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The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has approved the commencement of commercial flight operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport.

The development followed the expiration of the airport’s initial non-scheduled flight permit in December 2024 and the successful fulfillment of regulatory requirements.

The approval was disclosed in a letter dated October 3, 2025, addressed to Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and signed by the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Engineer Godwin Balang.

According to the letter with reference number NCAA/DAAS/TECH//043/Vol. 1/158, the new approval for scheduled commercial flights, which takes effect from October 2, 2025, is valid for an initial period of six months.

It added that the agency conducted a validation inspection of the airport between June 16 and 19, 2025, which confirmed that the facility had met the essential operational requirements for scheduled flight services.

The letter reads, ‘The outcome revealed that the basic operational requirements for scheduled flight operations to Ado-Ekiti Airport have been significantly complied with, and the instrument flight check validation report conducted by NAMA indicates satisfactory compliance with regulatory requirements.

‘In view of the above and in line with the provisions of Nig CARs Part 12 Vol. 1, 2023, I have been directed to convey the Authority’s Interim Operational Permit subject to the limitations of VFR or daylight (sunrise to sunset) operations.

‘Furthermore, Your Excellency is respectfully invited to note that this interim Operational Permit is to enable Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport to implement outstanding gaps and commence the certification process, which will allow for issuance of Aerodrome Operational Permit with a three-year validity in accordance with the Nig.CARS Part 12 Vol.1.

Reacting to the development, Governor Oyebanji, in a statement on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, described the approval as a major boost to the economic growth of Ekiti State, noting that commercial flight operations would enhance agribusiness, tourism, commerce, and medical tourism in the state.

‘This is another bold step in our quest to make Ekiti a preferred destination for people looking for where to live, work, invest, and relax,’ the Governor said.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for subnational growth, and also appreciated his predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, for initiating the airport project in 2019.

The governor equally acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), as well as the Airport Implementation Committee, for their roles in making the project a reality.

He disclosed that it is at an advanced stage of installing an Instrument Landing System (ILS) to enable the airport to operate safely at night and under all weather conditions.

Actress and producer Bukky Amos-Bello has announced the passing of her father, Olaniyi Mofolorunsho Amos.

In a touching Instagram post, she shared a photo of her late father and fondly recalled the special memories they shared.

She expressed gratitude for her father’s love and presence throughout her life, describing him as her ‘forever ajitannawo’ and the best father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Amos-Bello wrote on Instagram, ‘Today, Monday, 6th Oct 2025 @8.25am (naija time) my clock stopped- my mirror was shattered- my first love, my forever love, my world, my supporter, my role model, babami, olokomi, alabaromi, olubadamoranmi, my one and only, abiyamo toooooto- goodnight my father. Sleep tight, Babami. O daaro babami Alamu.. I will always love u. Thank U for being the best.’

Bukky revealed that her father had promised to depart only after witnessing her become a grandmother, a promise he fulfilled before his passing.

‘Babami Amos, Olaniyi, Mofolorunsho, Alamu Oladapo- goodnight. Thank u for sharing your life with me. Thank u for being my ‘forever ajitannawo’, thank you for being the best father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. I’m typing this smiling- u said you’ll leave after replacing my love 4 u, u waited until I became a grandmother. The sparkles in your eyes when I gave u the news. Thank you for sharing your last moment with me- I’ll 4ever cherish those eyes that were wide open just for me last night. Babami- this hurts sooooooo deep, your passing hurts so deep, but thank you for fulfilling all your promises. I’ll always love u.. Sleep tight omo olofamojo,’ she added.

Popular skit maker Samuel Bankole, better known as Samuel Banks lost his newly purchased iPhone 17 Pro Max during the Luli Concert in Lagos.

The content creator, who recently celebrated acquiring a new home, had been actively promoting the concert organized by the Celestial Church of Christ, expressing excitement about the event and what fans could expect.

