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- October 8, 2025
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Saraki, Gambari, Ihedioha, Others Pay Tributes to Adebayo
Saraki, Gambari, Ihedioha, Others Pay Tributes to Adebayo
•My father knew he would be arrested by Abacha, says daughter
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
A former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, former Chief of Staff to the President Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, former Minister of Information, Frank Nweke and the Director General of National Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, were among other dignitaries that paid tributes to the former Governor of Kwara state, late Chief Cornelius Adebayo on Tuesday in Abuja.
Adebayo, born February 24, 1941 died on June 25, 2025.
Speaking, Gambari said Adebayo was his senior by two years at Ilorin Provincial School.
He described the former NADECO leader as his mentor, even though the age gap between them was three years.
According to him, One thing he taught me was — I used to be very rascally in school, but he called me and said look, you have to pipe down because when you misbehave, they would say it’s because you are a member of the royal family. He taught me humility.
Gambari recalled that when Gov. Adamu Attah was standing for re-election, he entreated him not to rig because he said he would win the election if it was not rigged.
“Third, when a new Emir was chosen — my cousin, he said Agboola, you are very lucky that I was not governor when Sulu Ganbari died because the next thing you would have heard on radio was that you have been made the Emir of Ilorin. He was that jovial. He was honest and principled,” he said.
Also, Saraki said they must remember a man who gave up a lot as sacrifices for this democracy that the country is enjoying.
He added that he was courageous and wasn’t afraid to speak to power.
Speaking, his daughter, Oloruntoyosi Ebun said her father knew he would be arrested by the Abacha regime.
She stated: “During the tense days of NADECO, the main pro-democracy coalition of the 1990s that fought against military dictatorship and for the validation of the June 12, 1993 mandate. Daddy gathered us for a family meeting. He told us plainly: “Any day, they may come for me. I may go out and never return.”
“It was chilling. But it was Daddy’s way of preparing us. From then on, whenever he stepped out, he carried a small bag with clothes and toiletries, ready for arrest.
“Many evenings when he came home, we would joke, “Daddy, congratulations, you made it back!” Until the day they finally took him. Painful, yes, but not as unbearable as it might have been, because he had prepared us.”
Oloruntoyosi stressed that her father was not a man who chased power for its sake; saying he bore power like a burden, always mindful that it was service to God and to people.
She added: “ That was why, whether in the State House, the Senate chambers, or the Federal Cabinet, his word carried weight. People knew he could not be bought; he could not be bent. He stood on principle. Always.
“Even towards the end of his life, that spirit of preparation remained. In Abuja, he gathered us, spoke to us, guided us, and made sure we knew his heart. He even told us the picture that should be placed on the condolence table after his passing.
“He told Pastor Sam the song to sing at his wake keep service. He had already thought about everything. He wanted to ease our pain. He wanted us ready.”
•My father knew he would be arrested by Abacha, says daughter Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja A former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, former Chief of Staff to the
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- October 8, 2025
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We want independent panel, not presidency to appoint INEC chair – IPAC
The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has demanded the transfer of powers to appoint the chairman, commissioners and secretary of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from the presidency to an independent panel. IPAC National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, made the request at a meeting organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review for leaders
We want independent panel, not presidency to appoint INEC chair – IPAC
The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has demanded the transfer of powers to appoint the chairman, commissioners and secretary of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from the presidency to an independent panel.
IPAC National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, made the request at a meeting organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review for leaders of political parties in Abuja.
According to him, that would guarantee INEC’s independence and strengthen public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.
He added that under the proposal, an independent appointment committee, IAC, would be established, comprising representatives of all registered political parties, civil society organisations, the National Judicial Council, NJC, and a committee of the national assembly drawn from both majority and minority caucuses in the senate and house of representatives.
Dantalle also proposed scrapping the state independent electoral commissions, SIECs, and vesting the responsibility of conducting all LGAs elections in INEC.
“IPAC has been championing local government autonomy. Politics is local, and citizens should be encouraged to participate in grassroots politics that actively guarantees free, fair and credible local government elections,” he said.
Dantalle also sought the restoration of political parties’ funding to provide “a level playing ground for all political parties”.
We want independent panel, not presidency to appoint INEC chair – IPAC
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- October 8, 2025
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Tony Elemelu Foundation, RHI Empower 500 Women in Edo
Tony Elemelu Foundation, RHI Empower 500 Women in Edo
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city
The Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in conjunction with the Tony Elemelu Foundation Women Economic Empowerment has given grants of N50,000 each to 500 women in Edo State.
