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Nigeria has officially submitted a bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja, marking a bold and historic move to bring the world’s most prestigious motorsport event to West Africa for the first time.

If successful, the Abuja Grand Prix would signal the return of Formula 1 racing to the African continent after more than three decades.

The last time an African country hosted a Grand Prix was in 1993, when the Kyalami Circuit in South Africa welcomed the global racing community.

According to government sources, the proposal is part of Nigeria’s broader plan to diversify its economy through sports, tourism, and international partnerships. The bid enjoys strong support from both the Ministry of Sports Development and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), which have promised world-class infrastructure and security for the event.

Sports analysts say the Abuja Grand Prix could become one of Africa’s biggest sporting spectacles, attracting thousands of visitors, boosting hospitality and transport sectors, and creating new opportunities for local businesses.

Motorsport fans across the continent have also expressed excitement over the news, describing it as a major step forward for African representation in global racing.

Formula 1 management is expected to review Nigeria’s bid alongside other countries before making a final announcement in the coming months.

If approved, Abuja could soon join the ranks of iconic Grand Prix cities such as Monaco, Silverstone, and Singapore, putting Nigeria firmly on the global motorsport map.

Nigerian socialite and actress May Edochie has opened up about how she met her estranged husband, Nollywood actor Yul Edochie, revealing that their relationship began long before fame and marriage.

Speaking on a recent lifestyle podcast, May shared that their first encounter happened at a General Certificate Examination (GCE) centre during her early university days.

According to her, she had just moved from Lagos to pursue a degree at Enugu State University, while Yul was studying at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) at the time.

‘Way back in school when I went to the East for my university, I’m a bookworm. It’s always been about books for me. We didn’t meet at a party or any glamorous setting, we met at a GCE centre,’ she said.

U.S. President, Donald Trump has said he will celebrate his 80th birthday with a martial arts cage fight on the White House lawn next year.

According to Trump in a speech in the state of Virginia on Sunday, the event will feature the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and will take place on June 14.

The UFC is the largest professional league for mixed martial arts (MMA), a full-contact combat sport that blends techniques from boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and other martial arts.

Unlike professional wrestling, UFC fights are not choreographed, and it is not uncommon for blood to be drawn or for a fighter to be beaten unconscious.

UFC boss, Dana White, is an ardent Trump fan and a staunch loyalist who campaigned openly for him and has remained a key supporter.

Trump also has long been an admirer of the UFC and has appeared ringside at several events.

When Trump initially floated the idea in June, he linked it to the 250th independence anniversary of U.S. coming up in July.

He however did not explain why his own birthday has now been chosen as the occasion, while speaking before soldiers at Norfolk Naval Base.

In September, the White House released mock-ups previewing the June event to i a classic UFC-style octagon set up on the South Lawn, surrounded by spectator stands and framed by a massive floodlit arch.

White said the UFC would spend about 700,000 dollars to restore the lawn after the event.

The fighters’ weigh-in, traditionally staged as a dramatic face-off, is planned for the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall located about 2 kilometres from the White House.

Built more than a century ago, the memorial will serve as a grand backdrop for the opening salvo of Trump’s birthday brawl.

Tension is mounting in Edo State following the government’s continued silence over the controversial inauguration of Pastor Josephine Ivbaguezejele as Iyaloja (market leader) of the state.

The event, conducted six days ago by the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has sparked outrage and ethnic divisions across the state.

A viral video of the ceremony, reportedly held inside the Government House, Benin City, shows Mrs. Tinubu-Ojo and Mrs. Edesiri Okpebholo Anani, Coordinator in the Office of the First Lady, officiating the installation.

The development has drawn protests from market women, who described Josephine as a non-Benin and condemned the act as a direct affront to the authority of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II.

Earlier, during Tinubu-Ojo’s visit to the Benin Palace to introduce Josephine, the Oba had firmly rejected the idea of an ‘Iyaloja-General,’ declaring it alien to Benin culture and tradition.

‘When you mentioned Iyaloja, meaning Iyeki-General as they say, this is a bit alien to us here in Benin,’ the monarch stated, adding that ‘Every Iyeki (market leader) has a special relationship with the palace. Each is autonomous, and there is no general leader.’

The Oba further explained that market women leaders serve both administrative and spiritual functions, including maintaining market shrines and reporting to the spirits on behalf of the palace.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has cautioned against what it termed the ‘desecration of Benin customs and traditions.’

In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Dan Osa-Ogbegie, Esq., the party described the alleged installation as a grave affront to Benin’s centuries-old institutions.

