NIGERIA NEWS
A Humble Life Dedicated To Lifting Others
On this side of the world, where telescopes trace wild, rocky terrains and sunlight spills generously across the land, lies a landscape enriched by people of diverse languages, cultures, and heritage.
Here, in the commercial and cultural heart of the Akoko region of Ondo State, emerges a beacon of hope — a rare gem whose life has been defined by service to humanity.
A philanthropist to the core, Engr. Opeoluwa Adebayo has persistently weathered life’s storms, navigating seasons of hardship and resilience.
Though shaped by rough edges and demanding circumstances, he has kept abundance at his gates and kindness in his heart, continuing without pause to extend helping hands to the needy, the underserved, and the hopeless, both within and beyond the region.
Engineer Adebayo Opeoluwa Omoniyi is the President and Founder of the Olobe Adebayo Charitable Foundation.
Through his work, he has demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt, that giving is not an occasional gesture, but a lifestyle; not merely a choice, but a necessity woven into every aspect of meaningful human interactions.
A leader who forged his own path rather than inheriting privilege, he reflects:
“I have seen arid and wasting lands. I have known days of famine. I understand what drought can do to a person before the good days arrive.
When I say I know what people endure in difficult and challenging times, I speak from experience. That understanding is the foundation of my acts of kindness.”
The Making of a Life Dedicated to Others
Born into the Adebayo family, with ancestral roots in Ekiti State, Engr. Opeoluwa Adebayo’s early life unfolded in the Akoko region, where his father had settled, and within the cultural influence of Ondo State through his mother.
His formative years were shaped by modest living and the firm guidance of highly disciplined parents, for whom structure, responsibility, and resilience were non-negotiable values.
Growing up in this environment meant encountering life without excess and observing, at close range, the demands of daily survival not only his own, but those of the community around him.
These early exposures cultivated an awareness of hardship and a respect for discipline that would later inform his outlook on responsibility, service, and human dignity.
The values instilled during his early years played a defining role in shaping his cognitive development and approach to life. Discipline, established as a central principle by his parents, became the framework through which he navigated academics and personal responsibility, keeping him focused, grounded, and consistent in his pursuits.
This foundation translated into academic excellence, earning him recognition beyond his immediate environment and opportunities to represent Nigeria—an early affirmation of diligence meeting preparation.
Long before philanthropy assumed a formal structure, compassion was practiced informally,first within the home and then extended naturally into the community.
Acts of care were not framed as charity but as responsibility, reinforcing the belief that service to others was an expected part of life rather than an exceptional gesture.
Birth of the Foundation
Growing up within a diverse socio-economic environment marked by varying life realities, Engr. Opeoluwa Adebayo was exposed early to both opportunity and limitation. From a young age, he demonstrated exceptional academic ability.
He attended Citadel International college, Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, where his brilliance in mathematics earned him the nickname “Pascaline Denix II”—a testament to his consistent academic excellence.
During this period, he represented his school in several academic competitions, both within Nigeria and internationally.
Despite his academic strength, he recalls that brilliance alone did not shield him from the harsher realities of life.
“Even as a gifted student with a strong academic inclination, I still felt the downside of life. School fees were often high, and basic educational provisions were sometimes lacking,” he reflects.
As he progressed, he observed that requests for assistance particularly in education, healthcare, and basic welfare were not isolated events but recurring challenges affecting many families.
Even as a national academic champion who won several quiz competitions across the country, he vividly recalls the constraints that shaped his growth, as well as those of his peers.
These experiences sharpened his conviction that education and welfare should not depend solely on individual struggle, but on collective responsibility.
He consistently emphasised the need for structured educational support, accessible utilities, and intentional welfare interventions.
“For exceptional students, the rewards and incentives were largely discouraging. When all efforts were put together, the outcomes were often below average,” he notes.
His academic journey continued at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he studied Chemical Engineering.
There, his excellence earned him recognition and sponsorships from organisations such as MTN and other bodies supporting academic competitions.
Rather than using the stipends solely for personal benefit, he frequently redirected these funds to support fellow students during times of need.
He also volunteered his time, offering academic support and tutorials to classmates and junior students to help them succeed in their examinations.
