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The G22 Renewed Group has called for a rotational governorship arrangement in Oyo State to promote fairness, equity, and justice among all geopolitical zones in the state.

The group made the call on Thursday during a news conference held at the Western Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the G22 Renewed Group comprises representatives from the 22 local government areas outside the Ibadan zone of Oyo State.

Reading the group’s statement, Chief Ademola Ayoade, the Oba Igunusa, noted that Ibadan had dominated the governorship position for about 26 years, stressing the need for other zones to be given a fair chance.

He explained that the group, made up of respected personalities from the 22 local governments outside Ibadan, had consistently promoted unity, progress, and peaceful coexistence across the state.

The group urged Ibadan indigenes and political parties to allow other zones to produce the next governor in 2027, describing their appeal as legitimate, peaceful, and democratic. Several prominent members of the group also spoke in support of the call for rotational governorship. Retired Brig .-Gen. Kunle Togun, G22 leader from Oke-Ogun, said the arrangement would foster justice, equity, and lasting peace among all political stakeholders in the state.

Prof. Lanre Rasaq, G22 Leader from Oyo, described the proposal as a unifying initiative that would enhance inclusiveness and give every zone a sense of belonging in the governance of Oyo State.

Similarly, Dr Bola Oyedepo, Chairman Contact and Mobilisation/ Leader, Oke Ogun G22, emphasised that fairness and balanced political representation were vital for sustainable development and the strengthening of democratic values in the state.

A former Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Jamiu Kareem, urged political leaders across Oyo State to support the initiative, saying it would deepen trust and promote political harmony.

Also speaking, Mr Oluwole Oladokun, a leader from Oke Ogun/Committee Chairman and Mr Lanre Agoro, G22 Leader from Oke Ogun said the time had come for all political actors to embrace equity.

Mr Lanre Agoro, G22 Leader from Oke Ogun, expressed confidence that rotational governance would further unify the state. The event was attended by several notable leaders, including Mr Femi Adeegbe, Mr Dokun Alade, and others from Oke-Ogun, Ogbomoso, Oyo, and Ibarapa zones.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, has said that the Federal Government is doing everything possible to make housing affordable for low-income Nigerians.

Dangiwa disclosed this during the 4th Amadeo Business Summit (ABS) 4.0 held on Thursday in Enugu with the theme ‘Thriving In Times Like These’.

He said through the National Social Housing Fund (NSHF), the ministry was designing a new financial architecture that would make housing truly affordable for low-income Nigerians. According to him, government housing will be offered at affordability-based pricing – not more than one-third of a person’s income and ensuring that ownership is within reach for all.

The minister added that the federal government would stabilise prices, create jobs, and reduce import dependence through the establishment of building materials manufacturing hubs across the six geopolitical zones

This, he said, would ensure that citizens built what was proudly made in Nigeria, stressing that, ‘They are tangible expressions of hope, real steps toward economic inclusion and national renewal.

‘To sustain transformation, we must also reform the systems that drive it. That is why we have partnered with the Know This Nigeria Network (KTNN), to launch the Renewed Hope National Homeownership and Housing Development Campaign. ‘It is a nationwide movement designed to bridge the gap between federal vision and state-level action, advocate for state adoption of land reforms and to deepen homeownership across Nigeria,’ he said.

He added that through the campaign, the ministry aimed to work with state governments to create permanent, expert-level advisory structures that would help governors and housing institutions maximize federal and international opportunities beyond political cycles.

‘The initiative will empower citizens with knowledge and access to homeownership opportunities under the Renewed Hope framework.

The campaign will kick off later this month in Katsina State, before moving to other states across the field,’ Dangiwa said.

Dangiwa explained that over 10,000 homes were rising across the country, designed as complete, and serviced communities where families could live, work, and thrive.

Dangiwa said that through the national urban renewal and slum upgrade programme, the ministry would restore dignity in over 150 communities, transforming neglected slums into livable neighbourhoods with roads, drainage, water, and sanitation.

In a goodwill message, the Acting Managing Director, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Mrs Chinenye Anosike, noted that thriving in challenging times required resilience, innovation, and strategic adaptation as well as collaboration. She said that in spite of the fiscal and operational challenges facing public institutions, the bank was determined to thrive by modernising its systems, strengthening partnerships, and driving innovation across operations.

