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The 2025 Lagos State Secondary Schools Handball Championship (Opeifa Cup) continued in spectacular fashion on Wednesday, October 29, as the tournament’s third day delivered a feast of goals, drama, and exceptional performances across the senior and junior girls’ categories.

In the senior girls’ division, Keke Senior High School fell 1-3 to a disciplined CMS Grammar School side, while Creek Senior High School edged Cardoso Senior High School 2-1 in a closely fought encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Jagunmolu Girls and United Christian College played out a hard-earned 1-1 draw in their opener, but Jagunmolu bounced back impressively later in the day with a commanding 5-1 victory over Girls Senior High School.

Elsewhere, Government College Agege and Lagos City College shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw, before Government College returned to action with a narrow 1-0 win over United Christian College in a tight, tactical duel.

The junior girls’ matches were equally entertaining. Igbobi Junior High School narrowly lost 1-2 to Herbert Macaulay Junior High School, while Ikeja Junior Girls and Government College played out a 0-0 stalemate. Government College, however, roared back with a convincing 3-1 victory over Dolphin Junior School in their next fixture.

There were also dominant displays from Muslim Junior College and United Christian Junior School, who both recorded emphatic 10-0 wins over Okesuna Junior School and Greek Junior School, respectively. Dolphin Junior School later cruised to a 5-0 win against Ikeja Junior Girls, while United Christian Junior School capped off a perfect day with another strong 3-0 triumph over Government College.

The competition continues to gather momentum as teams battle for qualification spots, with more excitement expected in the days ahead.

Vigilantes have arrested two men, Rabiu Bala and Nasiru Shehu, for allegedly gang-raping a 15-year-old hawker in the Kusaki community of the Kuje Area Council in the FCT.

Samaila Yakubu, a vigilante member from the area, said the suspects were apprehended on Wednesday following a report from the victim’s parents.

He stated that the victim’s mother and her son brought the girl to the vigilante office to report the incident.

He explained that the girl returned home crying, which made her mother suspicious.

Yakubu said the parents later discovered that the victim, who hawks a local rice delicacy known as Garau-Garau, was allegedly raped by the two suspects at an apartment in the area.

According to Yakubu, the victim went to demand payment from the suspects who had bought the Garau-Garau from her on credit, adding that during the interaction, one of the suspects lured her into an apartment and allegedly raped her.

‘On getting to where the suspects, who are commercial motorcyclists, reside, one of them picked up his bike and zoomed off but was flagged down,’ he said.

He confirmed that both men confessed to the crime during interrogation. They were immediately arrested and handed over to the police in Kuje.

He added that vigilantes later joined the police at a hospital where doctors confirmed that the girl had been penetrated.

A police source at the Kuje division, who preferred anonymity, confirmed the incident but said the matter is still under investigation.

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has released names of candidates shortlisted for the paramilitary agencies recruitment Computer Based Test (CBT).

The Board Secretary, Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jubril (rtd), announced this in a notice issued on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

The agencies are the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Jubril urged candidates who applied for recruitment into any of the four paramilitary agencies to visit the official recruitment portal (click here) to check if they had been shortlisted.

He stated: ‘From Thursday, October 30, 2025, candidates are to check if they have been shortlisted for the next stage of the exercise as well as centres for the Computer Based Test (CBT).

‘Shortlisted candidates are further requested to take note of the venue, date as well as time scheduled for the CBT.’

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has stated that the federal government’s road construction across the country would last between 50 and 100 years.

Speaking during an inspection of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna), Umahi explained that the Ministry is adopting modern construction methods and using materials that ensure road longevity and sustainability under varying climatic and traffic conditions.

‘You cannot achieve a better California Bearing Ratio (CBR) by simply bringing laterite on the road. The existing subgrade, which has consolidated over years of traffic, has a stronger bearing capacity than a new one.

‘That is why we are changing the approach – we are insisting on milling, stabilising, and strengthening, rather than removing old asphalt layers and replacing them with new materials,’ the Minister stated.

He praised the contractor, Messrs Infiouest International Limited for the quality of work done so far, noting that the project’s design is among the most advanced in the country.

He further explained the engineering method being applied to ensure lasting results.

