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Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Anambra State Command has arrested five suspected illegal private security operatives in Awka, the state capital.

State Commandant of NSCDC, Commandant Maku Olatunde who disclosed this on Tuesday said the suspects were apprehended during series of raids conducted by operatives of the Command.

Parading the suspects at the State Command Headquarters, Maku said a pump action rifle was recovered during the operation targeted at riding the State of individuals masquerading as private security operatives.

He added that the suspects are currently being interrogated and would be charged after investigation.

He said: ‘The raids conducted in Awka on Tuesday October 28, 2025 at about 11: 00 hrs was based on credible intelligence indicating the presence of individuals dressed in attire resembling that of a security outfit, who may have been hired by political actors with the intention of utilizing them to cause chaos during the election.

‘The arrested suspects include: Mmeka Ekene, male, aged 43; Peter Detuchi Kelvin, male, aged 28; Sunday Akpan Idiong, male, aged 45; Enemuo Ifeanyichukwu, male, aged 26; and Francis Ugochukwu Nwosu, male, aged 28.

‘The operation, carried out by the Private Guard Companies Department, was aimed at curbing security threats, illegal possession of firearms, and preventing any form of violence or intimidation likely to undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.

‘We are resolute in our commitment to providing a secure environment for the conduct of the forthcoming gubernatorial election, slated for November 8, 2025.

‘We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Anambra State remains peaceful and secure.’

While reassuring the Command’s readiness not to be swayed by tactics of individuals pretending to be private security operatives in a bid to disrupt electoral process, Maku pledged continued enhancement of the Command’s robust security measures to stay ahead of individuals suspected of being used as political thugs.

‘The Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, will take all necessary measures within its operational guidelines to counter and suppress any act that could potentially destabilize the peace enjoyed in the state.

‘Strengthened surveillance and enhanced intelligence gathering have been implemented by the Command to thwart any attempts by disruptive elements or desperate politicians to compromise the electoral process,’ he added.

Popular comedienne Anita Asuoha popularly known as Warri Pikin has warned individuals constantly inquiring about her delivery due date.

Warri Pikin shared a lighthearted video clip of herself on Instagram, playfully slapping her daughter after the young one asked about her mother’s expected delivery date.

In the post, Warri Pikin cautioned those persistently asking her about her pregnancy timeline, stating, ‘When people can’t stop asking you, ‘When are you giving birth?’ This na general warning to all of una. Wey dey always ask me. Real warri pikin ‘When you dey born nau’? You go collect wetin nor good’.

This warning comes amid growing excitement over her upcoming arrival, following her Father’s Day announcement of expecting her third child with her husband.

The comedienne recently revealed the baby’s gender, a girl, through a private gender reveal video shared on her Instagram page.

Brendan Rodgers has resigned as Celtic manager with the Scottish giants’ major shareholder accusing him of ‘divisive, misleading and self-serving’ behaviour.

Former boss Martin O’Neill, 73, and ex-player Shaun Maloney will take charge until a permanent successor is appointed, the club said Monday.

Rodgers’ second spell at Celtic ended after Sunday’s 3-1 Scottish Premiership defeat at Hearts left them eight points adrift of the Edinburgh side in second.

‘Brendan leaves with our thanks for the role he has played during a period of continued success for the club and we wish him further success in the future,’ a statement said.

‘We are pleased that during this interim period former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill and former Celtic player Shaun Maloney have agreed to take charge of Celtic first-team matters,’ it said.

The club added that the search for a replacement was already under way, with former manager Ange Postecoglou among the bookmakers’ favourites following his recent sacking by Nottingham Forest.

Rodgers, 52, returned for a second spell at Celtic Park in 2023, winning successive titles, to add to his league triumphs from 2017 and 2018.

But clouds have gathered over the club this season with Celtic knocked out of the Champions League by Kazakhstan minnows Kairat Almaty.

Rodgers had appeared at odds with his employers over their summer transfer policy.

After Celtic’s first defeat at Dundee in 37 years this month, he said the team had ‘lost a lot of firepower, a lot of goals’.

‘And there’s no way you’ll go into a race and be given the keys to a Honda Civic and say, ‘I want you to drive it like a Ferrari’. It’s not going to happen.’