For Engr. Adebayo, giving was never about recognition or gratitude. It was an instinctive extension of empathy; selflessly deploying his resources, intellects, and opportunities for the benefit of others.
This consistent pattern of service reinforced his belief that impactful change requires intentional structures, not sporadic generosity.
Shortly after graduating from his tertiary institution with First Class Honours, he proceeded to Memorial University of Newfoundlands, Canada, for his master’s degree, where the vision formally took shape with the establishment of the Olobe Adebayo Charitable Foundation.
He completed his Master’s degree in Process Engineering with distinction and is currently pursuing a PhD in process Engineering, while continuing to expand the foundation’s impact.
Core Focus and Areas of Interventions
The Olobe Adebayo Charitable Foundation, under the leadership of its President, Engr. Opeoluwa Adebayo, operates through a structured management team that includes Adebayo Adedeji (Vice President), Comrade Agun Abiola (Chief of Staff), Balogun Gbadura (Chief Operating Officer), and Ishola Nafisat (Secretary).
Guided by clearly defined mission and vision statements, the foundation remains committed to structured, accountable, and impact-driven service delivery.
Mission Statement
To empower students with educational opportunities and resources while addressing the essential needs of less privileged, underserved youths and indigent residents of the Akoko community and beyond fostering a brighter and more equitable future for all.
Vision Statement
To build a future where every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to excel academically and live with dignity, while contributing to a more equitable and compassionate society.
Additionally, the foundation seeks to transform the lives of the less privileged by meeting essential needs and fostering a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Key Areas of Intervention
• Educational Support: Scholarships, academic sponsorships, quiz competitions, and learning resources.
• Healthcare Assistance: Financial support for medical care and treatment.
• Welfare & Community Development: Palliatives, infrastructure support, and aid to vulnerable groups.
Impact Across Communities
2024 Interventions
1. Mr. Kazeem Samuel Ojo — Financial support for participation in the Mr. Flex Competition.
2. Mr. Alao Stephen — Financial assistance for medical treatment.
3. Greater Tomorrow Friends and Club — Financial support to 15 widows.
4. Palliative Distribution Programme — Support provided to 200 indigent residents in Ikare-Akoko Community.
5. Community Infrastructure Support — Donation towards the construction of a public toilet at Owa Ale palace, Ikare-Akoko.
2025 Interventions
6. National Association of Akoko North East Students (NAANES) — Financial support for a student quiz competition.
7. Mr. Psalm — Financial support for the MAC Experience Event.
8. Alapata Progressive Youth Forum — Financial assistance for chair purchase project.
9. Mr. Abiola Oyedotun — Financial support for the Omotisha Concert.
Scholarship Support (Semester-Based)
10. Ayegbusi Oluwaseun.
11. Babatunde Kolawole.
12. Favour Chioma Joshua.
A Leadership Rooted in Service
At the core of Engr. Opeoluwa Adebayo’s work lies a leadership philosophy shaped less by visibility and more by responsibility. He approaches service not as an act of charity that demands recognition, but as a duty owed by those with capacity to those without.
This conviction informs both his personal conduct and the operational framework of the Olobe Adebayo Charitable Foundation.
Raised in an environment where discipline was non-negotiable, he learned early that consistency, structure, and accountability are essential to meaningful progress.
These values have translated into a leadership style that prioritises long-term impact over emotional or reactionary giving. For him, generosity must be intentional, measured, and sustainable to truly serve its purpose.
Central to his philosophy is the belief that dignity must never be compromised in the act of giving. Beneficiaries, he insists, are not recipients of pity but partners in progress.
This principle guides the foundation’s interventions, ensuring that assistance is delivered with respect and without diminishing the self-worth of those being supported.
Education remains a focal point of his conviction. Having experienced both academic excellence and structural limitations firsthand, he views education as the most sustainable tool for social mobility and national development.
In his view, investment in learning is not merely empowerment—it is prevention against poverty, dependency, and stagnation.
Engr. Adebayo’s leadership is also marked by restraint. He favours quiet execution over public display, believing that results speak louder than personal branding.
This understated approach reinforces his commitment to building institutions that can endure beyond individual presence, anchored on systems rather than personalities.