In a promotional video ahead of the show, which took place on Friday at Tafawa Balewa Square, Samuel was seen wearing his signature white garment.

However, a viral video now circulating online shows a visibly distraught Samuel Banks searching for his missing phone alongside his partner and several others.

The comedian was seen pacing nervously while discussing the situation with a man nearby, as his partner stood by looking worried.

Onlookers were also seen trying to call his number in hopes of finding the device, but their efforts proved unsuccessful.

The incident added to a growing list of celebrity phone thefts. A few years ago, popular DJ Florence Otedola, widely known as DJ Cuppy, had her phone snatched in London while walking down the street.

Leaders from the Three Ibie/Okpekpe zone in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State have dismissed the allegation of political marginalisation of ‘North Ibie’ region, describing the claims as false, misleading, and mischievous.

The clarification followed a publication credited to Abdullahi Shuaibu, accusing political leaders in Etsako East council area of sidelining the ‘North Ibie’ area in the sharing of political positions since 1999.

In a statement by the Chief Administrator of the People of Imiegba Village Square (Home and Abroad), Three Ibie, Etsako East, the leaders said that there was no officially recognized area known as the ‘North Ivie’ in the local government.

According to him, the correct structure consists of the three Ibie Clans namely the Imiegba, Itsukwi, and Imiakebu and the Okpekpe Clan.

Ekiogwe expressed concern that the claims of marginalization was capable of creating tension and disunity among the people of Etsako East, noting that the allegations were purely self-serving and intended to mislead the public.

‘The so-called Abdullahi Shuaibu is unknown to our political, traditional, and community leadership structures. His purported representation of the zone is false, fraudulent, and does not reflect our collective reality,’ the statement read.

He added that the zone had benefited immensely from political inclusion over the years, producing several prominent figures who have held strategic elective and appointive positions at both local and state levels.

Ekiogwe noted that the zone has, over the years, produced prominent political figures who have made significant contributions to governance at various levels.

Among them are two members of the Edo State House of Assembly, the late Hon. J.B. Momoh and Rt. Hon. Engr. Abubakar Momoh as well as a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, who currently serves as a Federal Minister.

He added the zone has also produced two substantive council chairmen, Engr. Abubakar Momoh and Hon. Benedicta Attoh; an acting chairman, Hon. Attoh; and four vice chairmen,Edward Imanobe, Haruna Yaro Yaro, Benedicta Attoh, and Charles Dagana all of whom have played key roles in advancing the development of Etsako East.

Ekiogwe further said zone also produced the current Etsako East APC Chairman, Mr. Okponokhe, further proving that the

Three Ibie/Okpekpe zone has not been marginalized in political participation or representation.

He noted that APC in Etsako East had consistently upheld equity and fairness in political zoning, adding that the party’s recent decision to zone the Edo State House of Assembly seat to the Three Ibie/Okpekpe zone further demonstrated inclusiveness.

He cautioned individuals against using the media to propagate divisive narrative or to seek political recognition outside established party structures, stating that ‘loyalty to one’s political party and due consultation with leaders remain the only credible path to elective offices, not media propaganda’.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has stepped down from his position, marking the beginning of a transition to a new administration within the electoral body.

Yakubu, who was sworn in for a second five-year term on December 9, 2020, announced his decision during a meeting with the commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on Tuesday.

Following his exit, one of INEC’s National Commissioners, Barrister May Agbamuche-Mbu, has assumed office as Acting Chairman pending the appointment of a substantive head by the President.

Agbamuche-Mbu, a National Commissioner from the South, currently heads INEC’s Legal Services, Clearance and Complaints Committee (LSCCC).

Yakubu’s stepping down aligns with the constitutional term limit, as he had previously vacated the position at the end of his first term in November 2020 before being reappointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

In an emotional farewell speech, the outgoing chairman expressed deep gratitude to INEC staff and Resident Electoral Commissioners for their dedication, commitment, and hard work throughout his tenure.

