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Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has outlined the steps the South East must take to secure the release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, urging the region to remain law-abiding and appreciative as talks for a political solution continue.

Umahi made the remarks in Aba, Abia State, during the inauguration of multiple projects executed by Governor Alex Otti, an event he attended on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

His statement came amid renewed optimism surrounding Kanu’s release, with Governor Otti assuring that President Tinubu is ‘favourably disposed’ to resolving the issue.

‘I can assure you that I am engaging with Mr. President, and he is favourably disposed to it. I’m confident that in no distant future, Nnamdi Kanu will regain his freedom,’ Otti said.

The call for Kanu’s release also gained support from Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), who publicly appealed to President Tinubu during the event.

‘Mr. President has done so much for us, but there is one thing left, please, release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu so we can have absolute peace in the South East,’ Abaribe said, drawing loud applause from the audience.

Responding, Umahi noted that leaders from across the South East were already working quietly to achieve a peaceful resolution.

‘The governors of the South East, our senators, House of Reps members, and ministers including even those outside the region – are seriously working on a political solution,’ Umahi said. ‘But we must be law-abiding and appreciative. The President has love for the South East and is listening.’

Kanu has been in detention at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja since June 2021, following his controversial extradition from Kenya. Despite several court rulings, including a United Nations advisory opinion, ordering his release, the Federal Government has maintained that he must face treason-related charges.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for attending the funeral service of Mama Lydia Yilwatda, mother of APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, in Jos on Saturday.

Governor Mutfwang described the President’s presence in Plateau, despite his tight national schedule, as ‘a profound demonstration of respect and love for the people of the State’ and a reaffirmation of Tinubu’s commitment to national unity.

‘The President’s presence here today speaks volumes about his regard for the people of Plateau and his belief in the values of love, unity, and faith that Mama Lydia embodied,’ the Governor said.

He commended President Tinubu for using the solemn occasion to call for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, saying the President’s message reinforces the need for unity in diversity.

‘The President’s testimony about harmony within his own family reminds us that our diversity is not a weakness but a divine strength,’ Mutfwang added. ‘It is through mutual respect and understanding that we can truly build a peaceful nation.’

Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace, unity, and development across Plateau State, assuring that his government will continue to promote coexistence among its diverse communities.

He also revealed that he briefed the President on the State’s ongoing developmental strides – including initiatives in agriculture, infrastructure, and urban renewal, such as the Tin City Metro Buses project – which, he said, align with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘We are rebuilding the Plateau economy and investing in projects that touch lives,’ Mutfwang noted. ‘Our efforts complement the President’s vision, and we look forward to deepening collaboration with the Federal Government for the benefit of our people.’

The Governor expressed deep appreciation to the President and the First Lady for standing with the Yilwatda family and the people of Plateau at a time of mourning.

‘Your visit once again reaffirms Plateau’s place as a symbol of unity and hospitality in our nation’s history,’ he said. ‘Together, we shall continue to build a Plateau and a Nigeria where every citizen can live, worship, and thrive without fear or division.’

Operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command, Lagos, have arrested two suspected land speculators, Toafeek Adebesin, 58, and Wasiu Adesina, 47, for allegedly defrauding a buyer of ?7 million under false pretence in the Oloye Village, Erunwen area of Ikorodu.

The duo were accused of collecting the sum from one Ogochukwu Ndidi Asota, claiming they were selling him three acres of land in the area.

However, police investigations revealed that the land did not belong to them, and they allegedly converted the money to their personal use.

Following a petition to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, detectives led by SP Stanley Igbinovia launched a manhunt and eventually apprehended the suspects at a hideout in Lagos through intelligence tracking.

After investigation, Adebesin and Adesina were arraigned before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, sitting at the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, Lagos Island, on a three-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, and stealing, contrary to Sections 411, 314, and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Police prosecutor, DSP Francis Igbinosa, told the court that the incident occurred in 2022 at Oloye Village.

He explained that the defendants fraudulently sold plots of land belonging to another family to the complainant.

The deception came to light when Asota began development on the site, and the rightful owners allegedly stormed the area, chased away the workers, and declared that they never sold the property.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The presiding magistrate, Mrs D.S. Amos, granted them ?1 million bail each with two sureties in like sum and ordered their remand at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending fulfilment of bail conditions.