‘Wherever we have potholes within the carriageway, we don’t just patch. We treat the entire section using a stone base and, where necessary, stabilise it with cement. On the shoulders, we excavate about 10 centimeters below the existing asphalt, refill with a stone base slightly above the level, and compact properly. This ensures stability and prevents water from undermining the structure,’ he revealed.

He emphasised that proper milling and concrete reinforcement at critical points are key to extending the life span of Nigerian roads.

‘Our design now prioritises rigid pavement (concrete roads) for major highways, while flexible pavements (asphaltic roads) are being phased out gradually. Where asphalt is used, we are introducing concrete shoulders to enhance strength and prevent failure. The goal is to ensure that no section of the road fails prematurely,’ he further explained.

The Minister also cautioned engineers and contractors against tampering with existing asphalt layers that are structurally stable. ‘Asphalt has a designed lifespan of about 25 years. When it is milled and recycled properly, it can serve even longer. We must adopt international best practices and stop unnecessary replacement of strong materials,’ he advised.

The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammed Goronyo, has also reaffirmed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, remains fully committed to improving the road infrastructure across the nation.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Infiouest International Limited, Mr. Joseph Aboue Jaoude, stated that the company has deployed about 300 units of equipment to the project to ensure efficient operations and the delivery of quality work within schedule.

Nigerians, particularly residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for attending a summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), with his two sons.

Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, shared photos of the minister alongside his sons and other officials at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum in Dubai. The images, posted on social media, were accompanied by a caption that read: ‘When e reach your turn, carry your enemies travel.’

The photos showed Wike’s sons wearing summit tags, suggesting they were part of the FCT Administration’s official delegation.

The official delegation, led by the minister, included the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Legal and Multilateral Cooperation, Barrister Benedict Daudu; the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda; the Director of the Department of Development and Control, Mukhtar Galadima; the Director of Engineering Services, Engr. Chuks Udeh; and the Director of Protocol, Sani Musa Daura, among others.

Daily Trust reports that social media platforms have been buzzing with reactions since the photos surfaced online.

Many X users described Wike’s action as ‘unfortunate’ and ‘a display of nepotism,’ accusing him of turning an official government trip into a family affair.

Others argued that the inclusion of his sons was inappropriate and undermined public confidence in governance.

Here are some of the comments posted by Nigerians on Lere Olayinka’s X handle:

Olawole wrote: ‘Mocking us to our faces using taxpayers’ money to sponsor your children abroad.’

Legit commented: ‘Keep defending political rascality. You will live to serve his children. Using state funds to sponsor his children is a slap on our collective face. Who appointed his children into office? Taking Nigerians for fools is the height of insensitivity. APC is terrible.’

Citizen added: ‘There’s no justification for taking his sons along, and worse still, allowing them to appear in an official capacity. People defend corruption when it benefits them. That’s Lere for you.’

Mansa Hidji II wrote: ‘When a minister like Wike takes his children instead of ministry staff to official engagements abroad, it undermines institutional growth. Career civil servants lose valuable learning exposure needed to strengthen the ministry’s capacity and continuity. We should do better as a people.’

Megaflexing said: ‘This is exactly the mindset that has kept Africa backward. Governance should not be about friends or enemies-it should be about competence and the people’s interest.’

Ejo Onyishi commented: ‘Taking friends and family to an event they’re not needed for, all at taxpayers’ expense, is shameful. The same people telling Nigerians to tighten their belts due to subsidy removal are squandering public funds on luxury abroad. Taxpayers, sorry. Nigerians, wake up.’

However, a few social media users urged restraint, suggesting that the minister’s sons might have attended in a personal capacity or for educational exposure.

However, the absence of an official clarification from the FCT Administration has kept the controversy alive, sparking broader conversations about transparency, accountability, and the misuse of privilege in public office.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has disclosed that the company is reviewing the technical performance of its refineries ahead of plans to bring in new partners for their rehabilitation.

Ojulari, in a post on his official X handle, said the ongoing technical and commercial assessments would determine whether the refineries would undergo ‘high-grade repairs or repurposing to ensure optimal performance and sustainability.’

The move marks a shift from Ojulari’s earlier stance suggesting that the refineries might be sold, following years of failed rehabilitation efforts and billions of dollars spent without tangible results.

According to him, the next phase of the review will focus on selecting technical equity partners with proven expertise in running refineries to international standards.

