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Edo Assembly has refused to clear a former lawmaker Christopher Okaeben, as a Commissioner.

Okaeben was among seven Commissioner-nominees that appeared before the Assembly.

Others cleared and confirmed were Mr. John Akhigbe, Festus Ebea, Dr Elizabeth Ebosele, Dr Jerry Uwangue, Dr Kenneth Okoruwa Ihensekhien and Barr. Usenbo Paul Ehigie.

Okaeben was told to attend to a petition before the Department of State Services (DSS) and appear for screening.

Edo Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, who spoke while addressing the emergency plenary, said Okaeben, who represented Oredo West Constituency, had issues to settle with the DSS.

The Speaker said the report was submitted by the screening committee.

According to him: ‘Six out of the seven commissioner-nominees before us today have been cleared and confirmed, except one, who is our former colleague, Hon Chris Okaeben, who has a question to answer with DSS. So I think he has to report to the DSS office for clearance.

‘That is the report before me. The report is from the screening committee and I am not a member of the committee. The committee submitted a report.

‘After his appearance with the DSS. They can take him and clear him. That is not a problem at all.’

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, has instituted a new lecture series to be held in collaboration with leading tertiary institutions across the country over the next three years.

A statement from the CBN on Tuesday said, ‘This initiative is designed to be a platform for thought-leadership discourse on national economic development.’

The CBN considers the initiative central to its strategy of deepening public understanding and strengthening the transmission of monetary policy.

Cardoso is scheduled to deliver the landmark inaugural lecture at the Lagos Business School on Friday, October 3, 2025.

The lecture, titled ‘Next Generation Leadership in Monetary Policy and Nation Building,’ will serve a dual purpose.

The CBN stated that the inaugural edition will commemorate the second anniversary of ‘Team Cardoso’s’ leadership at the apex bank, a period defined by a renewed focus on price stability, institutional transparency, and anchoring monetary policy to the everyday realities of Nigerians.

The CBN stated that the lecture series also ‘aims to foster dialogue, promote innovation, and advance an inclusive financial system that works for all Nigerians, while positioning the country as a leader on both the African and global stages.’

Since assuming office in September 2023, Cardoso has consistently stressed that the Bank’s core mandate, safeguarding price stability, is essential to driving sustainable economic growth and protecting livelihoods. He had previously spoken about the necessity of adaptive policy in a changing world.

‘Nigeria is at a pivotal moment, where technology, global financial realignments, and the energy of its youthful population are reshaping its economic future. Innovation must be harnessed intentionally and confidently, particularly by institutions like the CBN,’ Cardoso noted in an earlier engagement.

The lecture is expected to draw a high-profile audience, including senior policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and students, thereby emphasizing the crucial role of monetary policy in fostering stability, growth, and national development.

Jose Mourinho’s latest return to Stamford Bridge ended in frustration as Chelsea secured a narrow Champions League victory over his new club Benfica thanks to Richard Rios’ first-half own goal.

Such is the affection Chelsea fans have for Mourinho they serenaded him before and during the encounter.

Mourinho, who replaced former Wolves boss Bruno Lage 12 days ago, responded by waving to both ends of the ground.

But he would doubtless have preferred Benfica not to provide a present to their hosts as Colombian midfielder Rios could not get out of the way when Alejandro Garnacho sent Pedro Neto’s-far post cross fizzing back into the six-yard area, giving goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin no chance of keeping the ball out.

Their was frustration for the Blues though as well, with substitute Joao Pedro sent off in the sixth minute of stoppage time for a second yellow card, Chelsea’s third red card in four games.

Although they dominated possession and had more shots than their opponents, Chelsea hardly threatened the Benfica goal, with Garnacho wasting a couple of opportunities on his second start for his new club.

Teenage substitute Estevao Willian did eventually force Trubin into a decent save near the end as he stretched for a header.

It was Chelsea’s first victory in the Champions League since March 2023.

More importantly, it ended a poor sequence of results in a month where their only victory came in the EFL Cup at League One Lincoln and provides Enzo Maresca some breathing space before Saturday’s Premier League encounter with Liverpool.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has declared his complete retirement from politics, affirming that his new role as monarch now defines his focus and responsibility.

Receiving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Senate President Iyorcha Ayu, and other dignitaries, the former Oyo State governor reminisced about his political journey and camaraderie with fellow leaders.

Oba Ladoja emphasized that his decision to step away from politics was final, stressing that he would dedicate his reign to upholding justice and fairness across Ibadanland.