Anosike added that the bank was leveraging technology to improve customer experience, shorten turnaround times, and ensure that contributors to the National Housing Fund, the Nigerian workers – receive efficient, transparent service they deserve.

She said that the bank had different products such as NHF Mortgage loan, home renovation loan and others, revealing that 137,000 Nigerians had assessed these producs.

The keynote speaker, Dr Femi Adewale, called for creativity and innovation in mortgage product including the repayment method and collaboration between Federal Mortgage Bank and other mortgage financiers to make housing affordable for Nigerians.

Earlier, the Convener of the Summit, Dr Ugochukwu Chime, said the summit was aimed to provide platform for business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, young people and stakeholders to discuss and share innovative approaches to improve lives.

He added that the summit would equip them with the mindset and tools to navigate challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities to thrive.

Italian prosecutors have reopened investigations into the controversial transfer of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from French club Lille to Napoli in 2020 over alleged false accounting and inflated player valuations.

The probe, led by prosecutors Lorenzo Del Giudice and Giorgio Ornano, is centered on suspicions that officials from both clubs manipulated the financial details of the pound 70 million transfer deal. Reports from La Repubblica, as cited by Football Italia, revealed that the prosecutors have asked the Rome Tribunal to put Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis and chief executive Andrea Chiavelli on trial for suspected financial misconduct.

The transfer, completed in July 2020, remains one of the most expensive deals involving an African player. Napoli agreed to pay pound 50 million in cash and an additional pound 20 million through the exchange of four players Orestis Karnezis, Luigi Liguori, Claudio Manzi, and Ciro Palmieri. Investigators now believe that the valuations of those additional players were deliberately exaggerated to make the books of both clubs appear balanced and compliant with financial fair play rules. Documents, emails, and WhatsApp messages obtained during the investigation reportedly show that executives at both Napoli and Lille were aware of the irregularities. In one internal message, Napoli general manager Andrea Chiavelli told then-sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, ‘He told me to send it, but hopefully they won’t accept, otherwise we’ll have to resort to robbery.’ Another exchange revealed that officials were warned not to leave any written evidence, with assistant sporting director Giuseppe Pompilio allegedly advising, ‘You mustn’t write anything. Don’t leave traces in the emails. Say what you like in person.’

At Lille, similar unease was documented. Then-general manager Julien Mordacq allegedly warned chief executive Marc Ingla that the structure of the deal could raise serious questions. Former Lille president Gérard Lopez reportedly wrote that manipulating the valuations would make the transfer appear legitimate while keeping the real price lower.

In one email, Lopez urged secrecy, cautioning colleagues that revealing the deal’s true value would ‘defeat the purpose’ and ‘make everyone look bad.’ The investigation focuses on whether both clubs engaged in false accounting to distort their financial statements between 2019 and 2021. Though Napoli face no sporting sanctions, the criminal case remains active as prosecutors seek to determine if sufficient grounds exist for a full trial.

Earlier, the Italian Football Federation’s prosecutor, Giuseppe Chiné, had cleared Napoli in a separate sporting inquiry, ruling out any points deduction or competitive punishment.

The Osimhen transfer was crucial for both clubs. For Lille, it provided much-needed financial relief during a difficult economic period, while for Napoli, it marked the arrival of a player who would go on to deliver their first Serie A title in 33 years.

Osimhen’s performances established him as one of the best strikers in the world, and his later move to Galatasaray in 2024 further solidified his global reputation.

Legal experts say the case could reshape how football transfers are assessed under European law, especially when it comes to valuing player exchanges. If found guilty, Napoli officials could face heavy penalties, and European regulators may impose stricter rules on future deals.

While Osimhen himself is not implicated, his transfer continues to generate debate not for his achievements on the field, but for the financial controversy that has refused to fade away.

Former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has backed up the call for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

The protest was announced by Nigerian politician and activist Omoyele Sowore. He called for a public protest in Abuja on the 20th of October, stating that other politicians who believe in Kanu’s freedom should support the movement. Atiku on his X handle on Thursday, then backed the initiative, describing Kanu’s detention as an open sore on the nation’s conscience.

‘The continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains an open sore on our nation’s conscience and a stain on our belief in the rule of law. Defying court orders that granted him bail is an abuse of power and an assault on justice. I, therefore, lend my voice in full support of the campaign led by @YeleSowore for his immediate release or due prosecution. We fail as patriots if we allow Kanu’s case to fester as yet another wound this nation refuses to heal. -AA,’ he wrote.

