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Senator Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East) on Wednesday announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and pitched tent with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He blamed internal wrangling and a collapse of discipline and unity within the party for his actions.

In a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Senator said his defection marked ‘a time for change’ in his political journey, describing the PDP as a party that had lost its cohesion and purpose.

‘This is a notice of my defection from the PDP to the All Progressive Congress. The Bible says that there is a time for everything,’ he said.

He recalled his long service to Bayelsa State under several administrations, including his roles as Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism; Executive Chairman of the Bayelsa State Universal Basic Education Board; Special Adviser on Establishment Affairs; and Chief of Staff to the state government.

He expressed gratitude to the PDP for the opportunities it provided him to serve, acknowledging that his rise to the Senate was made possible by the party and its former leadership.

‘The fact that I stand today as a distinguished senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is due to the benevolence of the Peoples Democratic Party when it was intact and the goodwill of numerous well-wishers,’ he stated.

However, he lamented that the party had degenerated into chaos.

‘It is most astonishing and deeply disheartening to observe that the world’s proud and largest political party in Africa has been torn into shreds due to internal wrangling,’ he said.

‘The centre can no longer hold. The umbrella has been bastardised, and the umbrella is leaking profusely.’

He further criticised what he called ‘the incongruousness of the opposition in political diplomacy’ within the PDP, noting that consultations across political divides led him to his decision.

‘I have finally arrived at the inevitable conclusion that addressing progressivism, thinking progressively, and acting progressively is the only way to renew hope for all united Nigerians,’ he said.

‘I am therefore constrained to formally declare my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party.’

He announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying, ‘I declare my resignation to the All Progressives Congress from today, the 29th of October, 2025.’

The Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), has sworn in its 23rd President and Chairman, Governing Board, Mrs. Ekeoma Ezeibe.

Ezeibe was sworn in as the third female president of the council in its 63 years of existence. She takes over from Babatunde Oguntade, who served for two years.

The Chairman of the occasion and doyen of insurance, Olola Olabode Ogunlana while speaking at the ceremony, called for collaboration within the sector and beyond.

Ogunlana said that ideally, there should also be linkages across all sectors of the Nigerian financial system.

He stated that this collaboration must extend to insurers, regulators, and governments alike.

He said: ‘Up to now, we have neglected insurance education for potential insurers. We must now go out of our way to make insurance a household word. Schools, higher institutions of learning, marketplaces, work sites, and wherever potential insurers may be. We must reduce our dependence on government insurer portfolios. The current free-for-all approach neither recognises merit nor encourages innovation or skill enhancement.

‘We must stop worrying our heads and time on those with deep pockets and their collaborators. Of course, we are not giving agriculture the enthusiasm and innovation it deserves. We must prioritise settlement of claims.’

He charged the new NCRIB President to pursue her agenda with vigour, adding, ‘We shall all support you.’

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Insurance/Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission, Olusegun Omosehin, said the emergence of Ezeibe was a powerful statement on inclusion.

‘The emergence of Ezeibe as the third female president in the 63-year history of this council is a powerful symbol of progress and inclusion. It is of quiet strength and strategic impact, both at the NCRlB and generally within the Nigerian insurance industry. Of note is her strategic leadership as the chairperson of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Committee on AfCFTA. Under her guidance, the committee has championed industry enlightenment, capacity building and policy advocacy to ensure the Nigerian insurance industry is well positioned to harness the opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area,’ he said.

Omosehin went on to urge the NCRIB to work with it on microinsurance and Takaful options.

‘Inclusive insurance models also become very critical, so we would like to partner with the NCRIB to develop broker-led micro insurance and takaful solutions for our public. NAICOM’s stance is simple. Deliver only what you can support and support everything you deliver. Clear promises and prompt service build trust, and trust drives penetration.

‘We invite the NCRIB, under the leadership of Mrs. Ezeibe, to actively partner with the Commission in implementing the provisions of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act, 2025. NAICOM, therefore, remains open to dialogue and committed to harmonising the roles of all industry players.’

Meanwhile, the immediate past President of NCRIB, Prince Babatunde Oguntade while reeling out his achievements as the president of NCRIB in the last two years said brokers have strategically partnered stakeholders including regulators, industry associations, and international organisations to deepen penetration.

Oguntade said these partnerships opened up new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and business development.