The case was adjourned till 14 October 2025 for mention.

The UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu fought hard to become Nigeria’s leader, in spite of his affirmation that getting the position was his turn at a time.

Mohammed made the remarks at an award dinner at Nigeria House in New York to celebrate Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary and the Independence Day Parade and Carnival.

The UN Deputy Secretary General also said she has not heard Tinubu complain about the challenges he inherited from his predecessor when he assumed office as president.

According to the UN deputy chief, Tinubu ‘fought hard to get to that seat’, even though he said ‘it was his turn’.

‘But he also told us that he wasn’t going to complain about what he got. I have not heard him complain.

‘People around him complain about what he inherited but he doesn’t,’ she said.

Mohammed also said so far, Tinubu ‘is the president of Nigeria. It is God that put him on that seat.

‘It is, therefore, incumbent upon us to get behind him and do the best we can for Nigeria. Except you’re trying to tell me that God made a mistake.’

She congratulated Nigeria and Nigerians on the 65th independence anniversary, saying that the future is bright for the country.

‘We are a work in progress and we are 65 years old as a country.

‘However, unless you are part of building a nation, no one else is going to do it for you.

‘It doesn’t matter whether you are in the country or outside the country,’ she said.

Mohammed called for concerted efforts to build the country and not pull it down, saying, ‘if we get into the pull- down syndrome, then who else is going to pull us up?

‘What else are we telling our children? What else are we telling people that we want as our partners?

‘If we are the first people to say that we’re no good, we’re not good enough, and I hope that we just stop doing that.

‘This is because Nigerians are the hardest working, most ambitious, and proud people.’

She recounted the great work that she and other African women have done at the UN and other international organisations to uplift humanity.

The former Nigerian Minister of Environment, advised Nigerians in the diaspora to go back home, not only as visitors but as stakeholders that would spend quality time in the country and as investors.

Mohammed, who completes a two-term tenure of eight years as deputy to the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres by December 31, 2025, said she looked forward to returning home to contribute to Africa’s development.

‘I hope that all of you will pray for my safe return home again next year, because there are things to do at home.

‘There are things to do on the continent, and we have to go back, and we have to shape that,’ she said.

Mohammed called for youth mentorship and empowerment, saying they made up of 70 per cent of the nation’s population and have energy and vision.

She said ‘intergenerational dialogue must happen’ and ‘we have to listen to them’ adding, ‘let’s make sure that we’re pushing them further’.

She said the older generation must give the youth a chance by ‘standing beside them because because we have the wisdom and the experience’.

She particularly called for the empowerment of women by giving them opportunities to contribute to peace and development.

According to her, Nigeria can realise its potential faster with women given more opportunities.

‘And that means that Nigeria is flying on half a wing. We have an eagle. It’s only got one wing, and the other wing has to be lifted for us to fly higher.

‘So women count. They count not just because of the numbers, but because of using the value of professional women, or women at home, or rural women or women or women in politics.

‘Let’s not lose the other half because without it, we will not stand. We will not fly by itself.’

The UN deputy chief commended the federal government on the introduction of Chinese language into Nigeria’s school curriculum, saying Chinese is a language of trade and China is a huge trading country with the world.

The global business community is abuzz with excitement as Yourtimepays International Company Limited announces its much-anticipated Re-Launch, scheduled for 25th October 2025.

A Roadmap to the Grand Re-Launch

In preparation for the big day, the company has rolled out a series of activities:

– Official Press Release/Statement – 3rd and 4th October 2025.

– Products Auction at the Cheapest Prices Ever – from 15th October 2025, leveraging its participation at the prestigious Canton Fair in China.

– Adverts on Company Platforms Open for Booking – since 1st October 2025, creating opportunities for businesses and individuals to maximize visibility.

The Grand Re-Launch will culminate on 25th October 2025, when the company unveils its digital platforms to the world, alongside the opening of global business offices and the rollout of its enhanced service delivery systems.

Expansion Beyond Borders

As part of its diversification strategy, Yourtimepays International Company Limited has also announced the opening of its VIP Restaurant Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria on 29th November 2025. This flagship restaurant will serve as a premium hospitality hub while doubling as a social empowerment initiative, directly employing over 10,000 Nigerians and creating ripple effects across related industries.