The first phase of the Gaza peace deal announced by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday night marks a major diplomatic breakthrough between Israel and Hamas after months of fighting.

According to details released by the White House and confirmed by Qatari mediators, phase one will focus on an immediate ceasefire, troop withdrawal, hostage and prisoner releases, and the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza. What’s in Phase One

Under the agreement, all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza will be released, while Israel will withdraw its troops to a mutually agreed line. In return, Israel will free several Palestinian prisoners, as confirmed by Qatar’s foreign ministry. Humanitarian relief is also a central part of this stage. Israel will allow 400 aid trucks to enter Gaza daily for the first five days, carrying food, medical supplies, and fuel to ease the humanitarian crisis.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have already begun ‘operational preparations’ to adjust their deployment lines ahead of the ceasefire’s implementation, the military said in a statement on Thursday morning.

How the Next Few Days Could Play Out

Today:

The Israeli cabinet will meet at 2:00 p.m. Jerusalem time (12:00 p.m. BST) to formally vote on the plan. If approved, the ceasefire will take immediate effect, and Israeli troops will start to withdraw from key areas in Gaza. A senior White House official told CBS News that Israeli forces are expected to complete their withdrawal within 24 hours. Once this is done, a 72-hour window will open for Hamas to begin releasing hostages. Monday:

The US expects the hostage releases to begin by Monday, though officials say Hamas could start the process sooner if logistics permit.

‘An Extraordinary First Step’

Former US envoy David Satterfield described the agreement as ‘quite an extraordinary first step,’ but cautioned that more complex challenges lie ahead – including Hamas’ disarmament, the formation of a transitional Gaza administration, and reconstruction efforts.

‘It’s the Middle East, where disappointment always lurks behind every positive development,’ Satterfield said. ‘But without this first step, you never have a chance of getting to the others.’

If successfully implemented, phase one of the deal could mark the most significant step toward peace in Gaza in over a decade – setting the stage for wider negotiations on long-term stability in the region.

Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has selected attacking midfielder Shakirat Moshood, goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu, defender Jumai Adebayo and forward Queen Joseph among a squad of 21 players to fly Nigeria’s flag at this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco.

The Flamingos arrived in Morocco’s commercial and industrial capital, Casablanca, on Wednesday, for the final phase of preparations for the competition, which will take place 17th October – 8th November.

Bankole, who led Nigeria to a bronze medal-finish at the 2022 edition of the competition in India, is confident that the Class of 2025 have what it takes to go steps higher than his 2022 bronze winners. Goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface, defenders Azeezat Oduntan and Christiana Sunday, midfielders Muinat Rotimi and Zainab Raji, and forwards Chisom Nwachukwu and Mariam Yahaya are also included.

The Flamingos have been drawn in Group D, alongside Canada, France, and Samoa. Nigeria will kick off their campaign against Canada on Sunday, October 19, before facing France three days later – both matches scheduled for 8 p.m Nigerian time at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 2) and Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 1) in the city of Sale.

Their final group stage encounter will be against Samoa on October 25, with kickoff set for 5 p.m. at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 3) still in Sale. Goalkeepers: Elizabeth Boniface (Abia Angels); Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers); Sylvia Echefu (Bayelsa Queens)

Defenders: Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Jumai Adebayo (Rivers Angels); Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo); Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers); Nofisat Tijani (Youthful Talent 99); Fatimoh Shuaib (Nasarawa Amazons)

Midfielders: Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Shavih Istifanus (Youth Arise Academy); Zainab Raji (Dannaz FC); Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Ayomide Abubakar (Onimarg FC)

Forwards: Kaosarat Olanrewaju (Ayishat Yusuf Academy, Lagos); Mariam Yahaya (FC Robo); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Tabitha Terlumu (Braavos, Edo); Precious Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers); Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels)

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the passing of renowned Nigerian statesman and corporate icon, Dr Christopher Kolade, describing him as ‘one of Nigeria’s intellectual treasures’ and ‘a representation of the true Nigerian – selfless and resilient.’

