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Gunmen have abducted 20 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members travelling to their various orientation camps in the South-East and South-South, raising fresh concerns over the safety of corps members on interstate journeys.

The victims were reportedly travelling in a commercial bus from Ibadan, Oyo State, when the attackers intercepted the vehicle along the Owerri-Onitsha Road near Umunoha community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with Channels TV on Thursday, saying the corps members were on their way to different orientation camps when they were attacked.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Audu Bosso, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment as security agencies launched a coordinated operation to secure the victims’ safe and unconditional release.

Okoye said security personnel were combing surrounding bushes and possible escape routes in search of the abductors, while a Rapid Response Team had been deployed to track the attackers and facilitate the rescue operation.

The latest incident adds to a growing pattern of attacks targeting travellers and corps members along major highways. It also comes weeks after security forces rescued abducted corps members and other passengers following an attack on vehicles along the Aloma-Egane Expressway in Kogi State.

The Kogi attack occurred at about 4:40 p.m. on August 26 around Ogene Zaria, near the Ogene Zaria-Onicha-Igo Junction, where armed men reportedly emerged from a bush and blocked two buses travelling in opposite directions.

Some passengers were abducted during the attack, while others escaped into the surrounding bush. Joint security forces comprising the police, military, Department of State Services and other auxiliary personnel subsequently launched a search operation.

The victims were rescued on August 31 from Egume Forest in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State following a coordinated operation.

The recurring attacks have highlighted the security risks faced by young Nigerians travelling to orientation camps, particularly those moving across state lines to commence their compulsory national service.

The Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated Nigerian-born physician, Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi, on his election to lead the Canadian Medical Association (CMA).

In her congratulatory message, Dabiri-Erewa said Dr. Ogunyemi’s election marks a significant milestone in the history of the Canadian Medical Association, as he becomes the first Black physician to head the prestigious organisation.

She noted that his accomplishment goes beyond personal success, describing it as a significant milestone that reflects the capacity of Nigerians to excel and provide leadership in critical sectors of the global economy and professional community.

Ogunyemi, a clinical Associate Professor of medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland, has distinguished himself through more than 15 years of clinical practice, medical education, administration, and healthcare advocacy.

As a medical dermatologist practising in St. John’s and a visiting specialist in Labrador City, he has also demonstrated a strong commitment to providing quality healthcare to underserved and remote communities.

His service to Labrador City since 2018 underscores his dedication to ensuring that geographical location does not become a barrier to access to specialist medical care.

The NiDCOM boss further commended Ogunyemi’s contributions to medical education through his teaching and mentorship of upcoming physicians, as well as his advocacy for reforms aimed at addressing structural challenges within the healthcare system.

According to her, his journey exemplifies the significant value Nigerians in the Diaspora bring to their host countries through professional excellence, community service, innovation, knowledge transfer, and leadership.

Dabiri-Erewa said NiDCOM remains committed to celebrating and strengthening the relationship between Nigeria and its Diaspora, noting that the achievements of Nigerians abroad provide opportunities for greater collaboration, knowledge exchange, investment, mentorship, and national development.

She expressed confidence that Dr. Ogunyemi’s leadership of the Canadian Medical Association would further contribute to constructive conversations and reforms around the challenges confronting healthcare delivery in Canada and beyond.

The NiDCOM Boss urged Nigerian professionals in the Diaspora to continue to uphold the values of excellence, integrity, service, and innovation, while remaining connected to Nigeria and contributing to the country’s development in their respective fields.

The United States, U.S., has congratulated Nigeria on its 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the country as an important partner in advancing regional stability, economic growth and shared democratic values.

In a message issued on Thursday by the Office of the Spokesman of the U.S. Department of State, Washington said it valued its relationship with Nigeria and welcomed the substantive dialogue between both countries over the past year.

‘On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my congratulations to the people of Nigeria on the 66th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence,’ the statement said.

The U.S. highlighted Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest democracy and one of the continent’s largest economies, saying the country has an important role to play in promoting stability and economic development across the region.

