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Celtic fell to a 2-0 defeat against Portuguese side SC Braga on the second matchday of the Europa League phase yesterday at Celtic Park, Glasgow.

The Bhoys failed to score in a second consecutive home game, having been held to a stalemate by Hibernian last weekend.

Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho completed 90 minutes for the first time in a Celtic shirt, marking his fifth appearance in all competitions for the Scottish champions.

It was a brilliant evening for Braga as not many clubs visit Celtic Park and come away with the spoils, piling the pressure on manager Brendan Rodgers.

The first goal that set Braga on their way was a long-range blaster from the captain Ricardo Horta twenty minutes into the contest.

Iheanacho thought he had equalized five minutes into the second half, but a faint touch off his arm led to the goal being disallowed after a VAR review.

The Super Eagles star capitalized on a loose ball, lifted it over a defender and arrowed a shot into the far corner, but it was ruled out for handball in the build-up.

Had the goal stood, the former Leicester City star would have become the first Celtic player in 30 years to score in both his opening two major European appearances for the club, according to UEFA’s official website.

Gabri Martínez put the game beyond any doubt late on when he saw the ball cannon off him and past goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

Iheanacho found the net on the opening matchday of the Europa League against Red Star Belgrade.

A GROUP, NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), has said its programmes and projects are impacting on the lives of women.

Its Vice President, Mrs Bolanle Edwards, stated this at a press conference in Ikeja, Lagos. She said the 20-year-old group has come a long as it has increased its membership from fewer than 100 to over 2,000 and spread its tentacles to five chapters, from one.

She announced that the group is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary at its headquarters in Ikeja from October 8 to 9. The event is themed ‘Evolve, elevate, and celebrate”.

During the programme, where Executive Vice-Chair, Emerging Africa Capital, Dr Toyin Sani, would feature as the guest speaker, while MainOne Chief Executive Officer, Funke Opeke, is being expected, among other dignitaries, awards would be given to some deserving people.

Over the years, she said, they had remained committed to their objective of promoting women empowerment.

She listed their achievements as the training of women in entrepreneurship, leadership, export digital transformation, financial literacy and innovation.

Also, she said, through their Women in Digital Business (WIDB), financial literacy clinics and specialised export training, they had equipped thousands of women with the tools to compete anywhere.

Edwards added: ‘These programmes have not only sharpened business skills but also helped women embrace technology and digital economy, ensuring they remain relevant in an ever-changing market. At New, we believe that no woman should walk the path of entrepreneurship alone. We established a robust mentorship, pairing emerging. Our peer-to-peer learning circles and business clusters have provided safe spaces for sharing challenges, exchanging ideas, and building confidence. Many successful women-led enterprises can trace their roots to these mentoring relationships.”

She also said they had championed policies that improve access to finance, reduce barriers to trade, and create a business environment where women can thrive and that their dialogue with the policymakers had helped shape conversations on gender, equity, and entrepreneurship.

‘Access to market and finance,” she said, remains a challenge for women entrepreneurs and new authorities and on, but through collaborations with financial institutions such as the FCMB Ventures Initiative, they have enabled members to secure critical funding and financial tools to scale their businesses. We invest in young women and next-generation entrepreneurs offering training, mentoring, and platforms for growth.

Their challenges were economic recessions, policy shifts, global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid evolution of technology and access to more funds.

Yet, she said they had remained resilient in weathering the storms, she noted.

She thanked the Nigeria’s Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), founders and past presidents, members and partners, financial institutions, development agencies, and private sector’s allies, for their collaboration.

Chairperson, NNEW 20th Anniversary Planning Committee, Mrs Dominga Omolara Odebunmi, said the organisation’s 10-Year Strategic Plan would be unveiled at the ceremony. There would also be cultural performances, networking breaks, interactive activities, and a health check.

She added: ‘Our journey has been remarkable, and our impact undeniable. NNEW has empowered thousands of women, built strong mentorship networks, influenced national discourse, and contributed significantly to enterprise development. These efforts have not gone unnoticed. Over the years, we have been recognised with numerous awards and honours at home and abroad. These recognitions affirm that our story is one of resilience, of progress, and of collective victory.”

