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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed profound grief over the tragic death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a talented journalist, reporter, and producer with Arise Television.

In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, NANS described Somtochukwu as more than a media professional – a beacon of hope and role model to countless young Nigerians, especially students who admired her eloquence, courage, and dedication to truth and professionalism.

Oladoja said the journalist’s sudden and painful passing has created a deep void, not only in the media industry but also in the hearts of Nigerian students nationwide.

He praised her brilliance, strong work ethic, and passion for nation-building through responsible journalism, noting that her contributions inspired many within and beyond the student community.

‘The loss of such a vibrant and promising young woman is indeed a national tragedy,’ the statement read. ‘NANS joins her family, colleagues, and the entire Arise Television team in mourning her passing.’

On behalf of the Nigerian student community, NANS extended heartfelt condolences to the management and staff of Arise Television, the family of the deceased, and the wider media fraternity.

‘We pray that God grants her soul eternal rest and gives her family, friends, and colleagues the strength to bear this painful loss. Somtochukwu may be gone, but her light will continue to shine through the impact she made and the lives she touched. May her soul rest in perfect peace,’ Oladoja added.

Team Brazil by Claure Group claimed its first-ever win at the E1 Lagos Grand Prix presented by FirstBank, making history as the inaugural E1 race held on African soil concluded with a thrilling contest on the Lagos Lagoon.

The all-electric raceboat championship, known as E1, delivered high-speed action and global attention as Lagos joined the ranks of host cities such as Monaco, Dubrovnik, and Doha.

The race ended with Team Brazil taking the top spot on the podium, narrowly beating Virat Kohli’s Team Blue Rising, which finished second, and Team Drogba Global Africa, which claimed third place.

The Brazilian team’s victory followed a weather delay caused by a tropical storm that passed over the lagoon, briefly suspending racing activities.

Pilots Timmy Hansen and Ieva Millere-Hagin of Team Brazil proved to be the most composed and skilled in the challenging weather conditions.

Their strong performance came after securing pole position in Saturday’s qualifying session.

Hansen was later named PIF Pilot of the Race for his standout effort during the Grand Prix.

The result has intensified the race for the E1 Championship’s ‘Champions of the Water’ title as the series heads toward its final round in Miami this November.

Team Brady has now reclaimed the top position in the overall standings, continuing a season-long battle with Team Rafa.

The event drew thousands of spectators to the Lagos waterfront, creating a festive atmosphere that showcased Nigeria’s capacity to host large-scale international sporting events.

Among the attendees was football icon Didier Drogba, who co-owns Team Drogba Global Africa and played a key role in bringing the championship to Africa.

He was joined by team co-owner Gabrielle Lemaire in celebrating their team’s podium finish.

Nigerians in attendance expressed pride in seeing Lagos take a prominent role in an emerging global sport. Jemima Ogwerel, one of the spectators, highlighted the value of the panel sessions and spoke about the inspiration she drew from one of the speakers.

‘He said we should chase fashion and not money, that the money will come eventually – and if not, we should come find him. That really stayed with me,’ she said.

‘Nigeria has so much sports talent. It’s great to see Lagos on the global map through an event like this. I think this is the beginning of something big.’

Another attendee, Abiola Adetula, echoed the sentiment.

‘This is putting Lagos on the international map in a way we haven’t seen before. It’s the first time this kind of event is happening in Africa, and it’s so beautiful to see,’ she said.

‘I believe this will attract more tourists and foreigners to the state. This one is already a success, and the next will draw even more people.’

The Lagos Grand Prix marked a significant moment for the E1 Championship and for Africa’s growing presence in sustainable motorsport.

As the all-electric series continues to expand its global footprint, the successful debut in Lagos has positioned Nigeria as a key player in the future of clean, innovative racing.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Eluonye Irabor (rtd), on his 60th birthday, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most remarkable soldiers and a true war commander.

In a congratulatory message issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu lauded the retired army general for his patriotic service and outstanding leadership during his years in uniform.

General Irabor, who hails from Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, served as Chief of Defence Staff at the height of Nigeria’s war against Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast, leading strategic operations that helped to reclaim occupied territories and restore confidence in the nation’s armed forces.

The President said Irabor’s courage and dedication have earned him a distinguished place among the nation’s military heroes.

‘He was courageous. General Irabor remains one of the most remarkable soldiers this country has ever produced,’ Tinubu stated.

President Tinubu also commended the former defence chief for his recently launched book on Boko Haram, noting that the work would enrich public understanding of the insurgency and guide future counterterrorism strategies.

He described the book as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s security literature, adding that it will help the country deal not only with Boko Haram but with similar security challenges that may arise.

