65th Anniversary: Keep hope alive despite turbulent situation – Accord to Nigerians

The Accord Party has urged Nigerians to keep hopes alive in spite of the current economic situation of things across the country. The political party said this in its goodwill message to Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 65th Independence anniversary. In a statement signed by Maxwell Mgbudem, Accord National Chairman said Nigeria turned
65th Anniversary: Keep hope alive despite turbulent situation – Accord to Nigerians

The Accord Party has urged Nigerians to keep hopes alive in spite of the current economic situation of things across the country.

The political party said this in its goodwill message to Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 65th Independence anniversary.

In a statement signed by Maxwell Mgbudem, Accord National Chairman said Nigeria turned 65 on October 1 2025 and it believes Nigeria has gone a long way in its democratic journey.

The party said in spite of turbulent political experience, military intervention, civil war, economic recession, socio-religious disharmony and security challenges, citizens have remained resolute, undaunted and unwavering in building a strong, prosperous, egalitarian and just democratic nation.

The party urged citizens to remain in one accord as they celebrate this historic occasion that restored self-governance to the country.

“Let us keep hope alive and continue to water and nurture the tree of democracy to maturity to yield its abundant fruits and dividends to the people.”

The party said it stands with Nigerians in building a better and greater society where no man or woman is oppressed, and will hand to the coming generation a banner without stain.

In this regard, the party urged the governments at all levels to ensure the security and welfare of the people in accordance with Section 14(2)b of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.

:National security, safety and order are critical for sustainable democracy and development, and must be achieved,” it said.

The party further urged the military to sustain the war against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, militancy and kidnapping, adding that “It is the only way we shall hand on to our children a banner without stain just as our founding fathers handed independence to us.”

Furthermore, Accord enjoined Nigerians to participate actively in the ongoing national voter registration.

“Your vote is your voice and power to elect credible leaders. The party is currently mobilising citizens across the country for this crucial civic exercise that will further consolidate, deepen and strengthen the nation’s democratic process,” it said.

Accord said it is ready for the November 8, 2025 Anambra State governorship election.

65th Anniversary: Keep hope alive despite turbulent situation – Accord to Nigerians

Former DR Congo President Joseph Kabila sentenced to death in absentia

A military court in Kinshasa has sentenced former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Joseph Kabila, to death in absentia on charges of war crimes and treason. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday (30 September), found the ex-leader guilty of serious offences linked to his nearly two-decade rule, which ended in 2019. Kabila, who is outside the country, was tried in absentia along with some of his former military and political allies. The court accused…

Police Rescue Kidnap Victim after N10m Ransom Demand in Anambra

Police Rescue Kidnap Victim after N10m Ransom Demand in Anambra

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Police in Anambra State have rescued a kidnap victim who had already been charged N10 million as ransom for his freedom.

The state Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who revealed this in a statement, said the victim was rescued just seven hours after he was kidnapped.

Ikenga said the rescue followed a swift and coordinated operation carried out by Joint Operatives from the Anambra State Police Command Tactical Team.

He said the operation was carried out in the early hours of yesterday, after which the kidnap victim was successfully rescued at Oba/Ojoto axis, seven hours after he was abducted by armed criminals at Umuru Village in Nnobi.

He said: “The criminal elements had earlier demanded a ransom of ₦10million from the victim, but the Joint Command Tactical teams, on an intelligence-led operation, were immediately deployed in the location for aggressive and extensive combing.

“Under the pressure of the advancing rescue operation, the kidnappers hastily released the victim and fled into nearby bushes. The victim was rescued unharmed, debriefed, and has since been reunited with his family.

“Meanwhile, the operatives are currently working on some clues for the possible arrest of the fleeing hoodlums.”

The state Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, Ikioye Orutugu, was quoted in the statement by Ikenga as commending the operatives for their swift action and reassuring Anambra residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to fighting crime, protecting lives, and ensuring public safety.”

