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Towering Centre, Peter Olisemeka , has rejoined the reigning Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) champions, Rivers Hoopers, for the 2025 NPBL Final Eight Playoffs.

Olisemeka is no stranger to Nigerian Basketball having helped the KingsMen win the 2024 NPBL title, and also featuring for the Nigerian champions at the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in 2024 and 2025.

One of his biggest highlights for the KingsMen came at the 2024 BAL, when Olisemeka helped Rivers Hoopers become the first Nigerian club to reach the BAL semi-finals, notching an inspiring eighteen points and twelve rebounds in the pivotal quarter­final victory over Tunisia’s US Monastir (92-88).

The six feet nine inch Centre who strikes a commanding figure, once again proved his perimeter dominance, by marking his return to the team with a game high twelve rebounds as the KingsMen thrashed Hoops and Read 73-50 during a matchday one of the 2025 NPBL Playoffs, on Monday, 27th October, 2025.

Before joining the KingsMen in 2024, Olisemeka had spells across European leagues such as Romania (RM VSlcea), the Netherlands (ZZ Leiden), Bulgaria, and Poland.

At 33-years-old, Olisemeka’s presence and wealth of experience from playing top level basketball across Europe and Africa could prove vital as the KingsMen chase a third straight league crown.

History was made at the Choice De Immaculate Demonstration School (CIDS), Obosi in Idemili North LGA, Anambra State following emergence of Miss Saka Aliyat as the overall best graduating student of the school.

Aliyat, an indigene of Osun State, bagged awards in multiple subjects, including Igbo language, English, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Economics and Marketing.

The Yoruba girl, who smiled home with several gifts, received additional awards of Best Student in Neatest/Complete Uniform, Affinity to Students, Most Hardworking Student, Most Disciplined and Most Punctual.

Speaking during the 15th Valedictory/Sendforth Ceremony and Prize Giving Day of the school, Aliyat advised her fellow pupils to focus on their studies with more interest, enthusiasm, dedication, diligence and hardwork.

She urged them to follow the instructions of both the school teachers and that of the Director who she described as her mentor if they intended to also come out in flying colors.

Earlier, Director of the school, Solomy Ochokwu, advised the graduating students to be courageous, resilient and embrace integrity and work ethics as they join the larger society.

He urged them to always reflect on the times they spent in the school where they were taught to become the best students in the world.

He said, ‘We are confident that as you embark on your next chapter, you will do so with boldness and purpose. As you step into the world, I urge you to be courageous.

‘Wear the armour of resilience because the world will test you. And when it does, fight back. Fight with integrity, with honesty in all your dealings, and with a relentless work ethic.

‘We hope you hold fast to the values and morals that have been instilled in you during your time here. I assure you, if you persist in these virtues, success will surely come your way.

‘Remember to look back with gratitude, especially to your parents, who supported you throughout your education. Honour them, and your blessings will be unending,’ she said.

Governance, in its truest sense, is no tea party. It demands courage, clarity, and the moral stamina to make hard choices-even when those choices are unpopular. Since assuming office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has come face to face with the full weight of that reality. With the honeymoon of campaign promises over, what stared him in the face was the burden of governance – raw, unfiltered, and relentless.

Unarguably, Tinubu, inherited a nation on the edge, fractured by insecurity, weakened by economic haemorrhage, bruised by years of inconsistent policy direction where corruption was almost a directing principle of state policy. But where others dithered, he has chosen to confront Nigeria’s demons head-on.

The abrupt removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira were not populist moves at all but they were necessary, painful, and perhaps overdue. little wonder all the presidential candidates made these necessary policies a campaign promise. Yet, for many Nigerians, these policies have been the hardest pills to swallow.

There’s a peculiar loneliness that comes with leadership. Tinubu now bears that loneliness. In a country where sentiment often overshadows sense, where people want change but resist the cost of it, leading becomes a paradox. Nigerians want progress, but not pain. They want reforms, but without disruptions. Governance, however, does not bend to such emotional economics.

Still, one cannot ignore the irony that Tinubu, the political strategist who built alliances and empires in Lagos and beyond, now faces the toughest opponent yet-governance itself. Lagos was his experiment; Nigeria is his final test. The scale is different, the stakes higher, and the consequences more immediate. Every policy has ripple effects that touch millions, every delay widens the trust deficit, and every misstep becomes amplified in the national consciousness.

His decision to reshuffle the military hierarchy, for instance, came at a time when whispers of a coup had begun to float through the corridors of speculation.

