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ýýPresident Bola Tinubu will attend funeral prayers for Nana Yilwatda Goshwe, mother of APC Chairman Prof. Nantewe Yilwatda after which he will address Christian leaders during his visit to Plateau State today, Saturday, 4 October, the presidency has said.

ýThe mother of APC National Chairman Mama Lydia Yilwatda died on August 17 at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital aged 83.

Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga announced this in a statement on Friday.

ýHe said during the visit, Tinubu will address northern church leaders at the COCIN Church headquarters in Jos.

Tinubu is further expected to use his address to the Christian leaders in Plateau State to dismiss the claims of religious genocide in Nigeria as being peddled by some lawmakers in the United States of America.

Recall that the President had last Tuesday in Imo State said allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria were ‘unfounded and misleading’

Here, no faith is under siege, no community is excluded. Our churches, mosques, and traditional shrines stand side by side-not as rivals, but as symbols of the unity that binds us,’ Tinubu said while addressing a gathering at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Convention Centre, Owerri.

ýýThe President will return to Lagos on the same day after the visit.

Imisi’s fans can’t get enough of her. She has continued to serve content, back-to-back, in Biggie’s house. This is the stuff of winners. This is how winners are made, not born. This is how stars are hewn from stone and immortalised.

Welcome to Opeyemi Ayanwale, the 23-year-old, Lagos-born, Ebute-Meta-bred BBNaija Season 10 housemate, better known as Imisi. If her performance, vibes, and content-whether acted or real, staged or spontaneous-are anything to go by, she is undoubtedly the winner of this year’s BBNaija Season 10 reality show.

At the end of the day, when all the chips are down, when the dust has settled, and all eyes are clear, she will cart away the $150,000 star prize.

Still, the question on everyone’s lips is: Who is this Imisi who, as she rightly told a fellow housemate, is a ‘nemesis’? Who is this Yoruba girl from Ebute-Meta who often finds it difficult to express herself in English and prefers speaking her mother tongue, Yoruba-a trait that earned her Biggie’s big stick and a temporary punishment of silence? Who is this girl that many find hard to figure out?

The truth is, Imisi stole the hearts of her fans and arguably won the reality show the very first day she stepped into Biggie’s house. That singular act of removing her wig as she entered the house got everyone’s attention. ‘This is a star to watch,’ they all seemed to be saying.

Throughout the 10 weeks she spent in the house, she never disappointed. She consistently delivered content to her numerous fans across the African continent.

This year’s competition is undeniably stiff, with equally talented housemates like Faith (who has since been disqualified), Koyin, Jason Jae, Sultana, and Dede, to mention a few. But the truth remains: Imisi stands head and shoulders above them all.

No matter how hard her competitors’ fans try to stop her from clinching the prize, it will amount to nothing. Imisi’s weapon of mass destruction-her intercontinental ballistic charisma-knows no borders. Her appeal cuts across the entire African continent.

There’s something uncanny about her-something that makes her fans burst into laughter whenever she speaks, acts, or makes facial expressions. These are the traits that endear her to them. And in return, they simply can’t get enough of her.

At the moment, her fans are anxious. They are waiting with bated breath for the D-Day, now just a few hours away. They are praying that she doesn’t make a mistake or slip up-a fate that has previously befallen fan favourites in earlier seasons.

Other housemates who are strong contenders this season, as mentioned earlier, include Koyin, Jason Jae, Sultana, and Dede. These, alongside Imisi, make up the top five. But at the end of the day, it is ‘victoria e certa’-a certain victory-for the girl with the red dot on her forehead, her signature look.

Chelsea grabbed all three points in dramatic fashion after edging Liverpool 2-1 in a heated Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night.

Moises Caicedo was the hero for the Blues, scoring twice, including a 95th-minute stunner that sent the home fans wild.

The midfielder gave Chelsea an early lead in the 14th minute with a fine strike from the edge of the box after a clever pass from Malo Gusto.

Liverpool drew level in the 63rd minute through Cody Gakpo, who finished off a neat move from Alexander Isak’s assist.

Just when it looked like both sides would share the spoils, Caicedo struck again deep into stoppage time to hand Enzo Maresca’s men a massive win.

Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai was booked late on for a rough challenge on Marc Cucurella, while Chelsea’s defensive troubles worsened after Benoît Badiashile limped off injured – leaving all six senior centre-backs sidelined.

The victory extends Chelsea’s unbeaten run to three league games and lifts the mood around Stamford Bridge after a dramatic finish..

Super Falcons forward Ifeoma Onumonu has officially announced her retirement from professional football, marking the end of a remarkable career that spanned over a decade.

