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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday reiterated his administration’s commitment to religious inclusiveness and fairness, assuring Christian communities in Northern Nigeria of equal treatment under his leadership.

The President gave the assurance during a meeting with Christian leaders at the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, Plateau State, where he also joined in paying tribute to the late Madam Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nantawe Yilwatda. She passed away at the age of 83.

Addressing the gathering, President Tinubu emphasised his mission to unite Nigerians across religious and ethnic divides.

‘I have a mission to unite this country, ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress,’ he declared.

He drew on his own family background as proof of his commitment to religious harmony, noting that he was raised in a Muslim household but is married to a Christian pastor, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

‘I have never forced her to change her religion,’ the President said, urging the clergy to maintain faith in his administration’s efforts to balance Nigeria’s diverse interests.

The President also reaffirmed his government’s determination to tackle insecurity, pledging decisive action against terrorism, banditry, and the persistent farmers-herders clashes.

‘We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and combat the farmers-herders clashes,’ he assured.

Tinubu further highlighted ongoing economic reforms, stressing that his policies are designed to benefit all Nigerians regardless of faith or region.

At the funeral prayers, the President described Madam Yilwatda as a devoted mother and humanitarian whose life of service and resilience was an inspiration.

Reflecting on his past political journey in Jos, Tinubu recalled meetings held in the city during the Social Democratic Party (SDP) era, when crucial decisions were made regarding the late Chief MKO Abiola’s presidential candidacy.

‘Today, I am grateful to God that I am alive to return as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to bid farewell to the mother of this community,’ he said.

APC National Chairman Professor Nantawe Yilwatda paid an emotional tribute to his mother, describing her as a hardworking woman who endured chronic illness for 47 years while raising her family and helping others.

‘My mother worked tirelessly despite her health condition, always supporting us and extending humanitarian assistance,’ he said, thanking President Tinubu for standing by his family.

Reverend Dr Amos Mohzo, President of COCIN, expressed appreciation to Tinubu for appointing Northern Christians to strategic positions, including Senator George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Yilwatda as APC Chairman.

He praised the government’s efforts against insecurity in Plateau and Benue States but appealed for more support for conflict victims in Benue and the safe return of Christian communities displaced to Cameroon from Borno and Adamawa during insurgent attacks.

Mohzo assured the President of the church’s support in achieving his Renewed Hope Agenda.

The funeral attracted an array of political leaders and dignitaries, underscoring the significance of the occasion. Attendees included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum AbdulRazaq Abdulrahman, several APC governors, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and multiple ministers.

Others present were the current SGF George Akume, his predecessor Boss Mustapha, former governors Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa), Adamu Mu’azu (Bauchi), Fidelis Tapgun (Plateau), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), and Rochas Okorocha (Imo).

Also in attendance were members of the APC National Working Committee, federal lawmakers, former House Speaker Yakubu Dogara, and senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

The Nigerian naira fell sharply against the United States dollar at the close of trading on Friday, ending the week on a disappointing note after days of positive performance.

According to official data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the naira depreciated to ?1,465.68 per dollar at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM), compared to ?1,455.25 per dollar recorded on Thursday.

This represents a ?10.43 drop in value within a single day, signaling renewed pressure on the local currency after a brief period of recovery.

The decline comes after the naira had shown strong momentum earlier in the week, gaining steadily for four consecutive days due to improved dollar supply and increased investor confidence.

However, market analysts suggest that renewed demand for foreign exchange by importers and corporate entities toward the weekend may have triggered the latest round of depreciation.

At the parallel (black) market, the naira remained stable at ?1,485 per dollar on both Thursday and Friday, suggesting that traders are maintaining a wait-and-see approach as the market adjusts to recent policy measures introduced by the apex bank.

Despite Friday’s decline, the naira still recorded a slight improvement on a week-on-week basis, appreciating by ?14.98 when compared to the ?1,480.66 per dollar exchange rate recorded on Friday, September 27, 2025.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s external reserves have continued to grow, standing at $42.40 billion as of October 2, 2025, up from $42.33 billion just three days earlier.

