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Nigeria may be on the verge of losing another promising talent to Europe as the Greece Football Federation (EPO) reportedly closes in on completing the paperwork that will allow West Ham United U21 defender Rayan Oyebade to represent Greece internationally.

Oyebade, born to a Greek mother and Nigerian father, is eligible to play for both countries. According to reports, the 17-year-old has already expressed his desire to switch allegiance to Greece, with the EPO expected to finalize the process in the coming days.

Once approved, Oyebade will become available for selection to the Greece U19 team under coach Vangelis Moras.

The highly-rated youngster joined West Ham United in 2021 and has steadily risen through the youth system. A composed, left-footed centre-back, Oyebade is admired for his calmness in possession and sharp reading of the game.

He made his youth international debut for England U15, showcasing his versatility and technical ability at an early stage. During the 2023/24 campaign, he featured 13 times in the U18 Premier League South, registering a goal and an assist despite battling injuries for much of the season.

Now in his second year as a scholar, Oyebade has captained Lauris Coggin’s U18 side several times and played a pivotal role in West Ham’s Premier League Cup final victory at Reading. His progress earned him a first professional contract with the club on April 3, 2025-a clear sign of his growing stature.

With Greece acting swiftly to secure his international future, Nigeria appears set to miss out on another defensive gem with dual eligibility.

As political momentum builds toward the 2027 general elections, Comrade Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje, founder of the Disciples of Jagaban (DOJ) and a key figure in the Tinubu Support Movement, has declared that ‘Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have neither the influence nor the credibility to turn the North against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.’

In a strongly worded statement, Alawuje cautioned politicians ‘engaging in underground ethnic and religious politics,’ insisting that every move is being closely monitored.

‘Be warned. There is no political or ethnic scheme you can execute without the awareness of our agents. The North will not be deceived again,’ he said.

Recalling Tinubu’s pivotal role in the 2015 elections, Alawuje said history will not forget how the then-APC National Leader ‘stood firmly with the North when it mattered most.’

‘At that crucial moment, Tinubu traversed the region, convincing millions who once opposed Buhari to support him. The North has not forgotten that selfless act,’ he stated.

He described the North as ‘a region of loyalty and honour,’ stressing that it would ‘reward Tinubu with its votes again in 2027.’

The Tinubu loyalist accused Atiku of masking a ‘Northern agenda’ while alleging that Peter Obi was ‘hiding behind religious sentiments.’

‘Both are playing hypocritical politics of the highest order. No propaganda will turn the North against its trusted ally from the Southwest,’ he declared.

Citing recent remarks by the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Muhammad Sanusi II, who noted that ‘Nigeria has pulled back from the brink of economic collapse,’ Alawuje commended President Tinubu’s ‘bold and transformative reforms.’

‘Tinubu is performing exceptionally well-transforming Nigeria’s economic and developmental landscape. Nigerians only need patience,’ he added.

Praising the President’s resilience amid criticism, Alawuje said Tinubu’s governance had silenced detractors.

‘Despite social media ‘economists’ sowing fear, Tinubu has proven them wrong. He is a courageous and visionary leader-an economic reformer and a true champion of human development,’ he said.

Alawuje urged Nigerians to support Tinubu’s ongoing reforms and resist divisive politics, saying, ‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made us proud. He has laid a solid foundation for Nigeria’s future.’

The Service Chiefs-designate yesterday met with Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru and National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu ahead of their screening today by the Senate.

Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede led Chief of Army Staff Maj.- Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Idi Abbas and Chief of Air Staff Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke on the visits.

There was no statement from the NSA’s after the visit, but spokesman of the Defence Minister Mati Ali in statement said the visit underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to building cohesive defence leadership anchored on trust, collaboration and shared purpose.

On Monday, 72 hours after they were named, the Service Chiefs met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced yesterday in plenary after reading the correspondence for the President, that the Service Chiefs will be screened for confirmation today.

President Tinubu’s letter urged the Senate to give ‘expeditious consideration’ to his request for clearance of the new security chiefs.

The Senate President referred the letter to the Committee of the Whole, which he chairs.

The Final Award in the arbitration initiated by General Hydrocarbons Limited against First Bank of Nigeria Limited, issued by Sole Arbitrator Hon. Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs, was published today the 28th, October 2025,

General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL) was represented by Messrs. Paul Usoro SAN and and Abiodun Layonu SAN. First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FBN) was also represented by Messrs Gbolahan. Elias, SAN; Babajide Koku, SAN and Victor Ogude, SAN.

