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The Department of State Services (DSS) has released two reporters of Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, Plateau State, wrongfully arrested during the visit, on Saturday, of President Bola Tinubu, who was in the state for the burial of mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwadta Goshwe.

According to a credible security source, on hearing that some overzealous operatives had arrested Ms. Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang, who work for the radio station,

the Director-General, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, ordered their immediate release.

According to the source, the Service also immediately contacted the national president of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, and conveyed the DG’s apologies.lesde

‘The Director assured the NUJ President that the new DSS leadership treasures the importance of a free press in a democracy, and has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. He further assured the NUJ President that any officer found culpable will be appropriately sanctioned.

‘The new DG is correcting the wrongs he inherited. One of them is overzealousness. This is why the new DG has not failed to admit so whenever the Service makes mistakes. We are witnesses to several instances when the Service apologized and even compensated victims of wrongful arrests.

‘The DG is an absolute lover of human rights and press freedom. You may recall that sometime ago, the DSS DG apologized to the management of TVC over the alleged harassment and intimidation of a reporter,’ added the source.

Health and wellness retail giant Medplus has partnered with Mobihealth International to launch nationwide telehealth hubs aimed at providing Nigerians with convenient and affordable access to licensed doctors.

Announcing the collaboration in Lagos, both partners described the initiative as a visionary step toward bringing quality healthcare closer to millions through Medplus outlets across the country.

According to the partners, the Medplus-Mobihealth Telehealth partnership bridges the gap between pharmacy visits and doctor consultations, enhancing patient care and convenience.

‘Through this strategic alliance, customers across more than 140 Medplus stores in 19 states can now walk in to consult doctors virtually, access genuine medications, and receive prompt primary healthcare,’ they said.

Founder and CEO of Medplus, Mrs. Joke Bakare, said the partnership represents a transformative step in healthcare delivery.

‘Our collaboration with Mobihealth ensures every Medplus store becomes more than a pharmacy – it’s now a gateway to timely, affordable, and trusted healthcare services,’ she stated.

Similarly, Dr. Funmi Adewara, Founder and CEO of Mobihealth, described the initiative as a major milestone in expanding healthcare access across Nigeria.

‘By embedding telehealth hubs in Medplus stores, we’re empowering people to consult doctors anytime, anywhere, at an affordable rate – with guaranteed access to genuine medications,’ Adewara said.

The partnership will feature in-store telehealth booths equipped with diagnostic tools for virtual consultations, e-prescriptions filled on-site or delivered to patients’ homes, and seamless access to medical care.

Designed to serve both busy urban dwellers and underserved populations, the initiative aims to reduce wait times, lower costs, and make quality healthcare accessible nationwide.

Ahead of the resumption of plenary on Tuesday, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has summoned an emergency meeting to address the growing crisis within its ranks.

The move followed a lawsuit filed by the House Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Kingsley Chinda, against all minority parties, alleging a plot to remove him without due process in violation of the 1999 Constitution and the standing orders of the House.

Following the suit, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice J.O. Abdulmalik, granted an interim injunction directing all parties, including the National Assembly and the House leadership, to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the matter.

A notice of the emergency meeting, signed by PDP Caucus Leader Hon. Agbedi Frederick, Labour Party Caucus Leader Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, NNPP representative Hon. Muktar Umar-Zakari, and YPP Leader Hon. Peter Uzokwe, scheduled the session for 8 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025.

The notice, addressed to all minority members of the House, reads in part:

‘You are hereby invited to an emergency meeting to discuss recent developments in the minority leadership, particularly to review the lawsuit instituted by Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, against all members of minority parties in the 10th House of Representatives.’

The agenda of the meeting focuses on preparing a ‘response to the lawsuit instituted by the Minority Leader’ and addressing any other business (AOB).

Earlier on Saturday, The Nation reported that the Federal High Court halted alleged moves by some Minority Caucus members to remove Chinda (PDP, Rivers) over his perceived closeness to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The court’s interim order, issued following a suit filed on behalf of Chinda by Dr. J.Y. Musa (SAN), restrained all parties from taking further action until the case is decided.

