Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Coalition of Civil Rights Organizations has hailed President Bola Tinubu for rekindling hope in the Nigerian people through purposeful leadership and the appointment of competent ministers, with particular reference to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

The Coalition, in a statement by its leaders, Chisom Ochiaga and Obaseyi Ogunrinde, emphasised that the President’s Independence Day address resonated with Nigerians not only because of its frank assessment of the nation’s challenges but also because it showcased tangible progress already recorded in critical areas of governance.

The group described the mention of Hon. Tunji-Ojo in the President’s speech as a ‘classical example of what Nigeria gains when competence, dedication, and vision are placed above politics in leadership appointments.’

According to the coalition, Tinubu’s recognition of the Interior Minister’s stellar performance has further confirmed that the administration’s reformist agenda is on the right track.

‘The President’s acknowledgement of Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s achievements in the Interior Ministry is a reflection of how the government’s bold reforms are resolving the nation’s long-standing challenges. Nigerians now see how effective governance can transform institutions once regarded as stumbling blocks,’ the coalition stated.

The group cited sweeping reforms championed by the Ministry of Interior under Tunji-Ojo, including the digitization of passport application and processing systems, the drastic reduction in bureaucratic bottlenecks within immigration services, and a renewed efficiency in the handling of correctional facilities.

These reforms, it noted, have restored public confidence in the ministry and demonstrated the tangible benefits of President Tinubu’s commitment to appointing the right people into leadership positions.

The coalition further noted that Tunji-Ojo’s drive to sanitize the operations of agencies under his ministry, ensure transparency, and deploy technology in service delivery has endeared the Tinubu administration to even its staunchest critics.

‘The Interior Ministry has become a model of reform, efficiency, and innovation, thanks to the leadership of Hon. Tunji-Ojo.

‘This is why Nigerians from diverse backgrounds, including those once skeptical of the administration, are beginning to rally behind the President’s vision,’ the coalition remarked.

Reaffirming its stance, the Coalition of Civil Rights Organizations pledged unrelenting support for the progress of Nigeria under President Tinubu.

‘As far as the policies of this administration remain pro-people, we will continue to stand firmly behind President Tinubu and the reformist ministers like Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

‘His example must be replicated across other sectors to deepen the dividends of democracy,’ the statement concluded.

The coalition’s endorsement reflects growing acknowledgment within civic spaces that Tinubu’s reforms, as exemplified by the Interior Ministry, are rekindling faith in governance and opening a new chapter of hope for Nigeria.

The Kano State chapter of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called for collaboration amng all stakeholders to tackle Nigeria’s challenges.

In his Independence anniversary speech, the chapter’s Chairman, Goni Faruk Umar, said the challenges before the country were formidable, including pervasive poverty.

Umar identified the challenges as pervasive poverty, widespread unemployment, insecurity, drug abuse, declining education standards, and the erosion of moral values.

But the ACF state chairman noted that the challenges could be surmounted with the citizens showing commitment to purposeful action.

He said: ‘As a forum consecrated to dialogue, unity, and service, the ACF asserts that our collective strength lies in our ability to build bridges across divides, nurture the potentials of our youth, and harness the abundant human and natural resources entrusted to us by Providence.

‘Sixty-five years ago, our visionary founding fathers, through uncommon courage and sacrifice, secured for us the priceless gift of sovereignty. They bequeathed a nation consecrated to the ideals of liberty, dignity, and collective destiny.

‘Today, as we commemorate their triumph, we must not merely luxuriate in nostalgia but renew our sacred covenant to safeguard their legacy and bequeath to posterity a Nigeria worthy of their dreams.

‘The narrative of our nation is one of resilience and renaissance; a people who, despite trials of adversity and the tremors of division, have remained indivisible and resolute.

‘Yet, independence will find its truest expression not in ceremonial remembrance but in the tangible realities of peace, prosperity, equity, and justice for every citizen, irrespective of creed, culture, or circumstance.’

Umar advised parents and guardians to prioritise the upbringing of their children and wards, stressing that the crucible of Nigeria’s future is in their homes.