Some prominent stakeholders in Nigeria including religious leaders, business figures, and civil society advocates have appealed for calm and sustained dialogue in the labour dispute between the Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

They unanimously lamented that the recent industrial strike had sent out wrong signals to investors.

These eminent Nigerians noted that while government mediation and renewed talks had de-escalated the crisis, the episode exposed risk to investor confidence and efforts to restore domestic refining capacity.

This joint statement was signed by: Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, Aisha Yesufu, Arunma Oteh, Atedo Peterside CON, Bishop Matthew Kukah CON, Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman.

Others are: Dudu Mamman Manuga, Ibrahim Dahiru Waziri, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, Sarkin Kano, Obonganwan Barbara Etim James, Opeyemi Adamolekun, Osita Chidoka and Senator Sola Akinyede.

According to the statement, the refinery’s operations have already contributed to a drop in petrol prices – from around ?1,500 to about ?820 per litre – representing a 55 percent reduction in some areas.

This, they said, has begun to ease the burden of transport and food costs on ordinary Nigerians.

Recall PENGASSAN had last week shut down critical oil and gas facilities over allegations that Dangote refinery sacked 800 workers who joined the union.

But Dangote refinery said it only sacked a few workers who were sabotaging the facility, saying this was part of the company’s reorganisation.

The oil and gas workers embarked on a strike in defence of their colleagues, causing the nation losses in oil and gas production as well as a drop in power generation.

The intervention of the Federal Government restored normalcy as PENGASSAN suspended the strike after the Dangote Group was asked to redeploy the sacked workers to other business units.

The statement reads, ‘We, the undersigned, note with concern the recent disputes and disruptions surrounding the Dangote Refinery. Although the immediate crisis has been de-escalated through government mediation and renewed dialogue between labour and management, the episode raises important lessons for Nigeria’s economic future.

‘For decades, Nigerians endured the collapse of government-owned refineries, the waste of trillions of naira in subsidies, and dependence on fuel imports.

‘These failures left citizens exposed to scarcity, inflation, and insecurity. In this context, the Dangote Refinery represents more than a private venture; it is a national symbol of what bold domestic investment can achieve.

‘Already, the refinery has begun to ease supply pressures, with petrol prices in some parts of the country dropping from around ?1,500 per litre to about ?820 – a 55% reduction. This impact on transport costs and food prices offers Nigerians a glimpse of how local productivity can improve daily life. It also signals to investors at home and abroad that industry, rather than speculation, can still thrive in Nigeria.

‘However, the strikes and threats that accompanied this transition send the wrong signals. Industrial disputes, if not carefully managed, risk discouraging both domestic and foreign investment at a time when Nigeria most needs capital and innovation.

They urged that workers’ rights to organise and bargain must be upheld, and those rights must not be used to hold the economy hostage.

They also called for transparency and social responsibility from large investors.

‘A refinery of this scale is a national lifeline, with profound consequences for jobs, energy security, and inflation.

‘We wish to underscore three principles: Workers’ rights must be respected. The Constitution guarantees the right to organise and to demand fair treatment. No enterprise can succeed without motivated, fairly treated workers; Markets and productivity must be protected.

‘The right to organise cannot become a license to hold the economy hostage. Productive enterprises that lower costs and create jobs must be safeguarded; Social responsibility and accountability must remain central. Investors of this magnitude must operate transparently, uphold fair labour practices, and reinvest in the communities they serve.

‘We also note that concerns about monopoly or market dominance should not be settled by disruptive industrial action.

‘Nigeria has institutions, such as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), that are mandated to assess such claims.

‘Where there are legitimate issues of pricing or dominance, the proper channel is through these statutory bodies, not strikes that harm ordinary Nigerians. Moreover, as has been noted, there is no legal monopoly here; others are free to invest in refining, provided they can mobilise the necessary resources and expertise.