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David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Police in Anambra State have rescued a kidnap victim who had already been charged N10 million as ransom for his freedom. The state Police Command’s spokesperson, SP

Kwara will not be safe for criminals, kidnappers -Gov Abdulrazaq vows

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has declared that no where will be safe for criminal elements and kidnappers in Kwara State, DAILY POST reports. Speaking after a meeting of the state security council in Ilorin on Tuesday, he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state. Following the recent attack at Oke Ode,
Kwara will not be safe for criminals, kidnappers -Gov Abdulrazaq vows

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has declared that no where will be safe for criminal elements and kidnappers in Kwara State, DAILY POST reports.

Speaking after a meeting of the state security council in Ilorin on Tuesday, he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

Following the recent attack at Oke Ode, in which 12 residents were massacred by armed bandits, the governor moved swiftly to brief President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and reiterated his request for additional federal deployment to raid the hideouts.

“The Army Headquarters has since relocated the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2nd Division to Ilorin as part of the renewed efforts to strengthen security operations in the state,” he said.

“On Monday night, combined forces of the Army, DSS and Police launched an offensive around Baba Sango, along the Kwara–Kogi border, neutralising about 15 armed bandits.

“The same operation continued on Tuesday. And yesterday night, I presided over the State Security Council meeting at Ahmadu Bello House, Ilorin, to integrate state and federal assets into a single strategy for both Kwara North and South.”

Governor AbdulRazaq assured Kwara residents that his administration would not relent in supporting security agencies to keep every community safe.

“I have assurances from the security forces to smoke out and eliminate the criminals from their hideouts. We will fight insecurity with every resource at our disposal. Kwara will not be a hiding place for criminals.

” To any criminal who seeks to destabilise the peace in Kwara, you may run, but you cannot escape justice. Kwara belongs to its people, and their peace will be defended,” the Governor added, in a statement by his spokesman, Rafiu Ajakaye in Ilorin on Wednesday.

Kwara will not be safe for criminals, kidnappers -Gov Abdulrazaq vows

Naira records stable run, stays below N1,500/$1 in September

The Naira experienced its most stable trading period in months during September 2025, consistently staying below the N1,500 per dollar threshold for over two weeks.   The post Naira records stable run, stays below N1,500/$1 in September appeared first on Nairametrics.

Fintiri pardons six prisoners in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has granted pardon to six inmates of correctional centres in Adamawa State. The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou explained that the pardon is in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence. Wonosikou revealed in a statement announcing the pardon on Wednesday that the inmates received the governor’s intervention after they demonstrated significant improvement
Fintiri pardons six prisoners in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has granted pardon to six inmates of correctional centres in Adamawa State.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou explained that the pardon is in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence.

Wonosikou revealed in a statement announcing the pardon on Wednesday that the inmates received the governor’s intervention after they demonstrated significant improvement in their behaviour.

He quoted the governor as saying, “In the exercise of my prerogative of mercy as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in line with the recommendations of the Adamawa State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, I have granted pardon to six persons who have served various jail terms and have significantly demonstrated good conduct over the years.”

The Governor who has ordered immediate discharge of the inmates has also directed relevant authorities to give immediate effect to the order.

Wonosikou gave the names of those discharged as Wamari Godwin, Abraham Marksunil, David Paul, Ibrahim Adamu, Usman Inuwa; and Sani Yahaya.

Fintiri pardons six prisoners in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence

Osun 2026: APC Fixes December 13 for Guber  Primary

Osun 2026: APC Fixes December 13 for Guber  Primary

. Pegs nomination form at N50m

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The All Progressives Congress (APC)  yesterday  announced that its primary for the August 8, 2026 governorship election in Osun State will hold on December 13, 2025.

The party also remarked that its nomination and expression of interest forms will go for N50 million.

This is contained in the party’s official schedule of activities detailing timelines for nomination, screening, delegate congresses , and primary elections.

In a statement signed by the National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, and issued from the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, the APC said the election process would  commence with the notice of election to the State Chapter on Friday, 3rd October 2025, while the update of the membership register will run from Monday, 20th October to Friday, 31st October 2025.

“Members whose names appear on the Register and are up to date in paying their membership dues over the past year up to February 2025 will be eligible to vote and be voted for,” the statement said.