Defendants in the suit include the National Assembly, the Clerk to the National Assembly, the House of Representatives, the Speaker, the Clerk of the House, and the leadership of the PDP, NNPP, Labour Party, APGA, SDP, ADP, and YPP.

Chinda is seeking an order restraining the Defendants, their servants, privies, officers, agents, members, howsoever described, from removing him as Minority Leader of the House of Representatives without compliance with the due process of the law or accepting/recognising any exercise by any person(s) purportedly removing him from his position as the Minority Leader of the House.

In his ruling, the Judge said, ‘It is my considered firm opinion that to ensure all the parties listed in these processes have equal playing ground by virtue of their constitutional rights enshrined in Section 36 (1) of the 1999 Constitution Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended), as well as the need to protect the res sought in the application. It is hereby ordered as follows:

‘That the applicant shall forthwith serve on all the Defendants/Respondents the Motion on Notice with Suit No:- FHC/ABJ/CS/1936/2025 filed on 16th September 2025, along with all relevant processes filed in this matter, so as not to foist a fait accompli on the outcome of the reliefs sought in this application which are also same reliefs prayed in the Motion on Notice with Suit No:- FHC/ABJ/CS/1936/2025.

‘THAT the hearing of the Motion on Notice with Suit No:- FHC/ABJ/CS/1936/ 2025 filed on 16th September 2025, shall pursuant to Section 6 (6) (b) of the 1999 Constitution Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended) be EXPEDIENTLY resolved on its MERIT by this Honourable Court for the attainment of Justice in this matter.

‘That all the concerned parties listed in this application SHALL maintain STATUS QUO in respect of the res prayed on the face of the motion ex parte pending the hearing and determination on its merit of the Motion on Notice with Suit No:- FHC/ABJ/CS/1936/2025 filed on 16th September 2025.

‘That all the Defendants/Respondents SHALL be served with Hearing Notices in respect of this matter.’

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kaduna Sector Command, has confirmed the death of four persons in a fatal crash along the Kaduna-Abuja highway on Sunday evening.

Sector Commander, Corps Commander Iliyasu Tijjani, who confirmed the incident, said the crash occurred around 4:30 p.m. at Kakau, near Gonin Gora, on the outskirts of Kaduna metropolis.

He said the accident involved a gas-laden tanker and a Toyota Hilux vehicle, both heading towards Kaduna, adding that preliminary investigations showed that the Hilux, which was on high speed, rammed into the moving tanker from behind.

‘The crash was caused by excessive speeding and dangerous overtaking,’ Tijjani stated.

According to him, five persons; four males and one female, were in the Hilux at the time of the crash.

‘Sadly, the four male occupants were confirmed dead at St. Gerard Catholic Hospital, while the only female passenger is currently receiving treatment at the FRSC Clinic, Tollgate, Kaduna,’ he said.

Tijjani added that the impact of the collision was severe, leading to significant damage to the Hilux and disruption of traffic flow on the busy highway until emergency responders cleared the scene.

He warned motorists against speeding and reckless overtaking, stressing that most road crashes on the Kaduna-Abuja highway are caused by impatience and violation of safety rules.

‘Drivers must always obey speed limits, maintain safe following distances, and avoid dangerous manoeuvres. The Corps will continue to enforce traffic regulations to save lives on our roads,’ he said.

The Sector Commander commiserated with the families of the deceased and assured that the FRSC, in collaboration with other emergency agencies, remains committed to ensuring safer road use across Kaduna State.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, held a closed-door meeting in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Saturday night.

Also in attendance were members of the Rivers State Elders Council, led by Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, and the Rivers caucus in the National Assembly.

The meeting, described as the full unification of Wike’s political family in Rivers, was seen as a major step toward ending the long-standing political rift in the state.

Pictures from the meeting were shared on Facebook by the Media Aide to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, who, however, did not disclose details of the discussions.

Olayinka simply noted that the gathering signified that the political family in Rivers State is now fully united.

He wrote, ‘FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, Chairman of the Rivers State Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule and other leaders in a meeting in Port Harcourt yesterday. The Political Family is fully united.’

Big Brother Naija housemate, Mensan, has been evicted from the ongoing ’10/10′ grand finale.