‘We commend the Federal Government, labour unions, and Dangote Refinery for stepping back from confrontation and resolving this dispute through dialogue. We urge that this spirit of constructive engagement becomes a template for the future. At the same time, we must stress the dangers that such disruptions pose to investor confidence, economic stability, and Nigeria’s strategic interest in reducing dependency on imports.

‘This crisis is not about a refinery or any other business. It is about the direction of our economy: whether we will continue in a cycle of scarcity and rent-seeking or build a future anchored in productivity, fairness, and shared prosperity. The Dangote refinery represents an audacious step forward. It should not be undermined but strengthened – as a signal to other industrialists that investing in Nigeria’s future is worthwhile.’

Actor and filmmaker Yomi Fabiyi has joined other Nigerian celebrities in celebrating Big Brother Naija Season 10 winner, Imisi, whose victory has stirred excitement across the entertainment industry.

However, Fabiyi’s revelation of a personal bond with the reality star has sparked mixed reactions on social media.

Expressing his joy on Instagram following Imisi’s victory on Sunday, October 5, when she clinched the ?120 million grand prize, Fabiyi shared a throwback video from his birthday and housewarming celebration, revealing that Imisi attended the event and celebrated with him.

He described the reality star as a ‘joyful spirit’ who genuinely celebrates others, noting that her positive energy and humility inspired him to reciprocate the same support now that she has found fame.

‘She is always happy for others. She was happy for me during my birthday and housewarming, that informs why I have to reciprocate, aside from her being one of mine in Rocklaf Studio Film Academy,’ Fabiyi wrote.

The filmmaker also praised Imisi for bringing honour to his Rocklaf Studio Film Academy, describing her win as proof that humility, consistency, and hard work lead to lasting success in the entertainment industry.

In a separate post, Fabiyi expressed heartfelt gratitude to fans, colleagues, and supporters who stood by Imisi throughout the show, saying her triumph filled him with ‘overwhelming joy.’

He wrote, ‘The winner, the champion, is my girl @imisiofficial. Thank you all colleagues, friends, fans, and well-wishers. I am overwhelmed. The sound of joy and congratulations will not cease in your household either. To my IMISI, it is your time to shine. Rocklaf! We Rise Together! Congrats, dear.’

Fabiyi expressed gratitude to fans and supporters, saying Imisi’s win brought him immense joy and reaffirmed his belief in hard work and grace.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that the main online recruitment examination for all shortlisted candidates in the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant Cadres will hold on Thursday, October 9, 2025.

In a statement released via its official X handle on Tuesday, the Service described the exercise as a major milestone in its ongoing recruitment process to boost manpower across operational commands and border posts nationwide.

The NCS explained that candidates have been divided into three batches-A, B, and C-and must log in using their National Identification Number (NIN) through https://updates.customs.gov.ng to confirm their batch, date, and time of the examination.

‘Strict compliance with the assigned Batch and Time is mandatory. Failure to adhere may lead to disqualification,’ the Service warned.

It further cautioned candidates against using calculators, mobile phones, or other devices during the exam, adding that any breach of the rules could lead to disqualification.

The NCS also advised applicants to avoid multiple log-ins or switching browser windows, as such actions might disrupt their participation in the exercise.

‘Only Inspectorate and Customs Assistant Cadre candidates are to take part in this stage of the examination. Applicants of the Superintendent Cadre are not to participate at the stage,’ the statement read.

The online examination, Customs said , reflects its growing emphasis on technology-driven recruitment and personnel development, a strategy that aligns with its broader digital transformation agenda. Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, the Service has continued to modernise its operations, enhance border management efficiency, and promote transparency in staff selection and deployment.

By adopting online testing platforms, the NCS aims to reduce human interference, ensure merit-based evaluation, and reach applicants from diverse locations across the country. This approach, the Service said, not only promotes fairness but also supports Nigeria’s transition to a digital public service environment.

