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From October 18-19, 2025, Terra Kulture Arena in Victoria Island, Lagos, will play host to lovers of stage performance as the opera of ‘The Gods Have Spoken’ enthralls the audience for two days.

The opera, directed by Muyideen Oladapo, popularly known as Lala, and written by Taiye Adeola, a PhD holder, will feature a collection of top Nollywood actors and actresses including: Lateef Adedimeji, Femi Branch, Tunji Sotimirin, Omowunmi Dada and Lizzy Jay.

Speaking on the forthcoming opera at a media parley in Lagos recently, Oladapo, who is drawing strength from his successful directing of ‘Kurunmi’, a play by Ola Rotimi, said that the collection of stars for the opera was a deviation from the norm, as the audience would be seeing the cast members in a different element for the first time.

Describing the opera of ‘The Gods Have Spoken’ as a must-see, Oladapo noted that with a 40-page script, over 140 pages of music and over 80 actors and crew members for the performance, the opera is simple breathtaking.

‘Opera is a play in the form of music and art where the singers and instrumentalists perform in a theatrical way. Every line will be acted out in the form of a song,’ Oladapo explained. He confessed that he chose to perform ‘The Gods Have Spoken’ because the message mirrors the society, even more today. ‘It is a story that gives hope to the common man in their pursuit of destiny,’ he said.

On his part, Tunji Sotimirin, a veteran actor and academic, assured the audience of a spectacular experience at Terra Kulture come October 18th and 19th.

‘This is a tiny script with a unique, significant message and dialogue being rendered for a spectacle to behold. This is to celebrate the common man’s voice to equip themselves,’ he said.

Also speaking during the media parley, Segun Adefila, choreography director of the opera, explained that the story which is about destiny and character teaches how man can influence the voice of the gods to bring destiny to life.

Adeaga Mofopefoluwa, the music director, said that, The Gods Have Spoken is a peculiar play with a unique message for the audience.

‘We have been working on the music scoresheet written by the writer and the arranger of the play, orchestrating the performance of this play. I assure the audience of a captivating performance different from what they have experienced,’ Mofopefoluwa said at the performance rehearsal.

However, Olamide Oladapo, the producer of the opera and daughter of the director, assured that the performance will also feature something special, while urging the audience to be on the lookout.

‘This is a satire and total theatre: dancing, acting, singing, with actors saying their lines in the form of songs,’ she said.

‘This will captivate and engage the audience. And I would like to add that we have something special coming on stage. I want everyone to watch out and come and see,’ Olamide, a Theatre Arts graduate, said.

She invites all to visit Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos from October 18-19, 2025, between 3pm and 6pm to see the highly anticipated opera performance.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have successfully dismantled two major drug cartels behind six different consignments of cocaine concealed in walls of stainless cups, body cream and hair gel containers, after a series of intelligence led operations that lasted over three weeks across Lagos.

Femi Babafemi, the director, media and advocacy, NDLEA, said in a statement, on Sunday, that the action led to the arrest of five suspects and ultimately the arrowhead of the syndicate, Hammed Ode, who parades as a businessman and real estate developer.

According to the NDLEA, ‘The beginning of the end of the criminal syndicate’s operations began on 16th September 2025 when NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.40 kilograms concealed in walls of cocoa butter body cream containers. ‘A cargo agent was promptly arrested and further investigations revealed Hammed Ode as the mastermind of the shipment and after weeks of intelligence.

‘It was later established that the drug baron had reported a dispute at the Zone 2 headquarters of the Police in Lagos, after which the Agency sought the cooperation of the police to get the suspect into custody.

‘During his preliminary interview, Ode admitted to the ownership of the consignment which he claimed he bought at over N150 million. ‘He claimed to be a businessman and estate developer following his return from the United Kingdom in 2024. He had lived for over 27 years in many European countries including Austria, Netherlands, France, Germany, and Saudi Arabia before settling in the UK.’, the NDLEA said.

