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One of Africa’s leading music producers, songwriter, singer and entrepreneur, Temidayo Joseph Babatope, affectionately called Puffy Tee says Afrobeat music is hitting the right notes in Nigeria and the world.

Temidayo Joseph Babatope gave this verdict in his Nigeria @65 Independence Day message tagged ‘WE ARE PROVING OUR WORTH’.

He explained that Nigerian artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and other individuals in the entertainment industry are pulling the right strings and are singing from a similar hymm sheet. ‘We are halfway there, the journey to stardom for Afrobeats is still far.

Afrobeats is recognized globally, but only a few big time artists have made it to the top. But that’s not the desired height for Nigeria, the country is filled with talent, once these talents are harnessed properly we will be top 20s, 30s afrobeats artist in the world.

‘We are doing it right, when you look at the top 5 big artists or musicians on the continent we are there but we need to take control of the airwaves, that’s, having the top 20 or more,’ Puffy Tee stated in his Independence Day message.

He lamented that Nigerian artists are doing so much for the industry but financial returns leave much to be desired. ‘In the area of revenue, funds earned from Spotify, iTunes, Apple, etc, entertainment isn’t receiving the due funds.

The payback to artists for releasing songs is not at the right level, we are far behind in Nigeria, it doesn’t equate the hard work, put in by the artists, and the entire production team to release the songs.’

Temidayo Joseph Babatope, the man behind numerous hit songs including Yahooze, further explained that when the entertainment and showbiz world in Nigeria is more rewarding, more talented and gifted young ones will embrace its whole soul.

‘From the early 5Os down to our days, Nigeria – the Royal white and energetic Green has produced world class entertainers and we will continue to produce more as long as the environment and policies are right.’

Puffy Tee, therefore calls on all the three tiers of government in Nigeria to open up the entertainment industry space with well cut out policies programs, up to date infrastructural development and the much needed funding for the industry to thrive and compete favourably with Europe and America the hub of showbiz. ‘The private sector is doing their part, however, a lot more needs to come from them as well as from well meaning individuals with deep and fat pockets.

Tokenism form of support will only do more harm to us who toil night and day to make Nigerians sing and smile,’ Puffy Tee, a judge in the Next Afrobeat Stars Initiative said.

The entertainer and entrepreneur who has spent the last three decades in the industry, stressed that the government should keep a close mark on all digital music platforms and regulate them so that musicians and record label owners are not ripped off.

‘The idea is for it to be more rewarding, and until then we are not there yet. The real money is only flowing in a little circle, it’s not where it should be.’

The Ekiti state-born, music producer had some pleasant words for the initiators of Next Afrobeat Stars (NAS), ‘That is why platforms like NAS are there to do a little part of the work by discovering and grooming talents and sponsors like MTN back it up financially.’

Puffy Tee, also suggested that Nigeria should have multiple national and international annual Afrobeat Festivals, this he believes will enhance the art and culture industry.

‘We need more corporate bodies and individuals to help transform the music industry with events that host the continent and the globe at large.

We should be having afrobeats festivals across the country and on the continent, that brings together artists across Africa.’

‘I pray that we find our path and do not deviate from it, reggae was once a global sensation to the extent that a song was produced entitled ‘Nobody can stop reggae’, but now no one is after reggae again.

Now the story is different, it’s afrobeat and we need to sustain the momentum.’

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 24 passengers were rescued and 4 bodies recovered after a boat mishap on the River Niger in Ibaji Local Government Area, Kogi State.

The agency, however, says 42 people remain missing.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, NEMA stated the incident occurred on Tuesday, 30 September 2025, and involved a boat carrying approximately 80 passengers travelling from Onugwa community to Olushi village in Ibaji. Boat accidents remain a persistent and serious issue in Nigeria, particularly in riverine regions, where water transport is a primary means of movement. Overcrowded vessels, poorly maintained boats, and weak enforcement of safety regulations have claimed numerous lives over the years.

NEMA said: ‘The incident occurred at about 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday, when a boat with around 80 passengers capsized en route to Olushi village after departing from Onugwa community in Ibaji LGA.’ Upon receiving the distress report, NEMA Director General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, activated the Agency’s Abuja Operations Office, which immediately deployed personnel to support local rescue efforts. The operation highlights NEMA’s commitment to timely intervention and effective coordination with both state and community responders.

