Motorists warned of temporary closure of Anyinam bypass on Accra-Kumasi road

The Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) has announced a temporary closure of the Anyinam bypass on the Accra-Kumasi road to allow for the relocation of a transmission tower by GRIDCo. The…

Guardiola Sets New EPL Record In Man City’s Win Vs Brentford

Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Brentford means Pep Guardiola has taken just 349 matches to register 250 Premier League wins. Erling Haaland’s early goal was enough for City in west…

Out-of-school children threat to Nigeria’s future – Peter Obi

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has warned that Nigeria’s future stability is at risk if urgent steps are not taken to address the country’s education crisis. In a post on his verified X handle on Sunday, Obi said that with over 24 million children currently out of school, “Nigeria holds 24 million
Out-of-school children threat to Nigeria’s future – Peter Obi

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has warned that Nigeria’s future stability is at risk if urgent steps are not taken to address the country’s education crisis.

In a post on his verified X handle on Sunday, Obi said that with over 24 million children currently out of school, “Nigeria holds 24 million reasons to fear what lies ahead” unless concrete action is taken.

He emphasised that no nation desirous of meaningful development can afford to neglect the education of its young people.

The former Anambra State governor stated that no nation grows beyond the quality of its human capital, stressing that education is the foundation for building that capital.

Obi maintained that with the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence, AI, transforming work and innovation globally, education has become indispensable.

“It is no longer optional; it is essential for daily life. We must equip our young people with the knowledge and skills to compete globally, not just to survive but to lead,” he said.

Out-of-school children threat to Nigeria’s future – Peter Obi

2027: Muslim Scholars, Clerics, Traditional Rulers Converge on Kwara to Reposition Mosques, Imams for Nation’s Leadership

2027: Muslim Scholars, Clerics, Traditional Rulers Converge on Kwara to Reposition Mosques, Imams for Nation’s Leadership

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin 

Ahead of 2027, renowned scholars, imams, traditional rulers, students and Muslims from different parts of the country have called for a unified Friday sermon across central mosques.

This, they believe, when properly utilised, mosques could once again produce pious leaders and scholars as they did in the early history of Islam.

The scholars, Imams and other Muslim leaders stated this at a one-day second annual Imam’s Conference held in Ajase Ipo, Irepodun local government area of Kwara state over the weekend with the theme; “The Mosque, the Imam and Da’wah, organised by Daarus-Sa’aadah Islamic Centre.

In his lecture on “The Role of the Mosque in Building the Ideal Muslim”, renowned Islamic scholar, Ustadh Dhikrullahi Shafii, said that the mosque is not limited to being a place of prayer.

According to him, Masjid is historically a centre for decision-making, social welfare, refuge, including treatment of the sick.

He said that the three aspects of the theme had been largely neglected in contemporary Muslim communities, with negative consequences for the Ummah.

He described the Imam as the principal of the mosque whose role goes beyond delivering stories.

“Rather, it requires deep grounding in Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh and global issues”, Shafii who is the Grand Mufti of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), said.

He emphasised that no single individual could master all branches of Islamic jurisprudence and, thus, advised Imams and scholars to specialise in particular fields while working together for the benefit of the community.

The mosque, he noted, must be repositioned to serve the Ummah fully, including the creation of committees to address the needs of children, women, the aged, marriage, naming ceremonies and conflict resolution.

He said when properly utilised, mosques could once again produce pious leaders and scholars as they did in the early history of Islam.

Shafii also recommended that the conference should be extended to two or three days in order to deepen its impact, with a communiqué issued and adopted by mosques across the state for implementation.

In his presentation on “Da’wah without Bitterness: Etiquette of Disagreement in Islam”, Dr. Sirajudeen Bila Al-Asra, underscored the importance of tolerance and humility in preaching.

He urged scholars and preachers to embody patience and wisdom in resolving disputes, stressing that Islam does not condone bitterness or arrogance in its propagation.

The Chief Imam of Ajase-Ipo, Shaykh Aliyu Taofeeq Atoloye, who chaired the occasion, said the programme had continued to impact positively on the intellectual and spiritual growth of Imams and scholars.

He described this year’s theme as timely and noted that participants benefited from the exchange of ideas on how mosques could be harnessed for more than just daily and weekly prayers.

He added that the conference provided an opportunity for networking among Islamic scholars across the country.

The monarch called for extension of the programme to three days in order to maximise its benefits, and described it as a blessed exercise that would leave a lasting impact on both scholars and their followers.