The expansion is backed by strong partnerships and the support of foreign investors, whose confidence in Nigeria’s growing economy underscores the country’s attractiveness as a hub for investment. The management emphasized that these collaborations would ensure long-term sustainability while fostering technology-driven business solutions for global markets.

Partnership with Nigeria’s Growth Agenda

In a show of goodwill, the company extended profound gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria for its giant strides in creating an enabling environment for business and foreign investment. The leadership praised the government’s social investment programs targeted at empowering Nigerians, describing them as foundational pillars that align perfectly with Yourtimepays’ vision of social empowerment.

‘We recognize the Federal Government’s commitment to making Nigeria a destination for investors, and we stand ready to complement this vision by creating more jobs, building innovative platforms, and contributing meaningfully to national growth,’ the statement read.

CEO’s Commitment

In his remarks during his press conference on Saturday 4th October 2025 in Abuja, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Kerry Kenu Sholaye, pledged his unwavering commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the company’s operations and its long-term impact.

‘Yourtimepays International Company Limited is not just relaunching; we are redefining business with a human face. Our promise is sustainability – to our investors, to our partners, and above all, to the communities we serve,’ Sholaye affirmed.

He further assured stakeholders that the company remains open to non-investment partnerships, collaborations, and ventures that promote mutual growth.

Looking Ahead

With its bold vision, strategic partnerships, and strong alignment with Nigeria’s development agenda, Yourtimepays International Company Limited is positioning itself not only as a business leader but also as a catalyst for social change.

As the world looks forward to the October 25th re-launch, the message from Yourtimepays is clear: ‘The Future of Social Empowerment is here.’

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has alleged that there are attempts to sabotage the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Company.

ACF said the situation could severely undermine Nigeria’s economic stability and investor confidence.

The ACF in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said it was concerned over regulatory delays, limited crude oil supply, pricing disputes, and industrial unrest confronting the refinery.

It said, ‘The challenges confronting the refinery bear the imprint of entrenched cabals bent on sustaining their asphyxiating grip on the oil industry and the national economy.’

Describing the Dangote Refinery as Nigeria’s largest and most advanced indigenous crude oil processing facility, the forum called for urgent protection of the project, citing its strategic importance to national development.

The forum particularly criticized the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) for allegedly violating a court order that barred it from disrupting the refinery’s operations.

‘No law-abiding organisation should disregard a valid court order,’ ACF stated.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has replied to the former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar who accused President Bola Tinubu of ‘making merry’ in Plateau while the nation grapples with security challenges.

The ruling party says the President’s commitment to Nigerians’ welfare and security remains total and unshakable.

APC spokesman in the state, Mr Seye Oladejo, stated this on Sunday in Lagos.

President Tinubu was on Saturday in Jos, Plateau, to attend the burial ceremony of Nana Lydia Yilwada, mother of the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwada.

‘No amount of reckless politicking or bad-faith commentary from yesterday’s men can diminish the fact that Tinubu remains committed to welfare and security of Nigerians.

‘President Tinubu’s visit to Plateau was a show of compassion and solidarity – a mark of respect to a distinguished Nigerian family in grief and a reaffirmation of our shared humanity.

‘Only a man blinded by political envy would seek to twist such a solemn event for cheap propaganda,’ Oladejo said.

According to him, Tinubu has demonstrated proactive leadership by strengthening security institutions, prioritising intelligence-driven operations, and ensuring unprecedented collaboration among the security agencies.

Health experts have said respiratory diseases are rising among the people due to exposure to mould spores in homes.

They warned that vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing respiratory or immune conditions are most at risk of serious complications.

Common sources of mould in homes identified are leaking roofs, soaked walls, damp basements, poorly ventilated bathrooms and kitchens, as well as carpets, upholstery, and insulation materials that retain moisture.

The mould often appears as coloured patches on wet surfaces, especially in areas where there is poor air circulation.

The experts maintain that ignoring mould exposure not only compromises indoor air quality but also has long-term consequences for respiratory health, especially in vulnerable populations already burdened by other health challenges.

A public health expert at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Professor Tanimola Akande, was quoted by PUNCH to have said that mould, a type of fungus that thrives in humid, damp, and poorly ventilated environments, poses a significant threat to public health, particularly in water-damaged buildings and homes with poor construction.

According to him, mould releases spores into the air that, when inhaled, can trigger allergies and respiratory issues, including sneezing, catarrh, wheezing, and asthmatic attacks.