At the book presentation held in Abuja last Friday, General Irabor clarified that the publication was intended for national reflection rather than as an indictment of any individual or institution.

President Tinubu wished the retired general continued good health, peace of mind, and many more years of invaluable service to the nation.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, has urged the private sector to play a stronger role in advancing Nigeria’s health system by investing in local production, standardisation, and maintenance of medical equipment.

Speaking at the commissioning of the national secretariat of the Healthcare Equipment and Allied Products Providers Association of Nigeria (HEPAN) in Abuja during the weekend, Salako said the association’s initiative aligns with the government’s Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which focuses on improving governance, access to care, and health security through the industrialisation of the health sector.

The event brought together key government officials, professional bodies, and private sector players to explore strategies for ensuring that only certified and calibrated medical equipment is used across healthcare facilities nationwide.

Salako urged HEPAN members to contribute actively to unlocking the health value chain by ensuring the availability of quality infrastructure, equipment, and diagnostics.

He stressed that accurate diagnosis and effective treatment depend on the use of reliable and well-maintained medical technologies.

He encouraged the association to reduce equipment downtime in hospitals through regular training and partnerships with service users, saying, ‘The journey towards achieving zero use of substandard medical equipment and reagents requires your full and undiluted commitment’.

Reaffirming government’s support for public-private partnerships, Salako noted that Nigeria is promoting self-reliance in the production of medical technology, while pointing out that the Presidential Executive Order of June 28, 2024, which eliminated tariffs, import duties, and VAT on vital raw materials, offers a strong incentive for local manufacturing.

The Minister commended HEPAN’s leadership for its commitment to quality health service delivery, noting that Nigeria remains open for business and domestic manufacturing in the journey towards universal health coverage.

On her part, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, described the commissioning as a key milestone for quality healthcare delivery in the FCT and beyond.

She said, ‘The Secretariat and the association stand for standards in medical equipment, calibration, and sourcing of quality and standardised equipment.

‘Such standards form the bedrock of accurate medical outcomes. The results from your tests drive the kind of treatment and drugs patients receive, this is why standardisation is critical to achieving reliable healthcare outcomes’.

Represented by Pharmacist Boniface Ikwu, the Mandate Secretary pledged the FCTA’s continued collaboration with HEPAN to strengthen local capacity, promote quality assurance, and ensure regulatory compliance in the medical equipment sector.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the FCT chapter of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Musa Wazani, praised HEPAN for fostering collaboration among stakeholders and ensuring that only certified medical devices are used in Nigeria.

‘I believe that HEPAN has the capacity to reduce medical tourism to the nearest minimum by ensuring that equipment imported into the country meet Nigerian standards and manufacturers’ specifications.

‘This will also address the trend of patients being referred from one facility to another to repeat tests due to lack of standardisation,’ he said.

Wazani further called on regulatory agencies to validate and verify all medical devices, saying it would maintain the integrity of healthcare services and build trust among patients and healthcare providers.

HEPAN President, Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Nwankwo, said the association was formed to eliminate the importation of fake and substandard medical devices through self-regulation and peer accountability.

‘We decided to organise ourselves to say that the best way to stop the importation of fake medical devices is through internal control. Any external body cannot do that, we know our members,’ he said.

He explained that every member must sign a pledge not to import or distribute substandard products, warning that violators would be permanently expelled.

Nwankwo added that the association’s disciplinary reach covers major equipment markets nationwide, and members are now shifting toward local manufacturing, with new factories opening in Port Harcourt and Anambra soon.

He commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for its pledge to partner with HEPAN to strengthen regulation and ensure compliance.

Big Brother Naija housemate, Jason Jae, has been evicted from the ’10/10′ season, leaving five contestants in the race for the grand prize.

The show host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced Jason Jae’s exit, marking a major point in the competition as the remaining housemates – Imisi, Dede, Kola, Koyin, and Sultana – battle for the ultimate title.

The hit reality show, which premiered on July 26-27, 2025, is set to conclude today, October 5, 2025.

Jason Jae’s eviction intensifies the suspense, setting the stage for a thrilling finale among the top contenders.

Jack Grealish scored a stunning 93rd-minute winner as Everton came from behind to hand Crystal Palace their first defeat in 19 matches across all competitions.

Daniel Muñoz had earlier given in-form Palace the lead in the 37th minute, finishing smartly from Ismaila Sarr’s pass after Tyrick Mitchell had struck the post.

The goal looked set to secure a third consecutive Premier League victory for Palace and extend their remarkable unbeaten run.

Everton, however, improved after the break following the introduction of Tyler Dibling and Thierno Barry.

Their persistence paid off in the 76th minute when Iliman Ndiaye converted from the penalty spot after Maxence Lacroix fouled substitute Tim Iroegbunam.