Founder and sponsor of the programme, Alhaja Rahmat Mojisola Salih, a Lagos-based businesswoman, recalled how her journey into philanthropy was inspired by her grandmother, who taught her the value of dedicating part of her daily earnings to the service of the mosque.

She narrated how, as a child, she spent a portion of her profit from hawking bread and other items to buy items for cleaning the mosque.

According to her, that early training shaped her conviction to dedicate her wealth to the promotion of Islam and the welfare of society.

She urged other wealthy individuals to emulate the gesture towards promoting Islam.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in his goodwill message, described the event as highly educative.

He appreciated the organisers for championing a noble cause aimed at equipping Imams and scholars with deeper religious knowledge for the advancement of Islam.

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Ahead of 2027, renowned scholars, imams, traditional rulers, students and Muslims from different parts of the country have called for a unified Friday sermon across central mosques. This, they believe,

Imisi Wins BBNaija S10

Imisi Wins BBNaija S10

Vanessa Obioha

Imisi, the eccentric firebrand who kept viewers glued for 70 days with her boldness, dramatic clashes, and seamless switch between posh and local accents, has been crowned winner of the 10th season of the popular reality TV show, Big Brother Naija.

Born Opeyemi Ayanwale, the Oyo State native was among the 15 ladies who entered the house on the first launch night. Describing herself as a “lone star,” the actor and fashion designer vowed to fight for herself on the show — and she did. Her authenticity and fearless personality quickly won her the audience’s hearts.

Out of the 29 housemates who began the season, 18 were evicted before the finale. Sabrina exited the show due to health concerns, while Faith was disqualified. For the first time in the show’s history, nine housemates made it to the final night.

The live finale opened with music star Adekunle Gold, who thrilled the audience with a medley of hits including Coco Money. Other performers of the night included Iyanya.

After Big Brother addressed the finalists one last time, the host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, began the eviction process. One after another, Kaybobo, Isabella, Mensan, Jason Jae, Kola, Sultana, and Koyin were evicted, leaving Imisi and Dede as the top two finalists.

“I’m so excited. I never saw myself in the top two. I can’t even express myself. I’m overwhelmed, so happy,” said an emotional Imisi.

“I don’t know,” said Dede. “I’m so blessed to be here.”

As the season’s winner, Imisi takes home the grand prize of ₦150 million. Unlike previous editions, the 10/10 season required housemates to earn their rewards, a clear nod to Netflix’s Korean hit, ‘Squid Game.’

The season also introduced new twists, including the Trinket Tree, which allowed Heads of House to save or nullify nominations, and the Head of House Challenger, where the coveted title had to be defended.

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Vanessa Obioha Imisi, the eccentric firebrand who kept viewers glued for 70 days with her boldness, dramatic clashes, and seamless switch between posh and local accents, has been crowned winner

I have sympathy for Atiku – Oshiomhole

Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has expressed sympathy for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s recent condolence visit to Plateau State. Oshiomhole, who spoke on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, said Atiku was politicising a matter that should command empathy and respect for the
I have sympathy for Atiku – Oshiomhole

Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has expressed sympathy for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s recent condolence visit to Plateau State.

Oshiomhole, who spoke on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, said Atiku was politicising a matter that should command empathy and respect for the dead.

“I have sympathy for former Vice President Atiku for thinking that even in matters of death and honouring the dead, politics must be involved,” Oshiomhole said. “As an elder statesman, at his age, he should know better.”

The statement comes after the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to visit Plateau State on Saturday to attend the funeral of Mama Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

Atiku said Tinubu attended a social event in the North-Central state instead of visiting victims and consoling communities ravaged by insecurity.

However, Oshiomhole defended President Tinubu’s visit to Plateau to pay respects to the mother of the APC National Chairman, saying it was inappropriate to describe the gesture as insensitive.

“Can anyone accuse the President of being insensitive just because he attended a condolence visit? Even if he went to pay his last respects to the mother of the APC Chairman, what is wrong with that? This was even on a weekend,” he said.

Oshiomhole also recalled his time as a labour leader during Atiku’s tenure as Vice President under President Olusegun Obasanjo, saying Atiku’s camp often forgets its own record in governance.

“I was practically a one-man opposition when Atiku was Vice President, and they forget in a hurry what they did in office,” he said. “Rather than discuss alternative policy choices for Nigeria, they trivialise politics with arguments about empathy.”

The former APC National Chairman said he believes Atiku has allowed himself to be consumed by partisan politics, urging him to rise above political bitterness.

