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Eddie Hearn has confirmed that Anthony Joshua will not be fighting in Africa this December. Instead, the British boxer is expected to return to the ring in February next year.

There had been reports that Joshua could stage a comeback fight in Africa, possibly in Ghana or Nigeria, since he has Nigerian roots. But Hearn, speaking to Sky Sports, dismissed those rumours.

‘No, definitely not.

There are all kinds of rumours about Anthony Joshua right now,’ Hearn said. ‘He’s already in training camp, and while we discussed the idea of a small fight this year, it’s looking less likely as time goes by. February is the solid date for his next fight.’

Hearn explained that Joshua has been out of the ring for about a year and a half, and returning straight into a big fight would be challenging. ‘He hasn’t had a simple warm-up fight in years. It’s part of being a big name like Anthony Joshua,’ he said.

The promoter also revealed that they had received offers from Ghana and Nigeria to host Joshua’s next bout. In addition, talks are ongoing with Turki Al-Sheikh, a top Saudi official, about a multi-fight deal that could include a potential clash with Tyson Fury.

‘There are many options, but what matters now is that Joshua is training hard and focused on his return,’ Hearn added. ‘Our goal is to get him in top shape and build momentum for a possible fight with Tyson Fury.’

However, he noted that the deal depends on Fury’s own agreement with Turki Al-Sheikh. ‘Until Fury does his deal, there’s no point calling him out,’ Hearn said. ‘What’s important is that Joshua has a clear plan for the next 12 months.’

The Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Constitution Review has approved the creation of an additional state in the South-East, bringing the region’s total to six.

The decision was reached during a two-day retreat in Lagos, where lawmakers reviewed 55 proposals for new states across the country, Vanguard reports.

Currently, the South-East has five states, fewer than the six or seven that make up other geopolitical zones.

The session was chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and co-chaired by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.

Kalu, who has consistently pushed for an additional state for the region, said the move was based on equity, justice, and fairness.

Following deliberations, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) moved the motion for the creation of the new state, which was seconded by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka (Ifo/Ewekoro, Ogun State). The motion was unanimously adopted by the committee.

In a related development, the joint committee also set up a subcommittee to further review the creation of more states and local government areas nationwide. Lawmakers noted that 278 proposals were submitted for consideration.

Senator Barau Jibrin urged members to mobilise support across the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly to ensure the resolutions scale through during voting.

‘We need to strengthen what we have started so that all parts of the country will key into this process,’ Jibrin said. ‘By the time we get to the actual voting, we should already have the buy-in of all stakeholders.’

Billionaire businessman and nightlife entrepreneur, Obi Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, has revealed his plans to retire from active business engagements in the next decade when he clocks 60.

Speaking in a recent interview, the 50-year-old businessman said his retirement goal is to focus on enjoying life, travelling the world, and giving his wife the best experiences life has to offer.

According to him, his current hustle is solely to build a lasting legacy and ensure his children are financially independent.

‘I’ll retire in the next 10 years, when I’m 60. I’ll travel the world and I’ll give my wife the best that life has to offer. The idea is for these kids to become independent and live their own lives. No more work,’ he said.

Cubana, known for his luxury lifestyle and philanthropic gestures, explained that his busy schedule and constant travels are part of a long-term financial strategy that will allow him to enjoy a stress-free life in his later years.

He emphasized the importance of working smart and building systems that will generate wealth without his active involvement.

‘One day, this body will get weak. So that’s why it’s important to position things that will work for you in the next 10 years. If you see me in a jet, at a meeting, or at an event, it’s all part of the plan,’ he noted.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Tin Can Island Command, has intercepted two containers of vehicles concealing illicit drugs valued at over ?5.3 billion, in a major crackdown on narcotics smuggling.

The seizures were confirmed in a statement by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, who said the operation underscores the command’s commitment to intelligence-led border enforcement and trade compliance.

The first container, numbered HLXU8500072, arrived from Montreal, Canada, and was intercepted on Sept. 4 following detailed intelligence analysis. A joint physical examination revealed 156 packets of Colorado Indica totaling 78 kilograms and 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil hidden inside four imported vehicles.

The second container, FANU312876/9, was seized on Oct. 24 after actionable intelligence, uncovering 2,081 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,093 kilograms and eight packages of Crystal Methamphetamine weighing eight kilograms, also concealed in four vehicles.

According to customs valuation reports, the total estimated value of the drugs is ?5.304 billion.

Onyeka confirmed that the narcotics had been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

He commended the NDLEA, Navy, Police, and other agencies for their cooperation, stressing that the command remains vigilant and uncompromising in enforcing Nigeria’s laws and trade conventions.

Onyeka also urged importers and exporters to comply fully with customs regulations and maintain accurate documentation.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, was acknowledged for his support, and Onyeka appreciated the media for its role in public sensitisation.