‘The United States is proud to stand alongside Nigeria in pursuit of these common goals,’ it added.

The message also identified several areas underpinning the bilateral relationship, including democratic principles, religious freedom, expanding commercial ties, peace and security.

The U.S. message concluded with a goodwill wish for Nigeria, expressing hope that the country and its people would continue to thrive in peace, unity, prosperity and hope for generations to come.

The statement provides a diplomatic reaffirmation of the long-standing relationship between Washington and Abuja, while placing Nigeria’s independence anniversary within a broader framework of democratic governance, economic cooperation and regional stability.

As Faith Owolona celebrates her birthday today, October 1, attention turns to a career that spans the international oil and gas industry, entrepreneurship, and philanthropic initiatives focused on education and women’s empowerment.

Owolona, a Nigerian oil and gas executive with professional experience across international markets, has built a career around energy-sector operations, business development, and leadership. Her professional journey has taken her across parts of Asia and the Middle East, including major oil and gas projects in Dubai, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, according to published reports.

Her academic background includes degrees in Law and International Relations and Diplomacy, as well as a master’s degree in Oil and Gas, providing a multidisciplinary foundation for her work across the corporate and energy sectors.

In July 2026, reports emerged that Owolona was preparing to return to Nigeria to assume a senior leadership position at a leading oil and gas company, following her international career in Asia. The development marked a new phase in her professional journey, with the potential to bring international industry experience into Nigeria’s energy sector.

Beyond her corporate engagements, Owolona has also developed a philanthropic profile through the Juliestot Foundation for Women and Girl Child, an initiative established in 2019 in memory of her late mother.

The foundation focuses on improving access to education, promoting economic empowerment, and creating opportunities for women and girls across underserved communities. Its activities have extended beyond Nigeria to countries including Kenya, Rwanda, and the Benin Republic.

Among its notable educational initiatives are Juliestot Girls Secondary School and Juliestot Vocational Center in Otukpo, Benue State. The institutions provide free education and vocational training to girls, with the broader objective of equipping young women with the knowledge and practical skills needed to build independent futures.

Owolona’s philanthropic interests also extend to economic empowerment and entrepreneurship. Her work has been associated with initiatives that support women’s financial independence, vocational development, and access to opportunities that can strengthen families and communities.

In addition to her energy-sector career and humanitarian commitments, she has pursued several entrepreneurial interests, including agriculture and livestock farming, reflecting a broader engagement with business and enterprise.

Her contributions have attracted public recognition, including the Global Change Maker Award and the Inspiring Youths Africa Magazine Seal Award, alongside commendations for her community-focused initiatives.

As she marks another year, Owolona’s professional and philanthropic journey reflects the growing participation of Nigerian women in international energy leadership and the role of private initiatives in addressing educational and economic challenges.

Her birthday provides an opportunity to recognise a career that connects corporate ambition with social investment, particularly through efforts to expand educational access and economic opportunities for women and girls.

As she enters a new year, her evolving professional journey and continued commitment to philanthropy remain central to the public story surrounding her work.

The Federal Government has begun preparations for the 2026 national ranking of tertiary institutions, with the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, directing the Nigeria Tertiary Education Ranking Advisory Committee (NiTERAC) to commence the exercise.

The committee, chaired by Prof. Peter Okebukola, is expected to rank Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education as part of efforts to strengthen performance and competitiveness within the tertiary education sector.

The directive comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s improved showing in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, with 29 Nigerian universities featuring in the 2027 edition, compared with 24 in the 2026 ranking.

Nigeria now has the highest number of ranked universities among countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, while five Nigerian institutions made their debut in the global ranking.

The Federal Ministry of Education, in a statement issued on Thursday by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, said the national ranking framework being developed by NiTERAC was being prepared in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

The framework will assess tertiary institutions against 22 indicators intended to promote healthy competition, increase institutional visibility and enhance the ability of Nigerian institutions to compete internationally.