With military dispatch, the military dismissed this rumour.

Still, Tinubu acted. For all intents and purposes, the decision ‘to strengthen the nation’s security architecture’ is a demonstration that as important as loyalty may be to the state apparatus, it supersedes regional or political sentiment. The men in uniform must be inspired, equipped, and accountable. National security cannot afford complacency.

He understood that leadership isn’t about waiting for crisis to mature before taking action. Unlike his immediate predecessor, who often hesitated in moments of national insecurity, Tinubu demonstrated the presence of mind that defines statesmanship. In a season of political unease, he chose decisiveness over dithering.

For a nation built on a very fragile federal equilibrium, rejigging the nation’s security architecture could spark delicate and dangerous insinuations that might reignite old suspicions that national cohesion is giving way to sectional dominance. But it is instructive that, on matters of security, emotional analysis takes a back seat when the safety of the nation is at stake. And for those who glory in conspiracy theorization to suggest that Mr. President acted in panic, would they rather nothing was done? The consequence of inaction would not just be grievous but incalculable.

This is not to romanticize Tinubu’s leadership. Governance is not judged by intent alone but by impact. The question remains: are Nigerians safer, more hopeful, and better off than they were a year ago? The answer is complicated. Inflation bites, the naira flounders, and insecurity still stalks communities from the North to the South. The hardship is real. Truth is, nations are not rebuilt in comfort. The first stage of reform is always chaos before order. Tinubu’s Nigeria is still in that inchoate phase, where pain precedes progress and where every gain comes with resistance.

Those who compare him to past presidents often miss the point. Tinubu’s burden is heavier because the rot runs deeper. Buhari’s administration, while cloaked in anti-corruption rhetoric, left behind a hollowed-out economy, fractured security architecture, and an exhausted citizenry. Jonathan for all his calm demeanour lacked the will to confront Nigeria’s entrenched dysfunction. The Otueke-born politician procrastinated till the end. Tinubu, however, appears determined to face these challenges by reengineering the system, even if it means burning political capital rather than deploy the use of rhetoric.

The burden of governance is not just about fixing problems; it’s about restoring faith. Nigerians have been lied to, disappointed, and left hanging by leaders who promised reform but delivered excuses. remember the rice pyramid arrangement? This is in our recent history. Tinubu’s challenge, is psychological and this beyond policy. He must convince a weary nation that this time, the pain is worth it. That this time, the sacrifice will yield fruit. That this time, the government is not bluffing.

It is commendable that Tinubu recognizes that leadership requires more than political dexterity, it demands the presence of mind to act decisively when the nation’s pulse weakens. But presence of mind must evolve into presence of results. Nigerians are impatient, and rightfully so. They have been promised greatness for too long and delivered mediocrity instead.

In the end, Tinubu’s burden is not unique. Every leader, at some point, confronts the limits of their myth. The power that once seemed all-conquering becomes a daily struggle to survive the expectations it created. That is the nadir of power. when the cheers fade and all that’s left is responsibility.

As echoes of another presidential election get louder, President Tinubu and his team must make a clear choice: either rise to the moment and etch his name in the annals of statesmanship, or succumb to the weight of Nigeria’s perpetual contradictions. The burden of governance is heavy, but it is also the only path to redemption for both leader and nation.

As Nigerians endure the turbulence of reform, one thing remains clear: the days ahead will test not just Tinubu’s capacity to govern, but his courage to stay true to his convictions. For a man who has waited decades for this moment, the real question now is whether he can bear the burden he so passionately sought.

The cheers fade. The applause becomes muted. And suddenly, every decision is questioned. Herein lies the burden of leadership.

In a bid to nurture a new generation of originality-driven Nigerians, MultiChoice has held an Anti-Piracy Sensitisation Programme at Kuramo Senior College, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The outreach targeted secondary school students, aiming to help them understand the dangers of piracy and importance of protecting creative work from an early age.

The interactive session featured legal experts and creative industry figures, who connected with the students through storytelling, games, and open conversations. They discussed how piracy deprives filmmakers, actors, musicians, and other creatives of their rewards, while also discouraging investors and limiting creative opportunities for young talent across the value chain.

The highlight of the session was a lively and insightful class led by Mr. Obafemi Agaba, a legal practitioner with extensive experience in intellectual property, corporate commercial law and entertainment rights. He broke down complex topics, such as copyright, trademarks, and creative ownership, into relatable examples, showing students why it’s essential to respect originality and protect creative ideas.