He said, ‘I am no longer one of you. I am not a politician anymore. Welcome to my house.

‘Now that I am the Olubadan, I am no more interested in anything other than the Olubadan. You are welcome to my house

‘We started from SDP, we were in exile together, we were in PDP together. When I wanted to create an identity, I went to the Accord Party, which became a household name here. I know you politicians have a way of coming back.

‘All the religious leaders said that the only thing the leaders can do is to promote justice and fairness. I will serve my people. Ibadan people, Oyo State, Africa, and the world at large. I will depend on your support and advice’.

Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate Kola has been handed a strict penalty for breaching the show’s confidentiality rules.

He was punished for disclosing details of a private conversation with Agent X on the red telephone, despite being warned not to share the content with fellow housemates.

According to Big Brother, Kola will not be allowed to speak until further notice and can only communicate using a writing pad during conversations.

The punishment was due to Kola’s decision to reveal some details of the conversation, which involved an offer of a luxury manicure and pedicure session worth N1 million, and he had turned down the offer.

Big Brother announced the punishment, stating that Kola must write down his thoughts and have his housemates read them aloud before responding.

Big Brother declared, ‘Kola, you discussed part of your conversation on the red telephone despite being warned that you weren’t to discuss it with any of your fellow housemates during the course of your stay in Big Brother’s house.

‘As punishment, you’re forbidden from speaking till further notice. For the duration of this punishment, you’re only to communicate by writing on the writing pad that Big Brother has provided, except when speaking to Big Brother.

‘Each time you’re involved in a conversation, you have to write on the writing pad, and the housemate you’re addressing must read your words aloud before responding, and that has to continue for the duration of the conversation’.

Liverpool suffered their second successive defeat as Galatasaray inflicted a Champions League loss on a thunderous night in Istanbul.

Head coach Arne Slot left talisman Mohamed Salah on the bench after Liverpool lost at Crystal Palace, but the Premier League champions failed to fire amid a constant cacophony of noise at RAMS Park.

And, to add to Liverpool’s misery, goalkeeper Alisson went off injured in the second half after pulling off a superb save from Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen.

Osimhen gave Galatasaray the lead after 16 minutes when French referee Clement Turpin adjudged that Dominik Szoboszlai had fouled Baris Alper Yilmaz.

The goal came just 17 seconds after former Tottenham Hotspur defender Davinson Sanchez had cleared off the line from Cody Gakpo.

Slot introduced Salah and Alexander Isak just after the hour in an attempt to salvage something but it was to no avail.

Liverpool thought they would get the chance to rescue a point when referee Turpin pointed to the spot after Ibrahima Konate went down, but the decision was overturned following a video assistant referee review.

The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) has announced that Nigeria will not be submitting any film for the International Feature Film category at the 2026 Academy Awards.

Although six films were submitted for consideration, the committee ruled that none met the standards required for global competition.

In a statement, NOSC Chairperson Stephanie Linus cited a lack of creative and technical intentionality in Nigerian films as the reason for the decision.

She, however, acknowledged the progress made so far and the growing awareness of international standards, while stressing the need for further development in the industry.

‘While Nigerian films have no doubt shown significant improvement and growing awareness of IFF standards, there is still a deficit in creative and technical intentionality that will improve their competitive potential for global awards,’ she said.

The committee plans to take proactive steps to encourage filmmakers to create with the Oscars in mind.

‘This is why the NOSC will be taking more proactive steps to encourage filmmakers to create with the Oscars in mind,’ Linus stated.

Linus encouraged Nigerian filmmakers to study previous International Feature Film-nominated works to deepen their understanding of the category’s expectations and strengthen future submissions.

The NOSC has formally communicated its decision to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, expressing regret that no Nigerian film was deemed suitable for the category this year.

The International Feature Film award is presented annually by the Academy to a feature-length motion picture produced outside the United States that contains at least 50 per cent non-English dialogue.

The Kaduna State Council of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has commended Governor Uba Sani for implementing the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for health workers in the state.

The commendation was contained in a letter jointly signed by the state chairman, Comrade Ishaku Yakubu, and the state secretary, Comrade Christiana Bawa, and addressed to the governor.

According to the association, the decision to effect the salary structures was an act of fairness and magnanimity that has rekindled the hope of many dedicated nurses in the governor’s administration and in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

NANNM stated that Governor Sani had not only demonstrated genuine commitment to the welfare of nurses and other health workers but had also reaffirmed his passion for strengthening healthcare delivery in Kaduna State.

