Mr Eazi opens up on presidential ambition

Nigerian singer and entrepreneur, Oluwatosin Ajibade, also known as Mr Eazi, has opened up on his political aspirations.

Mr Eazi, on his social media page, revealed that he would like to run for president for an African country. The artist who has a close affinity with Ghana despite being Nigerian, stated that he plans to be a president who is not hungry for money and power.

‘I have been thinking about it. I think it’s time to share it with you guys. Some of you might be from some country, specifically in Africa, and you are looking for a president; a president who is not looking for money and power but forward-thinking, young, active and can move your country better. So, I’m officially putting myself forward for the presidency,’ he declared.

Deadly Overtake: Four die as Hilux rams tanker near Kaduna

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kaduna Sector Command, has confirmed the death of four persons in a fatal road crash that occurred along the Kaduna-Abuja highway on Sunday evening.

The Sector Commander, Corps Commander Iliyasu Tijjani, confirmed the incident and said it occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. at Kakau, near Gonin Gora, on the outskirts of Kaduna metropolis.

According to Tijjani, the crash involved a gas-laden tanker and a Toyota Hilux, both travelling in the same direction towards Kaduna. Preliminary investigations revealed that the Hilux, which was reportedly speeding, rammed into the moving tanker from behind while attempting a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre.

‘The crash was caused by excessive speeding and dangerous overtaking,’ he said.

There were five occupants in the Hilux – four males and one female. Sadly, all four male passengers were confirmed dead at St. Gerard Catholic Hospital, while the only female passenger is currently receiving treatment at the FRSC Clinic at Tollgate, Kaduna.

Tijjani explained that the impact of the collision caused extensive damage to the Hilux and disrupted traffic flow on the busy highway for some time until emergency responders cleared the scene.

He urged motorists to avoid speeding and reckless driving, warning that most crashes on the Kaduna-Abuja highway stem from impatience and traffic violations.

‘Drivers must obey speed limits, maintain safe distances, and avoid dangerous manoeuvres,’ Tijjani emphasised. ‘The Corps will continue to enforce road safety regulations to protect lives.’

The Sector Commander also commiserated with the families of the deceased and reiterated the FRSC’s commitment – in collaboration with emergency agencies – to ensuring safer road use throughout Kaduna State.

Made Kuti opens up on childhood at Afrika Shrine

Nigerian multi-instrumentalist ?m?´rìnmádé Aníkúlápó Kútì, popularly known as Made Kuti, has opened up on how growing up in the Afrika Shrine affected his childhood.

The Shrine, which was built in the year 2000, has stood as an embodiment of Fela’s music and legacy. Made revealed that he only has happy memories of his childhood days there. He further added that his time there as a child, helped shape his personality an music.

‘I was a troublemaker. Jumping on tables, riding bicycles and skateboards. All my childhood memories of the shrine are happy ones,’ he said.

Made also spoke on the Kuti name, revealing that it is both a blessing and a huge responsibility to bear the name.

‘I know that whatever I do creatively will always be attributed to the family, and I’m okay with that. But sometimes, I wish people could take my music as art in itself, beyond the lineage,’ he added.

Army debunks report of bandits overrunning troops in Kwara

The Nigerian Army has described as false and misleading a recent online publication alleging that bandits overran troops and carted away six General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and over 30,000 rounds of ammunition in Obanla, Kwara State.

Lt.-Col. Polycarp Okoye,Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 2 Division Nigerian Army, dispelled the report in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Ibadan.

Okoye said that contrary to the sensational claims, troops of 148 Battalion (Rear), conducting ongoing clearance operations across Kogi and Kwara States, have continued to record significant operational successes.

According to him, the troops mounted a strong blocking position along the Kwara-Ekiti border axis where they neutralised two armed bandits and recovered two brand new AK-47 rifles in a recent engagement.

‘At no time were Army positions overrun nor was any cache of weapons or ammunition lost to criminal elements as mischievously reported by the online platform.

‘The publication is a fabrication designed to mislead the public and undermine the morale of gallant troops diligently working to restore peace and stability in the region,’ he said.

The division’s spokesman said that Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring all forms of criminality are decisively dealt with across the country.

He urged members of the public to disregard the false report and continue to support the military with timely and credible information that would aid ongoing operations.