Analysts view this steady rise in reserves as a positive sign, reflecting improved foreign inflows and potential stability for the foreign exchange market in the coming weeks.

Experts have continued to urge the Central Bank to sustain its monetary tightening measures and enhance transparency in the forex market to restore full confidence among investors and businesses.

They also emphasized the need for Nigeria to boost local production and reduce dependence on imports, which remains one of the major factors driving dollar demand.

While the week ended with a slight setback for the naira, economists remain cautiously optimistic that the local currency could regain strength if foreign inflows continue to rise and market reforms are fully implemented.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has officially announced his intention to contest the 2026 governorship election under the APC platform.

Omisore made the announcement on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday, revealing that a formal declaration will take place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Osun APC Secretariat in Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo.

The event, themed ‘Fix the Broken, Restore Our Dreams,’ marks the beginning of his campaign journey.

‘My beloved people of Osun State, after deep reflection and wide consultations, I have decided to formally declare my intention to contest for the Governor of Osun State in 2026 under our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC),’ Omisore stated.

He noted that his campaign would focus on restoring hope, improving governance, and creating a brighter future for the people of Osun State.

‘This is not just my mission; it is a collective one. I humbly invite you to join me as we take this bold step towards the Osun Rescue Mission 2026,’ he added.

Omisore, who previously contested the 2014 governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before joining the APC, is expected to be among the top contenders for the party’s governorship ticket in the forthcoming election.

Bandits unleashed terror on residents of Zamfara State Friday evening, killing several people and abducting many others in a violent ambush along the Mayanchi-Anka Road.

The Nation reports that eyewitnesses described the attackers as heavily armed and operating with impunity.

According to the report, one of the survivors, Malam Muhammad Ahmad, recounted his narrow escape.

‘The bandits blocked us on the highway and kidnapped many people. Some of us had to flee into the bush. Only those who managed to hide in farms with tall crops escaped,’ he said.

Ahmad also confirmed the death of his colleague, Abubakar Lawali Sardauna, who was killed after refusing to be taken by the armed men. ‘He told them he would not follow them to the bush. They shot him on the spot,’ he added.

As of press time, efforts to reach the Zamfara State Police Public Relations Officer, Yazid Abubakar, were unsuccessful, the report says.

Memories of legal icon, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, came alive on Thursday, when lawyerss and workers of the Nigerian Weekly Law Report he left behind 16 years ago gathered at the Headquarters of the publication at Alausa Ikeja, Lagos to celebrate 40th anniversary of the publication.

The lawyers and other workers who have been with the company and its subsidiary for over 38 years told journalists that celebrating the enduring legacy of the legal icon is a reflection on four decades of consistent law reporting while unveiling future innovations aimed at strengthening access to justice.

A commemorative event to mark the 40th anniversary, according to the Chairman of the planning committee, Barrister Oluwole Kehinde, will feature the former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) who will deliver a key note address.

Besides, Barrister Kehinde, who is the Editor of NWLR hinted that he event which will be chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun will also host jurists, legal scholars, publishers, and Judicial media professionals.

He said the theme of the anniversary, ‘Safeguarding the Legacy of Law Reporting and Embracing the Future in Technology,’ underscores the dual focus of preserving the rich heritage of law reporting while embracing digital innovations that shape modern legal practice.

He said, ‘the Nigerian Law Report, first published on October 1, 1985, holds the distinction of being the first dedicated law reports in Nigeria and across Africa, the publication succeeded where other publications that preceded it failed.’

‘Since its maiden edition released on Nigeria’s 25th Independence Day, the publication has provided weekly compilations of court decisions, thereby making the law accessible to judges, lawyers, researchers, and students.’

He also said the celebration was not only about looking back at the achievements of the past, but also about projecting into the future. ‘Forty years of uninterrupted publication is a rare feat in Africa’s publishing and judicial history. The Nigerian Law Report has become an indispensable tool for justice delivery, and today we celebrate both its legacy and its promise,’ he said.

The Chairman of the Editorial Board, Mr. Ayo Olanrewaju, described the NWLR as ‘the conscience of legal reporting in Nigeria,’ noting that it has consistently maintained editorial independence and a rigorous standard of accuracy.

