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Rotimi Oyekanmi, former Chief Press Secretary to the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has dismissed claim the staff of the sang a dirge for his former boss on departure.

Rather, Oyekanmi said staff of the commission sang a farewell praise for his Yakubu to show their love to the former chairman at the commission’s headquarters as he was departing.

Oyekanmi, who has left office with Yakubu said this in a statement in Abuja while debunking the narrative by a section of the media describing visible show of appreciation by INEC staff as a ‘funeral song.’

He described the reports as a false, deliberate piece of disinformation conjured by a set of haters masquerading as journalists.

Oyekanmi said it was quite a shame that a news platform would report the direct opposite of an event even when the evidence was clear.

‘The visible show of love and respect displayed by the appreciative INEC staff at the commission’s headquarters yesterday as the departing former INEC Chairman, Yakubu walks to his car is now been intentionally mis-interpreted and misrepresented as a ‘funeral song.

‘This deliberate piece of disinformation can only be conjured by a set of haters masquerading as journalists at Sahara Reporters. But they have failed and will continue to fail,’ he said.

Oyekanmi said that contrary to the misleading report, majority of the INEC Staff openly talked about Yakubu’s transformative policies that had, over the last 10 years, led to senior and junior staff promotions, more allowances and capacity development initiatives.

He said that the INEC Staff members always demonstrated love towards Yakubu at every given opportunity throughout his tenure. ‘Journalism is about facts, accuracy and truthfulness, not a vehicle to be misused by pseudo-journalists to embark on a campaign of calumny against individuals.

‘It is high time the management of Sahara Reporters cautioned persons using its platform to spread lies about individuals, institutions and events, which will be detrimental to the newspaper’s reputation in the long run.

‘Prof. Yakubu’s place in history is assured, no matter the lies being spread by familiar forces,’ he said.

Yakubu on Tuesday bowed out as INEC Chairman and handed over to Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner, as the acting Chairman, pending the appointment of a new chairman.

Yakubu was appointed INEC chairman by former President Muhammadu Buhari on Oct. 21, 2015 and re-appointed in December 2020.

The former INEC Chairman while speaking during the handover ceremony, said that his decision to bow out was to pave way for the appointment of a new chairman.

Yakubu said that his bowing out would also enable the person taking over to quickly settle down to the task of conducting elections and electoral activities.

While Agbamuche-Mbu in her brief remarks commended Yakubu for setting high record during his tenure, some staff members of the commission also sang song to cheer him as he walked to his car after group photography with them.

Earlier on Monday at an event organised by INEC to commemorate the 2025 Customer Service Week, the commission presented Yakubu with an ‘Excellence Service Delivery Award’.

Nigeria’s media community and academics converged in celebration of one of their own, Hakeem Babatunde Bello, veteran journalist, editor, and public communicator, as he clocked 60 years.

The event, marked by the unveiling of ‘The Àtàndá Anthology: Words, Reflections, Images, Essays on Media and the Arts,’ brought together a constellation of figures including former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN; pioneer Guardian Editorial Director, Mr. Lade Bonuola; ThisDay Managing Director, Mr. Eniola Bello; veteran journalist, Ms. Taiwo Obe; and several distinguished scholars such as Professors Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, Tunde Akanni, Akin Adesokan, and Wumi Raji. The 324-page anthology, published by Kraft Books Limited and edited by Barakah Temitope Bello, Wùnmíbáyô Lúpìtàn, and Stanley Ugagbe, compiles essays, reflections, and heartfelt tributes that illuminate Bello’s enduring influence on journalism, media ethics, and mentorship.

In his deeply personal foreword, Fashola described Bello, his long-time media adviser during his tenure as Lagos State Governor and later as Minister, as ‘a selfless patriot whose loyalty and sacrifice defined service.’

‘He resigned his own job to help me start what was then an uncertain political career,’ Fashola wrote.

‘Since then, he has made my career his own for two decades and more. This work will explain what sacrifice looks like to those who still lack a definition.’ The former governor lauded Bello’s humility, discipline, and devotion to family.

‘He is a man of modest needs, deep faith, and unwavering contentment,’ Fashola noted. ‘This anthology is not just a book but a monument to friendship, service, and integrity.’