The Tribunal dismissed GHL’s case in its entirety, affirming FBN’s financing obligations as conditional, finding no breach or entitlement to damages by GHL, and ordering GHL to bear the costs of arbitration.

The dispute arose from the Subrogation Agreement dated May 29, 2021, under which GHL undertook the repayment of an outstanding debt of $718 million and FBN undertook to provide additional loans to finance the development and production of OML 120 in line with the provisions of the Subrogation Agreement.

GHL alleged that FBN breached the agreement by failing to provide absolute and timely financing, sabotaging alternative funding efforts, and causing losses including liabilities to third party and leading to loss of productive time in the development of OML 120.

FBN argued its financing obligation was conditional and not absolute but subject to review and professional discretion in line with banking policies and regulatory guidelines.

The key Findings of the Tribunal are as follows:

1. FBN has a conditional, not absolute, obligation to finance OML 120 development. It must review and evaluate financing requests and may attach competitive terms as deemed suitable.

2. GHL failed to prove any breach by FBN. FBN made several financing offers totaling $185 million, and delays alleged by GHL were not found unreasonable or in breach.

3. Introduction of an Independent Asset Manager as a financing condition by FBN was consistent with the agreement and not a breach.

4. Allegations of FBN sabotaging alternative financing arrangements were unsubstantiated and dismissed for being devoid of any merit.

5. All reliefs sought by GHL, including declarations, damages for unpaid contractor fees, losses, and termination of the Subrogation Agreement, were refused.

6. FBN was adjudged entitled to recover reasonable legal and arbitration costs from GHL, amounting to $112,100 and N111,250,000, payable within 30 days with interest on late payment.

The Federal Government has expressed confidence that Nigeria’s economy will attain the $1 trillion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) target set by President Bola Tinubu by the year 2030.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, made this known in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the European Union (EU) Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, led by Mr. David McAllister.

Bagudu said the administration is working closely with both local and international partners to achieve the goal, noting that the government’s growth strategy places significant emphasis on private sector participation.

‘Our President has set a clear target for Nigeria to achieve a one trillion-dollar GDP by 2030,’ the minister told the EU delegation. ‘This is ambitious, but achievable through partnerships such as ours with the European Union.’

In a statement issued by the ministry on Tuesday, Bagudu explained that the government’s economic blueprint is built around strong collaboration with the private sector, which he said would provide 86 percent of the investment required to reach the $1 trillion GDP target.

He said the Tinubu administration is determined to achieve double-digit economic growth in an environmentally sustainable manner within the target period. ‘We are pursuing growth that is both inclusive and responsible-one that creates jobs, strengthens productivity, and protects the environment,’ he said.

Bagudu credited the ongoing reforms under President Tinubu for placing Nigeria’s economy on a more sustainable path and expressed appreciation to the European Union for its continued partnership and support.

The minister specifically thanked the Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria, Ambassador Gauthier Mignot, for facilitating Nigeria’s participation in the 2025 Global Gateway Forum and for securing a N320.5 billion (pound 190 million) credit line allocated to Nigerian commercial banks and financial institutions to boost lending to the agricultural sector.

He noted that the EU’s Global Gateway Project, which plans to invest pound 300 billion in Africa, aligns with Nigeria’s priorities of promoting a green, digital, and inclusive economy while enhancing healthcare, education, and democratic governance.

Bagudu assured the EU delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation across key sectors of mutual interest. ‘We believe the absorptive capacity of our economy is strong, whether in agriculture or other forms of infrastructure. We are committed to partnering with you and fostering mutually beneficial relationships for our people,’ he said.

The EU delegation leader, Mr. David McAllister, described Nigeria as the EU’s largest trade and investment partner in Africa, accounting for a significant share of imports and exports between both regions.

McAllister said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration in critical areas such as clean energy, industrialization, and economic diversification. ‘We seek to encourage investment and renewal in clean energy, to bolster Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and industrial capacity, and to broaden cooperation and sustainable economic diversification beyond oil exports,’ he stated.

Earlier, Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, welcomed the EU delegation and commended their efforts in promoting democratic governance and sustainable development across the globe.

He described the visit as an opportunity to explore how Nigeria and the EU can work more closely to address shared priorities and accelerate economic progress. ‘This engagement provides a platform to align our development goals and strengthen institutional cooperation for mutual benefit,’ he said.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to expanding economic cooperation, improving access to investment capital, and driving inclusive development through sustainable partnerships.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has rescheduled the planned arraignment of Senator Andy Uba and Benjamin Etu in the alleged N400 million fraud case for November 6.

