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A former Osun State lawmaker, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on the Service Chiefs to adopt a more ruthless approach in dealing with individuals and groups involved in violent crimes across the country.

Oyintiloye, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the call in a statement on Sunday, stressing that while security agencies have made commendable efforts to curb insecurity, more decisive action is needed to end persistent killings, especially in parts of the North.

The former member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council expressed deep concern over the rising cases of attacks by suspected bandits in Kwara, Borno, Zamfara, and Niger states. He urged security leaders to take bold and uncompromising steps against both perpetrators and their sponsors.

He lamented that many Nigerians continue to live in fear despite ongoing counterterrorism efforts, and urged the Service Chiefs not to relent until terrorism and banditry are completely eradicated.

‘There is no doubt that the Service Chiefs are doing their best to stop the killings by bandits,’ he said, ‘but they need to be more ruthless with them until they quench the insurgency in our land.’

Oyintiloye also cautioned against internal sabotage within security formations and advised the military and other agencies to fully deploy their available human and material resources to restore public confidence and ensure lasting peace across the country.

‘I will also urge them to look inward and fish out those who might be working against their relentless efforts to crush the activities of the terrorists in the country completely. This is very important to restore public confidence in the security agencies.

‘People are tired, and many of them are living in fear of the unknown due to the activities of those perpetrating violent crimes in the country,’ he said.

Oyintiloye also highlighted the need for the service chiefs to involve local security networks in intelligence gathering to tackle the menace.

Oyintiloye further said that the security agencies should also target the financial backbone of terrorist groups in the country to complement their efforts.

He, however, commended President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for providing the needed support and budgetary allocation for the security agencies to reduce violent crimes in the country.

He predicted that with the cooperation of all stakeholders, acts of faith, patriotism, honesty, and a positive mindset on the part of Nigerians, the country would defeat the menace of insecurity in due course.

Nollywood actress Adesua Etomi has opened up about a near-death experience she had in June, revealing that she underwent an unplanned surgery while in the United Kingdom with her husband, Banky W, and their two sons.

In an emotional Instagram post, the actress expressed deep gratitude to God for sparing her life, describing the ordeal as one that profoundly strengthened her faith.

‘I could have lost my life in June of this year,’ she wrote. ‘I went through a horrific incident that landed me in unplanned surgery. The surgery was ironically the least dramatic part of what I went through.’

Etomi said she and her family were in the UK for two speaking engagements when the incident occurred. ‘If even one single detail of that day were different, I wouldn’t be here today. I shudder when I think about it,’ she added.

Reflecting on the experience, she said it renewed her awareness of God’s presence and grace. ‘Like a map, I can literally look back over that day and trace how His hands were all over that situation. There is nothing anyone can tell me – God is real!’

She urged her followers to live with kindness and gratitude, adding, ‘Let’s be softer, kinder, gentler, forgiving, patient, loving, and peaceful. I will never take another day for granted. Neither should you.’

Adesua, known for being open about her personal struggles, had earlier this year shared how she battled hyperemesis during pregnancy, supported her husband through surgery for a cancerous tumor, and underwent an emergency C-section in 2024.

Despite her challenges, she said she remains thankful, using her story to inspire others to hold on to faith and hope.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid an emotional tribute to his son, Seyi Tinubu, on the occasion of his 40th birthday, declaring that his son has made the family proud and will continue to make Nigeria proud.

In a heartfelt personal message he released on Sunday, the President celebrated Seyi’s life, describing him as a man who has ‘walked his path with focus, courage, and humility,’ while devoting himself to building, serving, and uplifting others.

‘Happy 40th Birthday, my son. You have made us proud, and I know you will continue to make Nigeria proud’, the President wrote.

President Tinubu recounted Seyi’s journey from childhood to adulthood, commending his determination, creativity, and leadership, saying, ‘From an early age, you have shown determination and a desire to create and lead. I have watched you turn ideas into institutions and challenges into opportunities.’

He lauded his son’s accomplishments in both business and public service, noting that Seyi’s example reflects values that go beyond material success.