At the press conference were the Chairperson of the group’s Governing Council, Mrs Akpabio Edobong; Publicity Secretary, Mrs Eniola Mayowa and Executive Secretary, Niyi Adeyanju, among others.

One of the pivotal appointments made by Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa was the selection of Olukayode Abraham Ajulo as his Chief Law Officer. Ajulo, a distinguished and astute legal mind, is precisely the type of advisor Governor Aiyedatiwa needs to navigate the complexities of governance and effectively serve the people of Ondo State. Since his appointment as the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in February 2024, this young, dynamic Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has consistently demonstrated that his role is both significant and impactful.

In a bold move earlier this year, Governor Aiyedatiwa decided to dissolve his entire cabinet, yet notably exempted Ajulo and one other commissioner from this sweeping dismissal, highlighting the critical nature of their responsibilities. Ajulo’s legal prowess and strategic thinking have become even more evident following the Governor’s recent favorable ruling at the Supreme Court, effectively solidifying his reputation as an exceptional attorney.

As State Attorney General, the Akoko-born legal luminary has fully immersed himself in the myriad of legal challenges surrounding his principal, especially those related to the contentious 2024 Governorship election. Understanding the gravity of these legal battles, Ajulo took it upon himself to assemble a formidable team of lawyers, drawing on the expertise of some of the country’s finest legal minds, including Wole Olanipekun, Adegboyega Awomolo, Charles Edosanwan, Tayo Oyetibo, Olusola Oke, Hakeem Afolabi, Ebun Olu-Adegboruwa, Prof. Remi Olatubora, and Prof. Abdul Kana, among other prominent senior lawyers. This collaborative effort exemplifies his commitment to not only defend his principal but also safeguard the integrity of the state’s legal framework.

While the recent successes in the courts have undoubtedly elevated his professional standing, Ajulo had already carved out a distinguished reputation within Nigeria’s legal sphere well before his appointment. His standards are undeniably high; he steadfastly adheres to his principles and never shies away from tough decisions, regardless of whose interests may be at stake. Ajulo is recognized as one of Nigeria’s leading lawyers, a considerable wealth of knowledge and expertise, yet he remains grounded, driven by core values rather than mere convenience or self-interest.

His willingness to accept the role of Attorney General has sparked mixed reactions among many admirers, who believe that his achievements as an attorney exceed the confines of public office. In circles in Abuja, he has earned the affectionate title of ‘go-to-lawyer’ because of his exceptional ability to provide politically astute, diplomatically sound, and legally comprehensive solutions for high-net-worth clients.

Ajulo’s accolades include the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and a notable past as the youngest National Secretary of the Labour Party. His remarkable legal victories have won him admiration both domestically and internationally since the commencement of his legal career, further amplifying his impact within the legal community.

Today, the multiple successes of Governor Aiyedatiwa serve as a testament to his strategic selections and political acumen, demonstrating qualities that his peers would do well to emulate in order to achieve success in their own endeavors. Ajulo’s ongoing contributions are not only reshaping the legal landscape in Ondo State but are also setting a benchmark for excellence in governance and representation.

Director General, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Omolola Oloworaran disclosed that Pension assets have grown over N25 trillion fueling national development through strategic investments, while also securing regular monthly pensions for over 552,000 retirees and lump sum benefits for an additional 291,735 retirees.

She noted that in total, more than 844,000 retirees across both public and private sectors now enjoy retirement benefits that are steady, reliable, and transparent. Presently, more than 10 million Nigerians from public service employees to private sector workers, and even artisans and the self-employed under the Personal Pension Plan, are covered under the CPS.

Oloworaran who was represented by the Acting Commissioner Technical PenCom, Hafiz Kawo Ibrahim disclosed this at the Stakeholders Conference on the working of the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS in Abuja, stating that reform is a continuous journey, and in line with the commission mandate to protect contributors and guarantee dignity in retirement, PenCom has rolled out key interventions that are changing lives.