The ministry attributed the improvement in Nigeria’s representation in global rankings to reforms being implemented under Alausa, particularly through the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI).

It said the reforms were focused on research excellence, innovation, institutional performance and international competitiveness.

The latest THE ranking also highlighted the contribution of federal universities to Nigeria’s performance.

According to the ministry, five of the seven Nigerian universities ranked among the global top 1,200 are federal institutions, accounting for 71.4 per cent of the country’s representation in that category.

The University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos maintained their positions in the 801-1000 band.

Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Ilorin moved into the 1001-1200 band, joining Bayero University, which retained its position in the same category.

Covenant University also maintained its place in the 801-1000 band.

The ministry said federal universities also occupied all six Nigerian positions in the 1401-1600 band.

It added that five of the seven Nigerian universities that recorded clear upward movement in the latest ranking were federal institutions. They are Ahmadu Bello University, University of Ilorin, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Obafemi Awolowo University and University of Benin.

Meanwhile, 32 additional Nigerian universities were included in the THE Reporter category, taking the number of Nigerian institutions participating in the ranking exercise to 61.

The ministry said Research Quality emerged as the strongest performance pillar for Nigerian universities in the 2027 ranking, while Research Environment and Teaching remained areas requiring further improvement.

It said sustained progress would depend on improvements in academic reputation, research output and productivity, doctoral output, international collaboration and the quality of institutional data reporting.

The ministry described participation in global rankings as more than an exercise in recognition, saying it provides a means of benchmarking institutional performance, identifying gaps and driving continuous improvement across the tertiary education system.

It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reforms aimed at improving research excellence, teaching quality, innovation, international engagement and the global competitiveness of Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Former Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, has used Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary message to reflect on the country’s challenges while highlighting the role of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dickson, in his message to Nigerians at home and abroad, said the anniversary should remind citizens of the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers and the responsibility to build a nation based on justice, unity, democracy and equal opportunities.

He acknowledged the difficulties facing the country but expressed confidence in the resilience of Nigerians and the nation’s potential.

‘Despite the challenges we face, I remain confident in the resilience of our people and the great potential of our country,’ he said.

The former governor also called for stronger democratic institutions and continued commitment to national unity.

Dickson, who is from Bayelsa State, also marked the 30th anniversary of the state’s creation, describing Bayelsa as a contributor to Nigeria’s growth and development.

He said he remained optimistic about the state’s future and the role of its people in national development.

Turning attention to the 2027 political season, Dickson said the Nigeria Democratic Congress remained committed to providing a platform for candidates focused on service and good governance.

‘As we approach another important moment in our democratic journey, the Nigeria Democratic Congress remains committed to providing a platform for national renewal and presenting candidates at every level who are committed to service and good governance,’ he said.

He urged Nigerians to continue believing in the country and working towards a stronger and more united nation.

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has granted pardon and other forms of executive clemency to 101 inmates and convicts as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Ododo announced this in his Independence Day address to the people of Kogi State on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

The governor said the decision was based on the constitutional power to grant mercy and was guided by factors such as rehabilitation, remorse, health conditions, humanitarian concerns, public interest and justice.

He said the Independence anniversary was a reminder of freedom, responsibility and the hope of building a better society.

According to Ododo, justice should be balanced with compassion, especially for people who have shown genuine remorse and are ready to return to responsible living.

The governor disclosed that he inaugurated the seven member Kogi State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy on September 2, 2026. The council is chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi.

He said the council reviewed the cases of the inmates, considered representations made on their behalf and examined correctional reports. Members also visited correctional centres in Koton Karfe, Kabba, Dekina, Ankpa, Idah and Okene.

The council considered factors including the age and health of the inmates, the nature of their offences, time already spent in custody, behaviour in prison, remorse, rehabilitation, skills acquired, family support, the interests of victims and public safety.

Ododo said 94 beneficiaries were granted mercy based on factors including old age, medical conditions, good conduct, rehabilitation, remorse and compassionate considerations.