In a related development, five other desperate attempts by another criminal syndicate to export cocaine consignments to the United Kingdom were also thwarted by operatives of the MMIA Strategic Command of NDLEA.

The unravelling of the gang started on 26th September following the seizure of 2.10kg cocaine concealed in walls of hair cream containers at the export shed of the Lagos airport.

The apprehension of a cargo agent led to the arrest of the consignor, Smith Korede, a furniture maker, on Tuesday 30th September at his 3 Arowojobe street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos base where another consignment of 1.40kg cocaine meant for export to the UK was recovered from him.

Babafemi said another consignment of 1.00kg cocaine with similar mode of concealment also going to the UK was also intercepted by operatives of the NDLEA which successfully dismantled two major drug cartels behind six different consignments of cocaine concealed in walls of stainless cups, body cream and hair gel containers.

‘ Two other cocaine laden consignments going to the UK were also intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the MMIA on Thursday 2nd October. Two suspects: Ogunbiyi Oluseye Taiwo and Popoola Francis Olumuyiwa linked to the seizures were promptly arrested. One of the consignments contains crayfish, and 12 pieces of stainless cups used to conceal 1.00kg cocaine while the second consignment also contains crayfish, and 36 containers of hair cream used to conceal 1.60kg of cocaine. ‘ The bid by another criminal gang to smuggle into Lagos 6.3 kilograms of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis concealed in bedsheet and hibiscus flower from Thailand was equally thwarted by NDLEA operatives attached to some courier companies.

‘Similarly, a joint operation between NDLEA officers and Customs Service personnel at a check point along Danbatta-Daura road, Kano, on Thursday 2nd October led to the arrest of 38-year-old Sa’adu Ali and seizure of 290,450 pills of tramadol 250mg and pregabalin capsules.

‘In Lagos, a notorious drug dealer John Igbe, operating under the nickname: SammyBless to distribute illicit drugs in Lekki and Ajah axis, was on Tuesday 30th September arrested at Admiralty road, Lekki. At the time of his arrest, 550 grams of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis, packaged in retail plastic cups, were recovered from him.

‘ Three other suspects: Idris Lukman; Fuad Abdulsalam and Mobolaji James were nabbed same day in Mushin area of the state, with 109kg skunk, 20 bottles of codeine syrup and 2kg of nitrous oxide seized from them. At the Trade Fair Complex, Alaba area of the state, 3,700 bottles of codeine syrup and 550,000 caplets of expired 225mg diclofenac were recovered.

‘ A total of 27,700 pills of tramadol 100mg/225mg were seized from a suspect Salisu Abubakar, 25, at Bode Saadu, Morro LGA, Kwara state on Monday 29th September, Blessing Ovaka, 50, was caught with 498.5kg skunk at Kudandan, Chukun LGA, Kaduna, same day, just as Dahiru Salisu, 27, was arrested in possession of 34,180 capsules of tramadol at Gwargwaje along Kaduna – Zaria road on Thursday 2nd October.

‘In Ogun state, NDLEA operatives on Monday 29th September raided Isheri, Obafemi Owode LGA, where a suspect, Abubakar Audu, was arrested with 112kg skunk and 16grams of tramadol.

‘Three suspects: Chuimieze Shedrack, 28; Sunday John, 25, and Solomon Okopko, 27, were nabbed by NDLEA officers on Thursday 2nd October at Owena/Ijesha forest reserve, Osun state where they destroyed 14,000kg skunk on 5.6 hectares of cannabis plantation and recovered 142kg of same psychoactive substance. ‘In Edo, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 1st October intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle marked KUJ 47 NW loaded with 22 bags of skunk weighing 244.5kg at Igbanke, Orhionwon LGA and a suspect Ineh Obindi, 28, arrested. A total of 10,897.35kg skunk was destroyed on four farms measuring 4.358938 hectares at Ugbodo forest, Ovia North East LGA, on Friday 3rd October, with two suspects: Michael Ayang, 40, and Bernard New Year, (a.ka Don), 47, arrested. Not less than 223.5kg processed cannabis and seeds were recovered from the farms.’