He added that once selected, these partners would finalise necessary agreements and mobilise for the execution of the repair or upgrade plans.

Ojulari said NNPCL’s broader objective is to strengthen energy security and enhance its capacity to meet the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) requirements as the ‘supplier of last resort’ for petroleum products.

‘We are repositioning as a commercially driven, transparent energy company serving Nigerians. Our determination is unwavering.

‘We’re conducting a detailed review and are eager to implement sustainable solutions that will make our refineries efficient and profitable,’ he said.

He added that NNPCL’s commitment is guided by the belief that Nigeria’s prosperity and energy future must take precedence over individual or corporate interests.

As Nigeria marks nearly 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, it is important to reflect on one of the noblest pillars of democracy, freedom of speech. The right to freely express one’s opinion without fear or intimidation is not just a political privilege; it is the soul of a free society. The beauty of democracy lies in its tolerance for dissent, its openness to criticism, and its respect for the diversity of thought that drives progress.

In the immortal words of John Milton, the 17th-century English poet and philosopher, ‘The liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties.’ This enduring declaration captures the essence of democracy itself: that the right to speak and to question authority without fear remains the highest expression of human freedom. Without it, every other right becomes vulnerable.

Since 1999, Nigeria has made commendable progress in consolidating democratic institutions. The country has witnessed peaceful transitions of power, vibrant media engagement, and the growing influence of civil society. Yet, the true test of democracy is not merely the holding of elections but the space it creates for dissenting voices. Freedom of speech must not remain a constitutional formality; it must become a living practice, upheld both by law and by culture.

The Nigerian Constitution, under Section 39(1), guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information without interference. This provision is the backbone of every democratic society. However, it must operate within the framework of the law, respecting peace, order, and national unity. Still, within that lawful boundary, no citizen should be intimidated, detained, or silenced for expressing an opinion or for criticizing those in authority. A democracy that cannot accommodate dissent is a democracy in retreat.

In this light, Omoyele Sowore stands as one of the most symbolic figures of Nigeria’s ongoing struggle to protect civic space and uphold fundamental rights. His activism often controversial but undeniably patriotic, represents the resilience of citizens who insist that government must serve the governed. Sowore’s passion for justice, accountability, and reform has made him a voice of conscience in our public life. Rather than view such individuals as adversaries, state institutions, particularly the police, should regard them as contributors to national progress.

When security agencies treat rights activists with fairness and respect, it sends a powerful message to the world that Nigeria’s democracy is growing stronger. Activism and law enforcement are not enemies; they are both crucial to nation-building when guided by the rule of law. Constructive criticism is not rebellion – it is patriotism in action.

Sowore’s call for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), under the #FreeNnamdiKanu campaign, must however be addressed strictly within the rule of law. Since the matter is before the courts, it is right that the judiciary is allowed to perform its duty without interference or political pressure. This respect for due process underscores the maturity of our democracy and strengthens the faith of citizens in the legal system.

No democracy can thrive in an atmosphere of fear or suppression. Nations that have progressed politically and economically did so by allowing ideas, even unpopular ones to flourish. From the civil rights movement in America to the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, freedom of expression has always been the catalyst for positive change. Nigeria, despite its many governance challenges, remains one of Africa’s freest societies in terms of speech and media vibrancy. Citizens debate issues openly, criticise public officials boldly, and hold leaders to account through various platforms. This openness must be preserved and expanded, not restricted.

Nevertheless, the frequent harassment of protesters, the intimidation of journalists, and the misuse of cybercrime laws to silence online critics remain worrisome trends. Such practices erode public trust in government and contradict the spirit of democracy. The government must recognise that the free exchange of ideas, however uncomfortable, is the lifeblood of democratic development. The true measure of democracy is not how a nation treats those who praise it but how it treats those who disagree.

It is therefore time for Nigeria to institutionalise peaceful civic engagement by establishing Freedom Squares in all state capitals, public spaces where citizens can lawfully assemble to express their views, hold rallies, or debate issues of national concern. Properly managed, these arenas would reflect our confidence in democratic principles and our respect for the rights of citizens to speak freely. They would also help prevent confrontations between protesters and security agencies by providing an organized setting for lawful demonstrations.