Seven others had their sentences reduced.

Those granted mercy on old age and medical grounds include Lamidi Mohammed Garuba, 91; Ajagbonna Olufemi David, 72; Yakubu Atabo; Chief Umane Okeme; Saidu Atuluku Yunusa; Hilary Chike Nwaeze; Ebenezer Mopah; Abdullahi Jibril; and Usman Ismaila.

The seven beneficiaries whose sentences were reduced are Tunde Adura, Olusaye Moses Abayomi, Abu Mowde, Zakariyau Baba, Michael Ojonugwa, Rami Sadiq and Salawudeen Sanusi.

The governor stressed that the pardon did not mean the offences committed by the beneficiaries were no longer serious.

He urged them to see the decision as a second chance and return to their families and communities as responsible citizens.

‘You have been given another opportunity, and every second opportunity comes with a greater responsibility,’ Ododo said.

He urged the beneficiaries to avoid crime and make good use of the skills and education they acquired while in custody.

The governor also called on young people in Kogi State to reject kidnapping, armed robbery, fraud, theft, cultism, drug related offences and other forms of crime.

He said poverty, peer pressure and the desire to make quick money should not be used as excuses for criminal activities.

Ododo further called on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and youth organisations to support government efforts to fight crime.

He said the government could not win the battle against criminality alone, describing it as a collective responsibility.

The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its efforts in areas including economic reforms, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, healthcare and youth empowerment.

Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to developing Kogi State through investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, security, mining, tourism and human capital development.

He also called for unity among the people of Kogi State, regardless of political, religious, ethnic or social differences.

‘Politics will come and go. Administrations will come and go. But Kogi State will remain our common home,’ he said.

Ododo urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and continue working towards building a stronger and more prosperous country as Nigeria marks 66 years of independence.

President Bola Tinubu has declared that reducing the cost of living will be a major priority of his administration as Nigeria enters what he described as a new era of prosperity.

Tinubu made the declaration in his Independence Day address to Nigerians on Thursday, saying the government would focus on lowering the cost of producing and transporting the goods Nigerians consume.

‘Our priority is to bring down the cost of living,’ the President said, adding that ‘We will achieve this by lowering the cost of producing and moving the things Nigerians consume.’

He said the strategy would begin with increased investment in agriculture, particularly mechanised irrigation and dry-season farming, improved access to seeds and fertiliser, greater mechanisation, as well as better storage and transportation.

According to him, the government is also building and completing roads, railways and ports to improve the connection between farms, factories and markets.

Tinubu said reducing costs at different stages of production and distribution would eventually translate into lower prices for consumers.

‘When a farmer produces more cheaply, when fewer crops are lost between the farm and the market, when a manufacturer spends less on electricity, when a truck reaches its destination faster, and when the business environment fosters fair competition, all those savings will ultimately find their way into the price of goods in the market,’ he said.

The President’s declaration places the cost of living at the centre of the administration’s next economic phase, after three years in which he said government had concentrated on correcting structural weaknesses in the economy.

Tinubu said prosperity must mean more than improvements in economic statistics, stressing that ordinary Nigerians should feel the benefits through more affordable food and transportation, reliable electricity, productive employment and greater economic opportunities.

He also linked lower living costs to increased domestic production, saying Nigeria has the land and human resources required to feed itself.

The President said his government would continue to invest in the agricultural and transportation infrastructure needed to reduce waste and improve the movement of goods from farms to markets.

Beyond agriculture, Tinubu identified the cost of electricity for manufacturers as another area where lower production costs could contribute to cheaper goods.

He said the government would use Nigeria’s gas resources to power new industries and support businesses seeking to revive factories in the country’s industrial centres.

The President also promised expanded digital connectivity, skills development and infrastructure and financing support for Nigerian businesses.

He said the broader objective was to create an economy in which Nigerians produce more, businesses become more competitive and the resulting efficiencies eventually benefit consumers.