Receiving the seized items, Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Tin Can Strategic Command, Daniel Onyishi, praised the Customs Service for its professionalism and vigilance.

Onyishi highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking and assured that the NDLEA would conduct a thorough investigation and ensure legal disposal of the seized substances.

Bayern Munich scored three second-half goals to beat 10-man Borussia Moenchengladbach 3-0 on Saturday, keeping their five-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga.

Joshua Kimmich, Raphael Guerreiro, and 17-year-old Lennart Karl found the back of the net as Bayern extended their perfect run this season to 13 wins in 13 matches across all competitions.

Gladbach’s Jens Castrop was sent off in the 19th minute after a VAR review showed his studs caught Luis Diaz on the shin. Despite the early advantage, Bayern struggled to find rhythm in the first half, even with Harry Kane’s goal later ruled out for offside.

Kimmich finally broke the deadlock in the 64th minute with a powerful strike through a crowded box. Five minutes later, Guerreiro doubled the lead, finishing off a well-worked team move.

Gladbach missed a chance to pull one back when Kevin Stoeger hit the post from the penalty spot with 15 minutes left. Bayern sealed the victory in style when Karl curled in a fine shot in the 81st minute – his first Bundesliga goal.

In other Bundesliga games, RB Leipzig crushed Augsburg 6-0, with six different players scoring – Yan Diomande, Romulo, Antonio Nusa, Christoph Baumgartner, Assan Ouedraogo, and Castello Lukeba. The win keeps Leipzig second, four points ahead of Stuttgart.

Eintracht Frankfurt bounced back from their midweek Champions League defeat to Liverpool with a 2-0 win over St. Pauli, thanks to two goals from Jonathan Burkardt, who now has six goals in seven league games.

Elsewhere, Wolfsburg ended their winless run with a 1-0 victory at Hamburg, while Hoffenheim defeated Heidenheim 3-1.

Borussia Dortmund were set to face Cologne later in the evening, aiming to climb to third place.

Jigawa state government has opened the bidding process for rural electrification projects across 11 communities, valued at over N1.4 billion.

Speaking during the bid opening, the State Commissioner for the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, Engr. Surajo Musa, stated that the ministry would ensure transparency and accountability in selecting the winning contractors.

According to him, the bid opening, conducted by the state’s Rural Electrification Board, is part of the government’s policy to provide basic amenities like stable electricity, particularly in the rural communities.

‘This initiative aims to spur the development of small-scale industries and promote socio-economic growth.

‘The projects include rehabilitating and repairing transformers and cable lines in several communities that have been without electricity for over a decade, following damage from windstorms,’ he added.

He assured contractors of timely payment for all certified work, while also vowing not to condone any breach of contractual agreements. He warned that the government would not hesitate to terminate the contract of any company found to be underperforming.

The Commissioner, who was represented by the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Engr Sani Zubairu Alhaji, urged the beneficiary communities to take ownership of the projects, also to remain vigilant, monitor the work to ensure quality, project and help protect the facilities from vandals.

Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Engr. Murtala Muhammad Yunusa of SAMMASS Engineering Nigeria Ltd. thanked the government for the opportunity to participate in the bid, which he described as transparently conducted.

He assured the government that the successful contractors would deliver high-quality work, viewing themselves as partners in the development of Jigawa State rather than merely profit-driven enterprises.

The Sokoto Zonal Coordinator of the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, SCUML, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Ahmadu Bello, has charged dealers in precious metals and stones within the Sokoto Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to ensure they conduct their activities lawfully to avoid conflict with the law.

He stated this in Sokoto recently, at a one day capacity building workshop jointly organised with the German Agency for International Corporation (GIZ) aimed at equipping the dealers with requisite provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering/ Countering Financing of Terrorism AML/CFT regime and highlighting the roles of Designated Non-Financial Institutions Businesses and Professions(DNFBPS) under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 with participants drawn from Zamfara, Kebbi and Sokoto states.

In a paper titled ‘Money Laundering Vulnerabilities in the DNFBPS Sector’, Bello noted ‘that dealers in Precious Metals and Stones (DPMS) have a unique risk profile with regard to money laundering and terrorism financing because they trade in transferable items of value’.

The zonal coordinator encouraged the dealers to stay on the right side of the law as illicit mining, trafficking and smuggling of minerals have become rampant within the zone. ‘Illegal gold mining has been identified as one of the underlying drivers of conflict in the North, especially in Zamfara and recently Niger states’ he said.

While highlighting red flags and money laundering indicators to participants, Bello reminded the dealers of their obligations including internal policies, procedures and control; customer due diligence proportionate to identified risk; rendition of Cash Transaction Reports (CTR’s) to SCUML and more.