‘The Oba is the living repository of Benin native law, custom, and tradition; his pronouncements on heritage matters are final and must be treated with the reverence they deserve,’ the statement read.

‘We are particularly alarmed that this affront to our institutions was permitted with the apparent connivance or complacency of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration and officials attached to the Government House. Such flouting of palace protocol cannot be normalised or excused as a mere accident.’

As of press time on Monday, efforts to obtain the state government’s reaction were unsuccessful, as calls to the mobile line of the Commissioner for Information, Paul Ohonbamu, went unanswered.

Nigerian music and entertainment company, Chocolate City Group has inaugurated a one million dollars ‘Founders Fund’, to support creative startups across Nigeria, offering equity investment and operational mentorship.

In a statement on Monday, the group said the funds would target early-stage companies in film, music and creative technology.

The fund, inaugurated during the group’s 20th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday in Lagos, was also aimed at addressing the financing challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the growing creative economy.

The fund is being implemented in partnership with Co-Creation Hub (CCHub).

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa said that private sector investment was critical for creative economy development.

‘Nigeria’s creative industries can contribute significantly to economic diversification and youth development but entrepreneurs need partners who understand both the creative and business dimensions.

‘This fund demonstrates the leadership we need from successful Nigerian companies,’ she said.

Chairman of the group, Audu Maikori, said that the fund was designed to address gaps the organisation faced while building Chocolate City.

Maikori said the funds would target companies that combine creative vision with business discipline.

‘The reality on ground is that financial institutions struggle to understand creative businesses.

‘Investors want immediate returns, so young entrepreneurs with genuine potential get stuck.

‘To solve this, we’re providing patient capital from people who’ve built sustainable creative businesses in this market,’ he said.

Also, the Vice-chairman of Chocolate City, Paul Okeugo emphasised that capital alone does not build successful companies.

Okeugo said: ‘We’re offering hands-on mentorship in rights management, contract negotiation, and sustainable business practices.

‘These are the structures that allowed us to remain independent while competing globally.’

The Managing Director of CCHub, Ojoma Ochai, said the partnership became necessary because it combined Chocolate City’s industry knowledge with CCHub’s startup development infrastructure to create comprehensive support for creative entrepreneurs.

‘We understand what creative entrepreneurs need to scale sustainability,’ he said.

The fund, which will open for applications this month, will focus on startups that have demonstrated traction, possess clear business models, and show potential for job creation.

The selection criteria would also prioritise sustainability over rapid scale.

The 10th Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has passed over 50 bills into law in just over two years, according to Kenny Okolugbo, Consultant, Communications and Strategy Office of the Senate President.

Okolugbo, who shared the update on his official Facebook page, described the legislative achievements as ‘uncommon,’ noting that the Senate has been active in shaping national policies despite fiscal and operational challenges.

‘The 10th Senate has not only passed more than fifty bills, but it has also ensured critical laws like the Tax Reform Bill, NELFUND Act, and the establishment of five regional development commissions were signed into law,’ Okolugbo said. ‘These measures have directly impacted education, social welfare, and local development across the country.’

He further highlighted the Senate’s commitment to oversight and policy intervention, noting that it had extended capital projects for 2024 and 2025 budgets and convened summits to address national security challenges.

Okolugbo also praised Akpabio’s leadership style, describing him as a ‘man in a hurry to achieve results,’ drawing a parallel with his tenure as Akwa Ibom governor from 2007 to 2015, which he said ‘set the tone for the developmental pace now visible in the Senate.’

According to the aide, town hall engagements are planned across the six geopolitical zones to brief the public, especially youths, on the gains of the 10th Senate and to solicit feedback on issues still affecting Nigerians.

‘The Senate remains focused on delivering results, and under the leadership of President Akpabio, Nigerians are being kept informed of the progress being made,’ he concluded.

Hollywood actor and model Keith Powers, has announced his engagement to fellow American actress and singer, Ryan Destiny.

The Duo, made their engagement known with a joint Instagram post on Sunday, with a series of romantic pictures.

‘Engaged to the love of my life,’ they wrote.

The couple started dating in 2018, and have openly declared their love for each other on countless occasions.

Ryan in an interview with People in February, stated that Keith is her biggest cheerleader.

‘I just love him so much and I just appreciate him every step of the way. He’s such a cheerleader for me, as I am for him. It just means everything,’ she said.

Keith also expressed his admiration and love for his partner, stating that he learns a lot from her.