The Service reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, fairness, and transparency throughout the recruitment process, assuring candidates that only merit would guide selection decisions.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced plans to review its party constitution to strengthen internal democracy, enforce accountability, and ensure all organs of the party adhere to the principles of Integrity, competence, and inclusivity.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja, the Chairman, Sen. David Mark, said the review would align the party’s structures with its reform agenda and commitment to good governance.

He said the ADC’s mission is to build a rules-based institution that operates beyond individual interests and focuses on performance, transparency, and service to the people.

According to him, the committee will also develop a comprehensive code of ethics, financing rules, and compliance systems, alongside functional structures across wards, local governments, and states.

He added that the party would train organizers, build digital registers, and establish service desks to improve efficiency and accessibility.

‘The ADC will not be a party built around personalities but one guided by rules, policies, programmes, and results. We will insist on team spirit, collaboration, and internal democracy.

‘The supremacy we seek is that of our constitution and institutions over improvisation and personal whims,’ he said.

Mark emphasised that the ADC’s leadership standard is anchored on four non-negotiable pillars of character, competence, courage, and discipline, which will form the benchmark for all party and government appointments.

He said the new leadership must embody these values to set the ADC apart as a disciplined and accountable political movement.

He also announced the adoption of an ‘Integrity and Performance Compact,’ which includes transparent financial audits, procurement rules, conflict-of-interest disclosures, and gift policies.

He said the ADC would publish quarterly performance scorecards for its elected officials and adopt verifiable digital primaries to ensure clean internal elections.

Addressing governance and national reform, the former Senate President said the ADC would defend the separation of powers, strengthen oversight, and promote transparent budgeting processes that serve the public interest.

‘The ADC will restore the legislature and judiciary as true checks on power. Budgets must reflect the public good, not private appetites. We will end parallel budgets and enforce strict, transparent planning and auditing,’ he said.

He pledged that the ADC would prioritize food security, reliable power supply, job creation, and small business growth through evidence-based, people-centred policies.

On foreign policy, Mark said the ADC would promote Pan-African cooperation, regional stability, and intra-African trade by harmonizing standards, leveraging diaspora capital, and strengthening Nigeria’s leadership in the subregion.

He charged members of the NWC to begin the hard work of rebuilding the party’s foundation ahead of the 2027 elections, focusing on credible candidate selection and effective grassroots mobilization.

‘Our task is to build a party that outlives us all. Nigeria and Nigerians will accept nothing less than credible, disciplined leadership.

‘Let it be said of the ADC that we kept faith with the people, were honest in our dealings, and relentless in delivery,’ Mark said.

He, however, stressed that the ADC is not seeking power for its own sake but power to serve, transform, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations, ‘A new tomorrow is achievable, if we start the work today,’ he said.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has said that although Nigeria has made meaningful progress on the path of growth, citizens expect more deliberate efforts from lawmakers to improve their lives.

Speaking at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday, Abbas urged members of the House to adopt a forward-looking approach and focus on key national priorities in the coming months, particularly the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

He noted that while some progress had been achieved, it remained incomplete, stressing that Nigerians continue to look to the legislature for more tangible results.

‘The responsibilities before us are substantial, and the progress we have made so far is meaningful but incomplete. The Nigerian people look to us for more; they expect deliberate action that improves their daily lives.

‘The Renewed Hope government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pursued reforms to stabilise the economy, enhance security, and attract investment. These efforts require a legislature that provides rigorous oversight, crafts sound laws, and engages constructively with all arms of government.

‘Our midterm review confirms that the 10th House of Representatives has been the most productive since 1999, both in terms of legislative outputs and outcomes. Despite political and economic challenges, we have strengthened internal capacity, updated our rules, and expanded citizen participation.

‘Between June 2023 and mid-2025, the House considered 2,263 bills, passed 237, and secured Presidential assent for 50, covering power reform, student loans, cybersecurity, tax policy, and regional development. Our oversight is becoming more rigorous, with ongoing investigations and financial recoveries.