She outlined these interventions as, ‘Pension Boost 1.0, enhancing pensions for over 241,000 retirees, representing 80 per cent of those under Programmed Withdrawal. Monthly pensions rising from N12.157 billion to N14.837 billion, effective June 2025. Since July 2025, no retiree waits to access their pensions. Payments are now immediate, aligning with monthly salary releases from the Ministry of Finance.

‘The reintroduction of gratuity for civil servants working with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, with a framework being developed to restore gratuity benefits for federal workers under CPS, in line with Section 4(4) of the PRA 2014. FGN Bond Issuance for Pension Liabilities approval has been secured for the issuance of ?758 billion bonds to clear long-standing pension obligations, including pension increases owed since 2007.

This bold step by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves commendation, as it will bring much-needed relief to vulnerable pensioners and restore confidence in the system.

‘A Stronger Prudential Standards for Operators, minimum capital and governance requirements for Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and custodians have been revised to ensure greater financial stability, service delivery, and technological resilience. The Issuance of Five New Regulations under the Pension Revolution 2.0 initiative, including:

Whistle Blowing Guidelines for Pension Fund Assets, revised regulation on investment of Pension Fund Assets’.

She explained the Introduction of Free Health Insurance for Retirees, stating that it will begin later this year, starting with pensioners in lower-income categories and ensuring dignity and security beyond financial pensions, even though the CPS has achieved much, challenges remain. Coverage expansion is still limited, with several States and employers yet to fully comply. Public skepticism, often shaped by painful experiences of the past, continues to undermine trust in the system she said.

Speaking, the Chairman National Salaries Incomes and Wages Commission, Mr. Ekpo Nta said the 1999 constitution provided in section 173(13) states that pension shall be reviewed every five years or together with any salary civil service review. This he said is based on the pension constitution that gave it power to examine the current rate of retirement benefits and recommend appropriate measures.

Chief Executive of Versa Farms, Nigeria’s largest tomato farm, Ibrahim Toyeeb, has condemned attacks sweeping in Kwara State, warning that the violence threatens to cripple the economy of Kwara South.

Toyeeb, whose farm is a huge employer of labour, said the killings and mass displacement s ‘painful,’ stressing intervention is needed to protect lives and livelihoods.

His comments followed coordinated assaults on communities in Kwara South and neighbouring areas, including Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government, where scores were killed, injured and others abducted.

‘If action is not taken, Kwara South could be economically dead. Investors will flee, livelihoods vanish, and families will be in ruins.’

The farmer voiced frustration at the inadequate response from key representatives: Senator Oyelola Ashiru, representing Kwara South, and Raheem Tunji Olawuyi, chairman of House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness.

‘Silence from those elected to protect us is not neutrality, it is, to us, abandonment. Why has this situation not been mentioned boldly on the floor of the National Assembly? Representation without advocacy is no representation at all,’ he declared.

Calling for leadership and immediate action, Toyeeb outlined a series of measures he said could stem the crisis: targeted security deployments, identification of vulnerable points, a joint federal-state security task force, humanitarian assessments and relief for displaced families, a transparent investigation into the attacks, and a published action plan.

He also urged the Kwara State Government and security agencies to sustain recently announced security measures and to prioritize intelligence-driven operations. While welcoming calls for increased military presence, he stressed that any deployment must be paired with local engagement and direct relief for victims.

Beyond the human cost, Toyeeb warned of the devastating economic impact. ‘Insecurity is destroying Kwara South’s investment potential. If farms close and businesses pull out, poverty deepens and the area becomes economically crippled,’ he said.

Versa Farms, which employs hundreds, stands as an example of the region’s potential, Toyeeb added. ‘We are proof of what is possible if safety and stability are assured. This is why I am raising my voice: to protect not just farms, but futures.’

Sir: The insecurity in the Southern part of Kwara State in recent time is becoming unbearable with the last despicable incident at Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government in the early hours of Sunday September 28.

Reliable reports suggest that guns were retrieved from local security men under a questionable circumstance a day before. The guns are barely a month old; the town’s security committee acquired and licensed them for community use because of the recent attacks on neighbouring towns and villages.