Uba and Etu were to be arraigned yesterday but for the absence of the judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, who was said to be sitting at another division of the court outside Abuja.

With the agreement of lawyers in the case, officials of the court rescheduled the arrangement for November 6.

The judge, on September 24, threatened to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of Uba, the former Senator representing Anambra South, should he fail to appear in court on October 28.

The threat to issue bench warrant was informed by an application by the prosecuting lawyer, Aminu Abdullahi, that the court should compel UBA to attend court.

Uba’s lawyer, C.F. Odiniru pleaded with the judge to reject the prosecution’a request for a bench warrant.

Odiniru attributed Uba’s continued absence to ill health.

In count one of the two-count charge, Uba, Etu and Hajiya Fatima now at large, are alleged to have, sometimes in 2022 conspired amongst themselves to commit the offence.

Uba and others were accused of obtaining by false pretence, by making a presentation to Mr George Uboh that they had perfected ways for the appointment of the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to any interested persons who could afford N400 million.

Uboh, in a letter dated April 5, 2023, and addressed to the I-G, said the petition was based on documentary and voice recording.

According to Uboh, the evidence is overwhelming and irrefutable.

No fewer than six witnesses had been listed to testify against the ex-lawmaker and Etu.

An indigenous tech firm, AbaaTech Solutions Limited, has unveiled the first app that performs three functions, Abaaly.

The app works for socialisation, communication, and financial transactions.

At the unveiling of the app yesterday in Lagos, its Founder/CEO, Mr. Power Aden, said the innovation strongly aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the National Digital Economy Policy, which emphasise unity, inclusion, and digital empowerment as pathways to national prosperity.

Aden said by promoting communication, entrepreneurship, and creative expression, the initiative supports the President’s goal of building a diversified, innovative, and people-centred economy.

‘It complements government’s efforts while remaining independent, citizen-driven, and innovation-led, showing that private sector leadership can work hand-in-hand with public vision to build the Nigeria we all desire,’ he said.

The AbaaTech Solutions chief executive assured users that Abaaly would propel Nigeria to enter a new era of digital transformation and national pride with technology transformation.

According to him, the app is a groundbreaking innovation proudly built in Nigeria by Nigerians for Nigerians and the world.

Aden said: ‘This revolutionary secure platform represents far more than technology; it is a movement of unity, inclusion, and creativity, designed to connect every citizen, strengthen trust, and project Nigeria’s true image to the world. It is the only platform that comes with its security platform.

‘Abaaly brings together the essential elements of daily life, social interaction, communication, and financial transactions into one secure and accessible platform.

‘It allows citizens to chat, share, buy, sell, and pay effortlessly, enabling communities, businesses, and institutions to thrive together.

‘Whether you are in Lagos or Lafia, Sokoto or Port Harcourt, this technology works for everyone. It works both online and offline, ensuring Nigerians can connect, communicate, and transact even in areas with limited internet access across every social and economic class.’

The company chief executive described the platform as a unifying space that gives all Nigerians equal access to tools that simplify life, foster connection, and create opportunity.

He said the launch was a national call to action to all Nigerians who create, build, and inspire.

‘We call on content creators and artistes to develop and share authentic Nigerian stories, music, films and cultural content that reflect our identity and values.

‘Entrepreneurs and brand leaders to build and promote local products, fashion, food, and technologies that strengthen Nigeria’s economy and global reputation; writers, film makers, and musician to project our unique voices and reclaim our national narrative; innovators and technologies to design homegrown solutions that solve local challenges and show the world what Nigerian intelligence can achieve.

‘We all have a shared responsibility to promote our culture, our creativity, and our collective pride.

‘By building and sharing local content, we are not just telling our story, we are reshaping how the world sees Nigeria,’ he said.

According to him, the app is a bridge of trust between people and the nation, stressing that it enables easier communication, greater transparency, and stronger connection between people, government, and institutions.

Aden said it represents a future where every Nigerian can participate fully in the nation’s digital economy and social progress where technology strengthens unity and restores faith in our shared potential.

‘We are not just launching an app, we are launching a national vision. A vision where Nigerians connect, create, and thrive together. This is how we tell our story, this is how we build our future,’ he said.

Also, the Head of Atlanta Georgia, U.S.A office, Dr. Kazeem Bello, said the app has brought transformation to the world in the digital space.

According to him, the Mayor of Atlanta, Andre Dickens, is excited about the new innovation.

Bell said the app would prove to the world that there is nothing that can be done in the U.S., Canada or even India, reputed to be global tech capital, that young tech-savvy Nigerians cannot do. ‘There is no app anywhere in the world that can match the Abaaly super app,’ he said.