‘Guard your children, mentor them with love, and instill in them the virtues of discipline, honesty, and service. To our youth, we affirm: you are the pulsating heart of this Republic. Reject the snares of drugs and despair; embrace the path of knowledge, creativity, and productivity.

‘And to our leaders, we appeal: let integrity, vision, and statesmanship govern your stewardship, for history will measure us not by lofty rhetoric but by the lives we uplift and the destinies we transform.

‘The ACF Kano State chapter remains unwavering in its resolve to empower communities, advance education, preserve our cultural heritage, and safeguard the peace and security of our people. We shall continue to be a voice of conscience, a pillar of unity, and a beacon of hope.

‘As we hoist our cherished green-white-green standard this day, let it be a solemn reminder that independence is not an end but an eternal journey of vigilance, sacrifice, and renewal,’ Umar said.

The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge will celebrate the first anniversary of his ascension to the throne with a significant five-kilometre fitness walk on Saturday, October 4.

The event is organised by the Asaba Long Distance Race Media Committee, led by Wing Commander Peter Iweze (rtd).

The fitness walk is set for Saturday, with the procession starting at 7:00 a.m. from the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

Participants will walk to the Traffic Light junction and back, plus an additional 400 meters around the stadium track.

The Asagba will personally lead the walk, accompanied by nobles and Obis from surrounding communities, emphasizing community involvement and support.

A 10-kilometre road race that was initially planned alongside the anniversary celebrations has been rescheduled for December 6, 2025, adhering to international standards set by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF).

The fitness walk is not only a royal celebration but also aimed at promoting healthy living among the residents of Asaba.

Dr. Moses Nwanze, the event consultant, assured participants of thorough preparations for a successful and enjoyable exercise.

Nwanze said the event underscored the commitment of the Asagba to foster community health and engagement while celebrating his first year as the traditional ruler.

The Labour Writers’ Association of Nigeria (LAWAN) will hold its yearly conference on October 10 at Golden Tulip, Ibadan.

The event’s theme is: ‘Future of work in the era of Artificial Intelligence: A wake-up call for stakeholders’.

In a statement, the association’s Chairman, Toba Agboola and Secretary, Adenike Ajiboye, said the programme is aimed at achieving a plan for securing mutual accountability and investment plans, which is crucial for Nigeria’s growth and development.

According to the chairman, the event will bring together technocrats and speakers from various sectors.The duo stated that the speakers would discuss various topics such as ‘Employers’ Preparation and Response to the AI Revolution in the workplace’; ‘Job security and the future of trade unions in the AI Era’, and also ‘Social security and protection for journalists amid AI disruption’, among others.

Expected at the event are the President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Festus Osifo; Managing Director, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, and Director-General, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Omolola Oloworaran, among others.

The conference is expected to be chaired by the General Secretary, Non-Academic Staff Union of Education and Associated Institutions (NASU), Peters Adeyemi.

After disqualification from Big Brother Naija (BBNaija), housemates are immediately evicted from the show and forfeit all prizes and privileges they won while in the house.

The housemates are required to leave the house without a farewell and the rest of the game continues without them.

Recently disqualified season 10 housemate, Faith Adewale got into a violent altercation with fellow contestant Sultana and shortly after, he was immediately removed from the house and forced to forfeit all prizes he had won.

The incident, which happened just days before the finale, served as a stark reminder of the show’s strict rules and the immediate consequences for any housemate who breaks them.

1. Forfeiture of winnings: According to the housemate contract, all gifts, money, and prizes won from sponsored tasks and games are taken away. For example, after his disqualification in Season 10, Faith was made to forfeit a car he had won in a sponsored task.

2. Mandatory immediate exit: Disqualified housemates are asked to pack their belongings and leave the house right away. Big Brother does not give them a chance to say goodbye to other contestants.

3. No return: Unlike evicted housemates, a disqualified housemate cannot return to the house or participate in any further activities related to the season.

The Long-term aftermath for disqualified housemates is often mixed, with potential career setbacks and public backlash, but some manage to rebuild their public image and find success.