In an earlier presentation, the dealers were equally taken through the objectives of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition Act) 2022; offences and penalties; functions of SCUML; location of SCUML offices; limitations to make or accept cash payments; customer identification; suspicious transaction reporting, and so on.

Northern youths, on Friday, gathered at Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Mosque, on Sanusi street, Sabon Gari, Kano, where they held special prayers as part of activities to celebrate the 40th birthday of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu.

The youths who gathered under the auspices of Youth Alliance for Northern Development (YAND), prayed God to grant Seyi Tinubu the grace and mercy of long life and prosperity as he celebrated his 40th birthday.

The Convener of the group, Seyi Olorunsola, told journalists that the special prayer session was part of activities to honour Seyi Tinubu on his 40th birthday celebration.

He said ‘we decided to honour the first son of this country for the good things he has been doing to northern youths and youth across Nigeria.

‘We all are aware that Seyi Tinubu has been a beacon of hope to the Nigerian youth. He has used his personal resources and wherewithal to emancipate and empower the Nigerian youth.

‘By the grace of God, we shall be holding a special dinner in his honour on Saturday during which northern youths will gather and celebrate his kind gesture and goodwill. During the dinner, we shall also distribute education materials to selected schools across the state.

‘There is no gainsaying the fact that Seyi Tinubu deserves this honour; and we are proud to associate with him. We are celebrating Seyi’s 40th birthday who, despite holding no elective office, has continued to champion educational and humanitarian causes, thereby serving as a moral example to the younger

generation.’

Sheikh Abdullateef Oyebamiji Emiabata who led the prayer session, prayed God to grant the celebrant longer life in good health to enable him continue to promote youth empowerment, social responsibility and national unity.

The cleric who read some verses from the Holy Quran, also prayed for continued peace and economic growth and stability in the country.

Also speaking, one of the youth leaders, Isyaku Rabi’u, said the decision to celebrate Seyi Tinubu’s 40th birthday was in recognition of his commitment towards promoting youth empowerment.

‘It is on record that Seyi has facilitated more than 50 appointments for the youth especially in the North. So, as youths, we felt it necessary to appreciate and celebrate him,’ he said.

The prayer was attended by many youths and other well wishers from the Northern parts of the country.

Other activities lined up for the celebration include distribution of books and writing materials to students, featuring of music and dancing which will culminate into a dinner on Saturday.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned Nigeria to guard against rising debt and fiscal risks even as it praised the country’s ongoing economic reforms during the 2025 Annual Meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Washington D.C.

The Fund upgraded Nigeria’s 2025 growth forecast to 3.9 percent from 3.4 percent, citing stronger fundamentals, improved oil production, and growing investor confidence.

However, it cautioned that high debt costs and weak revenue could threaten recovery.

‘Nigeria’s policy reforms have been significant, but the next phase requires policy consistency and credible debt management,’ said Abebe Selassie, IMF’s Africa Director.

CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso said inflation had dropped to 18.02 percent in September – the lowest in three years – while the naira had stabilised and foreign reserves now exceed $43 billion.

He vowed that reforms would continue despite political pressures.

The IMF described Nigeria’s rebound as ‘real but fragile,’ projecting inflation to ease to 23 percent in 2025. It warned, however, that fiscal deficits may rise to 3.7 percent of GDP in 2026 as debt servicing crowds out development spending.

Selassie urged Nigeria to boost non-oil revenues, digitalise tax collection, and maintain transparency in borrowing. He noted that high debt costs across Africa are eroding funds for health, education, and infrastructure.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva commended Nigeria’s progress on exchange rate reform and anti-corruption measures but called for stronger action against illicit financial flows.

Cardoso also disclosed plans to restructure the China currency swap deal and confirmed that Nigeria now records a trade surplus of six percent of GDP, driven by export growth and local production.

Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite said the government was focused on job creation and youth empowerment through investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and the digital economy.

UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu, speaking at a panel on Artificial Intelligence, urged African leaders to harness digital technology for inclusive growth, warning that ‘AI must democratise prosperity, not deepen inequality.’

IMF chief Georgieva concluded: ‘Nigeria is on the right path. The reforms are difficult, but staying the course will determine how much of today’s progress translates into jobs and prosperity.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), working with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), has received 150 Nigerians who returned from Agadez in Niger Republic.

The returnees arrived at Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, where officials of NEMA and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) welcomed them as part of the Assisted Voluntary Return programme supported by the Federal Government.

Officers from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) registered and documented all the returnees to ensure proper records and smooth reintegration.

According to NEMA, the group included 88 adult men, 32 adult women, 14 boys, and 16 girls.

The government provided food, water, and medical care to meet their immediate needs and ensure a safe and dignified return home.