The presentation of the grants to the beneficial women was performed at the Festival Hall of the Government House, in Benin-city at the weekend.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Tinubu, the founder of Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), said the gesture was aimed at supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of market women, trader,s, and small-scale businesses who wake up each day determined to provide for their families, educate their children, and uplift the communities.
Senator Tinubu, who was represented by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, emphasised that the empowerment money is not a loan but a grant to help the women recapitalise their existing businesses.
She also thanked the Tony Elemelu Foundation for donating the sum of N1 billion to the Renewed Hope Initiative to directly carry out this gesture of supporting 18,000 women across the 36 states and FCT.
Tinubu said: “This economic empowerment programme is about supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of the women, traders,, and small-scale owners who wake up each day determined to provide for their families, educate their children, and uplift their communities.
“Let me emphasize that this is not a loan. It is a grant and seed of renewed hope to help you recapitalise your existing businesses,” Senator Tinu said, adding that she believes that when women are empowered, a community, and indeed a nation,is also uplifted.
Thanking the Tony Elemelu Foundation,,who donated the sum of N1 billion to the Renewed Hope Initiative, she declared: “This gesture has helped to support 18,000 women across the nation. 500 women,, each from the 36 statess and the FCT,, will receive N50,000 each to strengthen and recapitalise their existing small business.”
Presenting the money to each of the beneficiaries, she implored othegood-spiriteded Nigerians to emulate the act of generosity inspired by the Tony Elemelu Foundation, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the office of the first lady of Edo State for providing their support in executing all programmes of RHI.
One of the beneficiaries, Otaru Patience, said the grant would go a long way in boosting her business, and thanked the Oluremi Tinubu, Tony Elemelu Foundation,, and Edo State first lady for empowering women in the state.
Another beneficiary, Adesuwa Obasogie, described the grant as timely,, just as she appealed that the money should be increased in the face of the current economic reality of the country.
The event had in attendance government functionaries, including Mrs. Taiwo Inumidune, chairperson, National Council of Women Society, Edo State chapter; Sally Suleiman, SA Sustainable Development Goals SDG; Mrs. Barbara Omozele Agbebaku,, among others.
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city The Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in conjunction with the Tony Elemelu Foundation Women Economic Empowerment has given grants of N50,000 each
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- October 8, 2025
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Certificate Scandal: Why I resigned as minister – Uche Nnaji
A painstaking two-year investigation published by PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday revealed that Mr Nnaji forged the credentials he submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate during his ministerial confirmation in 2023, which resulted in the minister’s resignation. The post Certificate Scandal: Why I resigned as minister – Uche Nnaji appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
- Football
- October 8, 2025
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D’Tigress To Face Germany, France, Others At 2026 Basketball World Cup Qualifiers
African champions Nigeria’s D’Tigress will face Colombia, Philippines, Germany, Korea, France In the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournament. This was confirmed after the qualifying tournaments draw was held on Tuesday, October 7 at the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball in Mies, Switzerland. Taking place between March 11-17, the qualifying tournaments will be […] The post D’Tigress To Face Germany, France, Others At 2026 Basketball World Cup Qualifiers appeared first on Complete Sports.
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Customs seizes contraband worth over N1.2bn, arrests suspects
The Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has announced the seizure of contraband goods valued at over N1.2 billion within a six-week period operations across the South-West. Comptroller Mohammed Shu’aibu, who heads the unit, made this known during a media briefing on Tuesday in Lagos, where he detailed the
Customs seizes contraband worth over N1.2bn, arrests suspects
The Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has announced the seizure of contraband goods valued at over N1.2 billion within a six-week period operations across the South-West.
Comptroller Mohammed Shu’aibu, who heads the unit, made this known during a media briefing on Tuesday in Lagos, where he detailed the scale and variety of the interceptions.
According to him, the seized items include 5,015 bags of foreign rice, equivalent to eight trailer loads, and 15 assorted fairly used vehicles.
Customs operatives also intercepted 143 bales of second-hand clothing, two jumbo sacks of used shoes, one sack of assorted worn apparel, 390 bottles of codeine, 310 packs of foreign-branded drugs, 19 cards of tramadol, and 210 used tyres.
Shu’aibu disclosed that a 20-foot container with number ONEU 2419369 FTC, containing 752 cartons of calcium lactate, was impounded for false declaration.