1. Public opinion: Disqualified housemates often face intense criticism and negative judgment from the public and show fans on social media.

2. Career setbacks: Some housemates may initially face difficulty securing brand endorsements or other opportunities, as some brands may be hesitant to be associated with controversy.

3. Building a platform: Many disqualified housemates use the publicity from their controversial exit to launch or build their careers.

4. Post-show success: Notable examples like Tacha and Erica, who were disqualified in earlier seasons, have since achieved success in business and entertainment. They have become brand ambassadors and social media influencers with large followings.

The common reasons for disqualification are similar to those of other Big Brother franchises globally.

1. Physical violence: Any form of physical aggression toward a fellow housemate is grounds for immediate disqualification. Past housemates like Faith (Season 10), Beauty Tukura (Season 7), and Tacha (Season 4) were all removed for violent behavior.

2. Threatening behavior: Threats of violence or any behavior that makes other housemates feel unsafe is prohibited.

3. Aggressive and abusive language: Repeated use of abusive, insulting, or confrontational language can lead to disqualification, as seen in the case of Erica in Season 5.

4. Repeated rule-breaking: Some housemates receive strikes for minor rule infractions, such as whispering or failing to use their microphone properly. Accumulating multiple strikes can also result in disqualification.

Pupils in selected schools in Abuja displayed brilliance at the annual spelling bee hosted by My Hero Community Development Initiative (MHCDI) in Maitama.

Nine schools and over 200 participants were present, making it a vibrant educational gathering in FCT this year.

The schools included JSS Garki Area 10, JSS Wuse Zone 3, JSS Kado Kuchi, JSS Gwarinpa, JSS Garki II, and JSS Jabi.

It served not only as a test of spelling ability but also as a platform for pupils to showcase confidence, mental alertness, and eloquence.

Winners included first runner-up, Oluwasina Eunice from JSS Garki Area 10; second runner-up: Agwara David from JSS Wuse Zone 3 and third runner-up Omojola Zion Akorede from JSS Kado Kuchi.

Organisers, Damilola Fabolu and Chris Olusa, noted importance of nurturing literacy and self-confidence in young Nigerians.

They noted that competitions like this go beyond spelling, as they instill life skills such as perseverance, discipline, and public speaking in participants.

The atmosphere at Merit House was filled with excitement, cheers, and applause as the pupils rose to the challenge, proving that ‘every letter counts.’ The event underscored MHCDI’s commitment to education, youth empowerment, and building a brighter future for the next generation.

The Aare Egbe-Omo Balogun of Ibadanland, Olooye Adegboyega Adegoke has called for urgent reforms in political, institutional and consequences management ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adegoke, while speaking at the Yemi Farounbi Colloquium’s Nigeria 65th Independence Anniversary Lecture in Ibadan, said there is urgent need for reforms within Nigeria’s political parties, saying the nation’s democratic process cannot thrive without fixing the foundation of political recruitment.

He lamented that it is difficult for professionals and technocrats to participate in politics due to flawed recruitment mechanisms within political parties.

Adegoke, who was the Chairman at the lecture, emphasised that integrity, teamwork and proper candidates selection are critical to achieving credible elections.

According to him, the challenges facing elections are not solely the responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as he said the commission is only part of a larger system.

He insisted that cases of electoral fraud must be met with prosecution and effective consequence management, where offenders are penalized without exceptions.

While acknowledging importance of reviewing Nigeria’s legal framework, Adegoke stressed that implementation is even more crucial.

He added that institutional reforms must extend beyond INEC to include citizens, political parties, and security agencies such as the police.

‘The people also need reforms,’ he said, categorising it as part of the broader institutional reforms needed for Nigeria’s democracy to progress.

The guest lecturer, Senator Yunus Akintunde, while speaking on the topic ‘Recalibrating Nigeria’s Electoral Architecture: Legal, Technological and Institutional Reforms for 2027′, said to recalibrate Nigeria’s electoral architecture will requires the pursuance of comprehensive reforms and not piecemeal adjustments.