The NDLEA said operatives on patrol along Okene/Lokoja highway intercepted a waybill parcel coming from Lagos to Abuja containing 3.272kg Loud and a sachet of Colorado. A follow up operation at Gwagwalada park in Abuja led to the arrest of the owner, Tobi Odubote, 34, while another suspect Ismail Abdurrahim, 32, was arrested in possession of 25.5kg skunk along Abaji- Abuja expressway on Thursday 2nd October.

The anti-narcotic agency, said its Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA sensitization lectures.

The sensitisation was taken to the students and staff of Government Day Secondary School, Hammawa Toungo, Adamawa; Government Day Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina; Day Secondary School, Unguwan Nasarawa, Kontogora, Niger; and traders at Ladega market Ikorodu, Lagos, while the Imo state command of NDLEA paid a WADA advocacy visit to the State First Lady, Barr. Chioma Uzodinma at Government House, Owerri, among others.

‘We’ll continue to target and dismantle every identified drug cartel at every level of their operations; from the mules to the dealers in between and up to their leadership’ the agency said.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed confidence that Alexander Isak will soon find his best form and build a strong partnership with Mohamed Salah in the Reds’ attack.

Isak, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle United in a record British transfer during the summer, has endured a slow start to life at Anfield. The Swedish striker is yet to hit top form, and the Reds have struggled in recent weeks, losing their last three matches.

Following Liverpool’s defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday night, Slot maintained faith in his forward duo, insisting that time and consistency will help them gel.

‘The more they play together, the more they will click,’ Slot said. ‘You have to work really hard to reach a certain level, and it’s very difficult in football because you’re also playing against very good teams. Maintaining that level takes time and continuity.’ The Dutch manager highlighted the impact of Liverpool’s busy summer and limited training opportunities on team cohesion.

‘It’s clear that we had many changes during the summer, and the players arrived at different times,’ he added.

‘Last week, there was hardly any training time. Still, we have to integrate these players and help them adapt. If the result had been better today, even a draw or a win, it would’ve been seen as a good start to the season considering everything that’s happened at Liverpool.’

Despite recent setbacks, Slot remains optimistic that Isak will soon settle and deliver the goals that justified his record-breaking move.

The Made in the North Festival and Trade Fair is set to return for its second edition, with organisers promising a bigger platform to showcase Northern Nigeria’s cultural heritage, creative talent, and commercial potential.

Muhammad Ashraf Adam, convener of the festival, disclosed in Abuja that this year’s edition is designed not only as a cultural celebration but also a solution-driven initiative to ease economic challenges by creating opportunities for trade, partnerships, and empowerment.

‘This is more than a festival, it is a mission, a vehicle for change that, if well supported, can transform the face of Northern Nigeria and contribute significantly to the national economy,’ he said.

According to Adam, the event, which blends tradition with innovation, will position the North as a hub for fashion, film, art, trade, tourism, and technology. It will feature cultural parades, Durbar, poetry slams, film screenings, and fashion showcases, alongside exhibitions, tech showcases, and capacity-building programmes.

Unlike its inaugural edition, this year’s festival has scaled up in logistics, partnerships, and community participation, with over a thousand creatives, brands, and groups expected to participate. A headline musical act and a major talent-scouting initiative are also lined up to spotlight new voices from the region. The festival has attracted support from both government and private sector stakeholders, with endorsements from the Vice President, the Deputy Senate President, the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Economy, as well as cultural institutions such as the National Gallery of Art.

Organisers said the long-term vision is to establish the festival as a global cultural brand by 2030, exporting Northern talent and attracting international investors.

‘Out of a projected 230 million Nigerians, over 100 million are from the North. We are a continent within a country, and this festival is about harnessing that potential and projecting it globally,’ Adam added.