“In politics, everything is seen through partisan eyes, but I think he should be more than that,” Oshiomhole added.

I have sympathy for Atiku – Oshiomhole

Niger sets teachers’ retirement age at 65, approves conditional return of PTA levies

The Niger State Government has passed a law setting the retirement age for teachers in the state at 65 years, effective from January 1, 2026. The state governor, Umaru Bago, made this disclosure during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held in Minna, organised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Niger State Chapter, in
Niger sets teachers’ retirement age at 65, approves conditional return of PTA levies

The Niger State Government has passed a law setting the retirement age for teachers in the state at 65 years, effective from January 1, 2026.

The state governor, Umaru Bago, made this disclosure during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held in Minna, organised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Niger State Chapter, in collaboration with the Niger State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

Bago also revealed that the retirement age for professors has been set at 70 years, adding that the decision was taken to ensure that the values of teachers continue to be passed on to future generations.

Additionally, he announced the approval for the reintroduction of the payment of PTA levies in schools.

The governor, however, noted that such payments must be made under the supervision of the Ministry of Education to ensure the effective utilisation of the levies.

According to him, “My administration is committed to the welfare of teachers and henceforth, primary school teachers’ employment and promotion must be from the Local Government Service Commission, while the State Universal Basic Education Board will only have the mandate to screen and provide information in that regard.”

He further announced a wage award of N20,000 to be given to all teachers in the state by next month, as well as the donation of an 18-seater bus to the NUT, Niger State Chapter.

Bago used the forum to approve a retreat for teachers moving into Level 17 and commended teachers for their immense role in nation-building, adding, “I will continue to protect the interest of teachers and will remove them from the bureaucracy of the civil service and give them a standard service.”

The chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Niger State Chapter, Comrade Adamu Mohammed Akayago, in his remarks, explained that the theme of this year’s event signifies the reality that teachers are not merely transmitters of knowledge but architects of the collective future. As such, he said, the welfare, dignity, and professional status of teachers must remain a top priority for all stakeholders.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Hajiya Aishatu Nuhu Yalwa, stated that the occasion serves as a reminder that the future of the children lies with the teachers, who are the promoters of values.

In a keynote address titled “Together for Teachers, Together for Tomorrow: The Imperative for a Unified National Education Strategy”, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the National Examinations Council, NECO, Prof Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, identified Nigeria as one of the youngest and fastest-growing populations globally.

“The future,” he said, “is entirely dependent on collective action by all relevant stakeholders to elevate and empower the teaching force.”

Niger sets teachers’ retirement age at 65, approves conditional return of PTA levies

Kobbie Mainoo pushing for Premier League transfer?


Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has his sights on joining another Premier League club during the January transfer window.

NBA warns members to avoid nine Kebbi LGAs over kidnapping threat

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Kebbi Branch, has advised its members to avoid travelling to nine local government areas in the state identified as kidnapping hotspots. The directive followed the abduction of a lawyer, Isyaku Muhammad-Danjuma, along the Ibeto–Birnin Kebbi road in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State. The affected areas include Bagudo, Suru,
NBA warns members to avoid nine Kebbi LGAs over kidnapping threat

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Kebbi Branch, has advised its members to avoid travelling to nine local government areas in the state identified as kidnapping hotspots.

The directive followed the abduction of a lawyer, Isyaku Muhammad-Danjuma, along the Ibeto–Birnin Kebbi road in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.

The affected areas include Bagudo, Suru, Kamba (Dandi), Bunza, Kangiwa (Arewa), Dirin Daji (Sakaba), Ribah, Kanya, and Augie LGAs.

The NBA branch chairman, Alhaji Aminu Hassan, disclosed this in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday, stating that the decision was reached during an emergency meeting held on Saturday.

He said members had expressed concern over the rising spate of abductions and insecurity in the state.

As part of its resolutions, the association directed members to boycott court sittings from October 7 to 10 in protest against the incident and the general security situation.

“After the boycott, members are also advised to suspend handling terrorism-related cases, including kidnapping, armed robbery, or unlawful possession of firearms, until further notice,” Hassan said.

He added that NBA would engage relevant authorities to ensure the safe release of the abducted lawyer and urged the government to take urgent steps to improve security across the state.

NBA warns members to avoid nine Kebbi LGAs over kidnapping threat

Army refutes claims of bandits overrunning troops in Kwara

The Nigerian Army has denied reports circulating online that bandits overpowered its troops in Obanla, Kwara State, and escaped with six General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and more than 30,000…

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