Freedom, of course, carries responsibility. Free speech is not a license for lawlessness or incitement. Citizens must conduct their advocacy peacefully and responsibly, while law enforcement officers must exercise restraint and uphold human rights standards. Both sides must understand that democracy thrives where mutual respect exists between authority and the people.

As Nigeria celebrates nearly 25 years of democratic continuity, it is vital to strengthen the legal and institutional framework that protects freedom of speech. The National Assembly should review ambiguous provisions of the Cybercrime Act and Public Order Act, which are sometimes used to stifle dissent. Modern democracies adapt their laws to safeguard civil liberties in a digital era; Nigeria must not be left behind.

After all, democracy is not defined by the absence of military rule, but by the presence of civil rights. The ability of citizens to speak freely, to question leaders, and to seek accountability is what distinguishes democracy from tyranny. Omoyele Sowore’s activism reminds us that a nation’s greatness is not determined by how loudly its government speaks, but by how freely its citizens do.

As I have often argued, Nigeria is already among the freest nations in Africa, with a vibrant media, outspoken citizens, and active civic organizations. But freedom, once gained, must be guarded jealously. The challenge before us is to protect and institutionalise it so that future generations inherit a democracy that is both strong and just.

In the spirit of John Milton’s timeless words, ‘The liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties,’ we must never allow fear or intolerance to silence the Nigerian voice. Freedom of speech is not merely a democratic right; it is the foundation of national progress and human dignity.

A free people are not those without rules, but those whose rights are protected by the rule of law. That is the beauty of democracy, and Nigeria must continue to uphold it.

The rising incidences of building collapse have become a disturbing trend. Many structures collapse at the construction stage, while some collapse when fully occupied, resulting in fatalities. Nigerians now die or get maimed from either improperly constructed or ill-maintained buildings which collapse like a pack of cards.

The latest is the one that occurred at 54 Cole Street, Cemetery Bus Stop, Oyingbo in Lagos State, where two persons were confirmed dead and 26 rescued from under the rubble on October 28. On August 4, the nation woke up to yet another sad story that a mother and her five children died when their house collapsed on them in Dankama village of Kaita Local Government Area of Katsina State.

So far, data independently gathered by this newspaper show that about 44 people have died and more than 125 others injured in 29 incidents of building collapse since the beginning of this year, with Lagos State topping the list with 13 incidents, followed by other states across the country. The data further show that from 2023 till date, there have been 127 deaths, while more than 373 were injured in such incidents across Nigeria. In 2023, there were 49 deaths and 201 injuries in 37 incidents; in 2024, there were 83 deaths and 248 injuries; while in 2025, there were 42 deaths and 114 injured.

It is beyond doubt that shoddy workmanship is often behind structural failures. This is often facilitated by officials who compromise their site supervisory duties and property owners who, in their apparent ignorance or selfishness, want to get more for less. Many reports on building collapse have attributed such incidents to the use of substandard materials and the engagement of incompetent or unqualified artisans. Non-compliance with specifications and standards due to weak supervision could also be a factor. Also, lax enforcement of building codes and the endemic poor work ethic in some professions have been cited in many reports on building collapse in the country.

It is this culture of complete disregard for law and order and complacency that makes a Nigerian alter land-use regulations by building, say, a four-storey structure when he or she has been given approval to build a two-storey one. Unfortunately, relevant officials often turn a blind eye to the infraction. This, of course, brings upon us the tragedies we have been mourning for a long time now. Surely, a stop has to be put to this particular case of negligence, which has made it possible for just about anybody to put up any structure that is nothing more than a death trap for many innocent Nigerians.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, described the frequent incidents of collapsed buildings as a national embarrassment. According to him, the government could no longer afford to allow the crisis to continue unchecked. To avoid further loss of lives due to building collapse, he inaugurated a 14-man task team to address the growing crisis of building collapses nationwide on June 18 this year.

The committee is made up of representatives of the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria; Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria; Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria; Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria; and Surveyors Council of Nigeria. Others are the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria, Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, and the Building Collapse Prevention Guild.

Daily Trust hopes that the recommendations of the expanded committee will be fully implemented to avoid further loss of lives.