Tragedy struck in Kubwa, Abuja, Thursday night as armed assailants invaded the home of Ifeanyi Ogbu, a medical doctor, killed him and abducted his three children, who are still missing.

Residents said the attack occurred late on October 3, when the gunmen stormed Dr. Ogbu’s residence, shooting sporadically before forcing their way in. The doctor was reportedly shot at close range while attempting to protect his family. The assailants then whisked away his children to an unknown destination. The incident has thrown the community into mourning and heightened fears over rising insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It comes barely days after a violent armed robbery in Katampe, another Abuja district, where residents were robbed at gunpoint in their homes.

Kabiru Adamu, a security analysts said that the two incidents indicate a disturbing trend of escalating urban violence and growing sophistication among criminal gangs operating in the FCT’s suburbs. ‘What we’re seeing is a pattern of coordinated criminal operations targeting residential areas’, Adamu said.

As of Saturday, the police have not issued an official statement on the Kubwa killing and abduction, though residents have called for immediate deployment of more patrol teams and intelligence units to curb the wave of attacks. Adamu also noted that Abuja, long considered one of Nigeria’s safer urban areas, has in recent months witnessed a spike in kidnappings, home invasions, and other violent crimes developments that have raised concerns about the government’s ability to protect citizens even in the nation’s capital.

Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Ogbu’s children remain unknown, with family members and neighbours appealing to authorities to intensify search and rescue efforts.

Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has visited Oke Ode in Ifelodun Local Government to again commiserate with the community and the families who lost their loved ones to the recent attacks by kidnappers.

The Governor prayed for the repose of the souls, commended the security forces for their efforts, and reassured the community of bringing back peace in no distant time.

He also sent words of condolences and solidarity to all the communities caught in the breaches from Ifelodun to Irepodun, Isin, Ekiti, Edu, and Patigi.

‘We have come to commiserate with the community over the attacks. It is to also commend the security forces, forest guards, and vigilante for repelling them and restoring peace back to the community. ‘It’s been quite challenging. Everything is being put in place to mitigate its effects, and make sure we end such occurrences,’ he said.

The governor was accompanied by the Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo; State Director of DSS; State Commandant for NSCDC, Umar Mohammed; Senior Special Assistant on Security, Muyideen Aliyu; and Chairman of Ifelodun, Femi Yusuf.

The governor got briefings from security officers and some stakeholders from Oke- Ode and neighbouring Igbaja, including the National President of Oke Ode Development Association, Abdulganiyu Ajala; Oyin Zubair, and the youth leader.

The governor had earlier issued a statement to commiserate with the communities affected, saying a lot more must be done to protect the people and their properties.

Olubunmi Oni, the Head of Service (HoS) of Oyo State, in collaboration with her siblings, has awarded free scholarships to 45 students in honour of their late parents.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, Kwara State, Oni explained that the initiative was introduced to commemorate the 60th wedding anniversary of their late parents, Joshua Ogunkeyede and Rachel Ogunkeyede.

She noted that the scholarship scheme is aimed at supporting indigent students and ease their academic journey. Since its inception in 2024, the programme has benefitted 45 pupils across different levels of education.

According to Oni, the scholarship cuts across the six geopolitical zones of the country, and it is part of the legacy their parents left behind.

‘Our parents taught us to do good within our capacity to all men. We pray this will continue. It started in 2024, and we believe we will be able to do more for indigent students who apply,’ she said. The HoS added that the scholarship covers pupils in primary and secondary schools, as well as undergraduates in tertiary institutions across various disciplines. In some cases, brilliant students are provided with laptops, while indigent beneficiaries receive monthly stipends.

Oni further explained that the programme is both a celebration of their parents’ union 60 years ago and a continuation of their values. She recalled that Joshua Ogunkeyede passed on in 2022, while their mother, Rachel Ogunkeyede, died in 2014, describing them as humanitarians who instilled discipline and nurtured a culture of giving back to society.

She added that the initiative complements government efforts to ensure Nigerian children access quality education and become productive citizens.