It noted that the implementation of both CONHESS and CONMESS came at a time of competing demands on the state’s resources, yet the governor placed a premium on the well-being of health professionals.

‘This visionary leadership has boosted morale, improved productivity, and positioned Kaduna State as a model of labour-friendly governance,’ the council declared.

The body maintained that such interventions would go a long way in improving healthcare outcomes in the state, as motivated workers are better positioned to deliver quality service to citizens.

The nurses and midwives, while applauding the governor’s action, pledged continuous loyalty, dedication, and professional excellence in service of Kaduna State as their contribution to his transformative agenda in the health sector.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and the former PDP National Chairman, Iyorcha Ayu, on Tuesday visited the Bodija residence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

The delegation, which arrived around 12:20 p.m., was warmly received by the monarch, who personally led them into his inner chamber.

Their visit came days after they were absent from the coronation ceremony of the Olubadan, held last Friday.

They said they were at the palace to formally congratulate the new monarch.

Elders from the Niger South Senatorial District, under the auspices of Niger-South Senior Stakeholders’ Forum (NSSF), have called for the completion of the Baro port and the exploration of hydrocarbon potential in the Bida Basin, along with other federal government infrastructure projects in the zone.

The elders claimed that completing these projects would unlock economic opportunities, boost trade competitiveness, and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, thereby addressing unemployment and stimulating regional development.

At an expanded meeting where the forum engaged with experts and political officeholders from the zone, the lawmaker representing Bida-Katcha-Gbako Federal Constituency, Saidu Musa Abdul, identified a lack of political will from past administrations, an inadequate funding framework, and insufficient cooperation among critical stakeholders as factors impeding the revitalization of Baro port.

Abdul, who is the chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee on the Rehabilitation and Operationalisation of Baro Port, expressed disappointment that six years after its inauguration, the port remained non-operational.

Abdul said, ‘We are still where we are; nothing is happening at the level of the port. The access roads have not been provided. The rail corridor is not working. The capital region has not been done.

‘For a journey that is not supposed to last more than 30 minutes, we spent close to four hours.’

The lawmaker said his committee has devised ways to bring all critical stakeholders and sectors related to the Baro port together to work in harmony, ensuring its full operationalization.

‘Our major challenge was that in the past, people were not working together. But as we are progressing as a committee, even before we do our final report, we already have the buy-in of critical stakeholders. We are working with the Ministry of Blue Economy, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Transport, the National Inland Waterways (NIWA), and the National Hydrographic Agency.

‘So we were moving at the same pace with all critical stakeholders. This is what you didn’t get in the past. NIWA and, by implication, the Ministry of Transport were then busy doing the procurement and installation of equipment without carrying along all the critical stakeholders.

‘But what we have today is different. We have virtually everybody under the same umbrella today. And we are sure this is what will propel Baro port into reality.

‘On the issue of capital, we are putting all things together. We are coming up with a funding framework that will not be too burdensome for the government.

The lawmaker described the meeting with members of the NSSF as a welcome development, which provided a platform for him to engage with constituents and elders, and receive valuable guidance, information, and advice.

In his presentation, a consultant on Baro Inland Port, Prof. Mustafa Zubairu, noted that the port has, at present had a capital asset of N66 billion and is capable of creating 800,000 jobs and 300,000 smart homes.

He highlighted business opportunities at Baro port, including ferry services, barge operations for bulk commodities and containers, aggregation centers for agricultural produce and solid minerals, commodity processing facilities, tank farms, modular refineries for PMS and biodiesel, and boat courses.

NIWA Area Manager (Niger-Kwara), Akapo Adeboye, noted that Baro port should be viewed as a business opportunity, and encouraged indigenes of the area to start investing in the various opportunities available, even before full operationalization.

He identified areas such as the sand business, which he said would help harness the water resources and generate income for investors.

Earlier in their remarks, the Chairman of NSSF, Alhaji Ibrahim Liman, and the Secretary-General, Dr. Mohammed Santuraki, stated that the organization was formed to protect and advance the developmental and political interests of the Niger-South Senatorial District, highlighting the challenges faced by the zone.

They noted that the meeting was convened to synergize with professionals on the issues surrounding Baro Inland Port and Bida Hydrocarbon exploration, to ensure they become a reality soon.

On the Bida Inland Oil Basin, the Forum acknowledged the various investments made by the Niger State Government, especially the current government, but fears that all this will come to nothing if the state does not fully secure the interest and commitment of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), its frontier service division, and the federal government.

This, according to the forum, is because all matters relating to oil exploration and development are exclusive to the Federal government.