In an official statement from State House on Thursday, President Tinubu paid glowing tribute to Dr Kolade, who passed away at the age of 92. The President acknowledged Dr Kolade’s towering legacy as a broadcaster, diplomat, humanitarian, and corporate governance pioneer, praising his lifelong dedication to excellence, integrity, and national service. Dr Kolade’s illustrious career spanned several decades, with leadership roles across various sectors, including his tenure as Chief Executive and later Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, and his diplomatic service as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. He was also a respected educationist and a key figure at Lagos Business School, where he championed corporate governance and ethical leadership. President Tinubu also highlighted Dr Kolade’s contributions to humanitarian causes, particularly through the Christopher Kolade Foundation, which supported sickle cell patients and other vulnerable groups.

‘His passing is agonising, yet we must celebrate his life and legacy,’ Tinubu said. ‘He lived an exemplary life and immortalised himself in his uncommon service to our nation and humanity.’

The President concluded his tribute with a prayer, asking God to grant the late elder statesman eternal rest.

Dr Kolade leaves behind a legacy of excellence and moral leadership that will continue to inspire generations.

The Lagos State Police have begun investigating the sudden death of a Canadian man known as Sullivan, who was found dead in his hotel room on Victoria Island.

Reports say Sullivan checked into the hotel on October 2 and was discovered lifeless in the early hours of October 7.

A hotel worker, who preferred not to be named, said staff became worried after several failed attempts to contact the guest. When they entered his room, they found him lying unresponsive on the floor.

The hotel’s Chief Security Officer quickly reported the matter to the Victoria Island Police Division around 4:30 p.m. Police officers arrived at the scene, examined the area, and confirmed there were no signs of violence on the body. This suggests that foul play may not be involved.

Sullivan’s body was taken to Lagos Island General Hospital in Marina, where a doctor confirmed he was dead. His remains have been placed in the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.

Although initial findings show no sign of murder, the Lagos State Police Command said investigations are ongoing to determine the actual cause of death.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the death of elder statesman and doyen of the boardroom, Dr Christopher Kolade as a monumental loss to Nigeria.

Dr. Kolade, a former broadcaster, boardroom leader and ambassador died on Thursday morning, at the age of 92.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, further described the passage of the respected diplomat, teacher and veteran broadcaster as the end of an era. He said the death of Dr Kolade, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated boardroom gurus and advocates for integrity and corporate governance, was a colossal loss to the country and an irreplaceable loss to his family, friends and associates.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said Dr. Kolade’s record of service as a celebrated teacher and broadcaster, seasoned technocrat and administrator, Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, and former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, would remain indelible for generations to come. He said: ‘On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Lagos State, we celebrate the departure of a legend and celebrated doyen of the boardroom and former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade, who made a positive impact during his lifetime.

‘The legacy of Dr Christopher Kolade cannot be forgotten because of the remarkable impact he made during his lifetime and his extraordinary life of service to humanity, his community, the private and public sectors, locally and internationally. ‘We thank God for Dr Kolade’s incredible life of faith and service to humanity and our dear country. He served passionately with integrity and honour. He was indeed a blessing to his generation, and the best memory for him is for those he left behind to uphold his good virtues.

‘I commiserate with his family members, friends and associates over the death of the elder statesman. I pray for the repose of the soul of the late Dr Christopher Kolade and that God grants the deceased’s family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.’

The Nigerian Senate has dismissed the claims of a ‘Christian genocide’ made by US Senator Ted Cruz and television host Bill Maher.

The senate on Thursday, stated that the claims are false, emphasising the need to correct such misconceptions about the country.

The Lawmakers also debated a motion which was sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South), titled ‘Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative in Nigeria and International Communities’.

Senator Magatakarda Wamakko also supported the motion, stating that the narrative is aimed at destroying the country. ‘This misinformation cannot continue like this. We must take decisive steps to address this issue,’ he said.

Senator Sumaila Kawu also spoke on how such claims and allegations could affect Nigeria’s international relations in a negative way.

‘It is very common knowledge to us that nobody is supporting any act of terrorism in Nigeria. The government is doing its best to make sure we are living in a conducive atmosphere. Some of the leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria in my own state are members of the security council and traditional institutions. If they pass the bill in the US, it will be dangerous to us, both Christians and Muslims in Nigeria. I am seriously worried that the US Congress or a ranking US senator will come up with a very uninformed position. As a parliament, we must join hands with our government to inform the US government and the US parliament that the position they are taking is not in tandem with what is going on,’ he said.