Appealing to well-meaning individuals and organisations to support similar causes, Oni said:

‘There is no amount that is too small. We started this initiative after the passing of our parents. Earlier, we sponsored some students in our hometown church, Emmanuel Anglican Church, Esa-Oke, in 2024 to mark 10 years of our mother’s passing. We are comforted knowing that we are doing what they would love their names to be remembered

Remi Tinubu, first lady of Nigeria has celebrated the 15-year-old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, the Guinness World Record (GWR) holder for the largest painting on canvas.

Kanyeyachukwu’s painting, which spans 12,304 square meters features a multi-coloured ribbon, representing the autism symbol surrounded by emojis.

The painting themed, ‘Impossibility is a Myth’ aimed at highlighting the spectrum disorder and the challenges that people like him face amid stigma.

According to the first lady, Kanye’s GWR achievement is proof that impossibility is a myth. ‘By painting the largest art canvas in the world, he has not only broken the Guinness World Record, but he has also broken barriers of perception.’

According to the first lady, who was represented by Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the minister of Women Affairs, the Eko Atlantic exhibition is a whole segment of Nigeria’s cultural vibrancy, technology innovation, and environmental consciousness.

She said that the exhibition reflects the real vision of President Tinubu, who believes deeply in the limitless potential of Nigerian youth to shape the future of the country and the world at large.

‘Their innovation complements Kanyeyachukwu’s artistry, both serving as a reminder that creativity and responsibility must work hand in hand to secure a better tomorrow for all.’

The first lady also urged the participants to draw inspiration from Kanyeyachukwu’s story as they celebrate art today, cultural technology, and sustainability.

‘Let us nurture our own talents and invest in the creative economy, for it is here that the true wealth and image of our nation resides,’ Tinubu said. Hannatu Musa Musawa, minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy in Nigeria, said the painting titled, ‘Impossibility is a Myth,’ defies limits, and shows the expansive possibilities that lie within every Nigerian child, regardless of age, disability, or background.

According to her, the title of the work could not have been more fitting, because it portrays the message that limitations are often in the mind, not in the heart and hands.

‘As Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, I see in this record not merely a personal achievement, but a national statement of who we are and who we can be,’ she said.

According to Musawa, the current administration is working towards elevating arts and culture beyond vehicles of entertainment into pillars of social development, economic growth and unity.

‘Indeed, Kanye’s success is a beacon for what is possible when policy, community support, family love, and personal dedication come together,’ Musawa said.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State governor, said Kanyeyachukwu has accomplished what many would deem impossible at 15.

‘As a non-verbal teenager on the autism spectrum, he has found his voice through art, expressing himself in a way that is bold, beautiful and impactful,’ stated Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Idris Aregbe, SA on tourism, art and culture to governor Sanwo-Olu.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the remarkable canvas serves as a powerful reminder that limitations are offen just a product of the mind. ‘True ability shines through courage, perseverance, and vision.’

Chuck Nduka-Eze, the grand patron to Kanyeyachukwu, said Nigeria lack trained professionals with the right understand to address the challenges of autism.

‘So, one of the things we’re trying to address as a foundation is to train nurses and train medical staff to actually understand the challenge of autism, to be able to provide support, for those who have that challenge,’ he said.

He also disclosed that the foundation is trying to raise fund to directly assist families who have children with autism. They can’t even go out shopping because they have to look after a child 24 hours because they don’t have anybody who understands that child.’

The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (Kogi L -PRES), has launched a one-week intensive training on Artificial Insemination (AI) for 30 participants, comprising animal scientists, veterinarians, and lead farmers from across the state.

The training is being hosted at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Abdulkabir Ononuoyiza Otaru, while speaking on the exercise on Monday in Lokoja, described artificial insemination in livestock as a technique for controlled breeding and genetic improvement, adding that the training is crucial for achieving the project’s goal of increasing productivity, commercialization, and resilience of the livestock value chain in Kogi State.