He stressed that his regime broke several new grounds with constituent bodies where insurance had never been mentioned, particularly in the entertainment and housing environment, believing his successor would sustain the tempo.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has decried the failure of most states to adopt and implement the Urban and Regional Planning Law (Decree 88 of 1992, Cap. 138 LFN 2004) more than 30 years after its passage, calling it a major setback to the nation’s quest for orderly and sustainable urban growth.

Speaking at the National Colloquium on the Implementation of the Urban and Regional Planning Law, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) in Abuja, he expressed concern that only two States, including Katsina, have domesticated the landmark legislation since its enactment in 1992.

‘It is regrettable that more than three decades after the promulgation of this progressive law, only two States, including my home State of Katsina, have adopted and operationalised it. This has contributed to the uncoordinated growth of our cities, the proliferation of informal settlements, and widening gaps between planning ideals and urban realities,’ Dangiwa stated.

He commended the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners for convening the colloquium, describing it as timely and essential for national reflection on how to revitalise planning practice as a tool for sustainable development.

The Minister explained that the 1992 Urban and Regional Planning Law was a bold reform that replaced the obsolete 1946 Town and Country Planning Law – providing, for the first time, a comprehensive framework for land use and physical development across all tiers of government. However, he lamented that weak institutional capacity, inadequate manpower, poor intergovernmental coordination, and low public awareness have hindered its implementation.

Dangiwa noted that the realities of rapid urbanisation, climate change, and technological advancement have further outpaced the provisions of the law, making its review and update both urgent and necessary.

Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to driving the nationwide adoption, domestication, and effective implementation of the law. He added that the Ministry is also working to review and modernise the legislation to align with current realities and emerging global standards in spatial and physical planning.

‘We are determined to ensure that every state of the federation adopts and operationalises this law; urban and regional planning is not a theoretical exercise – it is the backbone of sustainable growth, efficient infrastructure, and social well-being,’ he said.

Dangiwa disclosed that as part of its reform agenda, the Ministry has completed the review of the National Urban Development Policy, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), and is finalising the National Physical Planning Standards and the National Policy on Rural Settlements Planning and Development to promote balanced regional development and reduce migration pressures on urban centres.

He further cited the Renewed Hope Housing Programme as a practical demonstration of integrated land use and planning principles envisioned under the law, with each housing project reflecting proper spatial planning and environmental sustainability.

‘Through the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, we are showing that effective planning leads to better, more liveable, and inclusive communities,’ he noted.

The Minister urged State Governments, professional bodies, and development partners to work collectively to reposition urban and regional planning as a strategic instrument for economic transformation, social equity, and environmental resilience.

The Super Falcons have booked their place at next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic on Tuesday, completing a 3-1 aggregate victory over the Amazons to secure qualification.

The return leg, played at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, saw the Falcons fail to replicate their dominant first-leg display in Cotonou, where they had triumphed 2-0.

Nevertheless, coach Justin Madugu, praised his players’ resilience while admitting that the performance fell short of expectations.

‘It didn’t come as much of a surprise. We knew it was going to be a tough game,’ Madugu said during the post-match press conference.

‘I want to apologise to Nigerians for not meeting their expectations, sometimes, teams zave off days, today was one of those, the girls gave their best, and while the result wasn’t ideal, we are taking it as a wake-up call that there’s still a lot of work to do.’

The coach, who confirmed he has signed a two-year contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) running until October 2027, emphasised that the focus now shifts to preparing the team for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

‘The last World Cup is behind us. Now, as African champions, every team wants to beat us. That means we must double our efforts and keep improving, It’s a new transition phase, and we’ll continue to test players, build depth, and refine our system before the next global tournament,’ he said.

In her own post-match remarks, Captain Rasheedat Ajibade expressed pride qualification and acknowledging that the Super Falcons must maintain focus as stronger in her team’s challenges await.

She said: ‘We weren’t overconfident, we expected Benin to come all out, especially after how they played in the second half of the first leg, today wasn’t our best performance, but we’ll take the lessons and keep improving. We know our standards and must continue pushing ourselves.’

Ajibade, who recently received an individual honour at the Nigerian Pitch Awards, dedicated the recognition to her teammates, coaches, and fans.

‘This award means a lot – not just to me, but to every young girl who dares to dream,’ she said emotionally. ‘I dedicate it to my Super Falcons sisters, my club, the technical staff, and everyone who has supported my journey. To the next generation of girls watching – keep believing, keep working, your dreams are valid.’

For the Benin Republic, the result, though not enough for qualification, was historic. Their head coach, Abdullahi Husseinu, lauded his players’ fighting spirit, describing the draw as a morale booster.

