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District Head, Residents Flee As Boko Haram Recaptures Resettled Northern Villages

By
Ayodele Oni
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iswap BokoHaram
Islamic Insurgents

By Ayodele Oni

Residents of some villages in Northern Nigeria have fled to neighbouring countries as onslaught by bandits continues.

Abdulrahman Abubakar, District Head of Kirawa town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, who is among those that have sought refuge has spoken on why he decided to leave Nigeria for Cameroon.

It was earlier reported how two persons were shot dead and Abubakar’s palace was burnt down during a Boko Haram invasion earlier in the week.

In an interview with Reuters, the Monarch said he had no option but to leave Nigeria.

“I was left with no option but to flee to Cameroon,” Abubakar was quoted to have said.

“Residents boarded trucks to seek refuge across the border, while others ran to Maiduguri.”

Boko Haram had claimed responsibility for the attack, releasing a video showing fighters torching a barracks.

According to Reuters, more than 5,000 people have fled into neighbouring Cameroon following attacks by Boko Haram in Gwoza Local Government.

It was earlier reported how Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno mobilised hunters and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to provide security for communities attacked in Gwoza LGA.

During an assessment visit on Friday, Zulum had narrated the role of Cameroonian soldiers in making people return to the communities years after they were displaced.

“We resettled this town about seven years ago, with the support of Cameroonian soldiers. Unfortunately, they (returnees) were displaced by the insurgents.

“Yes, Cameroonian troops have withdrawn but that doesn’t mean that the Nigerian Army should leave the area vacant.

“I duly notified the Nigerian military of the dangers of leaving this town without security. This is a border community. Wilgo, Kirawa, Baga, Damasak, Malamfatori, among others are border communities that have to be protected because of their strategic importance.

“Unfortunately, my request did not receive the deserved attention, and the insurgents came on Wednesday and vandalised everything we worked so hard to rebuild.

“Two lives were lost while 50 houses and our heavy duty equipment, and eight vehicles were burnt down. We thanked God the casualties were not much.”

World Teachers’ Day: Nigeria’s First Lady Seeks  Address Of Global Shortage Of Teachers

By
Ayodele Oni
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Oluremi Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

Messages of hope and encouragement poured in on Sunday for the global celebration of World Teachers Day.

October 5 of every year has been set aside UNESCO, since1994, following the 1966 signing of the ILO/UNESCO recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.

The main purpose of the day is to celebrate the work of teachers, highlight their importance, and raise awareness about the challenges they face and their role in achieving global education goals.

In a message to mark the day, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, called for renewed efforts to address the global shortage of teachers as the world marks Teachers’ Day 2025.

In her message, themed “Focusing on the Global Teacher Shortage,” the First Lady described teaching as “one of society’s noblest professions.”

She stressed the need for urgent action, saying the shortage of teachers must be tackled by “empowering educators, investing in their growth, and inspiring more to join this noble profession.”

Mrs Tinubu praised teachers for their dedication and impact, noting that they are “true heroes, shaping minds, nurturing dreams, and guiding generations.”

Reflecting on her own background, she added, “As a lifelong teacher myself, I salute you all on this special day.”

She concluded with a message of appreciation and encouragement to educators across the country: “Happy World Teachers’ Day 2025.”

Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku  commended teachers as they mark World Teachers’ Day.

He described the day as “special occasion to honour the tireless efforts and unwavering dedication of our educators.

“As Speaker, I am honoured to join in paying tribute to these extraordinary individuals who have shaped the minds and futures of our learners.

“Teachers are the backbone of our society, moulding young minds and inspiring them to reach their full potential.

“They impart knowledge, wisdom, and values, empowering our students to become responsible citizens and leaders of tomorrow. The impact of our educators extends beyond the classroom, shaping the very fabric of our nation geared towards national development.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your hard work, patience, and commitment to excellence, as your dedication to teaching is a testament to the transformative power of education in our dear state.

“Teachers remain the guiding lights that illuminate the path to knowledge and wisdom, and your influence will be felt for generations to come.