Otaru commended Governor Ahmed Ododo for his full support for the improvement of livestock productivity value chain in the state.

‘Professionals in livestock field, including veterinarians, animal scientists, and farmers are selected for further training on artificial insemination by trainers from NSPRI Zaria.

‘The training is crucial for project goals in Kogi State and supported by Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration. ‘The goal is to improve livestock productivity for food security and farmers’ livelihoods in Kogi State. Participants will train farmers clusters and stakeholders in livestock value chain across the state.

‘Full commitment to training by the participants is essential to justify government’s investment in the project.

‘The training is expected to equip the participants with the necessary skills to improve livestock productivity and contribute to the growth of the livestock industry in Kogi State’.

Abdulsalam Hadi, permanent secretary, Kogi State Ministry of Livestock Development, commended the governor for his commitment to improving livestock development in the state, noting that the training is a testament to the government’s efforts to support farmers and improve livestock productivity.

Shaibu Husseini Egwu and Isah Anate Jimoh, director of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Livestock Development, and director of Animal Husbandry, in their separate responses, stressed the importance of AI in animal improvement, highlighting its potential to increase milk and meat production, pointing out on the need to adopt new techniques to improve mass livestock productivity and meet the growing demand for livestock products.

Adeniyi Omoniyi Oloninisi, Animal Husbandry Officer, KOGI L-PRES project, and Tolu Omotugba, chairman, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), equally noted that AI will increase livestock productivity, reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, and improve the genetic quality of animals, as they commended the state government for the initiative, saying it will empower veterinarians to carry out AI procedures and prove livestock production in the state .

Musa Ibrahim, Onu of Ochaja, a livestock farmer, commended the L-PRES project for its impact on livestock farmers in the state through capacity building trainings, as he expressed gratitude to the governor for his support to the project and assured that the participants would take advantage of the training to broaden their knowledge on AI.

The Obidient Movement has called on President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, the Department of State Services, DSS, and other security agencies to arrest and prosecute the Lagos State Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Adekunle Mustapha aka Sego.

It said that Sego should be arrested and prosecuted for threatening to kill anybody who votes against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State in 2027.

Reacting to a video showing Sego issuing the threat, the movement said Sego’s action is part of desperate attempts engineered by the APC because the party does not have the voting strength nor popular support to win free and fair elections in Lagos State.

The statement signed by the Movement’s National Coordinator, Tanko Yunusa, read: ‘The attention of the Obidient Movement has been drawn to comments, well captured on video, by the Lagos State Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers Adekunle Mustapha aka Sego.

‘In summary, the said Sego, who masquerades as a Labour Union leader, threatened to kill anyone who votes against the APC in Lagos, during the next elections, scheduled for 2027.

‘The Obidient Movement recalls with grief and sadness, the violence unleashed by this same NURTW members and other thugs, during the 2023 elections, on Nigerian voters in Lagos, particularly members of the Obidient Movement and supporters of Mr. Peter Obi and the Labour Party, resulting in the recorded killing and maiming of so many. ‘There is no doubt whatsoever that these threats and acts of murder and brigandage are desperate attempts engineered by the APC, realising that they do not have the voting strength nor popular support to win any elections, free and fair in Lagos, as with generally across the country, having failed to deliver good governance arising from their questionable mandate in the 2023 elections. ‘Over the years, actions of murder, thuggery, political violence, extortion and other criminal acts have continued to be associated and even accepted as part of the operation of the NURTW in Lagos.

‘We are by this statement calling the attention of President Bola Tinubu, who bears statutory and historical responsibility for this development, the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Police, DSS, Military and all other security agencies to immediately effect the arrest, detention and prosecution of this NURTW Chairman, and all others who have been long involved in the perpetration of these threats, murders and politically related criminal acts.’

Yunusa also called the attention of the international community to Sego’s threats.

‘We are also putting the International Community on notice, of these crimes against humanity and threats to peace in Nigeria, and those legally responsible, by their actions and inactions,’ he added.