In a separate statement on Monday, Celtic’s main shareholder Dermot Desmond hit back, saying Rodgers’ criticism had come ‘entirely out of the blue’.

‘Despite ample opportunity he was unable to identify a single instance where the club had obstructed or failed to support him. The facts did not match his public narrative,’ he said.

‘Regrettably, his words and actions since then have been divisive, misleading, and self-serving.

‘They have contributed to a toxic atmosphere around the club and fuelled hostility towards members of the executive team and the board.’

Rodgers previously managed Swansea, Liverpool and Leicester, and arrived at Celtic for the second time in June 2023 to succeed Postecoglou.

The Northern Irishman had been at Celtic between May 2016 and February 2019, completing successive league and cup trebles.

His first season in charge saw Celtic finish with a record 106 points and become the first Scottish side to complete a top-flight season undefeated since 1899.

Rodgers continued Celtic’s domestic supremacy by winning league titles in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, and also lifted the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Anambra State has charged corps members to remain politically neutral and uphold the highest standards of integrity as they prepare to serve as ad hoc personnel in the November 8 governorship election.

Its State Coordinator, Mrs Pauline Ojisua, gave the advice during a Zonal Sensitisation Programme, where she warned the over 3,000 corps members in attendance against any form of partisanship, inducement, or misconduct during the election.

‘You are ambassadors of the NYSC. Your duty is to serve the nation impartially, with discipline, integrity, and courage. Remember-your neutrality is sacred, and your integrity is non-negotiable,’ she stated.

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.

Digital banking platform, PalmPay, has identified collaboration as a crucial element in defeating the menace of cybercrimes as digital banking takes a strong foothold across the country.

Its Managing Director, Mr Chika Reginald Nwosu, who spoke when the firm supported the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) during its Cybersecurity Awareness Walk held in Abuja as part of activities marking the 2025 Cybersecurity Awareness Month, pledged the continued support of the firm to the initiatives of NPF-NCCC.

Nwosu commended the NPF-NCCC for its efforts in combating cybercrime and protecting consumers. He emphasised the need for continued collaboration across sectors to build a safe and secure payment ecosystem for all Nigerians.

‘We commend the NPF-NCCC for its proactive leadership in driving cybersecurity awareness. At PalmPay, we are committed to supporting initiatives that promote digital safety and foster trust in Nigeria’s growing digital economy,’ he said.

With: ‘Secure Our World,’ as the theme, the event brought together key stakeholders from law enforcement, regulatory bodies, and the private sector to promote public awareness on cybersecurity, financial fraud prevention, and safe online practices.

PalmPay used the opportunity to join other participants in advocating for stronger public vigilance and safer digital engagement, reaffirming its commitment to supporting national efforts that enhance cybersecurity and consumer protection.

At the event, PalmPay was commended for its outstanding efforts in strengthening regulatory engagement and advancing consumer protection initiatives across the fintech industry.

The partnership underscores PalmPay’s ongoing commitment to promoting cybersecurity awareness, consumer protection, and fraud prevention as part of its mission to create a safer digital financial ecosystem in Nigeria.

PalmPay is a leading digital banking platform driving financial inclusion and economic empowerment in underserved emerging markets. Through its secure, user-friendly, and inclusive suite of financial services, PalmPay empowers individuals and businesses with tools to manage and grow their money.

PalmPay offers a comprehensive range of products, including mobile payments, savings, and micro-insurance via its app and mobile money agent network.

Lifecard Group, the parent company of Lagos-based real estate development firm, Lifecard International Limited, has reaffirmed its commitment to making homeownership a reality for aspiring buyers.

In a statement signed by the company’s media consultant, Dr. Princes Oghene, on Wednesday, the firm announced that it would officially hand over keys to a new set of homeowners at its Prime Stay Apartments on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

According to the statement, the highly anticipated Allocation and Key Handover Ceremony will take place at Prime Estate, Sangotedo, Ajah, Lagos.

The event, it noted, will mark another major milestone in Lifecard Group’s mission to empower individuals and families to own quality homes that blend comfort, class, and convenience.