The 31-year-old striker shared the emotional news on her Instagram page on Saturday, expressing deep gratitude for her journey in the game.

‘It is with a heart full of gratitude that I bid farewell to my playing career on the pitch,’ Onumonu wrote. ‘Football has given me so much friendships, lessons, and memories that I will cherish forever.’

Born and raised in the United States, Onumonu began her football journey in the American league system and represented the U.S. U-23 women’s national team before switching her international allegiance to Nigeria.

Her decision to play for the Super Falcons marked a turning point in her career and endeared her to fans across Africa.

Onumonu made her debut for Nigeria in 2021 and quickly became a key figure in the national team setup. She was part of the Super Falcons squad that triumphed at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) a memorable highlight in her career.

At the club level, the forward played for several top teams, including Gotham FC in the U.S. and Montpellier HSC in France, where she ended her professional journey.

Her speed, technical skill, and eye for goal made her one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers in recent years.

Fans and teammates have been paying tribute to Onumonu’s contributions to women’s football, celebrating her dedication, professionalism, and passion for the sport.

As she steps away from the game, Onumonu says she hopes to continue inspiring young girls to chase their dreams on and off the pitch.

‘Football will always be a part of my life,’ she added. ‘I may be leaving the field as a player, but my love for the game remains as strong as ever.’

Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, was sent off after celebrating his team’s dramatic late goal in their 2-1 win over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca had already received a yellow card earlier in the match for arguing about a VAR decision on a penalty appeal.

When Willian Estevão scored a last-minute winner, Maresca ran across the pitch to celebrate with his players.

Referee Anthony Taylor then showed him a second yellow card, which meant he was sent off.

The red card came in the 96th minute and did not affect Chelsea’s victory.

The win lifts Chelsea to sixth place in the Premier League table with 11 points from seven matches.

Liverpool now drop to second place, behind Arsenal, who had earlier beaten West Ham 2-0.

Following his conviction and 50-month prison sentence for transporting people for prostitution in the United States, Hip Hop legend Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces one of the darkest chapters of his life. Once celebrated as a global music and business icon, his reputation now hangs in the balance.

Here are 15 things to know about the fallen star:

Early Life: Born Sean John Combs on November 4, 1969, in Harlem, New York, Diddy grew up in Mount Vernon, raised by his mother after his father was killed when he was just two years old.

Education and Hustle: Combs attended Howard University, where he majored in business. Though he left before graduation, his time there shaped his drive and ambition.

Music Industry Breakthrough: Diddy began his career as an intern at Uptown Records, quickly rising through the ranks before launching his own label.

Bad Boy Records Legacy: In 1993, he founded Bad Boy Records, propelling artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, 112, and Mase to global fame.

Hitmaker Extraordinaire: As Puff Daddy, Diddy released several chart-topping singles. His 1997 tribute to The Notorious B.I.G., ‘I’ll Be Missing You,’ dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for 11 weeks.

The Business Mogul: Beyond music, Combs built a vast business empire, investing in brands like Cîroc vodka, DeLeón tequila, and AquaHydrate, with his net worth once estimated at over $800 million.

Fashion Influence: In 1998, he launched the Sean John clothing line, which redefined urban fashion and earned him the CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year award in 2004.

Television and Media Expansion: In 2013, Combs co-founded Revolt TV, a music and lifestyle network designed to amplify Black culture and creativity.

Multiple Reinventions: Known for frequently changing his stage name – Puff Daddy, Puffy, P. Diddy, Diddy, and Love – his identity shifts became part of his enduring brand.

Lavish Lifestyle: Diddy was famous for his extravagant ‘White Parties,’ luxury mansions, and celebrity-filled gatherings that defined the hip-hop elite lifestyle of the late ’90s and early 2000s.

Legal Troubles: His career has long been marred by controversies – from nightclub shootings in 1999 to multiple civil lawsuits alleging abuse, violence, and misconduct.

Criminal Conviction: In July 2025, Combs was found guilty of transporting individuals for prostitution and was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison in New York on October 3, 2025.

Courtroom Apology: During his sentencing, Diddy publicly apologized to his family, fans, and victims, admitting that ‘power and fame blinded him to the consequences of his actions.’

Public Reaction:

The conviction sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with many fans expressing disappointment while others called it a long-overdue reckoning.

Legacy in Question: Once hailed as a symbol of Black excellence and innovation, Combs’ influence on music, fashion, and business now stands overshadowed by scandal leaving his legacy deeply tarnished.

From chart-topping success to a federal prison sentence, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ story is a powerful reminder of how fame, fortune, and unchecked excess can ultimately lead to a dramatic fall from grace.

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.