Behold the hoodlums/bandits struck; killing 15 security men which include the Baale of Agboayo community and several other people were kidnapped. As we speak now, most towns and villages around us are deserted and the people are now taking refuge in Ilorin and Lagos (wherever their relatives are).

The state government is yet to show any concern for the security of lives and property in the whole of Kwara South. The government is more on reaction after every attack than being proactive from available security reports.

Communities like Oke-Ode have resorted to self-help with the empowering of local

vigilante group because the state government seem to be bereft of any idea to deal with these criminal elements.

Most suspected and arrested kidnappers are usually released thereafter. Can you imagine the state commissioner of police releasing a press report saying that ‘about 40 suspected kidnappers who were seen and arrested riding motor cycles in our forest have all been released after profiling them and finding nothing incriminating on them’.

So riding a bicycle in the forest is now a private expedition with no aim or destination.

What a country and what a double standard on crime and criminality?

It is imperative now for our local and state government to wake up from their slumber and stop their deceptive attitude to the current state of insecurity in Kwara State.

Our people need to be alive to vote as 2027 election seem to be more important to the state government now than securing the lives of our people.

Stop taking us (Igbominas) for granted, you may be making the greatest mistake of

I plead with Governor Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman to leave up to expectation and prove me wrong that elements in his administration are not aiding and abetting criminals in our land.

Posterity and history shall judge the governor in this regard. This is the right time for him to right the wrong. We need to be secured in our land. Enough of bloodshed in our land.

Thousands of women across Warri and neighboring communities in Delta State have received food packs from Glo Foundation under its ‘Giving Back Together’ initiative.

The outreach formed part of Globacom’s ongoing intervention programme aimed at easing economic hardship by supporting the most vulnerable segment of the society with essential food and other household items.

Saturday’s food distribution attracted women of all ages, including widows, from Warri North, Warri South, Aladja, Ughelli South, Udu, and Uvwie local government areas. They assembled shortly after the state’s monthly environmental sanitation in order to benefit from the scheme.

Globacom’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Mrs Jumobi Mofe-Damijo, noted that Delta was the latest stop for the initiative after similar exercises in other states. She explained that the food drive was designed to reach the female population, who often bear the heaviest burden in difficult times.

‘Our Food Drive is not just for anyone. It is targeted at the most vulnerable segment of the Nigerian society, that is women and children. When we help them, we are helping the society at large,’ she said.

Each package contained 5kg of rice, 5kg of gaari, semovita, spaghetti, vegetable oil, tomato paste, sardines, seasoning cubes, noodles, and other essentials.

The gesture sparked scenes of joy, with beneficiaries breaking into songs and dances. Princess Omo-Udoyo of Ughelli North said, ‘I have not seen this before. I thank God and Glo Foundation for this gift.’

For Mrs Esther Okoro from Otu Jeremi, Ughelli South, gratitude came in form of prayers. ‘God will lift the company and people who have done this. He will lift them higher and higher. They will never lack anything. For doing this for us today, I say may God protect them. You will always go higher.’

The initiative will extend to more cities across the country in the coming months, with thousands of women expected to benefit.

The Police Command in Zamfara State has confirmed that suspected gunmen abducted two councillors and an Imam in Tsauni community, Gusau, on Wednesday night.

The command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Deputy Superintendent of Police Yazid Abubakar confirmed the incident to reporters via telephone .

He said the councillors, representing Gidan Gona and Tsibiri wards in Maradun local government areas of Zamfara and Imam were taken away by the bandits.

According to him, the victims were abducted in front of their houses in the Tsauni area about 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, shortly after prayers. The News of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Tsauni community is located behind the Federal Road Safety, Zamfara Sector Command headquarters in Gusau.

The community had hosted internally displaced persons affected by armed banditry from various communities.

Abubakar, however, said the command had deployed its men to the area and efforts were ongoing to rescue the victims.

The PPRO urged the residents to assist the police with relevant information in good time to curtail such incidents.

Chairman, Maradun Local Government, Sanusi Gamagiwa, corroborated the PPRO’s information via telephone, adding that the suspected bandits had abducted six persons.