‘In business and in service, you have shown that true success is not measured by wealth or power but by the impact we make and the lives we touch,’ the President stated.

Marking 40 as a defining milestone, Tinubu described it as an age that ‘bridges youthful drive and the more profound wisdom that life brings.’

He added that Seyi had carried the Tinubu name with honour, remaining faithful to the values of ‘discipline, integrity, and hard work.’

The President also praised Seyi’s devotion to his family, commending the strong bond he shares with his wife, Layal, and their children.

‘Our entire family is proud of you. We are proud of the family you are building with Layal, your devotion as a husband and father, and your commitment to making a difference in your generation,’ he wrote.

He concluded the tribute with prayers for Seyi’s continued wisdom, good health, and peace, urging him to stay focused on inspiring others.

‘May God bless you with wisdom, good health, and peace. As you celebrate this milestone, remember that your strength lies in what you achieve and how you inspire others to believe in themselves,’ the president wrote.

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has restated its commitment to fight certificate racketeering in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

Head of Media unit for NBTE, Mrs. Fatima Abubakar, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja on behalf of the executive secretary, the agency said that it does not condone, support, or tolerate any form of certificate racketeering or academic fraud.

The NBTE was responding to a report by a national newspaper which alleged mobilisation of unqualified graduates for national service organised by the National Youth Service Corps.

The report alleged that certain private polytechnics in Nigeria were colluding with blacklisted universities in the Republic of Benin to fraudulently mobilise graduates into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) using fabricated National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates.

The NBTE said, ‘The integrity of Nigeria’s technical education system is paramount, and any institution found to be involved in such malpractice will face the full weight of regulatory sanctions.

‘In response to the allegations, the Board has initiated preliminary inquiries and has formally reached out to the NYSC and Punch Newspaper to obtain relevant information that will lead to a thorough investigation. We urge members of the public and stakeholders to remain calm and vigilant and report any suspicious activities of any TVET institution to the appropriate authorities.

‘The NBTE remains committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and will continue to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Education and other agencies to ensure that the credibility of Nigeria’s Polytechnic education is not compromised.

‘We appreciate the Nigerian press, especially the recent cases of investigative journalism in the country, leading to cleaning up our system and wish to reaffirm the commitment of the NBTE to support a transparent restitution of the entire educational and related sectors to institute integrity at all levels and sanctioning of erring institutions, which may include withdrawal of operational licenses and prosecution.’

Eminent Nigerian leaders on Sunday paid glowing tributes to the late Professor of Political Science and President of the Institute of Governance and Social Research, Prof. Jonah Isawa Elaigwu, especially his research on leadership and the Nigerian polity.

The dignitaries described the late scholar as a ‘lost gem,’ saying the ‘global academic community has been dealt a heavy blow.’

Former Heads of State, Generals Ibrahim Babangida, Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar; former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark; former Senate President, Senator Iyorchia Ayu; and former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Joshua Dariye, were among the dignitaries who honoured the late scholar on Friday night in Abuja at a Night of Tributes held in his memory.

Born on March 10, 1948, in Otukpo, Benue State, Professor Elaigwu died Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the age of 77.

General Babangida (rtd) described Prof. Elaigwu as an exemplary patriot, an intellectual giant, and a truly international colossus in the field of political science.

Reflecting on their association, Babangida said Elaigwu had a fulfilling career as a scholar, teacher, and researcher in universities and institutions around the world, noting that his sterling reputation was what brought them together.

The former Nigerian leader, who was represented by Ambassador Godwin Adama at the event, said, ‘It was his reputation that brought me into contact with him as a major intellectual powerhouse. I am proud to recall that when I had the privilege of leading our nation, Prof. Elaigwu was one of those whom I invited to join us in the Presidential Advisory Committee, which we set up to enlarge the intellectual horizon of our policy framework for national governance.

‘The PAC became the intellectual powerhouse and sounding board for our various reforms and governance policies. In that context, Prof. Elaigwu became an invaluable resource in matters of federalism, political science, and democratic experimentation. Since our political reform process involved a lot of experimentation with various forms of elections and constituency management strategies, Prof. Elaigwu collaborated effectively with his political science colleagues to strengthen our administration.’