The Search and Rescue (SAR) operation led to the rescue of 24 passengers, while 14 bodies have been recovered. 42 individuals are still unaccounted for, and rescue operations are ongoing, with local divers supporting the mission. NEMA also stated that multiple agencies are involved in the response, including: The Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, the Local Emergency Management Committee (Ibaji), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the National Inland Waterways Authority, the Fire Service, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and local divers and community volunteers

NEMA officials, led by Mr Zakari Abubakar, Head of Abuja Operations Office, visited Chief Patrick Arome, traditional ruler of Onugwa, to commiserate with the community.

Earlier reports had suggested 26 fatalities, but NEMA’s updated figure stands at 14 confirmed deaths.

Galatasaray head coach, Okan Buruk, has shed light on why Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen was taken off during Tuesday night’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Liverpool in Instabul.

The Super Eagles forward was once again the hero for the Turkish giants as he netted the decisive goal in their narrow 1-0 triumph at RAMS Park. Osimhen, who has quickly become a fan favorite in Istanbul, showed his composure from the penalty spot in the 16th minute, calmly slotting home after Kerem Yilmaz was brought down in the box by Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai. The goal eventually proved enough to hand Galatasaray all three points against Arne Slot’s men.

However, Osimhen’s substitution later in the match raised eyebrows among fans and sparked fears of yet another injury setback for the powerful forward, who has had his fair share of fitness troubles in recent years.

He was replaced by Argentine striker Mauro Icardi with 19 minutes left on the clock. Coach Buruk was quick to allay those fears, explaining that the change was purely precautionary.

According to him, Osimhen was not injured but was only suffering from fatigue.

‘Osimhen was feeling tired and had a cramp in his foot, but we don’t think it’s anything serious,’ Buruk told the club’s official website. ‘There’s no negative information coming in at this time, so we expect him to be fine.’

The 26-year-old forward, whose energy and movement troubled Liverpool’s defense all night, was later named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance.

His decisive strike not only lifted Galatasaray’s Champions League hopes but also reaffirmed his status as one of the most lethal strikers in Europe.

For Galatasaray supporters, Buruk’s words will come as a huge relief, ensuring that their star man remains available for the crucial fixtures ahead in both domestic and European competitions.

The Nigerian currency, naira maintained a lean difference on Thursday October 2nd trading between the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) and the parallel market as participants balanced improved dollar inflows against persistent demand pressures. Parallel market: ?1,490 per US$1

The official NFEM rate a volume-weighted figure derived from interbank trading and published by the authorities closed at about ?1,483 to the dollar, a slight shift from the previous session.

Traders noted that the official window remains sensitive to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) liquidity operations and order flows through the electronic matching system.

In the parallel market, the naira traded around ?1,490 to the dollar, leaving a spread of roughly ?7. This narrow gap contrasts with the wider double-digit spreads witnessed during periods of heightened market stress, suggesting partial convergence between the two segments. However, the parallel market continues to serve individuals and businesses unable to access dollars through official channels.

Market Drivers

Analysts linked the relative calm to moderate foreign currency inflows from diaspora remittances and import receipts, combined with CBN interventions that helped curb sharp intraday fluctuations.

Global factors also played a role, with the US dollar holding broadly steady in international markets following recent volatility.

Traders’ Perspective

Dealers observed that demand from importers, students, and travellers remains the major driver of parallel market volumes, while banks and authorised dealers handle most corporate flows through NFEM.

Analysts cautioned that the present convergence remains fragile, requiring sustained inflows, deeper FX liquidity, and consistent policy signals to stabilise the naira more permanently.

Outlook

Short-term forecasts suggest the dollar will likely trade within ?1,480-?1,495 in the official market and ?1,485-?1,500 in the parallel market over the coming days, provided dollar supply remains steady and demand does not surge unexpectedly.

Policymakers’ ability to manage measured interventions and improve liquidity will be central to maintaining exchange rate stability.

Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given has shared his thoughts on this season’s title race, naming Arsenal as the club best positioned to lift the trophy in May 2026.