‘They later released three persons and left with the two councillors and the Imam of the area.

‘So far, they have yet to contact any of us to know their demands,’ the chairman said.

Neo-Black Movement of Africa in Lagos has expressed concern about flooding in Lekki and called for a more proactive approach to address the challenge.

The group pledged to work with the government and stakeholders in finding lasting solutions, saying residents who bear the brunt of the crisis be compensated.

The movement noted that flooding in Lekki has become a perennial issue, causing millions of naira losses in property, vehicles, and businesses, and impacting livelihoods.

President of its Lekki Chapter, Erauyi Agbon-Ifo, said: ‘Flooding in Lekki is no longer a one-off natural occurrence, it has become an annual challenge residents face. Families are forced to rebuild their lives and businesses year after year. It is important stakeholders, including government, private organisations, and groups like ours, come together to tackle this issue in a sustainable way.

‘As responsible, tax-paying citizens, residents also deserve compensation for the losses caused by government’s lack of preparation. Beyond long-term solutions, we urge the state to establish a compensation and insurance framework that acknowledges sacrifices of residents and provides them with the relief they deserve.’

The movement sympathised with residents affected by the latest floods and underscored the need for transparent flood management projects, improved infrastructure maintenance, and more public awareness on flood prevention.

Agbon-Ifo noted that while other coastal states as Rivers experience heavy rains, they do not face the same scale of flooding witnessed in Lekki, which indicates the need for more action in Lagos.

The movement commemorated Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary and called on leaders to renew their commitment to welfare of citizens.

‘As we celebrate this milestone, we believe true leadership is when government prioritises safety, security, and wellbeing of people. Together, we can make flooding a thing of the past,’ he said.

Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has clarified that the three Executive Orders issued by President Bola Tinubu in March 2024 did not weaken or sideline the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act.

This assurance was given during a Local Content Masterclass and panel session at the African Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa, where stakeholders examined Nigeria’s local content milestones, clarified misconceptions, and provided lessons for other African oil and gas-producing countries.

Panelists included NCDMB officials such as Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, Director of Capacity Building; Silas Omomehin Ajimijaye, General Manager, Monitoring and Evaluation; and Ms. Fateemah Mohammed, General Manager, Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF). The session was moderated by the General Manager, and Corporate Communications, Obinna Ezeobi.

Engr. Bamidele explained that some industry players had misinterpreted the Presidential Directives to mean that compliance with the NOGICD Act was no longer mandatory. He clarified that the directives simply mandated the use of existing local capacities and eliminated middlemen from the contracting process.

The three orders cover Local Content Compliance, Reduction of Petroleum Sector Contracting Costs and Timelines, and Tax Incentives for Oil and Gas Companies. To align with these directives, NCDMB streamlined its contract approval process from nine to five stages, reducing project costs and accelerating investment decisions.

Bamidele also disclosed that qualified international service companies can now obtain the Nigerian Content Equipment Certificates (NCEC) to participate in deepwater operations-an initiative expected to attract new investments. He added that NCDMB is advancing infrastructure projects such as the Brass Island Shipyard, supported by NLNG, and the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks at Odukpani, Cross River State, and Emeyal-1, Bayelsa State.

Ajimijaye highlighted NCDMB’s robust monitoring systems that ensure compliance with the NOGICD Act. He noted that oil asset divestments have not reduced compliance levels, as indigenous operators have adopted established frameworks. He also stressed the importance of research and development, citing six Centres of Excellence in Nigerian universities and support for 15 innovative projects through the Board’s R and D Fund.

Speaking on financing, Ms. Mohammed explained that the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund provides single-digit loans to indigenous service companies. She outlined key schemes such as the ?50 billion Community Contractors Fund, which grants up to ?100 million to local contractors, and the $20 million Women in Oil and Gas Fund, managed by NEXIM Bank, to support women entrepreneurs.

She urged other African countries to adopt similar financing models to enhance local capacity, while reaffirming NCDMB’s commitment to expanding the Fund and partnering with financial institutions to unlock bigger projects