The eviction, announced by show host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, marks a crucial turning point as the remaining housemates – Imisi, Dede, Kola, Jason Jae, Koyin, and Sultana – battle for the ultimate prize.

The reality show, which premiered on July 26-27, 2025, is set to conclude today, October 5, 2025.

Mensan’s exit adds to the tension, setting the stage for an electrifying finale where the top contenders will vie for the coveted title and grand reward.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development and Chairman of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), Dr. Dele Alake, has called for a continental vision to transform Africa from a mere supplier of raw minerals into a global hub for mineral processing, innovation, and green industrialization.

Speaking during the African Mining Week in Cape Town, South Africa, themed ‘Vision and Strategy – Setting the Stage for Minerals Industrialization,’ Alake emphasised Africa’s strategic role in powering the 21st-century economy through its vast mineral wealth.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by his special assistant on media, Segun Tomori, the minister noted that Africa possesses some of the richest mineral deposits in the world – resources essential for clean energy, digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, and global security.

‘Africa’s minerals have powered industrialization elsewhere while our own economies remain under-industrialized. This paradox must end. Our vision must be clear: to move from extractive dependence to transformative industrialization,’ Alake stated.

He added, ‘Our youth should no longer seek jobs abroad while opportunities lie buried beneath their feet. The time to industrialize is now. Let us set the stage for an Africa that is not just a participant in the global minerals economy, but a driver of its future.’

Highlighting Nigeria’s ongoing mining reforms, Alake – represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Farouk Yabo – said the country is promoting local beneficiation from gold refining to lithium processing, revoking dormant licenses to attract serious investors, and strengthening transparency and governance to draw credible global partners.

He also disclosed that Nigeria is developing a National Critical Minerals Strategy as part of its broader plan to foster industrial growth and sustainable development.

In a related engagement, Alake addressed the ministerial roundtable of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) on the sidelines of the mining week, where he reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to building a $1 trillion economy by 2030 through value addition and strategic mineral development.

His words, ‘We are investing in digitizing mining processes from data accessibility to mineral traceability. We are also focusing on bequeathing strong institutions and the right policies to drive reforms, hence the ongoing efforts to amend the 2007 Minerals and Mining Act to provide a more robust legislative framework that will propel investments in the mining sector’.

He emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to ensure traceability from mining to monetization, affirming that the nation’s minerals are set to come from two sources: licensed holders or sellers and suppliers buying from Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASM) who are registered and formalized.

Echoing the sentiments expressed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Alake stressed that African countries must prioritize mapping their mineral resources to better understand the location and scale of deposits

‘After national mapping, it is the duty of countries to ensure only licensed operators are mining. We must also build adequate capacity for effective supervision,’ he said.

At the country’s spotlight session where the Permanent Secretary gave a presentation on Investment opportunities in the solid minerals sector, highlighting key reforms, incentives for investments, and a synopsis of the nation’s mineral endowments.

The African Mining Week was attended by Mining and Minerals Ministers from DRC, Zimbabwe, and Sierra Leone. Nigeria, Gambia, and Ghana sent representatives, whilst major private sector players on the continent also graced the conference.

Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has joined the call on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to abolish the 2% charge it receives from the payments of intending Hajj pilgrims from Nigeria.

IHR said the 2% charge by the country’s apex bank, which translates to $90 per pilgrim (N144,000), based on the N1,600 foreign exchange benchmark used by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has contributed to the high cost of Hajj for Nigerian pilgrims.

Saudi Arabia allocates 95,000 slots to Nigeria for the annual pilgrimage.

IHR said if the quota is filled, the CBN generates approximately $8,550,000 (N13.68 billion) in revenue yearly from Hajj payments by pilgrims.

IHR, in a statement on Sunday signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed, said following public outcry over the high cost of Hajj, ‘The CBN should abolish the revenue it collects simply for transferring Hajj payments to NAHCON’S IBAN account in Saudi Arabia’.

The statement added that, ‘While we do not claim that the payments are illegal, we believe that the CBN can waive them as their contribution to the reduction of Hajj fare in the country. Nigerian pilgrims are paying multiple service charges to various government establishments, which has jerked up the overall cost of the Hajj fare.