He stated that the total Duty Paid Value of all seizures stood at N1.188 billion. Also, operatives confiscated 640 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 431.8 kg and 460 jerrycans of petrol amounting to 11,500 litres.
He explained that the contraband items were intercepted in border communities across Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Lagos states, reflecting the unit’s heightened vigilance in curbing smuggling in the region.
Four suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures and have been transferred to relevant security agencies for further investigation and prosecution.
Between September 1 and October 7, the unit also recovered N39.2 million through demand notices issued on under-valued imports.
The comptroller reaffirmed the command’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while maintaining strict enforcement of customs regulations.
As part of inter-agency cooperation, the seized drugs and cannabis were handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, for further action.
Shu’aibu reiterated the enforcement of the 2016 ban on the importation of foreign parboiled rice through land borders, warning smugglers to desist or face stiff sanctions.
NAFDAC Chief Regulatory Officer, Taiwo Kareem, praised Customs for their vigilance, revealing that some of the seized drugs had expired between 2001 and 2023.
He cautioned the public against purchasing medicines from roadside vendors. Similarly, NDLEA Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Nasir Bungudu, commended the collaboration and pledged to strengthen joint efforts against illicit trade.
Customs seizes contraband worth over N1.2bn, arrests suspects
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- October 8, 2025
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Nigerian troops neutralise 9 terrorists, rescue 37 kidnap victims
Troops have neutralised nine terrorists, apprehended eight suspects and rescued 37 kidnapped victims, as well as recovered a cache of weapons and logistics supplied in recent operations. A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria that the operational successes were recorded across theatres nationwide. He said troops of 151 Task Force
Nigerian troops neutralise 9 terrorists, rescue 37 kidnap victims
Troops have neutralised nine terrorists, apprehended eight suspects and rescued 37 kidnapped victims, as well as recovered a cache of weapons and logistics supplied in recent operations.
A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria that the operational successes were recorded across theatres nationwide.
He said troops of 151 Task Force Battalion ambushed ISWAP/JAS terrorists at Dipchari, Bama Local Government Area of Borno, killing five insurgents.
The source said that troops of 148 Battalion operating along the Ekiti–Kogi border neutralised two insurgents and seized two AK-47 rifles.
He added troops of 3 Battalion, in a separate encounter, repelled a major attack on its base, killing one terrorist and forcing others to flee with injuries.
“Across Borno, Katsina, Imo, and Plateau States, troops apprehended eight suspects linked to terrorism, kidnapping, and arms trafficking.
“These include an ISWAP logistics courier, a terrorist collaborator, a wanted IPOB/ESN kingpin, and a gunrunner.
“Recovered items include firearms, ammunition, and several motorcycles used for criminal activities.
“Ongoing clearance operations led to the rescue of 37 kidnapped victims in Kaduna, Taraba, Plateau, Delta, and Kebbi States.
“Notably, 28 hostages, including a pregnant woman who gave birth during the operation, were freed in Sakaba, Kebbi State,” he said.
In the South South, the source revealed that troops of 34 Artillery Brigade and Operation DELTA SAFE uncovered and destroyed multiple illegal refining sites in Imo, seizing over 20,000 litres of stolen crude and refined products.
He said the Nigerian army headquarters had commended the cooperation among security agencies and local vigilantes.
He reaffirmed the army’s commitment to securing the nation and supporting economic and agricultural stability in line with the Federal Government’s food security agenda.
Nigerian troops neutralise 9 terrorists, rescue 37 kidnap victims
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‘Uphold law without fear or favour’ — CJN swears in CCT chairman
Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has sworn in Mainasara Kogo as the chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT. Kekere-Ekun, during the swearing-in ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, urged the new CCT chairman to uphold justice over selfish interest. According to her, the office demands a person of sound judgement, unshakeable independence
‘Uphold law without fear or favour’ — CJN swears in CCT chairman
Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has sworn in Mainasara Kogo as the chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT.
Kekere-Ekun, during the swearing-in ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, urged the new CCT chairman to uphold justice over selfish interest.
According to her, the office demands a person of sound judgement, unshakeable independence and the moral courage to do what is right, regardless of whose interests may be at stake.
“The cases that come before you may involve high stakes and sensitive issues touching upon the very soul of public trust.
“I urge you to approach every matter with fairness and firmness, guided solely by the dictates of the law and the constitution,” she said.