The timetable also highlighted key dates for the sale and submission of nomination and expression of interest forms.

“The sale of Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms commences on Wednesday, 12th November 2025.

“The last day for submission of completed Nomination Form, Expression of Interest Forms, and accompanying documents & submission of Delegate Forms is Monday, 1st December 2025,” the statement added.

The party also clarified arrangements for women, persons with disabilities, and youth aspirants.

“Female Aspirants and Persons with Disabilities are to purchase the Expression of Interest Form while the Nomination Form is free.

“Youths aged 25 to 40 are to purchase the Expression of Interest Form with a 50 per cent discount on the Nomination Form,” Argungu stated.

As of Tuesday evening, more than 12 aspirants including the incumbent National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Basiru, a former Commissioner for Finance, Bola Oyebamiji, a former Deputy 

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. Pegs nomination form at N50m Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The All Progressives Congress (APC)  yesterday  announced that its primary for the August 8, 2026 governorship election in Osun State will hold on

Nigeria’s Electricity Meltdown: Why the Lights Won’t Stay On

Nigeria’s Electricity Meltdown: Why the Lights Won’t Stay On

By Ugo Inyama

“Up NEPA!” — the familiar cheer that greets the flicker of returning power — still echoes across Nigeria. But in 2025 it is no longer joyful. It is weary: a sigh of relief mixed with resignation. Blackouts are no longer an exception; they have become the rule, shaping business decisions, household routines and, increasingly, the national debate over why Africa’s largest economy cannot keep the lights on.

Nigeria’s power crisis is neither new nor mysterious. What has changed is how acute it has become. On paper, the country boasts more than 13,000 megawatts of installed generation capacity. In reality, barely 4,000 to 4,500 megawatts reach the grid on most days — about the same power a mid-sized European city consumes but spread across more than 200 million people. Gas shortages, ageing turbines, vandalised pipelines and chronic breakdowns at thermal plants are only part of the story. Transmission and distribution systems leak energy like sieves, unable to deliver even the limited power produced. According to the World Bank, the resulting productivity losses and disrupted businesses cost Nigeria between $25 billion and $29 billion every year.

This vacuum has turned Nigeria into one of the world’s biggest informal electricity markets. Millions of petrol and diesel generators now power everything from roadside salons to banks and factories. Together, these noisy machines churn out an estimated 40,000 megawatts — many times the reliable output of the national grid. But the generator economy comes at a staggering price. Fuel costs have soared in the last three years, air pollution is thick, and poorer households are entirely excluded by affordability constraints. A dark hospital operating theatre or a student bent over homework by candlelight has become part of everyday life — the soundtrack of a nation forced to improvise for survival.

Meanwhile, grid collapses continue to puncture public confidence. More than ten national blackouts were recorded in 2024 alone, and 2025 has already seen several, including a countrywide outage on 10 September. Each collapse erodes trust further, fuels reliance on generators and undermines the investment case for any long-term reform.

Efforts to expand and diversify supply show mixed progress. Solar and hydropower projects dot the horizon, but many remain half-built or entangled in disputes. The Ashama Solar Plant in Delta State, at 200 megawatts, is a bright spot, but far from sufficient for a country of Nigeria’s scale. The long-promised 3,050-megawatt Mambilla Hydroelectric Project has been delayed for years by funding bottlenecks and legal challenges over land acquisition. Renewable-energy potential is vast, but policy uncertainty and weak infrastructure still keep investors wary.

Since the 2023 amendment to Nigeria’s Electricity Act, states are allowed to generate and distribute power independently. Lagos, Kaduna and Rivers have moved fastest, sketching out their own electricity markets and wooing private developers. But decentralisation is only as strong as the states’ technical capacity and financial depth — both of which are uneven. Without robust coordination and clear regulation, state-level projects risk duplicating the same problems already baked into the national grid.