Mrs. Grace Ibhakhomu, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Lifecard Group, expressed excitement over the achievement, describing the Prime Stay Apartments as a testament to the company’s dedication to excellence in real estate development.

‘At Lifecard, we are passionate about transforming dreams into addresses. The Prime Stay Apartments are more than just homes; they symbolise trust, innovation, and our promise to deliver value to our clients,’ she said.

Ibhakhomu added that the ceremony will feature the official handover of property documents and keys to new homeowners, guided tours of the estate, and networking sessions with real estate professionals, investors, and stakeholders.

She emphasised that the event represents not only a corporate achievement but also the beginning of new chapters for many families realizing their dream of homeownership.

‘To our new homeowners, your dream has become an address. To our investors, your commitment has transformed into tangible value and generational impact,’ she said.

Ibhakhomu also noted that the Prime Stay Project began as a vision to create purpose-built homes and accessible investment opportunities that offer real, lasting value.

The chairman said that despite challenges during the development phase, Adebola credited clients’ trust and patience for making the project a success.

she emphasized the company’s commitment to transparency, excellence, and the goal of making world-class real estate attainable for everyday people.

‘We remain dedicated to building purpose and prosperity for families and communities across Africa,’ she added.

‘With the successful delivery of Prime Stay Apartments, Lifecard Group continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most reliable real estate brands; providing modern, secure, and affordable housing solutions for a broad range of clients.

The development underscores the company’s vision to create sustainable communities and bridge Nigeria’s housing gap.

‘So, this property, they bought it off-plan and you know what happened to Dollar and Naira.

‘With all the challenges, I didn’t respond, now that the house is ready, I want to respond. If not, I won’t even call media, I won’t do anything, I’ll just give people their keys and go.

‘I want to respond to her, you know. No developer will go through this challenge I went through that they will even have a house. No developer in Lagos will go through this challenge and they will be able to produce the house.

‘One, challenges of repurchase of this land, two, challenge of the access road, government was doing road and for more than one year, we are not allowed to enter this site.

‘Three, they bought these houses for over N20million when cement was N2,000. Today, cement is now sold at N10,000.

‘Then number four, we are no longer offering off-plan in Nigeria again because we don’t want our name to be tainted.

‘So, we have decided to finish and give it to people at a premium. So, what we are using this one to do was to give people affordability.

‘We don’t want to do affordability again. So, we are publicly announcing that anything off-plan in Nigeria from Lifecard, beware, we don’t offer it again. So, we will need to use this publicity to the Lifecard’s favour.’

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.

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the Federal Government has released ?2.3 billion, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears to universities across the country.

The fund is expected to be used to clear the salary backlogs as well as promotion arrears of teaching and non-academic staff in public universities.

The Minister explained that the disbursements, processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), reflected President Bola Tinubu Administration’s resolve to clear inherited backlogs and enhance the welfare of academic and non-academic staff in the tertiary education sector.

In a statement on Wednesday by Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo the Minister said: ‘A total of ?2.311 billion, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears, has been released through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to universities. Benefiting institutions should begin to receive payment alerts anytime from now.’

Alausa said that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Finance and the OAGF, is finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to Nigerian University Pension Management (NUPEMCO), expected to be completed in the coming days.

The Minister added that the government has approved the full mainstreaming of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries beginning from 2026.

He noted that this will ensure prompt, predictable, and sustainable payments going forward. In addition, funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities, with corresponding budgetary provisions made to sustain the initiative.

According to Alausa, these measures demonstrated the government’s strong commitment to improving academic staff welfare and addressing long-standing challenges that have persisted for decades.

‘Within the last twenty-six months, the Federal Government has paid a significant portion of outstanding obligations while maintaining open communication with all academic and non-academic unions of tertiary institutions.

‘The Federal Ministry of Education assures that these engagements are being conducted truthfully and in good faith. However, while the government remains committed to improving staff welfare, it will only enter into agreements that are realistic and financially sustainable,’ Alausa stated.

He explained that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to serve as a bridge between the Federal Government and the tertiary institutions’ unions, ensuring that all pending welfare-related issues are addressed through honest and mutually respectful dialogue.