Given, who enjoyed a long career in England’s top flight and also represented Manchester City, believes that while Liverpool and City will remain in contention, it is Arsenal who currently boast the most complete squad.

‘This season feels like a genuine three-horse race,’ Given told Ladbrokes.

‘Liverpool are top right now, Arsenal are right on their heels, and Manchester Citydespite being five points off are never a team you can rule out.

I know City are down in seventh at the moment, but with the players at Pep Guardiola’s disposal, they can quickly close the gap.’

Liverpool are currently leading the league table, holding a slender two-point advantage over second-placed Arsenal. Jrgen Klopp’s side have been praised for their intensity and consistency, though they, like Arsenal, have already suffered one or two setbacks this campaign.

Manchester City, meanwhile, find themselves unusually placed outside the top four but still very much in the picture. Given highlighted Arsenal’s growth under Mikel Arteta, stressing the Gunners’ depth, balance, and hunger to finally end their two-decade wait for a league crown.

‘If I sit back and look at every squad in the cold light of day, Arsenal appear to be the strongest right now,’ he continued.

‘They’ve built a group with quality in every position-defensively solid, creative in midfield, and dangerous up front. For me, they’re the team to beat this season.’

However, the former Republic of Ireland international was quick to remind fans that Manchester City’s pedigree cannot be dismissed so early in the campaign.

‘City have won the league in tough circumstances before.

They thrive under pressure and have players who can change games in an instant. While Arsenal and Liverpool are flying high, you can never rule out City.

Come the business end of the season, I expect them to be right in the mix,’ he added.

As things stand, the Premier League race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years.

With Liverpool setting the early pace, Arsenal growing in confidence, and City lurking in the background, football fans could be in for a thrilling battle for the title that may go right down to the wire.

In a dramatic turn during the ongoing Big Brother Naija Season 10, housemate Faith Adewale has been abruptly disqualified from the competition following a physical confrontation with fellow contestant Sultana, marking one of the show’s most contentious evictions to date.

The official announcement came directly from the show’s organizers, stating: ‘For engaging in physical violence with Sultana over a disagreement, Faith has been disqualified from the competition and is to leave the house immediately.’

The incident, which unfolded earlier today inside the iconic house, violated the show’s strict zero-tolerance policy on physical aggression, as outlined in Section 15, Subsection 1 of the rulebook, which mandates immediate removal for such offenses.

Eyewitness accounts from live feeds and fan discussions suggest the clash escalated from a heated verbal disagreement over household chores, culminating in Faith allegedly shoving or dragging a bucket toward Sultana, leading to physical contact.

While exact details remain under wraps pending a full review, the altercation has ignited a firestorm of debate among viewers, with many questioning the fairness of the ruling. Big Brother Naija, a flagship reality TV franchise produced by M-Net and MultiChoice, has long been a cultural phenomenon in Nigeria and across Africa, drawing millions of viewers each season for its mix of drama, alliances, and unfiltered human interactions.

Season 10, themed around high-stakes competitions and interpersonal dynamics, had already narrowed down to a top 10 lineup that included Faith, Sultana, Dede, Imisi, Isabella, Jason Jae, Kaybobo, Kola, Koyin, and Mensan-making Faith’s exit a pivotal blow to the remaining field.

Fan reactions poured in swiftly on social media, reflecting a polarized response. Some praised Sultana’s composure during the incident, with one viewer noting, ‘Sultana needs to be applauded for her level of emotional intelligence. Many ladies will break Faith’s head after the fall and have both of them disqualified. I rate her patience .’

Others decried perceived inconsistencies in enforcement, pointing to prior unreported or lightly punished incidents like Sultana allegedly tampering with another housemate’s belongings and Zita receiving only strikes for a similar assault.

This disqualification echoes past controversies in the show’s history, such as the 2019 eviction of Tuoyo for infidelity allegations and the 2020 strike against Lucy for abusive language-reminders that Big Brother’s rules prioritize a safe environment amid the high-pressure confines of the house.

Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/ Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have successfully foiled a terrorist attack and neutralised two suspected terrorists in Taraba.

This is contained in a statement on Wednesday by Lt. Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Jalingo.

‘Acting on credible intelligence, troops on October 1, 2025 advanced to Tor-Ikyeghgba village where bandits were reported to be converging.