The Chief Operating Officer at AbaaTech Solutions Limited, Dr. Ola Raheem, described the app as a wholly Nigerian technology developed for the global tech ecosystem which is a mega export product for the country.

He said the app is the first of its type with its unique features, projecting that very soon, it will provide jobs for about 10,000 Nigerians.

Raheem said the company is working hard to ensure that content creators are paid in US dollars.

The Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Obi Asika, has said Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries are leading Africa’s entertainment growth, with the sector projected to reach $100 billion by 2030.

He said the latest PwC report placing Nigeria ahead of other African nations with an 11.2% growth rate last year reaffirmed the strength and potential of the country’s entertainment and media ecosystem.

Asika, who spoke on Arise News at the weekend, said: ‘I think the PwC numbers are saying $25 billion by 2025, but for us in the sector, we’re trying to get to $100 billion by 2030.

‘We just completed a significant mapping of the sector for the very first time, supported by Big Win Philanthropy, covering ten sectors. Our target is to add two million jobs by 2030, but the data shows we can actually add up to three million.’

He noted that the report underscored how the creative industry continues to lead Nigeria’s economy even in difficult times, noting that technology remains the key driver of scale.

‘Technology enables scale, but can you imagine a digital platform without our content? It’s dead. This sector animates everything – news, music, entertainment, podcasts, art – all come from it. That’s why these PwC numbers and even Spotify’s figures show how powerful the sector has become,’ he said.

Asika disclosed that Spotify paid Nigerian artists N58 billion in 2024, with over 1.2 million Afrobeats playlists hosted on the platform – a sign, he said, that Nigerian content has fully validated itself on the global stage.

‘Our music is no longer in the phase of validation – it’s already validated,’ he added.

He however warned that to sustain the boom, Nigeria must invest in infrastructure, regulation, and local platforms to ensure artists and creators benefit directly.

‘We want to see more domestic digital platforms built. There’s nothing wrong with YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, but we must develop our own ecosystem and capture our own value.

‘The key question is retaining that value domestically. A mix of policy, digital and physical infrastructure investment will take us there,’ he added.

Highlighting Nigeria’s immense creative talent, Asika said soft power through the arts had already proven its worth globally.

‘Nigerians need to be celebrated. Our creativity has penetrated everywhere with very little investment. Government can’t claim to have done much yet – maybe we’re just coming to the party.

‘There’s talent everywhere – in Kafanchan, Onitsha, Enugu, Kaduna, Ibadan – not just in Lagos or Port Harcourt. The question is how to create platforms and give opportunities for exposure and growth,’ he said.

On the forthcoming National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), holding between November 22nd and 29th in Enugu State, he said:

‘Come to Enugu, he said, ‘Governor Peter Mbah has promised it will be the biggest and best ever. We’re expecting all 36 states and the FCT, and Katsina is even bringing 100 horses for the first-ever Durba in the Southeast.

‘People don’t even realise that the Durba is the same as the Ofala or Ojude Oba – moments when the king comes out to greet his people. That’s why our theme this year is Connected Culture.’

Asika expressed excitement about the recently reopened National Arts Theatre in Lagos, describing it as a game-changer for the sector.

‘It’s a world-class venue, and once programmed properly, it’ll transform the landscape. My colleague Tola Akerele already has nine months of programming lined up, and from November 1st, you’ll start seeing what’s coming,’ Asika said.

Members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State yesterday held a solidarity march to back the governorship aspiration of the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Munirudeen Oyebamiji (AMBO) and re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The supporters converged on Osogbo City Stadium and marched through Ayetoro, Igbona, Olounkoro, Old-Garage, Orisunbare, Ola-Iya, Fakunle, to Ogo-Oluwa, which covered five kilometres before they stopped at Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Office.

They described the NIWA boss as the best aspirant, who had the capacity to deliver victory for the party if given the governorship ticket for the 2026 election.

Former Speaker of House of Assembly Timothy Owoeye said the walk was not just a show of strength for Oyebamiji, but also a reaffirmation that APC remained the party to beat in Osun.

He hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and performance, saying his achievements had rekindled faith in the party across the country.

‘This Unity Walk is to tell Osun people that APC is united and ready for 2026. Asiwaju Oyebamiji stands out as a competent, tested and trusted aspirant with a track record of performance as a two-time commissioner and as managing director of Osun Investment Company Limited,’ Owoeye said.