‘We came to Nigeria to win because we always compete to win,’ Husseinu said. ‘Our players showed great character, especially in the second half. Most of them are very young – some are under-17 and under-20 – and this experience will make them stronger. The future is bright for Beninese women’s football.’

He added a personal touch, revealing his emotional connection to Nigeria, where he ended his professional playing career with Sunshine Stars a decade ago.

‘Playing here brought back special memories for me,’ he said tearfully. ‘Nigeria will always have a special place in my heart.’

With the qualification secured, the Super Falcons will now shift focus to preparations for both the 2026 WAFCON tournament and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as they continue to rebuild under Coach Madugu’s leadership and maintain their dominance as Africa’s most successful women’s football team.

The management of Transcorp Hilton Abuja on Tuesday hosted leading media executives to an evening of networking and appreciation, reaffirming its commitment to sustaining a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with the media.

The event, themed ‘Media Cocktail Reception,’ brought together prominent journalists, senior editors, and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, led by its Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike.

In his welcome address, the General Manager of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Mr. Zarybnicky, expressed deep appreciation to the media for their consistent support over the years through reportage and positive coverage.

He described his experience in Nigeria since assuming duty in August as ‘remarkable and deeply rewarding,’ commending Nigerians for their warmth, hospitality, and continued patronage of the hotel.

‘This is definitely the leading hotel in Africa, and we are very proud of this brand. For over thirty years, Transcorp Hilton has been the pride of Abuja,’ he said.

‘In just three months in Nigeria, I have found this country amazing – the people’s sense of humor, the food, and the culture. We at Hilton appreciate everyone and look forward to deepening our relationship with the media,’ he added.

Mr. Zarybnicky reaffirmed the hotel’s commitment to maintaining an open and collaborative relationship with the media, emphasizing that such partnerships are vital to growth and innovation in the hospitality sector.

He assured that the doors of Transcorp Hilton Abuja ‘will always remain open to the media for enquiries, engagement, and partnership opportunities that highlight the hotel’s exceptional services.’

During the event, the Communications and Marketing Manager, Mrs. Ijeoma Osuji, made a brief presentation showcasing the hotel’s innovative hospitality offerings and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

According to her, in 2025 alone, the hotel recycled over 15,000 kilograms of waste through eco-friendly processes and supported hundreds of individuals, including persons living with disabilities, through its CSR projects.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Immediate Past President of the NUJ, Comrade (Chief) Chris Isiguzo, MFR; Deputy Managing Director of Arise News, Mr. Bayo Awosemo; NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike; Council Secretary, Comrade Sandra Udeike; and Council Auditor, Mrs. Rosemary Ukoko-Tega, among others.

Recognised as one of sub-Saharan Africa’s leading five-star hotels, Transcorp Hilton Abuja boasts 670 luxury rooms, eight restaurants and bars, a 670-capacity event hall, and extensive recreational facilities, including a casino, golf course, tennis courts, and a health club.

As a premier destination for business, leisure, and international diplomacy, the hotel continues to serve as a landmark venue, hosting heads of state, global conferences, and distinguished guests from across the world.

Those present from the hotel’s management team included the General Manager, Mr. Martin Zarybnicky; Communications and Marketing Manager, Mrs. Ijeoma Osuji; Hotel Manager, Mr. Mohamed Said Khalil; Commercial Director, Mrs. Betty Aguiyi-Ironsi; Brand and Marketing Manager, Mr. Ifeanyi Nnadi; and Director of Sales, Mr. Ekun Daniel Friday.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order for the final forfeiture of $49, 700. 00 said to have been recovered from a former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for Sokoto State in the 2023 general elections, Dr Nura Ali.

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order in a ruling on Wednesday after a lawyer from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Osuobeni Akponimisingha, moved a motion on notice he filed.

Akponimisingha said following an earlier interim forfeiture order granted by the court, the ICPC made a newspaper publication for interested person(s) to show cause why the recovered funds should not be finally forfeited to the Federal Government, as directed by the court.

He said no person indicated interest after publication and that no body came to court on Wednesday to contest the ownerahip of the funds

The lawyer then prayed the court to issue an order forfeiting the sum of $49, 700.00 to the Federal Government since no one came forward to claim same.

Justice Nwite had, on December 30, 2024 issued an order of temporary forfeiture of the seized funds, while ruling on amotion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1846/2024, filed by the ICPC.

The ICPC in a court filing, claimed that the victim of the alleged crime was the Federal Government of Nigeria and innocent taxpayers which include judges of courts across the country.

