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Investors in the Nigerian stock market traded a total of 2.286 billion shares worth N90.280 billion in 138,177 deals during the week. This was lower than the 8.403 billion shares valued at N115.501 billion exchanged in 115,801 deals the previous week, representing a 27.9 per cent decline in transaction value.

The figures are contained in the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) weekly in Lagos.

The Financial Services Industry led the activity chart with 1.355 billion shares worth N24.588 billion traded in 59,553 deals, contributing 59.28 per cent and 27.23 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value, respectively.

It was followed by the ICT Industry with 182.822 million shares valued at N7.807 billion in 12,597 deals, while the Agriculture Industry ranked third with 181.501 million shares worth N3.548 billion traded in 8,924 deals.

Trading in the top three equities, Ellah Lakes Plc, Chams Holding Company Plc, and Fidelity Bank Plc, accounted for 430.968 million shares worth N5.597 billion in 10,254 deals, contributing 18.86 per cent and 6.20 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value, respectively.

The NGX All-Share Index and Market Capitalisation appreciated by 2.37 per cent to close the week at 146,988.04 points and N93.296 trillion, respectively.

Similarly, all other indices closed higher, except for the NGX Banking, NGX ASeM, and NGX AFR Bank Value Indices, which declined by 0.41 per cent, 9.44 per cent, and one per cent, respectively.

Fifty-one equities appreciated in price during the week, compared with 53 in the previous week, while 41 equities declined, lower than the 43 recorded previously.

Fifty-five equities remained unchanged, up from 51 in the preceding week.

The top five losers were LivingTrust Mortgage Bank, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals, UH Real Estate Investment, Meyer Plc, and Juli Plc, which shed 89k, 74k, N5.75, N1.65, and 95k, respectively.

Conversely, the top five gainers were Sovereign Trust Insurance, Omatek Ventures, AXA Mansard Insurance, Chams Holding Company, and Eunisell Interlinked, which gained 46k, 15k, N1.70, 45k, and N4.50, respectively.

Nigerian singer and songwriter, Johnny Drille, has opened up about his struggles with acceptance within the church community despite starting his musical journey there.

Speaking during a recent podcast appearance, the Mavin Records artist revealed that although he once served as a music director in church, he never truly felt that his unique sound belonged there.

‘I didn’t feel like my music was predominantly in church. Every now and then, I get invited to churches to sing, which is kind of interesting,’ he said.

Johnny Drille also shared that his transition from gospel to mainstream music attracted backlash from some members of the Christian community, who questioned his new musical direction.

‘I’ve gotten a bit of backlash from my Christian community every now and then when they invite me to churches. But at the end of the day, the music is positive. It speaks to good things that sometimes the church doesn’t want to talk about,’ he explained.

The ‘How Are You (My Friend)’ crooner further criticised how some churches avoid singing about love, despite it being a core part of human relationships and faith.

‘The church shies away from talking about love. A lot of times you go for some Christian weddings and you hear Davido and Wizkid. What if the church decides that we want to start doing our own Christian love songs?’ he added.

Reflecting on his early years, Drille said his time as a choir director shaped his skills as a musician, even though he rarely performed before congregations.

‘There’s a place for worship music, right? But there’s also music about so much more that the church could be singing about. I was a music director, directing the choir, but I never really sang in front of the church. I think it helped me become the musician I am today in terms of my musicianship and performances,’ he said.

After their neat 2-1 victory over Lesotho in Maseru, the Super Eagles have given themselves a fighting chance, but the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains narrow.

The win, Nigeria’s second in the qualifiers, keeps them third in Group C, behind Benin Republic and South Africa. With only one automatic ticket available to the group winner, and the second-placed team possibly forced into a tense playoff route, the Eagles must now depend on more than their own performance to secure qualification.

Their next and final group match against Benin Republic has become the ultimate decider. For Nigeria, nothing short of victory will do and not just any win, but a convincing one. A two-goal margin, not just winning, could prove crucial as goal difference may decide who tops the group if teams end level on points.

But even a win may not be enough. The Eagles also need South Africa to drop points in their final fixture against Rwanda. If the Bafana Bafana win, Nigeria’s path to automatic qualification vanishes, leaving them to rely on the uncertain fate of the playoff system reserved for the best runners-up across all African groups.

The situation became more complicated after FIFA recently docked South Africa three points for fielding an ineligible player, a twist that briefly reopened Nigeria’s chances and reshuffled the group standings.

For now, José Peseiro’s men can only do their part: beat Benin, and beat them well. Anything less, and the Super Eagles could miss the World Cup for the second consecutive time.

Truth is, the Eagles have one last chance to soar or fall from the skies and miss out from the World Cup consecutively.

The Super Eagles’ trip to Uyo took a dramatic twist on Saturday after the aircraft conveying the team suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air, forcing an emergency return to Luanda, Angola.

According to a statement by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the ValueJet aircraft, which had been flying the delegation from Polokwane, South Africa, was forced to turn back shortly after take-off when the pilot noticed the damage.

‘The pilot did well to guide the airplane safely back to the airport in Luanda,’ the NFF said.