‘It should be noted that NAHCON has been funding its operations since 2019, relying on its service charge and relieving the government of Hajj operational costs. Such self-reliance measures need to be supported by other government institutions to guarantee seamless and efficient services for Nigerian pilgrims’.

The CSOs’ appeal follows similar calls by many Hajj stakeholders urging the Central Bank to waive the payments.

This year’s World Teachers’ Day takes on a special glow for us. From the first generation of students of the great Ede Muslim Grammar School including the sitting Governor of Osun State, AdemolaAdeleke, to several cohorts of the students of the Osun State Polytechnic as well asnumerous admirers of Dr. MojeedAdekunleLawal, today presents a most auspicious opportunity to applaud and celebrate a most inspiring TEACHER, leader and mentor. It’s another World Teachers Day.

MrLawal, BodaMojeedor Baba Lawal, depending on which generation of his beneficiaries you belong, made yet another history this year. Al-Hikmah University found our great mentor most fitting for the award of Doctor of Philosophy in Peace and Security Studies. He is therefore henceforth better referred to as DrMajeedLawalalternatively MajeedLawal, PhD.

Incidentally, DrLawal had produced PhD holders before he eventually decided to formally seek one. His isn’t a honorary thing either. Demystifying the hindrances of age related challenges as well as social inhibitions of multiplying responsibilities, our Oga chose to go do all the sweating of infinite fact seeking and verification, otherwise called research, to bag his PhD.

Far from being boastful, on the 3rdof April 2025 he modestly announced this to me via a short whatsapp message: ‘Salaam. I am happy to inform you that I completed my PhD program yesterday. Alhamdulilahi’ I echoed alhamdulilah at my end too and felt filled up with joy. ‘Congratulations sir. A dupe f’Olohun o! We can’t thank Allah enough.’

At the height of the excitement, I put a call through to Boda immediately. The officialdom dating back to 1976 when he taught us history has since given way. He excused that to inspire us so we could relate more informally as he monitored our progress through to our final year at EMGS even as he was away in Zaria where he did his first degree.

‘Oogbo, kororun but I’d resolved I wanted the PhD. I willingly surrendered to all the traumatic back and forth directives from my supervisor and the countless attendees of PhD seminar series. But here we are today. The experience is worth it. Respect to all PhD holders’ Dr. Lawal said as I smiled away at my end thankful to Allah for this spectacular, one in town, one in a generation accomplishment.

The call over, my mind flashed back to the combined discipline and industry this great teacher had demonstrated when he taught us History. His scholarly recall of the great empires of the past was as engaging as inspiring, leading us to, with annotated maps, do virtual exploration of Rivers Tigris and Euphrates, unknown to us that he had never gone near the historic region.

Often donning short sleeve shirts combined with wool trousers atop his favourite skull half shoes, Boda was endowed with such a sonorous voice so endearing that it could be mistaken for a woman’s. Although a holder of Ordinary Level Certificate at that time, we had thought he would teach us further in 1978. That was the same year Oga left for Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria for his Bachelor’s degree. Most incontrovertibly however, our teacher’s life remains a living textbook of resilience, leadership, and lifelong learning.

As a lecturer at Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, from 1999 until his retirement in 2020, Dr. Lawal left deep footprints across two departments-General Studies and Mass Communication. He taught courses ranging from Sociology of the Family to Mass Media and Society, always reminding his students that knowledge was not just to be acquired but something to be applied with conscience. His service went beyond classrooms: he chaired committees, directed programmes, mentored young academics, and carried the responsibility of leadership with humility.

What makes his story more remarkable today is that retirement did not mark the end of his learning journey. Instead, it opened a fresh chapter. At 70, the age when most people would prefer to look back somewhat complacent, Dr. Lawal looked forward-bagging a PhD.. His doctoral thesis on Conflict-sensitive reportage of political and religious conflicts in Osun State is not only a testament to his scholarship but also his enduring commitment to peace, justice, and society’s well-being. With all the unsettling, all-pervading disturbances, who can deny the strong for his expertise that would be supportive of the government of his former student, now Governor of Osun State.