It said the money was recovered during a search operation by operatives of the DSS at the residence of Ali.

The ICPC added: ‘The alleged moveable property of $49,700.00 was bribe money received by Dr Nura Ali when he was the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner for Sokoto State.

‘The alleged moveable property is not the legitimate earning of Dr Ali as independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner.

‘The alleged moveable property is suspected to be proceed of crime,’ it said.

The ICPC argued that INEC is not in the practice of paying its staff with United States dollar as salaries or allowances.

It said the essence of the application was not to compulsorily acquire the alleged moveable property from the alleged owner, but to preserve the property from dissipation.

Tragedy struck along the Otedola Bridge, inward Berger-Ojodu corridor of Lagos, on Wednesday, following a violent collision between two heavy-duty trucks, leaving one driver critically injured.

The incident, which occurred involved a 14-tyre Scania truck loaded with tonnes of wheat and a 6-tyre Iveco mini-truck carrying cartons of Gala sausage rolls.

LASTMA said both drivers were locked in a reckless struggle for the Right of Way (ROW) before the fatal impact occurred.

Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), led by the Director of the Incident Management and Enforcement Unit, Mr. Akeem Adeoshun, swiftly arrived at the scene to conduct rescue operations.

According to Adeoshun, the driver of the 14-tyre Scania truck sustained severe injuries to legs and head.

‘Our foremost duty in any rescue mission is the preservation of human life,’ he said, confirming that the victim was carefully extricated from the mangled vehicle with assistance from officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Police Force before being rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment.

He added that the magnitude of the crash necessitated the temporary closure of the expressway from Otedola Bridge inward Berger to allow for safe recovery operations. Rescue personnel and heavy-duty machinery were deployed to transload the truck’s contents and clear the wreckage. Normal traffic flow was restored after the successful evacuation.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the crash, describing it as ‘an avoidable tragedy that should never have transpired.’

He lamented the increasing recklessness among truck drivers who engage in dangerous manoeuvres and unlawful competition for the Right of Way, noting that such indiscipline continues to endanger lives and disrupt order on Lagos roads.

Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), a subsidiary of Thor Explorations and operator of Nigeria’s first commercial gold project, Segilola Gold Mine in Osun State, has participated as a Gold Sponsor at 2025 Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja.

During the week, SROL hosted its Second Annual Stakeholder Reception at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

The event convened over 100 industry’s top voices, policymakers, regulators, financiers, legal experts, and development partners. Also present were Faruk Yabo, permanent secretary of Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development; Prof. Innocent Bariko, director general of National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency; Simon Nkom, director general of Mining Cadastre Office; and Prof. Olusegun Ige, director general of Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA).

They were joined by senior representatives from Babalakin and Co., ENR Advisory, VUKA Group, Africa Finance Corporation, Bank of Industry, and other key institutions shaping Nigeria’s mining.

The reception served as a strategic forum to align visions across sectors, foster transparency, and reaffirm SROL’s commitment to responsible mining as a driver of economic and social development in Nigeria.

Segun Lawson, chief executive of Segilola, lauded stakeholders who supported its journey, saying ‘it took courage to build what we have. It takes courage to do things differently, to build mines not just for profit, but for people, planet, and posterity.

”At Segilola, we chose a path grounded in responsibility and driven by innovation, committing to a sustainable future for Nigerian mining.’

Guests engaged with the tangible results of SROL’s livelihood restoration programs, community-led initiatives designed to build resilient and diversified local economies. These efforts exemplify the company’s inclusive development model and its enduring commitment to sustainable growth.

Throughout the Nigeria Mining Week, SROL played a leading role in shaping discussions around the future of the industry.

As a Gold Sponsor, the company contributed to high-impact conversations through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and thought leadership sessions focused on regulatory evolution, sustainable finance, and sector-wide transformation.

SROL’s exhibition booth served as a hub of engagement for stakeholders eager to connect with the team behind Nigeria’s pioneering gold mine.

As Nigeria’s mining renaissance gathers momentum, Segilola Resources Operating Limited stands at its forefront-proving that responsible mining can drive lasting transformation. The Second Annual Stakeholder Reception was not merely a reflection of progress but a reaffirmation of SROL’s vision for a future where communities, industry, and sustainability thrive together.

The Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has said the agency recorded 45,853 arrests of drug traffickers and users, secured 9,263 convictions, and seized over 8.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs in the past 30 months.

