘nobody will use us to negotiate for anything.

‘Let me be clear: nobody, and I mean nobody, will use us to negotiate for anything. We are part of this party; we have sacrificed for it. But we will not allow anybody to trade us off for personal gain,’ the Minister said.

Wike, who described the moment as one of ‘mixed feelings,’ commended members who had stood by the party through turbulent times, insisting that their struggle was not about personal interest but about restoring justice and discipline to the opposition.

‘On one hand, I am happy because justice has prevailed. On the other hand, I am sad because it hurts to see our great party being destroyed from within.

‘Those of us fighting today are not doing so for ourselves. We are doing it because we want the PDP to stand for something, for due process, fairness, and respect for law,’ he stated.

The Minister criticised what he described as arrogant and insensitive among some of the party’s leaders, accusing them of disregarding the roles played by others in sustaining the PDP over the years.

‘Leadership is not arrogance. When people begin to act as though nobody matters, they destroy the same house they built. We stood firm during tougher times, even when the ruling party tried to divide us, and we will stand firm again,’ he said.

Wike berated Governors and party officials who, according to him, have failed to unite the PDP at a time when Nigeria needs a strong and credible opposition.

‘There can be no credible opposition that operates with impunity. If you say you want to take power from the ruling party, then you must first show Nigerians that you can obey your own rules,’ he added.

He also took a swipe at those who believe political power could be bought with money.

‘Some think money will solve everything. No, it won’t. There are still people who cannot be bought, no matter how much you offer. We will continue to fight for what is right,’ he maintained.

Wike thanked PDP members who stood as plaintiffs in the recent legal action challenging the planned national convention, commending their courage despite threats and intimidation.

‘Many people give up once they are threatened. But these men and women stood their ground. They said, ‘No, we will not allow injustice.’ I salute their courage,’ he said.

He further accused certain party leaders of violating the PDP constitution by illegally zoning positions and manipulating congresses across the country.

‘A few people sit in their homes and decide where positions will go. They even pocket the funds meant for the process. It has never been this bad in the PDP,’ he lamented.

While reaffirming commitment to the unity of the party, Wike urged the Governors to use the resources available to them to develop their states and strengthen the PDP, rather than ‘use the money to kill the party.’

‘The funds available to states today are more than ever before. That money should be used to build infrastructure and reduce unemployment – not to weaken our party. We will not agree to that,’ he declared.

Wike assured that his group remained open to genuine dialogue but warned that they would not be blackmailed into submission.

‘We are open to peace, but we will not be blackmailed. We will continue to stand for truth and fairness until justice prevails in the PDP,’ he concluded.

The closed-door meeting, which followed Wike’s remarks, is attended by several PDP stakeholders from across the six geopolitical zones. A communiqué is expected at the end of the deliberations.

The closed-door meeting is ongoing.

The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development says the deployment of Mining Marshals has become one of the most impactful reforms in Nigeria’s extractive industry, significantly reducing illegal mining activities and increasing government revenue.

Speaking at the South West Leaders Conference in Akure, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, noted that the Marshals have reclaimed more than 90 illegal mining sites and facilitated the prosecution of over 300 offenders, bringing stability and security to previously troubled mining communities.

He explained that the initiative forms part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at building a business-friendly nation where lawful enterprise thrives.

‘The Mining Marshals have given us results. We no longer just talk about illegal mining – we’re taking it back, site by site. Today, communities are safer, legitimate investors are returning, and government revenue is rising,’ Alake stated.

According to the Minister, the impact of the Marshals and wider sector reforms is reflected in revenue figures, which grew from ?8.6 billion in 2022 to ?38 billion in 2024, with ?30 billion already recorded for 2025.

He added that the South West region contributed ?7.2 billion, underscoring its strategic importance in Nigeria’s mining landscape.

Alake highlighted major successes in the region, including the Segilola Gold Project in Osun State and hundreds of active quarry and exploration sites, describing them as signs of investor confidence.

He also emphasised that mining companies are now required to sign Community Development Agreements (CDAs) before beginning operations, ensuring direct benefits for host communities.

‘In just two years, 45 South West communities have signed CDAs – more than double the number achieved in the previous fifteen years,’ he noted.

Looking ahead, the Minister said the next phase of reforms will focus on value addition, mineral processing, and deeper partnerships with the private sector to make mining a major engine of job creation and sustainable national development.

‘We are proud of the progress made, but even more determined about what lies ahead,’ he added.

Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda, in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, have dismantled an illegal refinery in Obe-Jedo and Obe-Adun communities.

The Commander of the FOB, Navy Captain Aliyu Usman, who confirmed the operation on Friday, said seven suspects were arrested at the scene, while locally made guns and machetes believed to have been used to resist the Navy’s intervention were recovered.

Usman explained that the raid followed credible intelligence on economic sabotage and maritime crimes in the area.

He revealed that during the operation, about 3,000 litres of refined diesel stored in jerry cans and multiple cooking ovens used for processing stolen crude oil were discovered.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the arrested suspects were secondary actors in the illegal operation and had since been released.

He, however, declared the primary suspects wanted to ensure they face prosecution for economic crimes against the nation.

The Navy Commander disclosed that the anti-crude oil theft team initially faced violent resistance from a group of hired youths and women who attempted to shield the illegal activity.

‘The team later returned in the early hours of the following day and discovered that the stolen crude oil and refined products had been moved to a nearby bakery and makeshift structures used as storage facilities.

‘The illegal refinery was subsequently deactivated in line with directives from Defence Headquarters and established operational procedures,’ he said.