‘Every film you stream illegally, every song or book you share without permission, takes something away from the people who made it,’ he told the students. ‘If you love Nollywood, Afrobeats, and Nigerian creativity, then you must help protect it. That’s how we all build a stronger creative future.’

The students showed enthusiasm throughout the session, asking thoughtful questions, participating in games, and pledging to be cultural heroes who will ‘say no to piracy’ and support originality.

Executive Head of Corporate Affairs at MultiChoice Nigeria Caroline Oghuma, explained that the school outreach is part of a long-term strategy to raise a generation that values creativity and rejects content theft.

‘The fight against piracy can’t start and stop with creators; it has to begin in classrooms,’ she said. ‘The future of Nollywood and Nigerian music is sitting right in front of us. If we teach young people to value originality and respect creators, we secure the future of our creative economy.’

Also in attendance were representatives of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), who underscored the legal and moral implications of piracy. Speaking on behalf of the Commission, Mr. Charles Amudipe, Deputy Director of Operations, commended MultiChoice for leading the charge at the grassroots level.

‘Awareness is one of the strongest weapons against piracy,’ said Amudipe. ‘By bringing this conversation to students, we’re not just enforcing the law, we are shaping values that will protect creativity for generations to come.’

Vice Principal of Kuramo Senior College, Oyewale Taofik praised the initiative, noting that the session opened students’ eyes to issues they had often overlooked.

‘Many of our students and even staff did not realise that forwarding movie links or buying pirated CDs was a form of theft. Today, they’ve learnt that creativity deserves respect and that they can be ambassadors of originality,’ he said.

The sensitisation is part of a broader campaign by MultiChoice Nigeria to raise nationwide awareness against piracy. The movement continues next month with the Walk Against Piracy, scheduled for November 27, in Lagos. The walk will unite actors, producers, writers, directors, broadcasters, regulators, and fans in a public show of solidarity ahead of National Anti-Piracy Day (November 30).

Through these sustained efforts, MultiChoice Nigeria continues to champion a creative industry that is fair, original, and globally respected.

A leading Nigerian independent energy company, Seplat Energy Plc, in partnership with its Joint Venture partner, the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), has organised the 2025 edition of the PEARLs Quiz Competition for secondary schools in Edo and Delta states.

The grand finale took place recently at the Marquee Event Centre in Asaba, Delta State, attracting a significant audience.

Pioneer Education Centre, Edo State, emerged first place winners and was awarded N10 million to enhance its ICT centre.

Notre Dame College, Uzoro, Delta State, emerged second and received N5 million and the third place went to Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Model College, Benin, Edo State, and received N3 million.

Ogini Model College, Ogharefe-Oghara, Delta State, came fourth and received a consolation prize for participation.

The PEARLs Quiz, which stands for ‘Promoting Exceptional and Respectable Leaders’, is a flagship Corporate Social Investment initiative by Seplat Energy.

It aims to promote academic excellence among secondary school students, nurture critical thinking skills and inspire future leaders.

In her address, the Director of External Affairs and Social Performance for Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, expressed appreciation for the participation of all schools and welcomed representatives from the governments of Delta and Edo states.

Afe said the event reinforced Seplat’s commitment to investing in education and community development.

She pointed out that the initiative was conceived for promoting exceptional and respectable leaders, dating back to 2012, which has seen Sepalt remain active in host communities and helping to foster students in the right direction.

Afe noted that by the quality of participation in this year’s edition, the students have demonstrated that the initiative is already bearing fruits by nurturing young people.

‘A school might be going home today with the prize, but all of you are already winners and I congratulate you,’ she said.

The most important aspect, according to her was the learning which each participant had taken from the PEARLs Quiz to make him or her a better person in the journey of life.

She commended the teachers, many of whom have also been trained under various CSI initiatives of Seplat for encouraging the students to make the 2025 PEARLs Quiz the huge success it has turned out to be.

In addition to the quiz competition, the grand finale also featured the STEAM Innovation Challenge, where students showcased inventive projects in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Under the STEAM challenge, the top three projects were awarded cash prizes and commendations for creativity, functionality, and real-world problem-solving potential.

The first prize of one million naira went to Hollywood International School, Asaba, Delta State who presented a multi-functional academic laboratory.

In second place was the Pioneer Education Centre, Benin, Edo State, which got N500,000 prize money, while Women Affairs Secondary School, Asaba, Delta State, took the third position and N250,000.

On his part, Nicolas Foucart, Managing Director of NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), represented by the Corporate Communications Manager, Godwin Ijiga, expressed joy at the enthusiasm and brilliance demonstrated by the participants across Edo and Delta States.