Akintunde, who was represented by his media aide, Kunle Olatunji, called for establishment of an Electoral Reform Implementation Committee by mid-2026 to coordinate legal, technological, and institutional changes.

Akintunde further said that there is the need to build consensus across INEC, political parties, civil society, judiciary, and security agencies; prioritize sustained civic education to rebuild citizens’ trust and reduce apathy.

He said Nigeria should learn from international best practices but adapt reforms to Nigeria’s realities.

Speaking on necessary institutional reforms, Akintunde said institutions, not individuals, must anchor the Electoral system.

He said reforms should include: ensuring that appointments to INEC leadership are based on competence, independence, and integrity, not political patronage; decentralizing INEC’s operations to empower state offices: Establishing a specialized Election Security Unit insulated from partisan control; Strengthening judicial independence and expediting electoral case resolution; Enforcing internal democracy within political parties, with strict penalties for infractions and Expanding the roles of civil society and media in civic education, monitoring, and accountability.

Akintunde said the 2027 elections present another opportunity to restore faith in democracy.

‘With them right legal reforms, technological upgrades, and institutional recalibration, Nigeria can build an electoral system that is transparent, resilient, and truly reflective of the people’s will.

‘The future of Nigeria depends on it and our collective resolve to ensure positioning our nation on the right trajectory in this regard will activate our desire for sustainable development agenda towards true Nation building.’

Also, former Nigerian Ambassador to Philippines and the Kingdom of Cambodia, Amb. Yemi Farounbi said good Leadership comprises three key elements, which are vision, competence and character, saying if the character is lacking, the other two elements will be meaningless.

‘The takeaway from this lecture is that we will have good Nigeria when we have good leadership and we would have good leadership if we have good followership who elect good leadership.

‘A mango tree will never produce an orange fruit. If Nigeria is bad, it will not produce a good president or a good governor.

‘Nigeria is currently constitutes of about 230 Millions people and without the people, there can’t be Nigeria. If the people are not right, then Nigeria cannot be right.’

The Administrative Secretary of INEC in Oyo State, Mrs Rosemary Adeniyi, said the Commission has consistently advocated for and appreciates the growing consensus on the need for financial and administrative autonomy for the Electoral Umpire.

‘This is not about aggrandisement; it is about efficiency and predictability. When INEC receives its funds directly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, it uses the same to eliminates bureaucratic bottlenecks that can delay critical electoral activities like the timely printing of sensitive materials, the recruitment and training of ad-hoc staff and the maintenance of our technological asset.

‘In Oyo State however, we are committed to maximizing every resource allocated to us. We are deepening the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), not just for accreditation but for verification of voters on election day.

‘The use of INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) has also ensured the seamless transmission of results, which has become a cornerstone of public trust in the electoral process. Our goal is an INEC in Oyo State that is not only independent in name but is seen by all as a truly effective, impartial and professional umpire.’

Inter Milan’s new signing Manuel Akanji has for the umpteenth time expressed how proud is he about his Nigerian roots despite turning out for Switzerland at the International level.

Akanji joined Inter on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy from Manchester City in the summer transfer window revealed his affinity with Nigeria as well as his first few weeks in Milan with Inter TV.

The 30-year-old defender was born in Wiesendangen, Switzerland, to a Swiss mother and a Nigerian father and has an eagle tattooed on his left arm as a tribute to his Nigerian heritage.

‘This is the eagle, from the Nigerian national team, with the football under it. It’s something I carry with me,’ he explained as per Football Italia.

‘Obviously, I play for the Swiss national team, but I’m still really proud of being Nigerian. I could only make one decision, but they are still with me all the way. It’s been a long time since I’ve been back to Nigeria. It’s hard for me to go back because I don’t have a break in the winter, and summer is the rainy season, so you never really know what you’re going to get, but when I was young, I went there three or four times.’

Akanji also spoke about his first game played at San Siro, against Inter, with Borussia Dortmund.

‘I remember the atmosphere was unbelievable. I can’t wait to play there again. Hopefully, we’ll get a good result together,’ he said.