Also present was Mr. Mojeed Ajao, immediate past Managing Director of the Nigerian Law Publications Limited, who highlighted the innovations the publication has embraced over the years.

The Acting Managing Director, Mr Gbenga Ogunleye, recalled that in 2019, the Nigerian Law Report launched its online platform, making thousands of judgments available digitally.

‘We realized that the future of law reporting must be driven by technology, and that step has allowed practitioners and researchers across the world to access Nigerian jurisprudence at the click of a button.’

Ogunleye, however, praised the Nigerian Law Report for ‘democratizing access to judicial precedents’ and called for further innovations, including artificial intelligence-driven search tools and wider open-access platforms.

From its humble beginnings in 1985 to becoming Africa’s longest-running specialized law report, the NLR has played a critical role in strengthening Nigeria’s legal framework. Its consistent weekly publications have ensured that court decisions an essential component of the nation’s laws are readily accessible to the bench, the bar, and the wider public.

‘As the Nigerian Law Report steps into its fifth decade, stakeholders pledged to uphold its founding vision while harnessing technology to advance justice delivery. The celebration not only highlighted a remarkable journey of consistency but also pointed the way to a more innovative and accessible future in Nigerian law reporting.’

Other notable attendees included members of the editorial board such as Senior Editor, Simon Evivie, Yinka Olatunji, Snr. Deputy Editor and Editorial Secretary, NWLR; Chidinma Ojigwe, Assistant Editor, NWLR and Secretary, 40th Anniversary Planning Committee, as well as representatives of the board of Directors.

Mohammed Kudus was the hero as Tottenham Hotspur ended Leeds United’s remarkable unbeaten home run with a 2-1 victory at Elland Road on Saturday.

Leeds had not suffered a league defeat on home soil in over a year, their last coming in September 2024 against Burnley in the Championship but Kudus’ brilliance on a rainy afternoon brought that record crashing down.

The Ghanaian midfielder produced a stellar performance, assisting Mathys Tel for Tottenham’s opener and later firing home the decisive goal that sealed all three points for the visitors.

Tel opened the scoring in the 18th minute after latching onto Kudus’ through ball and unleashing a fierce 20-yard strike that deflected off Pascal Struijk and wrong-footed Leeds’ goalkeeper Karl Darlow.

The hosts, however, found a way back into the contest when Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s intelligent hold-up play teed up Brenden Aaronson, whose shot was parried by Guglielmo Vicario into the path of Noah Okafor to tap in the rebound.

But Spurs, hungry to return to winning ways after back-to-back draws, restored their lead in style. Kudus weaved across the top of the box before driving a low effort into the bottom corner to make it 2-1 – a goal that silenced Elland Road.

Despite Leeds’ late surge, including a near-miss from Joel Piroe and a Struijk header over the bar in stoppage time, Tottenham held firm to secure a crucial away win.

The result lifts Spurs to second place on the Premier League table, just one point behind leaders Liverpool, while Leeds’ impressive home record finally comes to an end.

For manager Frank, the victory was a statement of resilience following a tough midweek Europa fixture in the Arctic Circle. With key creative players James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski sidelined, Kudus’ influence was evident – registering his fourth assist of the season, winning 10 duels, and completing six successful dribbles in a dominant display.

As the rain poured down and the final whistle blew, Spurs’ celebrations said it all – this was more than just three points; it was a morale-boosting victory that reaffirmed their title ambitions.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday urged Nigerians to shun hate and embrace unity across religious lines, declaring that ‘hate is not an option for us.’

Speaking at the funeral service of the mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, in Plateau State, the President used his own family as an example of peaceful coexistence, stressing that love and understanding can bridge any divide.

‘I inherited Islam from my parents and haven’t changed, but my wife is a pastor. She prays for me, and there’s no conflict. I have never tried to convince her to convert,’ Tinubu said.

The President continued by emphasizing the need for mutual respect among people of different faiths, insisting that Nigerians are all accountable to one divine authority.

‘I believe in the freedom of religion. We are praying to the same God. We are answerable to the same Almighty God. We will account to Him,’ he added.