He added that 26,613 drug users were counselled and rehabilitated in the agency’s treatment facilities nationwide.

Marwa said that the agency’s unwavering commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda has yielded remarkable results in the ongoing war against drug abuse and trafficking.

He said said this on Wednesday, when he presented commendation letters and awards to 220 personnel for outstanding performance in the discharge of their duties while 15 senior officers were decorated with their new ranks.

Marwa further revealed that the agency carried out 9,848 sensitisation activities under its flagship War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, reaching schools, workplaces, markets, motor parks, worship centres, and communities across Nigeria.

‘These figures are not just numbers; they reflect the growing impact of our renewed intelligence-driven operations and the collective national resolve to make Nigeria a drug-free nation,’ Marwa stated.

He reaffirmed the NDLEA’s resolve to sustain the momentum, noting that the agency’s efforts are aligned with the Tinubu administration’s drive for a more secure, productive, and healthy society.

‘The fight against drugs is a fight for the soul of our nation,’ he said. ‘Our commitment remains total, and our results so far show that Nigeria is winning this battle, one community at a time.’

He commended operatives of the NDLEA for raising the momentum of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking across the country in the past two and a half years of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Senate has confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s nominees as the new Service Chiefs after an intensive closed-door screening that centred on Nigeria’s deepening security challenges.

At the end of the over two-hour session presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Upper Chamber unanimously approved the appointments of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff and Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff.

The Service Chiefs, while answering questions from Senators before the executive session, promised sweeping reforms to modernise the Armed Forces, boost troop morale, promote local arms production, use of technology, and deepen cooperation among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

General Oluyede said his leadership would drive a ‘technology-driven, self-reliant’ defence system that reduces dependence on foreign arms.

He said: ‘We cannot continue to rely on foreign suppliers for our weapons. It is economically unsustainable and strategically risky.

‘My focus will be to build a strong local military-industrial base that can produce what we need to defend the nation.’

He pledged to make intelligence-led, data-driven warfare the backbone of joint operations, while prioritising welfare, healthcare, housing, and education for soldiers’ families.

‘Morale is the backbone of fighting power,’ he said.

Oluyede also called for a comprehensive reform of the police to enable it to take charge of internal security, so as to free the military to focus on external defence.

‘The military alone cannot secure Nigeria. Security is everyone’s business,’ he added.

Senators praised the nominees’ strategic focus, with Borno North Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno commending Oluyede’s experience in the insurgency war, while Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) urged him to treat troop welfare as non-negotiable.

Rear Admiral Abbas, the new Chief of Naval Staff, promised to overhaul maritime operations, expand drone surveillance, and intensify the fight against piracy and oil theft.

He also said that there was no need for setting up the proposed Coast Guards, as the Navy is already performing their expected role.

‘The Navy’s constitutional roles already cover what a Coast Guard would do.

‘What we need is better funding and modern surveillance systems,’ he said.

He said the Navy had deployed drones to monitor remote creeks and set up a Special Operations Command in Makurdi to boost patrols on the Benue-Lokoja waterways.

Abbas also said there is need for victim-centred reintegration of repentant militants, saying: ‘Deradicalisation must include justice and healing.’

Aneke, the new Chief of Air Staff, vowed to transform the Air Force into a ‘combat-ready, disciplined, and intelligent’ service anchored on drone technology and rapid-response capability.

‘Modern warfare is technology-driven. Unmanned aerial systems perform many missions better and safer than manned aircraft. We will invest in them,’ he said.

Aneke assured senators that Nigeria’s $1.2 billion Super Tucano aircraft fleet remains operational and vital to ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

‘They are flying every night in the North-East and North-West. Each missile costs about $100,000, the price of peace,’ he said.

He promised to prioritise pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and personnel welfare, while seeking legislative support for defence technology funding.

Together, the new Service Chiefs outlined a unified vision, one built on synergy, innovation, and welfare, to secure Nigeria’s land, sea, and airspace.

General Oluyede vowed to drive joint operations with Rear Admiral Abbas to safeguard maritime assets, and Air Vice Marshal Aneke to ensure air dominance.

All three reaffirmed loyalty to President Tinubu’s defence reform agenda and promised to deliver tangible results in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and oil theft.

‘We are here to serve. Every naira invested in the military must translate into peace, safety, and pride for Nigerians,’ Aneke said.

With their confirmation, the Service Chiefs now form the core of Tinubu’s new security architecture, tasked with restoring stability to the North-East, ending banditry in the North-West, and defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity across all fronts.