Foucart commended the students for participating and making it to this stage.

He expressed gratitude to the Edo and Delta State governments for the conducive atmosphere for business to thrive and be in position to give back to the society.

He noted that all the participants were winners, saying, ‘To all the students, I want to say congratulations for making it to this stage’.

The grand finale of the character-moulding, knowledge impacting initiative also featured other impactful packages, including health talks focused on the girl-child, by Emo Udobong-Ntia, General Manager, Corporate Services at Seplat Energy; and an Inspiration Talk session by Ogechukwu Udeagha, General Manager, Public and Government Affairs, Seplat Energy.

The guest lecturer, Edith Onwuchekwa, Director, Legal Services/Company Secretary, Seplat Energy Plc, also spoke on the topic, ‘Cultivating a Culture of Excellence’, where she charged the audience ‘to strive to know what quality is and strive for it’.

In his remarks, Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State Governor, represented by Ms Orode Udughan, Delta State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl Child Development, commended the Seplat JV for the PEARLs Quiz initiative, which he noted has greatly impacted students in Edo and Delta states for many years.

Oborevwori said: ‘Today, we celebrate not just a contest but the brilliance, promise and potential of our young people, the true future of our states and our nation.

‘On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I extend profound appreciation to Seplat Energy and the NNPC Joint Venture for their consistent and impactful investment in education.

‘The PEARLS quiz, which translates to promoting exceptional and respectable Leaders, is a shining example of corporate social responsibility that aligns perfectly with our developmental vision.

‘For years, this initiative has provided a vibrant platform for students to demonstrate intellect, confidence and character while promoting the culture of academic excellence.

‘The scholarships, awards and educational resources you provide continue to enrich our educational landscape and nurture future leaders’.

Businessman and philanthropist, Mr. Jamiu Ogundele, has restated that his humanitarian efforts in Yewaland, Ogun State, are driven by passion and not political ambition.

Ogundele, through his non-profit initiative, Engineer Ogundele Jamiu Foundation, has embarked on community projects, including medical outreach, classroom renovation and road rehabilitation in underserved areas.

Speaking on his motive, he said his goal was to improve lives and give back to society.

‘People often assume that when you’re giving, you must be preparing for office,’ he said. ‘But that’s not the case for me. Philanthropy is something I’m passionate about. It comes from my heart, not from a strategy.’

He said his experience in business exposed him to the needs of people at the grassroots, inspiring him to act.

‘What drives me is the joy of seeing lives transformed,’ he added. ‘When you visit communities where people struggle with basic needs, you realise how much impact small acts of kindness can create.’

A prominent Northern advocacy group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT), has expressed confidence in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), led by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to tackle the security challenges facing the country.

ATT said he has been doing a commendable job in tackling the nation’s security challenges and should be allowed to continue without distraction.

In a statement, the group’s Convener, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, stated that Ribadu’s strategic efforts have been yielding tangible results in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other security threats across the country.

‘The NSA, under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has been working tirelessly to address the country’s security challenges. We believe that his efforts are producing positive outcomes, and he deserves our collective support to sustain this momentum,’ Yakubu said.

His remarks followed a call by the Coalition of Northeast Youth Group Leaders, which recently issued a seven-day ultimatum to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to probe the NSA’s activities, threatening peaceful protests if the government failed to act.

Describing the coalition’s demand as ‘misguided and unnecessary,’ Yakubu maintained that Ribadu’s performance has been consistent with the administration’s renewed focus on national security and stability.

‘We urge the government to leave the NSA alone and allow him to continue his good work. Probing him now will only distract from the progress being made. The NSA is doing a good job and deserves support, not suspicion,’ he said.

Yakubu also hailed President Tinubu for what he called a ‘bold and historic decision’ to relieve the former Service Chiefs of their duties.

He said the move demonstrated the President’s firm political will to reform the military and strengthen national defence institutions.

The Chairperson of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 1 Division Chapter, Dr. (Mrs.) Halima Tafida-Wase, has called on women to prioritise early screening and self-examination for breast cancer, stressing that early detection significantly improves survival. She made the call during the NAOWA Cancer Awareness Week 2025, held at the association’s secretariat, Ribadu in Kaduna recently.

The event, with the theme,Caught between cultural expectations of unshakable strength and the quiet weight of unspoken pain, many Nigerian men are dying before their time – often long before they ever find the courage or words to ask for help. They are suffering quietly, breaking down privately, and collapsing unexpectedly. The cost of silence is death – and Nigerian men are paying it every day.