Veteran editor Lade Bonuola recalled Bello’s unblemished professionalism: ‘I have interacted with him as a colleague, editor, and public servant. I cannot remember one occasion I felt let down by his attitude or actions.’

For Eniola Bello, their bond dates back over four decades to their student days at the University of Ilorin.

‘We not only share the same surname,’ he wrote, ‘we shared classrooms, dreams, and values that have guided us ever since.’

Taiwo Obe, founder of The Journalism Clinic, described him as ‘a human being of exceptional goodness and patience,’ while Professor Tunde Olusunle reminisced on Bello’s creative brilliance as a founding member of the university’s Writers’ Club and Ajon Players Drama Troupe.

Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, highlighted Bello’s intellectual distinction from his undergraduate years. ‘He wrote his final thesis on Wole Soyinka and earned the top grade from Professor Niyi Osundare,’ he revealed. ‘He was calm, kind, and intellectually gifted, even then, a natural leader.’

Family tributes added emotional depth to the collection. Bello’s wife, Alhaja Habeebat, described him as ‘a responsible husband who never complains but always finds solutions.’

Their children-Barakah, Kareemah, Raheemah, and Mubarak, called him a ‘role model who leads by example.’

‘He sacrificed so much to give us the life he didn’t have,’ Kareemah wrote, while Mubarak added, ‘He always reminds us that honesty is better than comfort.’

Academics and contributors also expanded the anthology’s scope with essays on media ethics, digital responsibility, and representation.

One standout paper by Mr. Chukwudi Enebeli, SAN, ‘Fake News, Cyberbullying, and Hate Speech: What Is It and How Do We Deal with It?’ offers a powerful reflection on the moral obligations of journalists in the digital age.

Other essays include ‘Television as a Cultural Force: Evolution and Social Impact in Nigeria’ by Nwani Chidi Joseph, ‘Representation of Women and Minorities in Contemporary Media’ by Akumadu Lucy Obiageri, and ‘Social Media and the Rise of Citizen Journalism’ by Stanley Ugagbe. Barakah Temitope Bello, one of the editors, said the work embodies her father’s lifelong philosophy that ‘knowledge must serve people.’

She added: ‘We wanted this anthology to reflect his values-clarity, fairness, and service.’

Indeed, The Àtàndá Anthology does more than honour a man; it chronicles a legacy of truth, humility, and dedication. The title itself, Àtàndá, meaning ‘one who spreads light’ in Yoruba, captures Bello’s essence: a communicator who uses words to enlighten and uplift.

As co-editor Wùnmíbáyô Lúpìtàn put it, ‘This book reminds us that humility and intellect are still virtues worth celebrating.’

And in the words of a younger colleague: ‘If journalism is a calling, then Hakeem Bello has answered it with grace, purpose, and quiet distinction.’

Women doctors under the aegis of Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) on Thursday, offered free medical services to no fewer than 2,000 residents of the Akurba community of Lafia, Nasarawa State,

Dr Esther Audu, President of the association in the state, said the medical outreach was aimed at offering free testing, counselling and treatment to the vulnerable groups. ‘We have a mission to reach out to women, children and other vulnerable groups with healthcare services to fill in the gaps and contribute towards ensuring a healthy population. We are providing consultation, health education, drugs, testing, eye glasses and cervical cancer screening for women and provide them with the necessary counselling. For those whose cases require surgery, they will be served on a first-come, first-served basis at the Federal University Teaching Hospital Lafia,’ she said.

Audu appreciated the Nasarawa State Government, its agencies, Federal University Teaching Hospital Lafia and other unions in the medical sector for the support towards the success of the medical outreach.

The president said that the outreach was part of the association’s corporate social responsibility to complement the efforts of the government and ease the lives of the beneficiaries.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Zainab Mohammed and Abubakar Tinimu appreciated the association for the support.

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), in partnership with the Our Water, Our Right Africa Coalition (OWORAC), will kick off the 2025 Africa Week of Action Against Water Privatisation with an opening press conference in Lagos on Monday, 13 October.

Now in its fifth edition, the Africa Week of Action (13-18 October) brings together grassroots movements, labour unions, civil society groups, and community leaders from across the continent in a united stand to defend water as a human right-not a commodity for profit.