Through decades of service, publications, and conference engagements that took him as far as Toronto and Baltimore, Dr. Lawal consistently demonstrated that teaching is not a career but a calling. His writings on conflict, communication, culture, and development continue to enrich scholarship and guide practice in Nigeria and beyond.

As we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, we do so with immense pride in a man who has lived the creed of education: to lead, to serve, and to learn without end. Dr. Lawal’s life reminds us that the best teachers do not retire-they evolve. Our own MrLawal has evolved from being simply MrLawal to DrLawal. The world in this age of internet laced with the virality of social media with the accompanying speed should take note in due reverence to our inimitable DrMajeedAdekunleLawal

To a relentless leader, a relentless learner, and a relentless teacher-we say: Happy Teachers’ Day, Dr. MojeedAdekunleLawal. May your story continue to inspire generations yet to come especially as you often speak well of your own teachers too.

During a recent conversation, DrLawal lamented the recent death of aprimary school teacher of his popularly known as Imam Dende, until recently the oldest of all imams of central mosques in Osun State. Imam Dende had taught DrLawal at the renowned Young TajudeenAgbangudu Primary School, Ede, Osun State. According DrLawal, Imam Dende’s former students include Professor Iysa Ade Bello, pioneer Sharia Law scholar at the Lagos State University and the University of Osun State, now Chairman of the Governing Council of Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State.

Born in Ede on March 25, 1955, Dr. Lawal has spent his seven decades shaping minds, nurturing futures, and exemplifying what it means to be a teacher for life. His thirst for knowledge has taken him throughthe lecture halls of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and later the University of Ibadan, where he honed his passion for communication, journalism, and sociology. But it was not just his degrees-Bachelor’s, Master’s, Diploma, and eventually Doctorate-that defined him. It is the way he has been teaching, leading, and inspiring.

Tunde Akanni is a Journalism and Development Communication Professor at LASU, Nigeria

Nigerian-born media entrepreneur and broadcast consultant, Ehijie Jeffery Ebhodaghe, has brought pride to the nation once again following his recognition at the African UK Trade and Investment Awards in London.

Ebhodaghe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Jeffwise Media Global Limited, received the award for Outstanding Corporate Excellence in Digital Innovation and Inclusive Impact – a recognition of his contributions to creativity, inclusion, and excellence in the global broadcast and digital media industry.

Expressing gratitude after receiving the award, Ebhodaghe said, ‘It is an encouragement and a motivation to do more,’ noting that the honour affirmed his years of dedication to advancing innovation within both the UK and African creative ecosystems.

The week-long UK Trade and Investment Conference and Awards 2025, held at the Royal National Hotel, London, was organised in collaboration with the African Chamber of Trade and the International Business Council. Ebhodaghe was selected after a rigorous review of his impact in promoting Africa’s broadcast and digital storytelling.

A native of Iki Opoji in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, Ebhodaghe’s passion for media began in his teens through his church’s media unit. After earning a degree in Political Science from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, he built a successful career across leading Nigerian media organisations such as Fam TV, Favour Television, EBS, NTA Benin, Kaftan TV, DTOS TV, and Wazobia TV, before relocating to the UK to obtain a Master’s degree in Digital Media from the University for the Creative Arts, Surrey.

His company, Jeffwise Media Global Limited, specialises in film production, digital marketing, live streaming, and technical training. It also runs a multimedia academy that trains young creatives in journalism, video editing, film production, and broadcast engineering.

Speaking on industry challenges, Ebhodaghe cited funding gaps and infrastructure issues in Nigeria, as well as cultural and racial barriers in the UK, but said these obstacles only fuel his determination.

‘I am proud to fly the Nigerian flag abroad,’ he said. ‘Our culture and resilience inspire me to tell the Nigerian story and project Africa positively to the world.’

His upcoming short film explores the experiences of Nigerian migrants in the UK, delving into themes of cultural integration, faith, and morality. ‘It’s a story about balancing survival with values in a foreign land,’ he explained.

Looking ahead, Ebhodaghe plans to expand Jeffwise Media’s global footprint and strengthen partnerships with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and the British Film Institute to promote African narratives internationally.

‘With this award comes greater responsibility,’ he concluded. ‘I want to inspire young Africans never to give up on their dreams – start small, think big, and act positively.’