‘On arrival at the general area, the troops made contact with the terrorists along the powerline axis and immediately engaged them with superior firepower, resulting in the neutralisation of two.

‘During the operation, the following items were recovered; one locally fabricated pistol, two dane guns, three rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, one Baofeng radio, one motorcycle and other items,’ it stated.

He quoted Brig. Gen. Kingsley Uwa, Commander of the brigade as commending the troops for their swift response, resilience, and professionalism.

Muhammad also quoted the Commander, as urging the troops to maintain the momentum, assuring residents of the state that the brigade remained fully committed to ensuring their safety.

He therefore, called on members of the public to continue to support the ongoing operation ‘Lafiya na kowa’ by providing timely and credible information that would aid in the fight against criminality.

Suspected armed robbers stormed the residence of the former chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Ogun State, Alhaji Emilola Gazal, in the early hours of Thursday, carting away valuables items, including cars and money.

The incident reportedly occurred around 2am.

According to reports, the robbers forced the former chairman to open his banking application and transfer funds before fleeing with his silver-coloured vehicle and other possessions.

Gazal who is also the publisher of The Roots Magazine confirmed the incident to journalists in a phone call.

He said the armed robbers who are three in number broke into his house at Ijebu Ode GRA at about 2am. ‘The three armed gang broke into my residence at Ijebu Ode GRA at about 2am.

‘They collected all the cash with me after which they also forced me to open my bank apps on my phone and forced me to transfer everything there to an account submitted by them, they left N5000 in my account.

‘They made away with my wife’s trinkets and with my ash colour car, they actually demanded that they will be going away with my car. I am just going to report the incident to the police at Igbeba and Obalende, Ijebu Ode’.

A neighbour of former Ogun LG chairman described the ordeal as terrifying, noting that the assailants carried guns and operated with precision.

However, it was gathered that Ijebu-Ode Police Area Command, Igbeba, has been alerted and investigations are ongoing.

Further details are expected as security operatives intensify efforts to track down the suspects.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly opposed the Federal Government’s plan to sell Nigeria’s oil assets.

Speaking at a press conference, the party’s national publicity secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the move is a dangerous attack on the country’s energy sector and must be stopped. He reminded Nigerians that on September 22, the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) wrote to President Tinubu rejecting the planned sale of NNPC Limited’s shares in its most profitable oil ventures.

Abdullahi said the ADC agrees with the unions, warning that the sale will weaken Nigeria’s control over its oil resources and transfer them into the hands of a few wealthy, politically-connected individuals.

According to him, the proposed changes to the Petroleum Industry Act are part of a deliberate plan to strip NNPC Limited of its best assets, remove proper oversight, and sell off national wealth cheaply.

He stressed that selling the oil assets would: Reduce Nigeria’s ability to control fuel supply and respond to global oil price changes.

Deprive the government of vital revenue used to fund schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.

Leave NNPC Limited in debt and risk the loss of thousands of jobs.

Set a dangerous precedent of turning public property into private wealth.

‘This is not just a policy issue,’ Abdullahi said. ‘It is a battle for the future of Nigeria’s economy and for generations yet to come.’

The ADC urged civil society, labour unions, and young Nigerians to resist the move and demand accountability.

The party also called on the National Assembly to reject any amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act that favour private interests over public good.

‘At 65 years of independence, Nigeria must put the people first, not politics or profit,’ Abdullahi added. ‘History must remember us as a people who stood up and said no to the selling of our national wealth.’

Tragedy struck the social media as 21-year-old Jennifer Nicole Rivas, a rising TV presenter and TikTok star, passed away unexpectedly.

Rivas, a journalism student, worked as a presenter on Honduran channel CHTV and had amassed a strong online following, with 100,000 TikTok followers and 16,000 Instagram fans.

She was also a popular comedy actress, collaborating with the group Los Venados 504.

The young media personality reportedly suffered a suspected epileptic seizure at her home in Tegucigalpa. Authorities confirmed she had an underlying medical condition and stated her death was from natural causes, with no autopsy conducted.

Just hours before her passing, Rivas shared a photo on what appeared to be a pickleball court with the caption: ‘Getting ready.’