This year’s theme, ‘Public Water for Climate Resilience,’ highlights the increasing urgency of building publicly controlled water systems that can withstand the impacts of the climate crisis. From prolonged droughts in the Horn of Africa to floods devastating communities in countries like Nigeria, organisers say the message is clear: climate adaptation is impossible under privatised water governance. The press conference, to be held at CAPPA’s office in Ogba, Lagos, will feature voices from across the continent, including community advocates, labour leaders, and policy experts. Together, they will call on African governments to reject corporate water privatisation schemes and invest in public water infrastructure as a cornerstone of climate justice and social equity.

‘Strong, equitable, and publicly controlled water systems are indispensable to protecting lives and livelihoods in this age of climate extremes,’ CAPPA stated in a media invitation.

The event is expected to set the tone for a week of continent-wide mobilisation and resistance against the increasing encroachment of private interests in water governance.

In the last few days, erstwhile minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has been in the eye of the storm in ways that pricked public conscience.

It followed allegations of forgery made against him by an online news medium. Weighty in all ramifications, they left Nigerians divided-those who hardly know him but believe they have enough materials to judge his character and others who know him so well are convinced the harsh verdict is more like honour and integrity on trial. Between the two are those who hunger, thirst and yearn for the real truth which they believe lies in following due processes.

From all indications, it would appear that the action of the minister aligns with not his supporters but the third group, both of whom seem to demand that Nigerians should avoid putting honour and integrity on trials by simply taking the allegations against him as wholesale truth.

Nwakibie, (a child greater than his peers) as the former minister is fondly referred to by his admirers, has come a long way as a man who always toed the path of honour.

That explains why his decision to walk away from his ministerial position did not come to them as a surprise. It was expected that he would live up to his reputation-a man whose word has always been his bond, a man to whom honour and integrity must be ways of life. To his supporters, he proved that in his typical nature, his conscience would never allow him to stay a minute longer in office aware that doing so would interfere with the process of unraveling the true worth of the allegations against him, all of which they are convinced were cooked and shared by his political opponents to undermine the reputation he built over decades.

Chief Nnaji made certain profound statements while resigning his ministerial position. Unequivocally, he declared that his decision does not, in any way, represent an admission of guilt. Describing it as a ‘principled decision’ that resulted from deep introspection, they were, he added, meant to protect and respect the integrity of due process and while also aimed at preserving the integrity of ongoing judicial proceedings.

Certainly, the former minister’s decision is faultless. Not less so is the fact that the reasons he adduced also reflect his deference to the rule of law particularly when juxtaposed against the fact that the matter is already before a court of competent jurisdiction.

Rightly so, his decision offers hope that the course of justice would best be served. That is why it must be commended because it captures the character of a man whose words cannot be treated with levity.

To this writer, even as the temptation to jump into conclusion is real, there is the greater need for everyone to exercise restraints in reaching premature public judgement until all facts are irrefutably tabled.

In one of his writings, American journalist and cultural critic, Henry Louis Mencken, posited that ‘honour is simply the morality of superior men’. It would suggest that only those with a natural inclination to honour and integrity are likely to act in ways that seek to preserve the course of truth.

The former minister has not only demonstrated this noble character trait, it would appear that it is natural to him. There is therefore no doubt that he deserves plaudits for taking the route.

There are other contexts one cannot overlook while situating his action within the ambit of honour and integrity. Without any intention to malign anyone, ours is a society where both virtues are in short supply, certainly not a virtue among certain office holders.

Instances abound where office holders refused to step down even when there is an absolute need for an unimpeded inquiry. It explains why in the few cases where office holders chose to resign, the accused are either found to be honest in their claims or are victims of honest mistakes.

Unlike the guilty who are always afraid to step down until disgraced, Nwadike chose the path of honour. It would therefore be in bad taste for anyone to conclude that he is guilty as claimed without the benefit of an unhindered inquiry. The course of justice will not be served until all the alleged claims are backed by proofs that are beyond contention.

While we wait for proof to surface, we must not lose sight of the fact that the onus of proof of any wrongdoing is with the accuser, not the accused.

Interestingly, it is the former minister, the accused, that is in court, asking for protection over attempts by reactive political jobbers to undo the reputation he built over decades. What it translates to is that rather than being an action taken for the good of all, their main aim is to create temporary setbacks on his path.