Tinubu acknowledged that millions of Nigerians are still struggling with basic expenses, including food, school fees, medical bills and transportation.

He said those difficulties were the accumulated result of decades of low productivity, inadequate infrastructure and insufficient economic opportunities.

‘We cannot erase in four years what accumulated over generations. But we can change its course,’ he said.

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) senatorial candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has felicitated with Nigerians, residents of Oyo State and, particularly, the people of Oyo Central on the occasion of the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Ajadi, in his Independence Day message, saluted the resilience and determination of Nigerians in the face of the economic and social challenges confronting the country, urging citizens not to lose faith in the Nigerian project.

He said Nigeria’s ability to remain united despite its diversity and the difficulties experienced over the years was a reason for citizens to celebrate the country’s independence and look towards the future with renewed hope.

According to him, October 1 remains a significant date in the history of Nigeria because it marked the country’s attainment of independence from British colonial rule in 1960. He paid tribute to the country’s founding fathers and other Nigerians whose contributions, he said, helped lay the foundation for the nation’s continued existence as one country.

Ajadi particularly acknowledged the contributions of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo to the development of the old Western Region, noting the region’s historical contributions to education, infrastructure and other areas of development.

‘Despite the challenges we are facing as a nation, we must not lose faith in the Nigerian project. Nigeria has great potential and, with determination, unity and responsible leadership, the country can bounce back and regain its rightful place among the comity of nations,’ Ajadi said.

The APM candidate also called on Nigerians to continue to promote peace, unity and national development, stressing that the task of building a better country requires the collective efforts of citizens, leaders and institutions.

He urged the people of Oyo Central Senatorial District to remain committed to the development of their communities and to continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and prospects of residents across the district.

Ajadi also assured the people of the district of his commitment to effective representation, saying his aspiration was centred on bringing democratic dividends and development closer to the people.

He said the Independence anniversary should therefore be used not only as an occasion for celebration but also as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, appreciate its achievements and renew their commitment to building a more prosperous and united nation.

‘Let us continue to believe in Nigeria. The future is bright, and with collective determination, peace and unity, we can build the Nigeria that our founding fathers envisioned,’ he added.

As Nigerians across the country mark the anniversary, Ajadi called for continued patriotism, unity and commitment to the collective development of the nation, while extending his warm wishes to all Nigerians, the people of Oyo State and the electorate of Oyo Central Senatorial District.

Stakeholders from seven communities in Orogho Dukedom, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, have accused their traditional ruler of diverting funds meant for development.

The indigenes, who briefed journalists in Benin on Wednesday, said despite monies coming from oil companies operating in the area, the dukedom has remained underdeveloped.

The seven communities are Orogho, Uwuo, Obagie Nunuamen, Iwevbo, Ugbigun, Obanakhoro and Ekhigbe.

The convener, Osahon Imaru, alleged that the Enogie, Prince Patrick Osayande Akenzua, mismanaged funds accruing to the dukedom and introduced representatives in each community who now oppress residents.

He cited the alleged diversion of ?38.5 million disbursed by NEW CROSS Petroleum to ancestral land owners and communities along its pipeline corridor.

The group also alleged illegal sale of a large parcel of land at Ere-Egwa farm in the Savannah area without community consent.

According to them, the land was retrieved after some indigenes of Orogho and Owuo blocked attempts to procure a Certificate of Occupancy for the land at the Ministry of Lands and Survey.

Imaru said they have documents to back their claims and had first sought to resolve the matter internally.

He said they later petitioned the Oba of Benin through the Benin Traditional Council, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Orhionmwon Local Government Council, following what they described as autocratic leadership by the Enogie.

On the suspended election in the area, the group said it was a welcome development to allow proper resolution of the crises.

‘We are not against the traditional institution. We respect the Enogie stool, but we want transparency and participation of all seven communities in decisions affecting us,’ Imaru said.

The stakeholders appealed to the Oba of Benin and government authorities to intervene to ensure peace, accountability and development in the dukedom.