‘The first football shirt I had was from Christian Vieri. It was somehow with me. Even if I wasn’t an Inter fan, I always followed Inter because they’ve been one of the best teams in Italy, if not the best, even in the last two years. I followed a lot of teams, but Inter were really good in the past, and I’ve always been following the team.

‘You never really know where you end up in your career. Now I am here and I’m really happy about it. I hope to win as many titles as possible and be a big part of it. I want to play everywhere I go and improve as a player and as a person; these are the most important things for me.’

Akanji has immediately become a regular starter at Inter, making five appearances across all competitions with the Serie A giants.

The Nerazzurri have won two games from two in the Champions League, but have only collected nine points in the opening five Serie A rounds.

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has disbursed N5,604,205,998 to 1,198 former councillors, fulfilling outstanding entitlements and prompting the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Jibrin Falgore, to endorse him for a second term.

The APC councillors were denied their between 2018 to 2023 by the Abdullahi Ganduje administration, Yusuf said.

Five years after a prolonged delay, Governor Yusuf has settled over N5.6 billion severance and furniture allowances owed to councillors.

The Governor had earlier paid N1.8 billion in May 2025 to 903 former councillors who served between 2014 and 2017 as the first tranche. The second tranche of N5.6 billion is now being disbursed to 1,198 former councillors.

Speaking during the payment of the second tranche, an excited Falgore said, ‘The only way we can repay him is to reelect him in 2027.’

Governor Yusuf confirmed that bankers had been directed to begin crediting the councillors’ accounts immediately.

Governor Yusuf said he inherited the liability of N15.6 billion from the previous APC-led administration, which failed to pay its councillors that served between 2014 and 2020 across the 44 local government areas.

He described the payment as a defining moment for Kano State, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to restoring dignity, fairness, and justice to those who served at the grassroots level.

‘These are moments when we rise above the ordinary to restore dignity, fairness, and justice to those who have served with loyalty and dedication. Today, by the grace of Allah, is one of the defining moments in the history of Kano State.

‘It is my belief that many of you have already started receiving your alerts, as I instructed the bankers to begin crediting your accounts even before I finished my speech,’ Yusuf added.

He further assured that preparations were underway for the third and final tranche amounting to N8.2 billion which will cover 1,371 former councillors. He said the final payment is expected to be disbursed by the second week of November.

Yusuf stressed that the initiative was not just a financial obligation but a means to strengthen trust between the government and its people.

The governor added that government is not only about building roads, schools, or hospitals. It is also about building trust and honoring those who have served.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says 166 people died from Lassa fever between January and last month, with the case fatality rate now higher than last year’s.

This is contained in Epidemiological Week 37, covering Sept. 8 to 14, cited on the NCDC website yesterday.

The Public Health agency said 895 confirmed cases were recorded across 21 states and 106 local government areas.

It said this represents a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.5 per cent, compared to 16.9 per cent reported within the same period in 2024.

The agency noted that while suspected and confirmed cases were fewer than those reported last year, more patients are dying because of late presentation and poor health-seeking behaviour, often linked to the high cost of treatment.

According to NCDC, Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba and Ebonyi states continue to account for 90 per cent of confirmed cases, with Ondo alone responsible for a third of infections.

The NCDC also confirmed that no new healthcare worker was infected during the reporting week.

However, it warned that poor environmental sanitation, weak awareness in high-burden communities and delayed treatment continue to fuel the spread and severity of the disease.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus.

It is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents, particularly the multi-mammate rat.

Human-to-human transmission can also occur, especially in healthcare settings without adequate infection control.

Symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, chest pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.

The disease is endemic in parts of West Africa, with Nigeria bearing the highest burden.

To strengthen control, the NCDC said it had deployed 10 rapid response teams to affected states, launched new infection prevention and control (IPC) training modules and supported clinical management fellowship programmes in collaboration with local and international partners.

The agency urged states to intensify community engagement and preventive campaigns and reminded healthcare workers to maintain high suspicion and initiate early treatment when symptoms appear.