‘Crucially, constructive collaboration with the Executive has enabled timely budgets, aligned reforms and effective policy outcomes, all while preserving the legislature’s independence and demonstrating that shared goals deliver more than conflict.

‘During the recess, national indicators showed cautious optimism. Headline inflation decreased for a fifth consecutive month to 20.12 per cent, while food inflation also eased. Diplomatic measures restored United Arab Emirates (UAE) visa services and Emirates flights, reopening avenues for trade and travel. Our security agencies have disrupted insurgent networks and rescued abducted citizens.

‘While progress has been made, Nigerians still experience high living costs, underemployment, and insecurity in some areas. These challenges present opportunities for us to implement targeted legislative actions and foster ongoing engagement to create a brighter future for all.’

Speaker Abbas said the attention of the House must turn to several urgent priorities in the coming months, chief among them is the constitutional amendment.

He said ‘Eighty-seven proposals concerning devolution of powers, local government autonomy, judicial reform, and socio-economic rights await debate and voting. The national public hearing held on Monday, 22 September 2025, organised by the House Committee on Constitutional Amendment, was well-attended and highly successful, reflecting broad public interest and support.

‘We must now complete these votes and transmit the approved amendments to the State Assemblies before the end of December to enable early concurrence ahead of the election period.

‘We must also finalise electoral reforms well ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Electoral Act Amendment Bill seeks not only to strengthen measures against violence, improve access for persons with disabilities, and establish clearer timelines for resolving disputes, but also to reduce the ambiguities that trailed the last elections.

‘Our goal is to make elections less contentious and litigious, lower their cost through single-day voting, and make the process of party primaries more democratic and inclusive. Related constitutional changes include provisions for an Electoral Offences Commission. Our goal is to produce a new Electoral Act that stands the test of time.

‘Another major priority is the Reserved Seats Bill for women. Currently, women hold fewer than 5% of seats in the National Assembly, placing Nigeria among the countries with the lowest female parliamentary representation worldwide.

‘The bill proposes creating additional seats, without reallocating existing ones. These seats will be contested exclusively by women. They are entirely new and will not affect the current 109 seats in the Senate or the 360 seats in the House.

‘This arrangement preserves the mandate and aspirations of existing Members while expanding opportunities for women’s representation and helping Nigeria improve its poor global standing. I urge Members to support this historic step.

‘Security reforms remain a top priority. The debate on multi-level policing must move from theory to decisive legislative action. Creating state police through a constitutional amendment remains an option.

‘At the same time, we must strengthen community policing by revising the Police Act, 2020. While Section 19 establishes Community Policing Committees and Section 33(1) vests recruitment in the Inspector-General of Police, these provisions centralise too much authority and limit local responsiveness.

‘We should consider devolving recruitment, training, and deployment of community police officers to states under federal oversight. This would give states a greater role in shaping their security architecture while preserving national standards and coordination.

‘Economic recovery and job creation must stay at the core of our agenda. Small and medium-sized enterprises, the backbone of our economy, continue to face high costs, unreliable electricity, and limited access to credit.

‘We must utilise legislative measures to speed up the implementation of the Startup Act, vocational training hubs, and technology parks. Equally important is progressive legislation to promote renewable energy, enhance grid reliability, and attract private investment to stabilise power supply and stimulate growth.

‘The 10th House has demonstrated remarkable maturity in managing differences and has earned a reputation for stability and responsible leadership. We have maintained cohesion in a diverse chamber through inclusive decision-making, transparency in managing House affairs, effective parliamentary diplomacy, and careful floor management.

‘The tasks ahead are demanding but achievable. Nigerians will judge us not by party affiliations but by the results we deliver. Debates should be approached with substance and respect, while our legislative and oversight actions must be guided by evidence and the public interest.

‘The House of Representatives is more than a procedural body; it is an institution entrusted with shaping the nation’s future and protecting the rights of its people’.