This is not to suggest that he is a saint. However, such a compelled exchange of roles speaks volumes which makes it imperative for everyone to exercise restraints in passing judgement.

This is particularly so because the drama seems to unfold at every turn with all the trappings of a politically-motivated smear campaign aimed at tarnishing the former minister’s earned reputation.

Although it has already become a handy tool in the possession of his detractors, most of whom appear bent on clipping his ever-expanding political wings in his home state-Enugu. Of course, they are finding a determined foe in the former minister who appears determined to protect his reputation.

Whatever it is, fairness demands that all stakeholders must wait for all other processes, including ongoing judicial interventions, to be concluded before reaching any agreeable and well-informed conclusion. We cannot afford to put honour and integrity on trial on account of allegations that are yet to be proven.

The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate removal of squatters and illegal structures under the newly built Opebi-Mende Bridge, which is yet to be commissioned.

During an unscheduled inspection on Thursday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, directed security agencies to clear all occupants and dismantle the shanties erected beneath the bridge. Wahab, who was accompanied by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, and the newly appointed Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olatokunbo Oyenuga, described the development as ‘disheartening,’ adding that such illegal occupation undermines the government’s effort to provide safe and modern infrastructure.

‘It is unacceptable that an iconic project, nearly ready for commissioning, has been turned into a settlement for miscreants and squatters,’ Wahab said. ‘The government’s foremost duty is to protect lives and property, and we will not shirk that responsibility.’ He noted that some residents from nearby Cane Village had also set up unauthorised dwellings under the bridge, vowing that the area would be cleared and constantly monitored to prevent reoccupation.

Wahab further warned automobile mechanics who have converted open spaces near the bridge into workshops to vacate immediately or risk having their vehicles impounded. In his remarks, Engr. Daramola said the illegal occupation poses a serious environmental and security risk, stressing that immediate action was necessary to prevent the area from degenerating into a slum.

‘The State Government has invested enormous resources in constructing this bridge, and we will not allow undesirable elements to compromise public safety,’ he said.

He assured that the Office of Infrastructure would collaborate with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources to ensure sustained cleanliness and monitoring of the area after the eviction.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to a leading Nigerian businesswoman Hajia Bola Shagaya, on her 66th birthday.

A statement by Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy) Bayo Onanuga, says: ‘The President celebrates Hajia Shagaya as a distinguished Nigerian whose vision, enterprise, and leadership have advanced the private sector and contributed to national development. ‘He commends her dedication to philanthropy and women’s empowerment, values that continue to inspire a new generation of Nigerians.

‘President Tinubu wishes her many years of good health and continued service to the nation.’

Shagaya, born 10 October 1959, is a prominent Nigerian businesswoman and fashion connoisseur. Widely recognised as one of the wealthiest women in Africa, she is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bolmus Group International, a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning real estate, oil and gas, banking, and photography.

Police operatives have arrested 12 suspects alleged involved in a robbery incident that led to the death of Barnabas Danlami – a security guard and Ms. Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, a staff of Arise TV staff at unique apartment, Gishiri village, Katampe district of Federal Capital Territory, FCT on 29 September 2025.

The suspects were arrested by Operatives of the scorpion squad of the FCT Police Command led by ACP Victor Godfrey acting on actionable digital and reconstructive intelligenceThe suspects, according to a police report, were Shamsudeen Hassan, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu a.k.a. abba, Sani Sirajo a.k.a. dan borume, Mashkur Jamilu a.k.a. abba, Suleiman Badamasi and Abdul Salam saleh a.k.a. na-durudu. The other suspects are Zaharadeen Muhammad a.k.a. gwaska, Musa adamu a.k.a. musa hassan , Sumayya Mohammed a.k.a. baby , Isah Abdulrahman a.k.a. abbati and Musa Umar.

According to the police report, four of the suspects were apprehended through the tracking of phones stolen from the scene of the robbery immediately after the incident.

One of the suspects identified as Shamsudeen Hassan allegedly confessed that he shot the security guard when he attempted to prevent members of his gang from gaining access to the apartment. He also confessed that he drove the white Honda CR-V jeep out of the apartment after the operation.