With the game seemingly destined for a draw, Grealish-on loan from Manchester City-pounced in stoppage time, firing home after Dean Henderson parried Beto’s close-range header.

The dramatic 2-1 victory ended Palace’s club-record unbeaten streak, their first loss since April 16.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity across several parts of the country, urging the Federal government to confront the crisis with honesty, urgency, and transparency.

In a statement on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party called on the federal government to first acknowledge the true scale and complexity of the security challenges, instead of making what it described as ‘insensitive claims of progress that mock the daily realities of Nigerians.’

The ADC also urged the government to engage directly with affected states, local governments, and communities, listen to their experiences, and seek local input in developing practical solutions.

It further called for heightened security alertness nationwide, with coordinated military and police operations involving local and state security networks.

The party added that the government should commit to regular public reporting on security incidents and institute a transparent system for tracking and auditing federal security funds.

‘Nigeria is under attack. This administration must stop pretending otherwise. They must stop treating national security as a political talking point and start treating it as a governing priority.

‘The lives of Nigerians must matter more than sound bites and ceremonies. The time for symbolic gestures is over, what the country needs now is responsible leadership, operational urgency, and measurable results,’ Abdullahi said.

Billionaire politician Ned Nwoko and his actress wife, Regina Daniels, have reacted after a viral video showing Regina playfully recording her husband in the restroom drew widespread criticism.

The clip sparked backlash from netizens, who argued that the actress had crossed boundaries by sharing an overly intimate moment, especially given Nwoko’s political status.

Unfazed by the controversy, Nwoko took to social media to post a heartfelt message celebrating love, peace, and understanding.

Sharing a new video of himself and Regina in a light-hearted TikTok clip, the Delta North senator expressed deep affection for his wife.

He wrote, ‘Not all echoes are noise; some are signals for hearts willing to listen beyond the surface. Love does not always shout; it speaks softly in the warmth of her smile, in the glow of her presence, and in the joy of moments shared. The world may be loud, but truth rests in silence, where two hearts find their rhythm. We love where we live, and in that love, life itself finds its perfect meaning.’

The romantic post attracted a wave of mixed reactions. While some fans praised the couple’s open display of affection, calling them ‘couple goals,’ others speculated that Regina might be managing her husband’s social media page.

One user wrote, ‘Unfortunate wailing children go start to dey cry now. Distinguished, abeg add more Cameroon pepper for their yeye eyes.’ Another added, ‘Couple goals. My Senator shows love and capacity in a wholesome package. I stan and restan!’

Despite the initial criticism, the couple’s public display of affection continues to endear them to many of their followers.

Nigerian music superstars Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Ayra Starr have officially submitted their albums and singles for consideration in the upcoming 2026 Grammy Awards.

Burna Boy entered his latest album, No Sign of Weakness, in both the Album of the Year and Best Global Album categories. His hit singles ‘Last Last’ and ‘For My Hand’ were submitted for Record of the Year and Song of the Year, while Love was entered in the Best African Music Performance category.

Wizkid submitted his project Morayo for Album of the Year and Best Global Album. His track Piece of My Heart is up for Record of the Year and Song of the Year, while his collaboration with Ayra Starr, Gimme Dat, was entered for Best African Music Performance.

Ayra Starr, on her part, submitted her single Hot Body for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year. She also joins Wizkid in the Best African Music Performance category with their joint track Gimme Dat.

The submissions come ahead of the official announcement of nominees for the 2026 Grammy Awards, where all three stars are expected to be strong contenders representing Nigerian and African music on the global stage.

Bruno Guimaraes and Nick Woltemade inspired Newcastle United to a crucial victory over Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park, intensifying the pressure on Forest manager Ange Postecoglou.

Postecoglou’s wait for a first win with Nottingham Forest continued as his side suffered another setback, following Thursday night’s Europa League defeat to Midtjylland.

Guimaraes broke the deadlock just before the hour mark with a superb curling strike from outside the box. Forest players protested to referee Peter Bankes, claiming the Brazilian had fouled Morgan Gibbs-White in the build-up, but the goal was allowed to stand.

Before the opener, Newcastle – previously the Premier League’s lowest scorers – had struggled to break through Forest’s defence.

However, momentum shifted as the hosts pressed for more goals. Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels pulled off impressive saves to deny Sandro Tonali, Malick Thiaw, and Harvey Barnes, while Woltemade’s thunderous effort struck the underside of the bar.

Woltemade eventually doubled Newcastle’s lead from the penalty spot after Guimaraes was brought down in the box by Elliot Anderson, sealing the Magpies’ second league win of the season.

As the final whistle blew, frustrated Newcastle fans chanted ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ toward Postecoglou, with Forest now sitting 17th in the Premier League table.