Yet Nigeria’s electricity crisis is not destiny. It is the predictable outcome of decades of policy inertia, underinvestment and regulatory fragility. The remedy is equally clear: upgrade the grid to cut losses and stabilise transmission, diversify the energy mix to reduce dependence on gas and unlock abundant solar and hydro resources, strengthen regulatory institutions to attract private capital, and target subsidies to protect the poorest while moving the rest of the market toward commercial viability. State and local capacity must also be built to execute projects credibly and at scale.

None of these measures promises an overnight fix. But consistent leadership, credible policy signals and transparent communication could gradually rebuild confidence. Stable electricity would power businesses and homes and restore a sense of possibility to a country with vast energy resources and an entrepreneurial population eager to harness them. Nigeria has solved big problems before. Its fintech sector shows what happens when regulatory clarity meets private innovation. Its telecoms revolution shows how quickly a market can transform when incumbents are disrupted. Energy could be the next frontier if the country stops lurching between short-term palliatives and commits to a long-term turnaround plan with measurable milestones.

For now, “Up NEPA!” endures as a momentary celebration of a fragile service. Nigerians continue to hope for a future in which the phrase marks history rather than habit — and where the lights stay on long enough to illuminate the country’s full potential.

*Ugo Inyama writes from the African Digital Governance Centre, Manchester, UK.
www.Africandgc.org

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By Ugo Inyama “Up NEPA!” — the familiar cheer that greets the flicker of returning power — still echoes across Nigeria. But in 2025 it is no longer joyful. It

Google celebrates Nigeria’s 65th independence with Doodle

As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, Google has featured a special doodle on its homepage, adopting the green-white-green colours of the national flag and an eagle motif to commemorate the day. A click on the doodle directs users to key historical facts and milestones about Nigeria’s journey to nationhood. Meanwhile, in his Independence Day
Google celebrates Nigeria’s 65th independence with Doodle

As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, Google has featured a special doodle on its homepage, adopting the green-white-green colours of the national flag and an eagle motif to commemorate the day.

A click on the doodle directs users to key historical facts and milestones about Nigeria’s journey to nationhood.

Meanwhile, in his Independence Day address, President Bola Tinubu expressed confidence that the nation is turning a corner, insisting that the “worst is over” after the pains of economic reforms.

Tinubu pointed to Nigeria’s second-quarter GDP growth of 4.23%, the strongest in four years, inflation easing to 20.12%, rising foreign reserves, and increased oil output as proof of recovery.

He also announced that the government has distributed N330 billion to eight million vulnerable households under its social investment programme and affirmed its commitment to accelerated infrastructure development.

Tinubu urged citizens to embrace peace, tolerance, and cooperation across all divides, stressing that differences are natural but must not hinder collective progress

Google celebrates Nigeria’s 65th independence with Doodle

CJN Kekere-Ekun grants online applications for lawyers seeking Notary Public status

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Kudirat Motomori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun has approved the commencement of online applications for lawyers seeking appointment as Notaries Public of Nigeria. The online approval, said to be a landmark step by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, is aimed at revolutionizing the appointment process for legal practitioners, A statement on
CJN Kekere-Ekun grants online applications for lawyers seeking Notary Public status

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Kudirat Motomori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun has approved the commencement of online applications for lawyers seeking appointment as Notaries Public of Nigeria.

The online approval, said to be a landmark step by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, is aimed at revolutionizing the appointment process for legal practitioners,

A statement on Wednesday by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the Court, Dr Festus Akande said that legal practitioners in the country seeking appointments as Public Notary can now apply for the same through the digital means.

The statement partly read “This pivotal decision underscores the judiciary’s unwavering commitment to embracing digital innovation, enhancing efficiency, and fostering greater accessibility within the legal community.

“This significant development marks a new era of convenience and transparency for aspiring Notaries Public.

“Previously a paper-intensive process, the new digital platform will streamline submissions, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure a more expeditious review of applications.

“Interested and qualified lawyers could now submit their applications through the newly launched, secure online portal at https://notary.gov.ng.

“This user-friendly platform has been meticulously designed to guide applicants through each step of the process, ensuring a seamless and straightforward experience”, it said.

CJN Kekere-Ekun grants online applications for lawyers seeking Notary Public status

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