He added that Prof. Elaigwu was an easy-going, candid, and down-to-earth colleague who approached every task with calmness and camaraderie.

‘He was always where we needed him and discharged the obligations attached to his functions with compulsive equanimity and delightful camaraderie,’ he said.

Babangida noted that even after retiring from academia, Elaigwu continued to play a leading role in his field, serving as President of the Institute of Governance and Social Research and maintaining his position as an international expert on federalism’.

On his part, former Head of State, General Abubakar (rtd), described the late professor as a distinguished scholar whose contributions to constitutional democracy, the economy, and federalism remain indelible.

Abubakar, whose tribute was delivered by Ambassador Nicholas Ella, noted that Prof. Elaigwu had served on several presidential committees and boards of educational institutions and provided policy guidance to multilateral institutions such as the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, and the United States Agency for International Development.

He said, ‘Late Professor Elaigwu was patriotic and passionate about research, teaching, and training throughout his lifetime. I found him to be courageous, dedicated, and loyal – a true educationist who gave all his life to serving his country, the education sector, and humanity,’ he said.

Similarly, General Gowon (rtd) said he lost a dear friend when Prof. Elaigwu passed away in July, nearly 47 years after their first meeting in August 1978.

Gowon, who was represented by Solomon Asemota (SAN), said: ‘August 1978 was three years after the end of my tenure as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. At that time, I had resolved to stop granting interviews, particularly in the wake of my becoming the target of a government witch-hunt which sought to implicate me in the failed coup of February 13, 1976, in which my successor was killed.

‘Prof. Elaigwu, having recently completed his PhD at Stanford University in the United States, returned to Nigeria eager to continue his research on leadership and the Nigerian polity. Perhaps the circumstances surrounding my ouster from office piqued his intellectual curiosity and led to our introduction.

‘He was determined to get me to speak, whereas I was determined to keep my counsel. Through the intervention of my close friend, the late Prof. Ishaya Audu, he eventually secured the interview that resulted in his critically acclaimed book, Gowon: A Scholarly Biography of a Soldier-Statesman.’

Gowon said Prof. Elaigwu thoroughly deserved his reputation as an ‘elder of the political science discipline’ and the ‘foremost authority on comparative federalism and civil-military relations.’

He added that beyond the classroom, Elaigwu served Nigeria in various capacities, including as Director-General of the National Council on Inter-Governmental Relations, and through the Institute of Governance and Social Research, which he founded in Jos – institutions that remain his enduring legacy.

Also speaking at the event, former Senate President Mark said Prof. Elaigwu had created a deep void not only in academia but also in Nigeria’s intellectual landscape.

He described him as a pathfinder, a leading light and an inspirational figure in Benue State and across Nigeria, noting that his intellectual depth, clarity of thought and passion for nation-building inspired generations of scholars and leaders.

Mark said, ‘A consummate academic, visionary thinker, and community leader, Prof. Elaigwu dedicated his life to the pursuit of an egalitarian and just society. His works and teachings transcended the walls of the university, influencing governance, policy, and the broader quest for national unity. His departure is a monumental loss, coming at a time when humanity most needs his voice and wisdom.

‘As we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life well spent in service to knowledge, humanity, and country. May the Almighty grant eternal rest to his soul.’

Former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ayu, recalled that Prof. Elaigwu joined the University of Jos, where he was lecturing at the time, from Zaria in 1979.

He described him as a hardworking and erudite scholar who imparted knowledge without prejudice.

‘He didn’t care whether you were a Yoruba, Tiv, Hausa, or Igbo; he mentored people across all backgrounds and related well with everyone,’ Ayu said.

He advised the Institute of Governance and Social Research to compile all of Prof. Elaigwu’s works in political science into a comprehensive collection, noting that, ‘they will become invaluable source books not only for political science but for the social sciences in Nigeria.’