“As we celebrate Teachers’ Day, let us remember the words of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, “Teachers should be the best minds in the country.” Let us strive to create a society that values and supports our educators, recognizing their crucial role in shaping our collective future.

The Speaker wished the educators a happy Teacher’s Day Celebration, saying “thank you for your service, your dedication, and your unwavering commitment to excellence in our dear State.”

Also, the member representing  Esan West, Esan Central and Igueben Federal Constituency,  at the House of Representatives, Marcus Onobun celebrates teachers across the globe for building blocks of civilization, attitude,  destiny and value system.

In a statement, Onobun expressed heartfelt appreciation to all teachers for their tireless efforts in shaping the minds of future leaders.

“Today, as we commemorate World Teachers’ Day, I wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all teachers for their tireless efforts in shaping the minds of future leaders.

“Your dedication, passion, and commitment to nurturing the next generation are truly commendable. To our esteemed teachers, and University Lecturers, etc.,  your impact extends beyond the classroom walls.

“You inspire, motivate, and empower students to become the best versions of themselves. Your influence helps shape society, and we are grateful for your hard work and dedication.

“As we celebrate this special day, let’s recognize the invaluable contributions teachers make to our communities. May we continue to support and uplift them in their noble profession.

“I’m committed to supporting legislations that provide the necessary incentives to teachers across Nigeria to upscale their productivity.”

Some states have shifted the annual March past by teachers to celebrate the day till Monday during which Governors will receive messages and complaints from the teachers.

Rivers: Elders Council Seeks More Truce, Meets Wike, Fubara

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rivers Elders Council Meet with Wike and Fubara

By Ayodele Oni

As the six months emergency rule in Rivers state still remains fresh, notable elders have moved to further cement the relationship between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his godfather, Nyesome Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT).

In what looks like a fresh move toward peace and reconciliation, the FCT minister and the Governor Fubara, on Saturday met with members of the Rivers State Elders Council in Port Harcourt.

It was gathered that the high-level meeting, which took place behind closed doors, comes amid renewed political tension and unfolding developments in the state’s power dynamics.

Sources at the meeting venue disclosed that the discussion centered on ways to douse the lingering political rift that has polarized the state’s political class since late 2023.

Also in attendance were the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and the Chairman of the Rivers State Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, alongside several respected stakeholders drawn from across the state’s senatorial districts.

While details of the deliberations were not immediately made public, it was gathered that the elders emphasized the need for peace, mutual respect, and political stability, urging both Wike and Fubara to put the interests of Rivers people above personal or political differences.

Chief Alabraba, who presided over the session, reportedly appealed to both leaders to continue engaging in dialogue to prevent the deepening of divisions within the state’s political structure.

The meeting marks one of the most significant reconciliatory gestures since the crisis between the two political allies — Wike, the immediate past governor, and his successor, Fubara — became public.

Observers say the presence of both figures in the same room, alongside the elders and lawmakers, signals possible progress in ongoing peace efforts initiated by concerned leaders and stakeholders.

There are indications that more meetings may follow in the coming days as part of a broader move to restore cohesion within the ruling political family and ensure that governance in the state remains focused on development rather than political strife.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communication and New Media, Lere Olayinka, shared photos from the meeting on his official X handle on Sunday, stating that the Rivers State “political family is fully united.

“FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, Chairman of the Rivers State Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and other leaders in a meeting in Port Harcourt yesterday.

“The political family is fully united”, Olayinka stated.

He, however, provided no further details on the meeting or what decisions and resolutions were taken.

Fubara was reinstated as governor on September 18, 2025, after a six-month state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025.

First Lady Backs President: Nigeria No Longer “Corrupt Country”

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Oluremi Tinubu

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, says Nigeria should not be branded as “the most corrupt country” in the world because the situation has changed under her husband’s administration.

According to her, the Tinubu’s administration has made serious efforts in ending corruption, effort she said, has been applauded globally.

Mrs Tinubu  made the remark during her official working visit to Gombe State, where she commissioned several health facilities executed by the state government.

Global corruption watch dogs such as the Transparency International, TI, has repeatedly labeled Nigeria as one of the most corrupt countries in the world.