The CJN also reminded the tribunal chairman that his loyalty is to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to the constitution and to the cause of justice and not to any individual, group or authority.
“The trust placed in you is a trust on behalf of the nation, and it must never be compromised or traded for personal or political reasons.
“You must uphold the law without fear or favour, affection or ill will. Let your actions inspire confidence in the institution you now lead,” she added.
Responding, Kogo expressed appreciation for the trust placed in him and vowed to uphold the highest standards of justice with courage, fairness, and humility.
He stressed his determination to reinforce institutional integrity within the tribunal and guarantee that justice is both done and manifestly seen to be done.
Recall that in July, Tinubu appointed Kogo as the new CCT chairman to take over from Danladi Umar, who was appointed in 2011.
‘Uphold law without fear or favour’ — CJN swears in CCT chairman
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Use Mahmood Yakubu’s exit to reset INEC – Ohuabunwa tells Tinubu
Former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential aspirant, Sam Ohuabunwa, has urged President Bola Tinubu to use the exit of Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to reset Nigeria’s electoral system. Ohuabunwa made this call on Tuesday, while responding to questions in an interview on ‘Prime Time’, a programme on Arise
Use Mahmood Yakubu’s exit to reset INEC – Ohuabunwa tells Tinubu
Former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential aspirant, Sam Ohuabunwa, has urged President Bola Tinubu to use the exit of Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to reset Nigeria’s electoral system.
Ohuabunwa made this call on Tuesday, while responding to questions in an interview on ‘Prime Time’, a programme on Arise Television, charging Tinubu to use the opportunity and appoint an independent successor who will restore public confidence in elections.
He urged the government to seize the moment to reform the political and electoral system.
“There could never have been a better time. What is calling on us today is to retrace our steps. With the ongoing economic reforms, government reform should run through every facet — economics, politics, and social systems.
“The president has shown courage by breaking from the past. This is the time to be selfless and pick an independent person to lead INEC. If we miss it again, it might be long in coming,” he said.
Speaking on the economy, the former chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG, expressed cautious optimism about the Tinubu administration’s reforms, despite what he called “low consumer confidence.”
“Consumer confidence is low because people have stopped trusting the government after many years of failed promises — light for all, health for all, housing for all — yet we have no light, no health, no housing.
“But I can tell you sincerely that we are beginning to hold this economy on the right path,” he added.
Use Mahmood Yakubu’s exit to reset INEC – Ohuabunwa tells Tinubu
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- October 8, 2025
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Business: NCAA approves commercial flight operations for Ekiti Cargo Airport
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has approved Scheduled Flight Operations for the Ekiti State Agro-Allied Cargo International Airport for an initial period of six months. The Federal Agency has earlier in December, 2024 approved non-scheduled flight operations for the Ekiti Cargo Airport in compliance with regulatory requirements. The NCAA in a circular dated 3rd
Business: NCAA approves commercial flight operations for Ekiti Cargo Airport
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has approved Scheduled Flight Operations for the Ekiti State Agro-Allied Cargo International Airport for an initial period of six months.
The Federal Agency has earlier in December, 2024 approved non-scheduled flight operations for the Ekiti Cargo Airport in compliance with regulatory requirements.
The NCAA in a circular dated 3rd of October, 2025 with reference number: NCAA/DAAS/TECH//043/Vol. 1/158 and signed by the Director, Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Engineer Godwin Balang, said the validation inspection was conducted on the airport between June 16th – 19th, 2025.
The circular added that “the outcome revealed that the basic operational requirements for scheduled flight operations to Ado-Ekiti Airport have been significantly complied with and the instrument flight check validation report conducted by NAMA indicates satisfactory compliance with regulatory requirements.
“In view of the above and in line with the provisions of Nig CARs Part 12 Vol. 1, 2023, I have been directed to convey the Authority’s Interim Operational Permit subject to the limitations of VFR or daylight (sunrise to sunset) operations.
“The circular further notified the public to respectfully note that this interim Operational Permit is to enable Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport implement outstanding gaps and commence the certification process which will allow for issuance of Aerodrome Operational Permit with Three years validity in accordance with the Nig.CARS Part 12 Vol.1”,
However, the NCAA has confirmed that the Government of Ekiti State is in the advanced stage of installing the Instrument Landing System (ILS) to position the airport for night and all weather operations.
Business: NCAA approves commercial flight operations for Ekiti Cargo Airport