Another of the suspect, Sani Sirajo also reportedly confessed to have tried to hold Maduagwu from falling off the three-storey building, but was overwhelmed by her weight.

The four suspects admitted that they each received ?200,000 from the proceeds of the crime.

Police list items recovered from the four suspects to include one fabricated Ak-47 rifle, 36 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, one locally made pistol, one pump-action gun, two live cartridges, four mobile phones of the victims, two sharp knives, one cutlass and nine torchlights used during the operation

The Police said in the report that the remaining members of the gang and other accomplices involved in the incident were intercepted while going for an already planned armed robbery operation in Maitama area of Abuja.

The Onitsha Traditional Council, `Ime Obi Onicha’, has said the use of masquerades for political purposes is a blatant disregard for the traditions and customs of the people of Onitsha, the commercial nerve centre of Anambra State.

The Onitsha Traditional Council said this in a statement signed by Chief Osita Anionwu, Chief of Staff to Igwe Alfred Achebe, the traditional ruler of Onitsha while deploring the deployment of masquerade for campaign by some of the candidates in the Nov. 8 governorship election in Anambra.

As recently seen in Onitsha, Governor Chukwuma Soludo who is seeking second term of office is one of the candidates that have deployed masquerade for the campaign.

While reacting to the open display of support by Masqueraders for the governorship candidate, the Council said it is a blatant disregard for the traditions and customs of the people of Onitsha.

Anionwu said that Masquerades were sacred embodiments of the ancestors which played a vital role in the spiritual and communal life of the Onitsha people.

He warned that politicisation of cultural symbols could potentially lead to undesirable division and conflict among Onitsha people, while urging politicians and their supporters to respect the heritage of Onitsha and refrain from using sacred institutions for political gains.

‘The association of our cultural heritage with political movements or candidates undermines the spiritual authority and communal purpose for our cultural heritage. ‘The Traditional council views this development as a dangerous precedent that threatens the sanctity and neutrality of Onitsha’s cultural institutions.

‘For centuries, the people of Onitsha have successfully preserved their unique cultural heritage, embracing modernity while maintaining the integrity of their traditions.

‘In the light of this, Onitsha Traditional Council calls on the security agencies to collaborate with it to ensure that such incidents do not reoccur in the future,’ it said.

The Traditional Council said it noted with concern the increasing trend of external interference in Onitsha’s cultural practices, particularly the use of masquerades from outside Onitsha.

He said that the masquerades were alien to Onitsha and had no place in their cultural landscape.

He appealed to the people of Onitsha to remain united, strong, vigilant, and protect the integrity of our traditions.

‘The Onitsha Traditional Council is fully committed to continue to uphold and defend the cultural values that have always defined us as a people,’ he said.

Nollywood veteran, Dele Odule, has left fans talking after revealing that he was recently heartbroken by a much younger woman, a 200-level university student.

The revelation comes days after the actor posted a series of cryptic messages on Instagram about heartbreak and betrayal. In his posts, Odule reflected on the pain of being misled by someone who once made him feel special, writing that ‘the wrong one will find you in peace and leave you in pieces, while the right one will find you in pieces and lead you to peace.’

In a fresh interview with Kamo State, the veteran actor confirmed that his posts were inspired by a personal experience, saying, ‘There is a little bit of a problem. I got served breakfast by a 200-level student.’ Although Odule did not reveal the identity of the student or the university involved.

Kamo State, who shared the video on Instagram, captioned it humorously: ‘Breakfast is for everybody. @ibrahimchatta_lordthespis said daddy has not eaten today.’

Social media users flooded the comment section with mixed reactions.

One user wrote, ‘It has to be a movie PR, because shame no go wear me coat of arms if na real o.’

Another commented, ‘You sef, so na 200-level student be your soulmate? Nawa for you, daddy.’

Some, however, defended the actor, stating that ‘love has no age limit, and heartbreak has no boundary.’

This is not the first time Odule has gone public with emotional messages. Last year, the actor sent a cryptic note to an unnamed person, saying when he walks away, it doesn’t mean the other person has won, but that they no longer deserve his time.

In 2023, the veteran also made headlines for criticizing modern parenting, stating that ‘babies are now parenting babies.’