The Nigerian First Lady however said, “the era” when Nigeria was branded the most corrupt country is over appealing to Nigerians to be proud of their country, adding that people all over the world now consider Nigeria as the next tourist ‘destination.”

Gone are the days when they say Nigeria is the most corrupt country. You won’t hear that again,” she said.

“Even when I go abroad, when they hear you’re from Nigeria, everybody’s interested. They want to come to Nigeria. Nigeria is the next destination.”

Recall that President Tinubu had during his recent visit to Brazil claimed that he has ended corruption in the country.

Not a few Nigerians took the president’s  remark with a pinch of salt, citing the groundswell of corruption that still exist in his government.

For instance, Omoyele Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate while reacting to Tinubu’s remark described him as a ‘criminal”.

Sowore has now been dragged to court  by the Department of State Services, DSS, over the comment.

APC Replies Olawepo-Hashim: South West Will Support Tinubu’s Re-election

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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The All Progressives Congress, APC, has dismissed the suggestion, to the effect that the south west will not vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu re-election.

Seye Oladejo, Lagos State APC spokesman made the remark in a statement, on Saturday, while reacting to a remark credited to the supporters of a presidential aspirant, Dr Gbenga Olawep-Hashim.

Oladejo said those making the suggestion that President Tinubu will be abandoned by the South west where he hails from, should  perish the thought, saying Tinubu will receive mass support across the country for his re- election.

The next national election is slated for 2027, and some critics of the president has mentioned the south west, as one of the regions where Tinubu will not get support in the 2027 election.

This assertion was last week reinforced by a group linked to the PDP presidential aspirant.

Reacting, Oladejo described Olawepo- Hashim as a serial presidential aspirant, who in case he secured his party’s ticket will not stand any chance against Tinubu, as he will be roundly defeated.

He said presidential elections cannot be won through “tiny rallies’ and “press statement”, saying Nigerians who have seen the progress made under the APC are not prepared to return PDP to power again.

He urged the PDP aspirant not to be deceived as “endorsements on photocopied letterheads do not translate to votes”.

“In the unlikely event that he somehow emerges as the presidential candidate of the free-falling PDP – a party apparently bankrupt of depth in both human and material resources – he will be roundly beaten at the poll,” the APC spokesman said.

“That is not bravado; it is political arithmetic. The PDP’s hollow theatrics and recycled claimants will not rescue a party that has for years relied on sentiment and nostalgia rather than competence and delivery.”

He explained that Tinubu has laid strong foundations in the critical areas of the economy such as education, health, infrastructure, among others, adding that no criticism from the opposition can rubbish the progress the country has recorded under Tinubu, noting that the country cannot afford to return to the ignoble years of the PDP.

“Those who traffic in selective statistics and currency rhetoric do so because they cannot defend the alternative: a return to the waste, arrogance, and economic mismanagement that nearly extinguished our nation’s potential.

“Nigerians will not be hoodwinked into trading present progress for recycled excuses.

“To the political jobbers behind this noise: stop insulting the intelligence of Lagos residents and Nigerians,” he said.

He said that the opposition should not convert press releases into governance competence.

“In 2027, voters will choose continuity with a president who has delivered direction and results – not the empty spectacle offered by political tourists,” he said.

Olawepo-Hashim had recently tackled the Tinubu administration for allegedly running a ‘voodoo economy, saying his return to power in 2027 will be like the proverbial camel trying to pass through the needle.

Lagos  Trade Fair Demolitions: Dep. Speaker Kalu Reports Lagos To Tinubu, Says “Our Hearts Bleed”

By
The Source
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Benjamin Kalu Okezie

By Charles Igbo

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has reported the Lagos State Government to President Bola Tinubu over the inexplicable demolition of the business houses  and all their concerns, of Traders at the Trade Fair Complex, Lagos.

The exercise which cost the Traders and Buiness owners, mostly of Igbo extraction, billions of Naira, has been described by many as wickedness of the worst order and triggered outrage

Kalu described it as heartbreaking and told President Tinubu in clear terms that: “Our hearts bleed”.