Also, former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Dariye, described Prof. Elaigwu’s contributions to knowledge and nation-building as immense and invaluable, especially through the promotion of research on Nigeria and Africa’s socio-economic and political challenges via the Institute of Governance and Social Research, which he established.

He said, ‘Nigeria and humanity have lost a gem. The global academic community has been dealt a heavy blow. Prof., you were a foremost authority in comparative federalism and civil-military relations, apart from being a towering figure in political science.

‘You were a man of robust intellect, an erudite scholar, and a cerebral author. Indeed, you were credited with writing the concept paper for the National Council on Intergovernmental Relations, of which you became the pioneer Director-General.

‘You were a patriot who believed in a great nation called Nigeria. When I was Governor of Plateau State, you were an invaluable consultant to us. At a personal level, you supported me like a younger brother – unassuming and God-fearing.’

He added that with his passing, indeed, an iroko tree has fallen, noting that: ‘God’s ways are mysterious. Prof., you ran a worthy and enviable race and have gone the way of all mortals,’ he added.

The federal government’s effort to expand trade infrastructure and decongest the nation’s seaports has received a boost as the Ogun state government officially handed over 130 hectares of land to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for the construction of the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port.

The handover marks a major milestone in the Federal Government’s trade facilitation agenda and paves the way for developing a logistics and cargo hub in Ijebu-Ode to boost intermodal transport connectivity and ease pressure on Lagos ports.

Speaking during the signing of the Transfer of Rights, Control, and Possession on behalf of the Federal Government, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olufemi Oloruntola, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the project within a short period.

‘The federal government remains committed to completing the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port swiftly. This development is part of our broader efforts to enhance port efficiency, strengthen regional trade logistics, and promote seamless cargo movement across the country,’ he said.

Representing Governor Dapo Abiodun at the ceremony, the Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo said the land transfer demonstrates the state’s readiness to partner with the Federal Government to advance Nigeria’s trade infrastructure and diversify its transport system.

‘The state has provided land to the Federal Government to facilitate the construction of the inland port terminal within the Ijebu-Ode economic cluster area. This initiative will significantly improve intermodal transportation in the state and help decongest the Western Ports,’ he said.

The ceremony was attended by key maritime stakeholders, including the Director of Maritime Services, Dr. Mercy Ilori; the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Pius Akutah; and officials of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), who all expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact.

The Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port is part of the Federal Government’s wider inland dry port initiative aimed at decentralising cargo handling and stimulating economic growth in the hinterlands. Similar projects are underway in Ibadan, Kano, Funtua, and Jos, aligning with the administration’s goal of improving logistics efficiency and reducing trade costs nationwide.

When completed, the Ijebu-Ode facility is expected to enhance cargo distribution, attract investment, and position Ogun State as a major logistics hub within the South-West economic corridor.

Afrobeats singer Iyanya has appealed for greater empathy toward celebrities, especially men, who face intense pressure under the spotlight.

In a post on X, the singer reminded fans that public figures are human beings with emotions and personal battles, despite the glamour associated with fame.

‘We need to understand that celebs are humans with deep feelings and struggles like everyone else. Beyond the media glamorisation of their lives is a person yearning to just be human,’ he wrote.

Iyanya added that male celebrities, in particular, often endure the burden of concealing their vulnerabilities to meet public expectations of strength and composure.

‘For male celebrities, perhaps there may be an even deeper level of struggle to come back up when one has hit a low – because men are wired to be stoic, not show vulnerability, not ask for help, or they’d be considered weak,’ he added.

Two sisters caused a scene at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Sunday after missing their NG Eagle flight, leading to a heated argument and physical altercation.

According to the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, the sisters, in their rage, also scattered luggage and other items around the terminal.

Airport security personnel reportedly intervened and took the women to the interrogation office, but the situation escalated further as they continued exchanging blows until one of them fainted.

Achimugu, who shared the incident on his official X handle, @mikeachimugu01, described it as ‘the strangest thing’ he had witnessed at the airport.

He added that despite one sister collapsing, the other refused medical assistance, insisting that their ordeal was ‘spiritual.’