‘It’s just like we’re so locked in and we just get each other’s jokes and it’s just easy. We just flow honestly. And she teaches me a lot. I don’t know if I teach her stuff, but she teaches me so much. She’s made me a better artist, so it’s been great,’ he said.

No fewer than 10,000 less privileged persons across the 44 Local Government Areas of Kano State are to receive N20,000 each from the foundation of Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin.

The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate, Ismail Mudashir, in a statement, said the selection process for the programme will commence on Thursday, October 9, 2025, with the distribution of forms.

The cash disbursement is being carried out by the Barau I. Jibrin Foundation (BIJF), established by the Deputy President of the Senate.

The Foundation has undertaken various programmes, including a foreign postgraduate scholarship for indigent students in Kano State.

He said the initiative is part of Senator Barau’s efforts to have a direct impact on the lives of the less privileged individuals in the state.

‘ A total of 6,500 persons would be selected from the Kano North Senatorial District, with each of the 13 LGAs set to produce 500 beneficiaries. One hundred twelve individuals (112) will be selected from each local government area in Kano Central and South Senatorial Districts.

‘This is in addition to the numerous interventions of the Deputy President of the Senate in the areas of education, healthcare, agriculture, security and transportation, among others. The Deputy President of the Senate remains committed to empowering the people.

‘ Empowering women and youth is a central focus of His Excellency’s initiatives, which aim to foster development and growth in the North and the country at large,’ he said.

Big Brother Naija Season 10 winner, Imisi, opened up on her plans for the grand prize of 150 million naira.

While speaking with Biggie during her final diary session, Imisi stated that she plans to seek professional financial advise before spending the money.

Imisi also revealed that she has no concrete plan for the grand prize but would like to take her time to avoid making financial mistakes.

‘Honestly, right now I don’t have a set plan for the money. I need to seek financial advice first because I’ve never had such a large amount before. I’ve seen people make mistakes after winning big, so I want to take my time and make the right choices,’ she noted.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Office of the National Security Adviser and other top government officials for their roles in finding solution to the dispute between it and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

Dangote, in a statement on Sunday hailed the government officials for their role in resolving what it described as the ‘disruptive actions of PENGASSAN’ against the refinery.

‘Dangote Refinery is grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, for his intervention, through his ministers and senior officials, which resulted in the abatement of the disruptive actions of PENGASSAN against the Refinery.

‘We remain very grateful to these officials for their patriotism and national service,’ it said in a statement on Sunday.

The company also expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their supportive voices and words of encouragement during the battle with PENGASSAN

‘You gave us hope and reinforced our belief in the Nigerian nation and people as the backbone of our enterprise.

‘Be assured that we would continue to work for and in your interest and persist in always protecting that interest against rent seekers, economic saboteurs and economic squatters.

‘To our loyal workers, who ensured that our operations were not disrupted even for a second, we thank and appreciate you,’ the company stated.

Dangote also assured assured Nigerians that it would not relent in serving the nation faithfully and diligently through the uninterrupted production of petroleum products.

‘Our commitment to the Nigerian nation and our pact with its people remain undiluted, undiminished and unalterable notwithstanding the distractions from our detractors and the saboteurs in our midst,’ the statement added.

Recall that PENGASSAN last Wednesday called off its industrial dispute with Dangote Refinery after government’s intervention.

The strike was initially triggered by the reported mass sack of more than 800 Nigerian workers by Dangote Petrochemicals and Fertiliser Limited after they voluntarily subscribed to join PENGASSAN.

The President of PENGASSAN, Mr Festus Osifo, said the union decided to suspend the strike out of respect for institutions, in spite of serious concerns over loopholes in the government-brokered agreement reached with Dangote management.

‘Even with our doubts about Dangote’s sincerity, we have chosen the moral high ground. Nigerians must see PENGASSAN as patriotic, law-abiding and committed to sustaining national economic stability,’ he stated.

Osifo said the union’s main demand was full reinstatement of the affected workers, but government instead opted for redeployment within related companies owned by the Dangote Group.

‘Our position was simple: bring them back to their original jobs. Government proposed a middle ground instead, and that remains our greatest reservation with the settlement,’ Osifo explained.

He added that the union accepted the compromise reluctantly, noting that the most important thing now was to get the affected workers back to earning and feeding their families.

However, Osifo made it clear that PENGASSAN would not be misled by unfulfilled promises or prolonged delays.

‘We will not wait endlessly if nothing happens.

‘We suspended the action in good faith to respect government. But the moment we detect any foul play or gimmicks, we will return to the trenches immediately,’ he said. (NAN)