Recall that the Lagos State Government embarked on the demolition of the multi-million Naira houses, from where multi-billion Naira businesses are transacted daily, and spared nothing.

According to the State Government, the owners of the properties refused to perfect their documents after several appeals to them to do so. The owners, however, tell a different story.

Lamenting the unprecedented destruction, the Deputy Speaker of the House drew President Tinubu’s attention to the unprecedented loss, and said the exercise “makes our hearts bleed.

He spoke on Friday, October 3, when President Tinubu, represented by Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, visited Umuahia, Abia State, to commission some projects.

Kalu said: “Mr President, I, also, want to say that the destruction, demolition of the houses and offices of our brothers in Lagos, makes our hearts bleed.”

He appealed to the President to intervene with the Lagos State Government to allow defaulters time to regularise their documents.

Kalu: “For some of them who have not gotten the right documents, my plea is to appeal to the Governor of Lagos State to keep accommodating our brothers.

“Let them come into the room and find a way of regularising some of these documents. It bleeds out hearts that in these hard times, houses are being destroyed. But I know Mr President, who cares for the Igbo will listen to the cries of the Igbo.”

A few days ago, shocked prominent Igbo Leaders, including Peter Obi, Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and more, visited the scene of demolition and expressed outrage thereafter.

UNN Denies Tinubu’s Minister, Says Not The Institution’s Graduate

By
The Source
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0
Uche Nnaji - Minister of Innovation-Science and Technology

By Charles Igbo

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, is, allegedly, carrying fake graduate  Certificate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, and that of the National Youth Service.

The University which the Minister claimed he attended, has denied him and disowned the Certificate he is flaunting.

In a response to the Freedom of Information (FOI) request made by Premium Times,  the Vice Chancellor of the University Professor  Simon Ortuanya, explained that even though Nnaji gained admission into the University to study Biological Sciences, he ended up not graduating from the University. He neither completed his studies in the University nor graduated, he said.

Wrote the Vice Chancellor in response: “We are unable to confirm that Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji graduated. There are no records of his completion of study in the University of Nigeria.”

The VC’s response  reads in full: “We refer to your letter dated 29 September, 2025, in respect of the above subject matter.

“We can confirm that Mr Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji,  with Matriculation Number 1981/30725, was admitted by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1981.

“From every available record and information from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, we are unable to confirm that Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, the current Minister of Science and Technology, graduated from the University of Nigeria in July 1985, as there are no records of his completion of study in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

“Following from above, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, DID NOT, and consequently, COULD NOT have issued the purported certificate, at all, in July 1985 to Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, the current Minister of Science and Technology. This conclusion is also in consonance with an earlier letter dated May 13, 2025, ref. No. RUN/SR/R/V, issued by the University to the Public Complaints Commission in respect of the same subject matter (copy attached).”

The Vice Chancellor’s response was dated October 2, 2025 and contradicts a December 2023 clarification by  Celine Nnebedum, the University’s Registrar who stated, when doubts were initially raised over  Nnaji’s Certificate, that he graduated in 1985. However, in May 2025, Nnebedum retracted the statement for further verification.

The two-year investigation by Premium Times which stemmed from a tip by a whistle-blower, also cast a serious doubt on the authenticity of the NYSC discharge Certificate presented by the Minister.

Investigations show that the NYSC certificate he presented bore the signature of Animashaun Braimoh who was the Corp’s Director General between 1988 and 1990 while Nnaji’s Certificate bore May 1986 as the issuance date and the title of the person who signed it as National Director instead of Director General.

There are also, allegedly, other discrepancies. For instance, his Certificate of University graduation bears July 1985, but his Service year began in April 1985, three months earlier, and was never recorded in the history of the NYSC.

Investigation from University record, also, showed that the Minister was advised to withdraw over absenteeism and “retakes” which he missed. His name did also not appear in the University’s 1985 official Convocation List.

At the time of filing this report, there has been no response from  Minister Nnaji.

Recall, however, that the Federal Government had, recently, said it would come down hard on academic certificate forgers.

Uzodinma Suspends Chairman, Civil Service Commission

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma- Governor of Imo State

By Charles Igbo

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has suspended, from office, the Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission, Dr. Julie Onyeukwu.