‘My Breast and I,’ aimed to encourage women to become more aware of their bodies and take charge of their health. Speaking at the programme, Tafida-Wase said the theme served as a personal reminder to every woman that the breast is not just a physical feature, but ‘a part of her story, identity, and well-being.’ ‘For too long, many women have suffered in silence due to fear, shame, or lack of awareness,’ she said. ‘Today, we break that silence. We say loudly and clearly: Early detection saves lives. Breast cancer is not a death sentence. When discovered early, it can be treated successfully.’

She emphasised the importance of routine breast self-examinations and urged women to seek medical attention immediately if they notice any abnormal changes. ‘Every woman here should know her breast,’ she said. ‘Examine it regularly. Report any unusual change to your doctor. Let us replace fear with knowledge, courage, and love – for ourselves and for one another.’

The NAOWA chairperson appreciated doctors, nurses, survivors, and volunteers present at the event, describing them as heroes whose experiences and dedication continue to inspire others. She also commended the wife of the Chief of Army Staff for her leadership and commitment to women’s health across military formations. ‘Your health is your wealth,’ Tafida-Wase added. ‘Don’t wait for pain before you act. Know your body and take care of it. Together, let us build a community where no woman fights alone – where awareness replaces ignorance and hope replaces fear.’

Also speaking, Dr. Rabi’a Adams, a medical surgeon and breast cancer awareness advocate, said the campaign seeks to equip women with knowledge of breast cancer signs and symptoms, and to encourage prompt medical attention. She said the training included practical demonstrations on monthly breast self-examinations and guidance on scheduling regular clinical check-ups. ‘Women must be proactive about their health,’ Adams said. ‘Knowing your body and seeking medical help early can make all the difference.’ She stressed that increased awareness, early screening, and timely treatment remain essential in reducing breast cancer-related deaths.

Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri welcomed global Afrobeats sensation Davido to the Government House in Yola during the artist’s 5ive Alive Tour, celebrating the state’s rising profile and improved security.

Fintiri described the visit as a ‘testament to our administration’s efforts in enhancing security and advancing urban renewal,’ according to a statement released by his office on X.

‘It was a pleasure to welcome the global star, Davido, to the Government House, Yola. We are particularly glad he chose Adamawa as a key stop on his five-state tour. His presence here underscores our progress and is a testament to our administration’s efforts toward enhancing security and advancing our urban renewal drive. We are honoured by his visit,’ Fintiri stated.

Hours later, Davido headlined a sold-out concert at the 25,000-capacity Mahmud Ribadu Square, delivering what organisers called one of the tour’s most high-energy performances.

The event drew a surprise appearance from local influencer and former Big Brother Naija housemate Sultana Farida Auduson Ibrahim, who joined the crowd in celebrating the Grammy-nominated artist.

The Yola stop marks a significant milestone in Davido’s five-state tour and highlights Adamawa’s growing appeal as a destination for major entertainment events.

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), John Nwosu, has expressed confidence that he will win the November 8 Anambra State governorship election.

Nwosu said only vote buying and voter apathy could stand in the way of his victory at the polls. According to him, the poor performance of the incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has positioned the ADC for victory.

He also commended the appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying it has rekindled hope for a credible and transparent election.

Nwosu urged voters to turn out en masse and reject inducements from politicians, stressing that large voter participation and resistance to vote buying would ensure that Prof. Amupitan’s promise of a credible election is fulfilled.

On his defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the ADC, Nwosu explained that he joined the coalition platform when it became clear that the LP nomination process would violate the Electoral Act and the Constitution.

He said: ‘I was the one who built the structure of the Labour Party in Anambra State. When I decided to run for governor last year, I met our leader, Peter Obi, who advised that the party lacked a physical structure in the state and needed visibility.

‘I recruited a team comprising Oseloka Obaze, former Secretary to the Anambra State Government and campaign manager for the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Council, under which I served as Director of ICT. Together with him and Ben Chuks Nwosu, former Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly during Peter Obi’s impeachment, we established Labour Party offices in all 21 local government areas, providing each with ?1 million for logistics.’

Nwosu noted that, like the incumbent governors of Enugu and Abia States, he comes from the private sector and intends to replicate their record of good governance and impactful service delivery in Anambra.

He added that the ADC was poised to spring surprises in the upcoming election, noting that it would be both Prof. Amupitan’s first election as INEC Chairman and the coalition ADC’s first major electoral outing since its formation.