The same aircraft had earlier transported some members of the delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night and arrived on Friday morning without incident. However, during the return leg, after a routine refuelling stop in Luanda, the windscreen reportedly cracked mid-flight – a situation that could have ended disastrously if not properly managed.

Efforts are now underway to get the players to Uyo in time for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash against the Benin Republic on Tuesday.

‘ValueJet Airline and the relevant Federal Government authorities, including the Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Staff to the President, are working round the clock to secure necessary overflying and landing permits for another aircraft to convey the delegation from Luanda to Uyo,’ the Federation added.

The incident caused a delay in the team’s scheduled arrival in Uyo, where preparations are already in top gear for the showdown at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

The Super Eagles are set to face the Squirrels of Benin Republic in what many fans are calling a must-win game as Nigeria fights to keep its World Cup dream alive.

A suspected scammer posing as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been exposed after attempting to defraud a social media influencer through a fake Zoom conference setup.

The impersonator reportedly called influencer JJ Omojuwa, claiming to be the Kogi Central lawmaker and insisting he ‘call back a code’ to join a supposed virtual meeting.

Omojuwa on his X page said, he quickly realised it was a scam when the caller grew desperate and appeared to be receiving background coaching on what to say.

‘It was obvious from the person’s desperation to have me send the code over. But I see how this could have worked for other people,’ he wrote on social media.

He confirmed that the real Senator Akpoti had nothing to do with the call.

Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti recently returned to the Senate after serving a six-month suspension over alleged misconduct. She resumed plenary duties on October 7, reconnecting with colleagues after months away from the chamber.

Kenway Davidson, the immediate past Director of Audit at the University of Ibadan, has shared an intimate recollection of his long-standing friendship and shared educational journey with Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN the newly appointed NEC/INEC Chairman, PM News can confirm.

In a heartfelt narrative titled ‘My knowledge of Prof Joash Amupitan, SAN from primary school to university,’

Davidson recounted how their paths intertwined from their earliest years in Aiyetoro Gbede, Kogi State, to their respective university days.

According to Davidson:

‘Joash is my childhood friend from the same hometown, and we remain bosom friends till date. We attended the same primary school LEA 2, Aiyetoro Gbede and were classmates all through, starting in 1973.’

He fondly recalled their family backgrounds, noting that both of their fathers were teachers who rose to become headmasters, while Amupitan’s father later joined the judiciary as a local judge.

‘Joash, an exceptionally brilliant pupil, left for St. Barnabas Secondary School, Kabba, from primary five in 1977. My father insisted I complete primary six despite my excellent common entrance result.

So, while he started secondary school at 10, I finished primary school a year later,’ he explained.

Davidson detailed their academic timelines, highlighting that Amupitan attended the School of Basic Studies at the then Kwara State College of Technology, Ilorin (now Kwara Polytechnic), between 1982 and 1984, while he himself joined a year later, from 1983 to 1985.

‘That one-year advantage he gained by skipping primary six remained till we both graduated,’ Davidson noted.

The future legal luminary, he continued, gained admission to the University of Jos in 1984 to study Law and graduated in 1987 at just 20 years of age, sweeping all faculty prizes.

Davidson, on the other hand, pursued Accounting at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, between 1985 and 1988, where he also earned academic awards.

In an interesting twist, Davidson revealed that Amupitan’s younger sister, Mrs. Toyin Ayeni (née Amupitan), was his classmate from Kwara Tech to ABU Zaria, where they graduated together in 1988.

‘Toyin was very young then, only 19 when we graduated. She recently retired as Director of Finance at the ICPC,’ he added.

Davidson concluded by affirming that his account represents an authentic recollection of Professor Amupitan’s educational journey from primary school to university, adding with nostalgia, ‘The rest, as they say, is history.’

Portugal left it late to secure victory over the Republic of Ireland as Rúben Neves’ stoppage-time goal earned Roberto Martínez’s men a hard-fought 1-0 win in a tense World Cup qualifier on Saturday night in Lisbon.

The match seemed destined for a goalless draw until the 92nd minute, when substitute Trincão whipped in a teasing cross that found Neves ghosting into the box.

The midfielder produced a composed finish, rifling the ball into the top-right corner beyond Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to send the home fans into raptures.

Portugal had dominated the encounter, registering 26 attempts to Ireland’s one, but a mixture of wasteful finishing and resilient defending from the visitors kept the scoreline level for much of the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo, earning another cap for his country, endured a frustrating night. The veteran forward missed a penalty in the 75th minute, his tame effort easily saved by Kelleher, who guessed correctly and stood firm.

Earlier, Rafael Leão came close to breaking the deadlock when his curling shot from the edge of the box drifted inches past the post, while Bruno Fernandes saw his long-range drive comfortably gathered by Kelleher.

Bernardo Silva and Nuno Mendes were also constant threats down the flanks, but Ireland’s defence, marshalled by Dara O’Shea and Nathan Collins, held firm for most of the game.

Ireland, led by Heimir Hallgrímsson, offered little attacking threat, with Evan Ferguson and Chiedozie Ogbene starved of service for large spells.