‘Perhaps one of them blamed her sibling for their missing flight (not sure), but these two siblings began to fight each other. They scattered luggage and other items before being dragged to the interrogation office by airport security.

‘Inside, they began to fight again until one of them fainted. Calls were made for an ambulance to take her to the hospital, but her sister said that the problem is more spiritual than medical and, therefore, did not need a hospital.

‘She is presently receiving attention at the FAAN clinic. Hopefully, she makes a recovery. This is not how things should be’.

Singer-songwriter Johnny Drille has explained what makes a hit song, admitting that no artist can truly predict when a track will blow up.

Speaking on a recent podcast, the Mavin Records artist reflected on his creative process with Don Jazzy, revealing that even their popular hit wasn’t originally intended to top the charts.

‘I don’t think when we were making it, we thought, ‘Oh, this is going to be a huge song,” he said. ‘I don’t think anybody ever knows what a hit song is going to be until it just goes out and does its thing.’

Johnny Drille also found humor in artists who confidently label their upcoming releases as ‘hit tracks.’

‘Sometimes I laugh when I see people say, ‘I’m about to release my next hit track,’ and I’m like, bro, you don’t know what’s going to hit. A lot of the time, people who release the biggest songs didn’t even know it would be a hit,’ he remarked.

The singer further explained that even with strong production, investment, and marketing, success in music is never certain.

‘You can make fantastic music, be hopeful, tick all the boxes, and still, it just doesn’t pop. I think it’s a combination of good luck, timing, and the audience liking what they like. They just do what they want with the song,’ he said.

He concluded by advising artists to focus on what they can control – the music itself.

‘For the artist, there’s not really much you can do beyond creating beautiful music,’ he added.

The Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Omolola Oloworaran, has reaffirmed that the ongoing recapitalisation exercise remains central to the Commission’s reform strategy aimed at strengthening the pension sector against financial shocks, enhancing efficiency, and safeguarding contributors’ funds.

Speaking at the Commission’s 2025 Customer Service Week Seminar in Abuja, themed ‘Mission Possible,’ Oloworaran described the recapitalisation drive as a crucial step toward bolstering the financial resilience and long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s pension industry.

According to her, the exercise is designed to ensure that Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) are adequately capitalised to secure pension assets, promote fair competition, and maintain public confidence in the system.

‘With the continuous growth of pension assets and the expanding participation base of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), recapitalisation has become critical to align the industry’s capital structure with its operational and investment realities,’ she said.

Oloworaran noted that the initiative forms part of the Commission’s new reform framework, Pension 2.0, which focuses on innovation, inclusion, and integrity as the next phase of Nigeria’s pension development.

Under this framework, PenCom has introduced landmark reforms such as the Guideline on the Administration of Retirement Savings Accounts in Foreign Currency, which allows Nigerians in the diaspora and those in foreign employment to participate in the CPS, and the *Personal Pension Plan (PPP) designed to integrate self-employed and informal sector workers into the pension system.

To further drive inclusion, the Commission has developed a Framework for the Engagement of Accredited Pension Agents to promote the Personal Pension Plan in rural and underserved areas. Additionally, PenCom has issued Revised Guidelines for Corporate Governance for Licensed Pension Fund Operators (LPFOs) to strengthen ethical conduct, accountability, and transparency across the industry – key complements to the recapitalisation policy.

‘Recapitalisation, combined with strong governance standards, ensures that operators remain financially sound and accountable to contributors and retirees. Our mission is to build a sustainable and customer-focused pension system that Nigerians can trust,’ Oloworaran stated.

She added that under the Pension 2.0 agenda, PenCom would continue to modernise pension operations through digital innovation, improved service delivery, and stronger stakeholder collaboration.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Ngozi Akinbodewa, Head of Operations at SERVICOM, represented by Duruba Sesugh, urged PenCom to ensure that retirees receive their benefits promptly. She commended the Commission for celebrating its employees’ dedication to improving customer service and ensuring positive user experiences within the pension sector.