Her suspension was announced in a Press Statement   issued on October 3, 2025, by Declan Emelumba, Honourable Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy.

The reason behind  Dr. Onyeukwu’s fate was not disclosed, but she was asked to handover, with immediate effect, all the Commission’s property in her custody to the Permanent Secretary, or the most senior staff in the Commission.

Dr. Onyeukwu was reappointed as the Chairman of the Commission in January 2025 by Governor Uzodinma.

“Tinubu Is A Leader Who Finds Pleasure Where The People Find Pain” – Atiku

By
The Source
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0
Atiku Abubkar and Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Atiku Abubkar and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Gideon Njoku

President Bola Tinubu has come under strong criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for personally attending the funeral ceremonies of Mrs Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, in Plateau State.

Atiku described as sad and unfortunate that President Tinubu would attend the funeral where he frolicked with the elite of his  Party rather than  visit victims of bloody attacks in the region to console them.

By choosing to  attend the funeral of the mother of his political ally rather than visit and sympathize with victims of violent attacks, Atiku said Tinubu has shown “a sad reflection of priorities and a mockery of leadership.”

The people, Atiku said, remain without any direct Presidential consolation. He noted that it was a shame that Tinubu chose to identify with his Party Chairman’s family instead of visiting communities across the North Central which continue to suffer mass displacement and killings.

Atiku, who noted this in a post on his official X handle said: “With large swathes of the country still under siege from unrelenting insecurity and thousands of innocent lives lost, it is deeply unfortunate that President Bola Tinubu has not, for once, found it worthy to visit any of the affected States to commiserate with the grieving citizens.

“Between the APC National Chairman and his President, what we witnessed today is a heartless exhibition of disregard for empathy, compassion, and the dignity of human life.

He pointed out that many States in the Region such as Benue, Niger, and Kwara, had suffered violent attacks, yet “the Tinubu administration showed no physical solidarity with the victims.” He also reminded, sadly, that when the President visited Benue after the horrendous massacre, he avoided a visit to Yelewata, the epicenter of the horror.

Atiku then noted that: “Now, again, he is in Plateau State, not to console the bereaved or reassure the broken, but to celebrate and make merry with his Party elite while the people mourn. The message could not be clearer: this is a President who would rather feast than feel – a leader who finds pleasure where the people find pain.

“The people are watching and they will remember.”

Imo Will See Evidence Of Your Pilgrimage, Uzodimma  Tells Pilgrims

By
The Source
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0
Hope Uzodimma - Imo State Governor
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.:

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State on Saturday bid farewell to the second batch of pilgrims departing for the Holy Land of Jordan and Israel from the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri.

At a brief ceremony held at the Government House Chapel, the Governor rapped the pilgrims with words of encouragement, and also called for fervent prayers for the State.

“Imo will see the evidence of your visit to the Holy Land,” Governor Uzodimma  told them, expressing confidence that the pilgrimage would yield spiritual and tangible blessings for the State and the Country.

“We need prayers. Go and pray for our State. God will not abandon His own people. There is nothing God cannot do. Believe in God,” he said.

He attributed Imo State’s progress so far to divine intervention, saying, “we have gotten to this stage because of the mercies and blessings of God.”

The Governor expressed optimism that the pilgrims’ good deeds would attract further blessings, adding, “I pray that our good deeds will only bring good deeds to us.”

Governor Uzodimma reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting religious activities, noting that doing so helps to foster unity and spiritual growth.

He concluded his remarks with a prayer: “May God bless all of us.”

The send-off ceremony was attended by government officials, religious leaders, and families of the pilgrims.

Visibly inspired by the Governor’s words, the pilgrims expressed gratitude for the opportunity to undertake the sacred journey.

They pledged to pray for peace, progress, and prosperity for Imo State in particular and Nigeria at large while at the Holy Land.

About a fortnight ago, the first batch were sent off at a colourful flag off ceremony at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was ably represented by the Secretary to the Federal Government, Sen. George Akume.

The return of the first batch on Friday, October 3, 2025 paved the way for the departure of the second batch on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

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