Their best moment came late in the match when Jayson Molumby’s effort from distance was blocked on the edge of the box.

The game turned increasingly physical as tempers flared, with several players, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Molumby, receiving yellow cards from Slovak referee Ivan Kruzliak.

Despite the missed penalty, Portugal’s persistence paid off deep into stoppage time as Neves’ clinical finish sealed all three points.

The result strengthens Portugal’s position in their World Cup qualifying group, while Ireland remain near the bottom after another narrow defeat.

Portugal now turn their attention to their next qualifier, hoping to build on this hard-earned win, while Ireland will look to regroup ahead of their upcoming fixtures.

Naira Strengthens Sharply Against Dollar as External Reserves Rise Steadily

The Nigerian Naira recorded a remarkable gain against the United States dollar on Friday, capping off the week on a strong note amid a sustained rise in the nation’s external reserves.

Fresh data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revealed that the Naira appreciated to ?1,455.17 per dollar at the official foreign exchange market, compared to Thursday’s closing rate of ?1,466.65. This represents a day-to-day gain of ?11.48 one of the most significant improvements recorded in recent weeks.

According to market analysts, the Naira’s rally reflects renewed confidence in the economy, driven by the Central Bank’s ongoing monetary tightening and steady inflows into Nigeria’s external reserves.

The country’s foreign reserves climbed to $42.58 billion as of October 9, 2025, up from $42.40 billion recorded a week earlier on October 2.

In the parallel (black) market, the local currency also showed resilience, appreciating to ?1,503 per dollar on Friday, compared to ?1,505 on Thursday. This marks a consistent upward trend in both official and unofficial markets.

Currency experts attribute the recent surge to a mix of factors, including the Central Bank’s intervention in the FX market, improved oil earnings, and stronger remittance inflows from Nigerians abroad.

They also note that the steady rise in reserves has boosted market liquidity and investor confidence.

Friday’s trading performance represents the Naira’s strongest position in the past week. The last time the currency reached a similar level was on Thursday, October 3, when it traded at ?1,455.24 per dollar.

Economists believe the Naira’s sustained appreciation, if maintained, could help ease inflationary pressures and stabilize prices in key sectors such as import-dependent manufacturing and consumer goods.

As the foreign exchange market continues to stabilize, stakeholders are urging the federal government to consolidate the gains by ensuring fiscal discipline, curbing speculative trading, and encouraging productive exports that can boost the country’s dollar inflows.

The positive movement in both the exchange rate and external reserves signals a potentially stronger outlook for Nigeria’s financial stability in the coming months.

Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Yomi Fabiyi, has revealed that Big Brother Naija Season 10 winner, Imisi, once helped care for his son and showed him uncommon loyalty long before she rose to fame.

Speaking in an interview with Saturday Beats, Fabiyi said his support for the reality star during the show was not for attention or gain but was rooted in their long-standing relationship.

He explained that Imisi had been his student at his film academy and remained supportive of him and his family even after her training.

‘Imisi was a student at my film academy, and beyond that, she has always been supportive of my son and me because we once stayed in the same area in Ikorodu. She has been very helpful beyond the training,’ he said.

Fabiyi added that her loyalty was one reason he stood firmly behind her during the show.

‘I am like a father to her in the industry. She’s always supported everything I do. When I did my housewarming, she stayed all through to make sure the event was fun. Supporting her during Big Brother Naija was just the right thing to do,’ he added.

Reacting to claims that his association with Imisi could affect her image, Fabiyi dismissed such notions, saying he was not bothered by social media narratives.

‘People who spread such talk have no credibility. I don’t dignify them with a response. I only focus on those who have added value to my journey,’ he said.

The Federal Government has approved the recruitment and deployment of over 20,000 health workers across public hospitals in Nigeria.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, announced this during the launch of the Nigeria Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery in Abuja. He said 60% of those to be employed will be nurses and midwives, who form the backbone of hospital care.

According to him, the government is investing heavily in the health workforce to close the gap between the number of health workers available and the high demand for healthcare services.

Pate explained that under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP) reforms, 69,000 frontline health workers have been retrained in all 36 states. He added that President Bola Tinubu had given approval for waivers to speed up the recruitment process.

The new five-year plan aims to strengthen education, create better career paths, expand leadership opportunities, and retain skilled health professionals in the country.

Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, who attended the event, said the policy provides a clear roadmap to improve the nursing and midwifery professions and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Permanent Secretary of the Health Ministry, Daju Kachallom, said the plan focuses on four main areas:

Upgrading nursing and midwifery education to meet local and global needs.

Ensuring fair pay and job satisfaction.

Empowering nurses to take leadership roles.

Promoting quality healthcare delivery nationwide.

Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Dr. Ndagi Alhassan, said the country now produces over 115,000 nurses every year, up from 23,000 in the past. However, he noted that finding jobs for many of these trained professionals remains a challenge.

To address this, the government plans to work with local communities to train and employ nurses who will serve in their hometowns, reducing unemployment and migration.

At the event, Prof. Pate,Senator Banigo, and Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila were recognized as Ambassadors of the Nursing and Midwifery Profession.