Tinubu said faith should never be a reason for division or hostility, adding that Nigeria’s diversity will only become a strength when tolerance and respect prevail.

‘Our differences are not meant to divide us but to strengthen us. Hate is not an option,’ he stressed.

He concluded by praying for the soul of the departed to rest in peace and for God to comfort the bereaved family.

The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Ben Kalu has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in what he called demolition of the houses and offices of South Easterners in Lagos State

Kalu made the request on Friday while speaking during the reception at the Enyimba International Stadium organised in honour of Tinubu after inaugurating some projects in Abia.

Kalu pleaded with the president to speak with the Lagos State governor to allow the Igbo people whose houses have not been destroyed already to regularize their documents.

He said that destruction at this time of hardship makes the hearts of victims bleed, stressing that the need for an amicable resolution rather than destruction of property.

‘I also want to say that the destruction and the demolition of the houses, the offices of our brothers in Lagos makes our hearts bleed,’ he said.

The Deputy Speaker also urged the President to grant a sea port to enhance trade in the Southeast zone.

‘Mr President, we want to thank you for what you are doing in our state through our governor and what you are doing around the south East.

‘But I must say it is about time that we had another sea port in the South East; South Easterners are mainly traders and We need a sea port to enhance our trading.

Kalu said governance is about partnership hence the state must partner the federal government and the federal government must partner the state.

He said although he is an All Progressives Congress (APC) party member, it is his character to support the governors of his state to ensure the state succeeded and promised to support Alex Otti to succeed.

‘I have gone with him from the morning, visiting all the projects till this evening and I have seen the state’s projects carried out by the governor and for that we commend him.

‘But as a member and citizen of this state, I request, like Oliver Twist, that the governor should do more,’ he said.

He thanked the president for his assistance in the projects in Abia and urged the Abia Information Commissioner and media houses in Abia to accord Tinubu his merited credits.

Kalu said this would induce the president to do more for the state and the South East which he had shown love to.

Operatives of Nigeria Police Force Border Patrol Unit have successfully intercepted and recovered over 100 Jerry cans of petrol being illegally transported to Niger Republic through Sokoto and Katsina States.

CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer revealed this in a statement on Saturday.

According to the statement, police operatives while on stop-and-search duty along Illela-Sokoto Highway intercepted a vehicle loaded with eighty jerrycans of PMS and arrested the driver Yasir Adamu.

‘After preliminary investigation, it was discovered that the suspect was attempting to smuggle the petroleum product across the border into the Niger Republic,’ the statement indicated.

The statement also indicated that operatives of the Border Patrol unit in Katsina intercepted and recovered thirty-five Jerry cans, each containing twenty-five litres of petrol which were about to be transported into Niger Republic.

‘The suspects, on sighting the team, abandoned the exhibits and fled. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspects and bring them to justice,’ said Hundeyin.

The statement also quoted the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun as commending the officers who intercepted the Jerry cans of petrol for their vigilance and professionalism.

The IGP also reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to sustain robust operations against all forms of economic crimes.

The world oil market is facing a shock as OPEC plans to increase oil production. Oil prices fell again on Thursday, marking the fourth straight day of decline.

Brent crude dropped to its lowest level since early June, as traders worried about too much oil in the market.

Sources say OPEC+ may agree to raise production by as much as 500,000 barrels per day in November three times more than the increase for October. Saudi Arabia is reportedly leading this move to regain its share of the market.

Jorge Montepeque, Managing Director of Onyx Capital Group, said some banks, including Macquarie, are warning of a possible ‘super glut’ meaning there could be far more oil than needed, which is lowering market confidence.

Meanwhile, the finance ministers of the G7 countries said on Wednesday they plan to increase pressure on Russia by targeting those who keep buying Russian oil.

The United States also plans to give Ukraine intelligence to help with long-range missile strikes on Russian energy sites. According to officials, this will help Ukraine attack refineries, pipelines, and other key facilities to cut Russia’s oil revenue.

UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said there are renewed concerns that Russian oil supplies could be disrupted. However, he added that unless actual disruptions occur, the effect on oil prices will likely be small.