Addressing reporters, a former commissioner under the administration of ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Adebayo Adeleke, said the large turnout of APC members to support Oyebamiji was a testament that he was loved by all ahead of December 13 primary.

‘It is obvious that Oyebamiji is an aspirant to beat in the APC primary election. We are happy for this large turnout. We are ready and prepared for the primary election. There is no aspirant in APC that is not competent. They are all competent. But what we are saying is Bola Oyebamiji is above all when it comes to APC. He is more acceptable, a gentleman, knowledgeable and a financial expert. He is the one that can strengthen the economic situation of Osun State.’

ýKehinde Ayantunji, special adviser to former Governor Oyetola, lauded President Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande and Oyetola for their continued support for the APC since 2022.

He said their efforts had strengthened the party and rekindled public trust.

Coca-Cola Nigeria has reignited its Share-A-Coke campaign, with a launch in Lagos .

The event, welcomed media professionals, content creators, and fans as well as customers to celebrate the values of sharing, personalisation, and community that have made Share-A-Coke a cultural phenomenon around the world.

The launch brought the campaign’s essence to life through interactive installations, creative personalisation zones, and performances by artists like Wande Coal, Odumodublvk, Falz, Shody, D.J Shawn, and Rybeena. Guests located and personalise Coca-Cola bottles to bear their names or those of loved ones, creating moments of joy and connection captured in photos and videos.

Mariam Kaham, general manager, said the launch was return of a most endearing campaigns, but with a focus on Gen Zs.

‘Today marks the comeback of the world’s most loved campaign, in Nigeria. Nigerians have done this in the past and now it is bigger, better, bolder, here for you. So, we have crafted this for the Gen Zs,’ she said.

She noted that the campaign is more than just names on bottles, but about creating real connections.

‘When you hand someone a Coke with their name on it, you are giving them something deeply personal: their identity, their moment, and their story and that’s what makes Share A Coke so special,’ Kaham said.

The event also featured an engaging digital activation where attendees scanned QR codes on specially marked bottles to generate personalised ‘Share-A-Coke Memory’ digital keepsakes. The experience seamlessly blended nostalgia with innovation, showcasing Coca-Cola’s ability to evolve with its audience while preserving the emotional connection that defines the brand.

Yusuf Murtala, Senior Director and Head of Marketing at Coca-Cola Nigeria, highlighted the campaign’s strategic relevance in reconnecting the brand with younger audiences.

‘We’re reintroducing a campaign with global heritage and giving it a modern Nigerian pulse. By combining personalization, digital interactivity, and community storytelling, we’re creating experiences that people want to share, not just products they want to buy,’ he said.

Valerie Odubogun, Director of Frontline Marketing at Coca-Cola Nigeria, emphasised the importance of authentic engagement in every aspect of the campaign.

‘Our goal is to ensure that Share-A-Coke resonates at every touchpoint, from retail shelves to social spaces. It’s about sparking conversations, creating smiles, and celebrating the joy that comes from sharing a Coke with someone you care about,’ she noted.

Originally launched globally more than a decade ago, Share A Coke became a defining marketing movement by replacing the iconic Coca-Cola logo with popular first names on bottles and cans. In Nigeria, the campaign has enjoyed enormous success, strengthening emotional ties to the brand and inspiring a culture of connection among young people. Its return in 2025 marks a renewed commitment by Coca-Cola Nigeria to celebrate individuality while fostering a sense of togetherness across communities.

Following the Lagos launch, Share-A-Coke will roll out nationwide with personalised bottle drops, interactive pop-up stations in major cities, and a series of influencer-led digital activations under the hashtag #ShareACokeNG.

There are over 1,000 names on the bottles, while gifts items would be won during the campaign season that runs till the end of December.

The campaign will continue to spotlight everyday stories of friendship, love, and celebration, reminding Nigerians that a simple act of sharing can create moments that last.

‘As we relaunch this iconic campaign, we’re not just reintroducing a product experience; we’re reviving a movement,’ Kaham concluded. ‘Share A Coke is about joy, connection, and community. We want every bottle shared to represent a story, a smile, and a moment that brings people closer together.’

‘share a coke isn’t about the can or your bottle. It is about the personalized connections, you make, it’s about having your dinner party with all your friends with personalised names on the table, or you like to go to the big parties and you get the baddies with the besties. So, I invite all of you to go out there, try your favorite Coca-Cola products in the can in the bottle. Look for the names that vibe with you, whether it’s the name, whether it’s the mood, whatever energy you want.

She thanked her company’s various partners, including Nigerian Bottling Company, for working tirelessly to bring the campaign back to life.