Okoye reiterated the Nigerian Army’s readiness to sustain the tempo of operations until all criminal networks in Kogi, Kwara, and adjoining states are dismantled.

Ekiti teachers get major boost as retirement age, service years extended

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has approved an immediate extension of the retirement age for teachers from 60 to 65 years and increased the years of service from 35 to 40.

The announcement was made on Sunday during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti.

In recognition of their dedication, the governor also rewarded outstanding teachers across the state with cash gifts totalling N46 million.

Governor Oyebanji said the decision to extend retirement and service years aligns with his administration’s commitment to reposition the education sector and retain experienced educators. He added that a committee will be established to oversee the implementation, ensuring that only physically fit teachers benefit from the extension.

Additionally, the governor announced an upward review of allowances for Science Teachers and Heads of Departments, as well as the immediate payment of 2019 leave bonus arrears.

‘Teachers are the foundation upon which the future of our state is built. This is part of our shared prosperity agenda to enhance their welfare and motivate them,’ he stated.

He also reiterated his administration’s dedication to improving the teaching and learning environment and assured continued prioritisation of teachers’ welfare.

Haaland powers Manchester City to narrow win at Brentford

Manchester City extended their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions after a 1-0 victory over Brentford at the GTech Community Stadium on Sunday.

Erling Haaland’s ninth-minute strike made the difference, as Pep Guardiola’s men dug deep to secure all three points before the international break.

The Norwegian striker, fresh from a goal drought that stretched over two games, needed less than ten minutes to stamp his mark. A long ball from Josko Gvardiol split Brentford’s backline, and Haaland outmuscled Sepp van den Berg before drilling a low drive past Caoihim Kelleher to give City the lead.

That early breakthrough set the tone for a first half that was one-way traffic. Phil Foden, Tijjani Reijnders, and Oscar Bobb kept Brentford pinned in their half with wave after wave of attacks. Foden saw a close-range effort blocked by Kelleher, while Reijnders tested the keeper again with a late volley that demanded quick reflexes.

However, City’s momentum took a hit midway through the first half when Rodri pulled up clutching his hamstring in the 21st minute. The Spaniard’s substitution raised concerns for Guardiola, who watched his side’s fluidity dip slightly afterward.

Brentford found a lifeline early in the second half when Josko Gvardiol misjudged a long ball, allowing Igor Thiago a clear run on goal. But goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, untested in the first half, reacted sharply to deny the striker and preserve City’s narrow lead.

From then on, it became a tactical chess match. Guardiola’s men controlled possession but struggled to find a killer second goal, while Brentford pressed high, hoping for a defensive lapse. Michael Kayode came close with a header in the 58th minute, but his effort flew over.

As the game drew to a nervy close, Kevin Schade nearly punished Donnarumma for a moment of hesitation in the 89th minute, the ball deflecting wide to City’s relief.

When the final whistle blew, relief was the overriding emotion in sky blue. City’s first-half dominance had faded into a defensive grind, but the job was done.

BBNaija S10: Mercy Eke dedicates S4 win to young women

Media personality and former Big Brother Naija winner, Mercy Eke, has dedicated her win during the forth season of the show, to all young women.

Mercy, while speaking with BellaNaija, claimed that her win helped pave the way for more women to win the reality TV show. Mercy who was the first female winner of the Big Brother Naija reality show, claimed her big win in 2019.

She also opened up on her win, revealing that she was prepared and confident even before the start of the show.

‘I came into the show prepared. I was ready. And when I won the show, I did it for all the young women who have been told that they can’t. I did it for all of us,’ she stated.

Primate Ayodele issues strong warnings to President Tinubu

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu about the movement of some opposition governors to the ruling party soon.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele urged Tinubu to be careful of some of these governors because not all of them will support him, as some will act as his enemies even within his party.

The cleric mentioned governors of Taraba, Zamfara, Enugu and Kano, explaining that while some have good intentions for him, some of them, including those that have already decamped, don’t have his best interest at heart.

‘About four opposition governors will decamp to the APC, including Taraba, Kano, Zamfara, and Enugu, but not all of them will work for the president. They have an agreement to seal Mr President’s second ambition and work fantastically for him, but not all of them will stick to the agreement.’