At the national level, the government should ensure inspections at ongoing projects are professionally done. The procedure that allows only the architect and the surveyor to sign the appropriate documents to attest to the integrity of structures should be strengthened. Often, people submit plans to build a one-storey structure but illegally add more floors during actual construction. Effective supervision should eliminate this practice that puts lives at risk. Many architects act as building contractors when that duty properly belongs to structural engineers and building technologists. Before any development takes place on a parcel of land, soil tests and topographical surveys should be carried out to determine the suitability of the structure for the site; but this is seldom done.

Government should also license building contractors who must have a recognised qualification, as well as enforce an easily understandable building code. If the relevant insurance firms did their work properly, ensuring that every building adheres to the minimum standards, the spate of building collapses would be minimized, if not eliminated entirely.

But overall, we believe that this tragedy can only be averted when those responsible for such tragedies are fully brought to book. We should not spare any official or selfish property owner who continues to cause avoidable deaths in the country.

The European Parliament has pledged to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in tackling security threats, managing migration, and promoting sustainable development, describing the country as a strategic partner in Africa.

Chairman of the Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, David MacAllister, made this known in Abuja at the end of a two-and-a-half-day visit by a European parliamentary delegation to Nigeria and the ECOWAS Commission.

He disclosed that the EU is supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat insecurity through several peace and security initiatives, including programmes on disarmament, deradicalisation, reintegration, and peacebuilding.

MacAllister observed that terrorism in Nigeria is not driven solely by ideology, saying, ‘Many factors contribute to it, such as inequality, youth unemployment, communal conflicts, weak governance, and environmental stress.

‘We expect that all groups and vulnerable communities will be adequately protected by the Nigerian authorities.’

MacAllister, who led a six-member delegation from five EU member states, said discussions with Nigerian officials focused on peacebuilding, migration management, and economic cooperation.

‘Our interest is to have a prosperous, stable, and democratic West Africa – and, in particular, a strong and stable Nigeria,’ he explained. ‘We need Nigeria to partner with us to defend our common values, manage migration flows, and promote peace and development. Nigeria matters to the European Union.’

He said the visit underscored the EU’s commitment to building a stronger partnership with Nigeria under what he described as the ‘Team Europe approach.’

‘Our visit to Nigeria illustrates the willingness of the European Union’s institutions – and, in this case, the European Parliament – to strengthen relations between Nigeria and the European Union,’ MacAllister said.

‘We reciprocally need each other as reliable and consistent partners, committed to multilateralism, international law, human rights, and a fairer and more sustainable world.’

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has charged newly inducted diplomats to embrace innovation, competence, and patriotism as they represent Nigeria on the global stage.

Speaking on behalf of Vice President Kashim Shettima at the closing ceremony of the 26th Regular Course of the Foreign Service Academy in Abuja, Tuggar described the graduation as ‘an institutional milestone and the induction of another cohort of Nigeria’s diplomats-men and women who will go forth as the face, the voice, and the conscience of our nation to the global stage.’

He commended the academy for its role in nurturing the intellect and professionalism of Foreign Service Officers, but noted that ‘the neglect of the Foreign Service Academy is emblematic of the diminishing role of diplomacy and diplomats in governance. And the consequence of this is a deficiency of statecraft.’

The minister said his mission at the ministry is to restore statecraft in Nigeria’s foreign relations, starting with ‘skilling our diplomats to perform and compete in the 21st Century.’

‘You now join the noble ranks of Nigeria’s Foreign Service-an institution that functions in the shadows but whose impact is intended to shape the destiny of our nation.’

He urged them to embrace lifelong learning, adding, ‘Your diplomatic life will know no limits if you look beyond postings and protocol assignments and aim to be innovative, resilient and purpose-driven.’

Tuggar highlighted reforms under Tinubu’s administration, including fuel subsidy removal and forex unification, as part of efforts to reposition Nigeria globally.

He added that the country’s foreign policy now rests on four pillars: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.

‘Our missions must serve as economic outposts,’ he said, ‘actively promoting investment, trade, and technological cooperation in every host country.’

He also addressed false narratives about religious persecution in Nigeria, urging diplomats to cite constitutional protections and judicial safeguards.

Tuggar reaffirmed plans to return the academy to its permanent site in Badagry and called on the National Assembly to pass the Foreign Service Commission Bill to strengthen its autonomy.