Captain Usman condemned the violent confrontation as a ‘dangerous innovation’ by criminal elements determined to frustrate legitimate security operations and sabotage national resources.

He reiterated that the ongoing anti-crude oil theft efforts are in line with the vision and directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff.

‘The Nigerian Navy urges all law-abiding residents of riverine communities in Ondo State to resist being used by oil thieves and illegal bunkerers,’ he warned.

‘These criminal ventures benefit only a few while destroying the livelihoods and ecosystems of the entire community.’

He further cautioned anyone who obstructs or confronts the Navy’s anti-crude oil theft operations would be treated as an accomplice and prosecuted accordingly.

Artificial Intelligence isn’t just for tech bros anymore. it’s now the ultimate productivity hack for students, professionals, and creatives. If you’re trying to work smarter, not harder, these AI tools will help you get more done before the year ends.

1. Perplexity AI – the internet, but smarter

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For anyone who writes professionally or casually, Grammarly ensures your messages sound polished. It corrects grammar, refines tone, and improves clarity – your personal writing assistant for every email, proposal, or caption.

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6. CDIAL AI – when technology speaks your language

Developed for African businesses, CDIAL bridges communication gaps through language and accessibility. It supports over 500 languages in Nigeria, allowing brands to connect with customers authentically. From automating responses to managing inquiries, CDIAL gives businesses a voice that truly resonates.

Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has opened up about his ongoing battle with sickle cell disease, revealing that he still experiences painful crises..

The ‘Coco Money’ crooner, in an interview on RealTalk podcast, said that he was diagnosed with the condition around 5 or 7 after his mother rushed him to the hospital following a severe episode of pain.

‘The first time I noticed that I had it was the night I fell sick and my dad wasn’t home and my mum put me on her back and we walked miles to the hospital. I don’t remember how old I was, maybe like 5 or 7,’ he said.

According to him, his parents, both carriers of the sickle cell trait, unknowingly passed it on to him.

‘Unfortunately for me, my parents are sickle cell and they brought me to the world. The first time I ever heard of sickle cell was I would fall sick every time with my joints paining me. So when we talk about crisis, it is pains on your joints, my legs and sometimes stomach. It’s really crazy,’ he continued.

Adekunle added that he has been managing the condition with lifelong medication, specifically folic acid and B complex, since his diagnosis.

He said: ‘That was when the doctor told me about it, and they told me that I will be taking folic acid and B complex for the rest of my life. And that’s my life for a very long time even till now’.

Although he still experiences occasional crises, he noted that they are less severe than in his childhood due to better self-care and access to quality healthcare.

‘I still have crises once in a while but not as bad as I had it when I was a child, you know maybe because I have found a way to take care of myself more properly. And I’m grateful to God for the resources to be able to do that,’ he stated.

The musician stressed on the importance of genotype testing, particularly for couples planning to have children, to prevent the transmission of the condition.

‘Where sickle cell is more popular or where people know it most is my country Nigeria. And it happens when an SS matches an SS. And that’s why knowing your genotype is very important because the point is you should not bring many more kids that have sickle cell’, he said.

He expressed concerns that many Nigerians remain uninformed about sickle cell disease and urges health organisations to intensify awareness campaigns and education.

‘My vision is to make more noise about it because a lot of people don’t know about it, and the important organisations are not making so much moves regarding it,’ he concluded.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat as the venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff between the Super Eagles and Gabon.

The highly anticipated clash is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, marking the 10th meeting between the two nations.

The Super Eagles hold a superior head-to-head record, with five wins, two draws, and one defeat.

The winner of this tie will face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final playoff.

The semi-final encounter between Cameroon and DR Congo will also take place at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat.

The final is set for Sunday, November 13, at the Stade Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan, Rabat.

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has doled out N100 million business support grant to traders, artisans and farmers across Oyo State.

Adelabu, a 2027 All Progressive Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State, said the empowerment was part of his ‘2025 Mega Empowerment and Economic Relief Programme Series’ to alleviate suffering of the masses across the state.

He said the empowerment became necessary as part of efforts in giving back to the society.

According to him, considering the current economic challenges across the nation particularly the state, there is need for relief for traders, artisans and farmers in the state.

He said: ‘The empowerment is not about politics, I use it to thank God for his mercy on me, so, I’m giving back to the society.’

He asked Nigerians to back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying ‘ President Tinubu is God sent to Nigeria, he means well for us, let us all support him and APC, though, things are somehow tough but I can assure you that Nigerians will soon reap the gain of their pains.’

Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy has unveiled his list of favorite Afrobeats songs and albums, spotlighting the classics that propelled the genre from local streets to international acclaim.

In a RollingStone Africa interview, the producer paid homage to the Mo’ Hits era he co-built with D’Banj, while crediting pioneers who shaped the sound.

His top songs include 2Baba’s African Queen, which he said opened global doors for Afrobeats and Wizkid’s Ojuelegba for its authentic storytelling.

D’Banj’s Fall in Love earned praise as a continental anthem from Mo’ Hits, while 9ice’s Gongo Aso was lauded for blending Yoruba tradition with pop.

Davido’s Aye rounded out the list for its Highlife-infused energy.

For albums, Don Jazzy singled out Wande Coal’s Mushin 2 Mo’Hits, which he produced as a timeless masterpiece.

He also named 2Baba’s Grass 2 Grace, Wizkid’s Superstar, D’Banj’s The Entertainer, and A?a’s self-titled debut as foundational works that influenced today’s stars.