The cleric alleged that some of them are decamping to have the blessings of the president for their ambition.

‘Some will only move to receive the blessings of Mr President, so the issue of who becomes who will be a very serious matter.’

Primate Ayodele also warned President Tinubu to personally review some of the decampees properly to identify those who are enemies. He also stated that some in the APC are not praying for the victory of the president.

‘The matter remains that not all of them will help Mr President to succeed; some are enemies, he needs to review them properly to know those who are his enemies. Some within the party are not even praying for the victory of the president.’

Terrorist kingpin killed in major military operation

Troops of the Nigerian Army have eliminated a notorious terrorist kingpin, Kachalla Maidawa, along with 35 other insurgents in coordinated nationwide operations conducted between 29 September and 4 October.

A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that major breakthroughs were recorded across the six geo-political zones.

He said the troops also apprehended a total of 32 criminal suspects, rescued 22 kidnapped victims, and recovered large quantities of arms, ammunition, and logistics supplies.

The source explained that troops of Operation Egwu Eke Atite III, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, DSS, Police, and Hybrid Forces, foiled a planned terrorist attack on Isanlu, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

He added that the troops overpowered the assailants, neutralising more than 12 terrorists, including the dreaded Kachalla Maidawa, during a fierce gun battle.

According to him, the kingpin had been responsible for violent raids across Kogi and parts of Kwara.

‘Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle, 400 rounds of assorted ammunition, four motorcycles, three Dane guns, a fragmentation jacket, and mobile phones.

‘In Kebbi, troops of 1 Brigade ambushed terrorists along the Salka-Kinke-Makurdi road in Ngaski Local Government Area, killing two terrorists and rescuing eight victims.

‘They also seized seven AK-47 magazines, 180 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, and two motorcycles,’ he said.

The source said that troops of the 11 Field Engineer Regiment and CSI Battalion foiled a ?3 million ransom delivery involving brand-new motorcycles meant for terrorists in Giwa and Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

He added that five hostages were rescued while fleeing bandits were neutralised. Two suspected kidnappers were later caught at Damakasuwa checkpoint in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area with ?1.3 million in cash.

According to him, troops, during a follow-up raid, neutralised two accomplices who tried to escape arrest.

In the North-East, the source revealed that troops of 151 Task Force Battalion ambushed and killed five ISWAP/JAS terrorists at Dipchari in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

He added that troops of 3 Battalion and 24 Task Force Brigade apprehended logistics and drug suppliers to ISWAP along the Gamboru-Wulgo road, while a separate sting operation in Monguno led to 12 arrests, including a terrorist tax collector.

‘In the South-East, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation Udo Ka stormed IPOB/ESN hideouts in Abia and Imo States, arresting suspects involved in the abduction and murder of the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal Polytechnic, Afikpo.

‘Troops also neutralised a notorious ESN fighter and recovered one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 14 rounds of ammunition.

‘In the South-South, under Operation Delta Safe, troops destroyed several illegal oil-refining sites in Rivers and Bayelsa States, recovering over 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

‘Fourteen suspected drug peddlers were also arrested with support from the NDLEA,’ he added.

The military source said the operations underscored the Nigerian Army’s superiority in combat and intelligence-led precision, reaffirming its resolve to restore peace, protect citizens, and enhance national stability.

He added that troops remained committed to creating a secure environment for agriculture and commerce, in line with the Federal Government’s drive for food security and sustainable development.

BBNaija S10: Jason Jae, King Mensan 1st to be evicted in grand finale showdown

The tension inside Biggie’s house hit fever pitch tonight as the Big Brother Naija Season 10 grand finale kicked off with the first two evictions of the night – Jason Jae and King Mensan.

Jason Jae, the smooth-talking, ever-composed housemate fans called ‘unbothered with a smile,’ was the first to leave the house this evening. His exit drew a wave of applause and nostalgia from viewers who admired his calm gameplay and quiet confidence that kept him afloat through the season.

Moments later, emotions ran high as King Mensan – affectionately dubbed the ‘Pressure King’ – was announced as the second evictee. Known for his contagious energy, emotional range, and bold sense of style, Mensan’s departure sparked an outpouring of reactions online.