Akande pointed out that mould exposure often goes unnoticed until people start showing recurring symptoms.

‘People may treat catarrh or persistent coughs without knowing that the trigger is inside their own homes,’ Akande said.

To combat mould growth, the don recommended fixing leaking plumbing, improving ventilation, and ensuring that wet areas are promptly dried.

Another medical expert and a Senior Registrar in Community Medicine and Primary Care at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr. Solomon Olorunfemi, described mould exposure as a serious but under-discussed public health issue in households.

He explained that mould exposure happens when people come into contact with mould spores either through the air, through touch, or by eating contaminated food. The danger lies in how easily these spores are inhaled.

Aside coughing and wheezing, symtoms according to him, could also include itchy eyes, skin rashes, and sinus infections which he said are particularly intense in children and the elderly.

Not less than seven people have been killed in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district after a landslide struck Mirik late Saturday. The Dudia Iron Bridge, which connects the district towns and tourist hotspots of Mirik and Kurseong, collapsed during the incident.

Heavy rain has also led to a landslide in Hussain Khola, which lies along National Highway 110 near Kurseong, cutting off the link between Siliguri and Darjeeling.

‘Due to the incessant heavy rainfall in North Bengal, the hilly regions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong have been severely affected, with communication and transport links to the plains of Siliguri, Terai, and Dooars almost completely disrupted due to landslides and flooding,’ West Bengal’s Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari wrote on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached out to those affected and assured help and assistance from the Centre.

Modi, in a tweet on his X handle, Sunday said: ‘Deeply pained by the loss of lives due to a bridge mishap in Darjeeling. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas is being closely monitored in the wake of heavy rains and landslides. We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected.’

The landslides have buried roads under mud, from villages to national highways.

The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has announced that its troops have destroyed eight illegal refineries, arrested several suspects involved in illicit activities, and recovered about 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil in the Niger Delta.

The Army also reported that several pieces of equipment used by the criminals-including receivers, ovens, drums, and pipes-were destroyed.

The Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday evening and sent to newsmen.

According to Lt. Col. Danjuma, the achievement was realised during a two-week raid of black spots across three states in the region using both kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operations.

The statement reads, ‘Determined to end the cycle of oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and associated crimes in the Niger Delta Region, troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have scaled up both kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operations across the region.

‘These efforts led to the successful deactivation of eight artisanal refineries, the arrest of several suspected oil thieves, and the confiscation of over 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

‘The operations, which were conducted alongside other security agencies between 21 September and 5 October 2025, have reinforced the Division’s quest to establish a safer and more conducive atmosphere for legitimate socio-economic activities to thrive in the Niger Delta Region.’

The operations in Rivers State, around Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West Local Government Area, resulted in a newly constructed illegal refining site being dismantled by the troops. Other destroyed items included receivers, ovens, drums, and pipes, as well as over 3,500 litres of stolen crude oil recovered. Additionally, acting on credible intelligence, troops intercepted a red Mercedes-Benz vacuum truck.

The truck, with registration number AHD 925 XA, was loaded with over 3,200 litres of stolen crude and was intercepted along Aba Road in Oyigbo Local Government Area. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on sighting the troops.

Similarly, clearance operations conducted along the fringes of Imo River resulted in the deactivation of an illegal refining site, with three drum pots, two drum receivers, and over 2,000 litres of stolen crude stockpiled in sacks recovered. Other seizures were made at Odogwa in Etche Local Government Area (Rivers State), Obeama Uzomiri Waterside in Oyigbo LGA, and Obiafor Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.

In Akwa Ibom State, the Army said its troops intercepted two Toyota Camry vehicles with registration numbers ANA 495 CK and AKD 233 EQ conveying 120 nylon bags filled with over 3,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil along Ikot Okoro, Abak LGA.

Two suspects were apprehended in connection with the seizures. Meanwhile, in Bayelsa State, around Biseni Community along Kemezia Road, at an abandoned house No. 70 in Yenagoa LGA, troops uncovered over 950 litres of stolen petroleum products.

The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops for their resilience.

Emekah urged criminal elements in the region to turn over a new leaf and engage in legitimate businesses, stating that the Division under his watch will ensure ‘our forests remain green and waters blue, with zero tolerance for any form of economic sabotage in the region.’