‘Negotiations are being conducted sincerely, mutually, and respectfully,’ he added.

Alausa noted that the federal government will not engage in unsustainable fiscal practices.

‘Our priority is to ensure that all matters are addressed responsibly and in the best interest of our education system,’ he said.

The Minister stressed that all commitments must align with approved budgetary provisions to guarantee long-term stability.

He commended President Tinubu for his unwavering dedication to the education sector, noting that several challenges that had persisted for decades are now being tackled decisively under his administration.

Alausa expressed optimism that the current wave of reforms and fiscal interventions will usher in lasting industrial harmony, restore confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, and strengthen institutional capacity for national development.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas have reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to strengthening democracy through education, research, and institutional development.

The National Assembly leaders spoke at the ninth convocation of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

They underscored the role of education, particularly legislative and democratic studies, in fostering accountable governance, improving public service delivery, and sustaining democratic development in Nigeria.

Akpabio, who is the Chairman of the Governing Board of the institute, noted that it was imperative to strengthen the nation’s legal frameworks and oversight mechanisms to ensure effective governance and equitable distribution of public resources.

He promised that the National Assembly would continue to deploy its legislative and oversight instruments to enhance transparency, revenue generation, and service delivery.

Akpabio said: ‘As members of the 10th Senate, we will continue to strengthen existing legal frameworks and enhance our oversight of public institutions to ensure they deliver effective public service.

‘Our efforts have already contributed to increased revenue accruing to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, leading to higher allocations to the states and the federal government.’

The Senate President urged state legislatures to complement the efforts of the National Assembly by holding governors accountable to ensure the prudent and equitable use of the additional funds now available to subnational governments.

Abbas lauded the partnership between NILDS and the University of Benin (UNIBEN) for their sustained collaboration in promoting academic excellence in legislative studies.

The Speaker, who was represented by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvnere, said the NILDS/UNIBEN programmes has produced professionals who are better equipped to confront Nigeria’s governance and institutional challenges.

He expressed delight about the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, saying key economic indicators were beginning to improve.

Abbas said: ‘Though we may have different experiences, what is clear is that our economy is on a better growth trajectory today than it would have been under a business-as-usual scenario.’

The Speaker noted that inflation had dropped below 20 per cent, while the value of the naira was appreciating against major currencies.

He attributed these developments to the government’s fiscal and tax reforms.

‘The 10th House of Representatives is committed to reforming the budget process to ensure strict adherence to timelines for preparation, enactment, implementation, and oversight,’ Abbas stated.

The NILDS Director-General, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, said the Institute’s academic programmes were designed to bridge knowledge and capacity gaps in democratic institutions across the country.

He said the NILDS/UNIBEN partnership continued to produce graduates with the skills necessary to strengthen governance, policy-making, and legislative practices.

Sulaiman said a total of 79 students graduated from various programmes, including 19 from the Higher National Diploma (HND) courses, nine from Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) programmes, and 51 from Master’s degree programmes in Legislative and Democratic Studies.

The NILDS director general urged the Federal and state governments to prioritise the funding of the education sector in the 2026 fiscal year.

He stressed that inadequate funding would continue to undermine the quality of human capital development across the country.

‘The funding of higher institutions has a direct relationship with human capacity development. Low funding translates to poor-quality graduates,’ Sulaiman said.

‘I also urge the government to find a lasting solution to the incessant ASUU strikes that have bedeviled and distorted our university system.’

The NILDS director general hailed the UNIBEN management and workers, led by its Vice Chancellor Prof. Edoba Bright Omoregie (SAN), and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for their partnership and accreditation support, which have helped the institute to sustain high academic standards.

Sulaiman announced that admissions for the 2025/2026 academic session had begun.

The director general said the institute had been receiving applications for its programmes, such as Master’s degrees in Elections and Party Politics, Legislative Studies, Parliamentary Administration, and Constitutional Law and Development.

The event enabled stakeholders to reflect on the role of legislative institutions in consolidating Nigeria’s democracy.

Speakers agreed that education and capacity building were key to improving governance outcomes and strengthening public confidence in democratic institutions.