Ultimately, his philosophy is forward-looking. Rather than pursuing immediate recognition, he is focused on legacy;creating frameworks that will continue to serve communities, empower individuals, and respond to social needs long after his direct involvement.
It is this clarity of purpose that continues to shape both his leadership and the mission of the foundation.
Vision for the future
Our vision is to create a society where every individual, regardless of background, has access to the tools, education, and support needed to thrive. We see empowered communities where healthcare is a right, not a privilege, where young people are equipped to lead, innovate, and break cycles of poverty.
By fostering collaboration across cultures and sectors, we aim to build sustainable programs that inspire hope, drive measurable change, and leave a lasting legacy of opportunity, dignity, and progress for generations to come.
Through unwavering commitment, strategic partnerships, and relentless pursuit of impact, the Olobe Adebayo Charitable Foundation envisions a future where potential is limitless and every life matters.”
Also, we would love supports, fundings, collaborations and partnerships with well meaning Nigerians that loves humanity and wants to see it grow to aid us to achieve our goals and execute our aims and objectives to our people and country at large.
For personal correspondence/ funding reach out : +234 816 825 8555.
Let’s all hands be on deck and join us collaboratively to lift up this beacon of light that gives our people renewed hope.
Balogun Gbadura Miracle, RN.
Chief Operating Officer,
Olobe Adebayo Charitable.
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- A young Nigerian man got many people emotional after his friends shared the news of what happened to him online
- The friends mentioned that they attended his wedding to his beautiful wife, which took place several hours ago in Abuja
- However, several of his friends have shared updates on social media about him, revealing that he died a day after his wedding
A young Nigerian man, Bashir, popularly known as Marketing Guru, has died a day after his wedding, as confirmed by one of his friends.
The friend, Yahaya Crypto, took to his Facebook page to break the news to his followers and also shared details of his last chat with Bashir.
Marketing Guru passes away just after getting married. Photo source: Tiktok/abuobasheer
Source: TikTok
Man dies a day after wedding
Announcing his death, Yahaya Crypto wrote on Facebook:
“Hasbunnallah wanimal wakil. Life is uncertain. God has taken our friend Marketing Guru.””Yesterday at his wedding in Abuja, today they are going to dinner with his wife, and I just found out that he died this morning.”
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“May God have mercy on him and grant him eternal rest.”
Another friend of Bashir, known as Marketing Guru, shared his recent outing with him.
The individual, @OmarLadan_, mentioned that he attended Marketing Guru’s wedding but now he is no more.
He wrote online:
“Went to his wedding yesterday, took this vid 5 days ago, but he’s no more today. Subhanallah!!””Day before his marriage, I escorted him to have his hair cut. He said, ‘Umar Dan Allah, karkafini kyau ran aurena.’ Subhanallah. This world is nothing.”
Young man dies a day after his wedding in Abuja. Photo source: Tiktok/abuobasheer
Source: TikTok
Another individual who identified himself as Nas, a friend of the late Bashir @Ameenu_Kutama, reacted to his death and shared some sensitive details about his wedding.
His statement read:
“My close friend arrived in Abuja on Thursday ahead of his wedding. He fell ill that same day, but the wedding proceeded on Friday as planned. He managed to return to Kano last night, only to pass away today. I am devastated. May Allah forgive Baba and grant him mercy. Ameen.”
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Man celebrates 3rd wedding anniversary, mentions how many wives he would marry again, people react
The passing of Bashir has generated reactions online, with several individuals speaking about him.
Reactions as man dies after wedding
@FaruqCrypto01 noted:
“He Married yesterday gone today 💔 Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. May Allah grant him Jannah.”
@abdool_moh stressed:
“As a bride, losing your husband to death on your wedding day has to be one of the most traumatizing life experience.”
@ibress387006 shared:
“Life in this world is uncertain. We belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return. May Allah forgive him, have mercy on his soul, and grant him Jannah. We have lost a great Marketing Guru. May Allah give his family and loved ones the strength to bear this loss.”
@zaMusbeyNe_ stated:
“This is the young man who got married yesterday and passed away today. May Allah forgive him and grant him Jannah.”
@Hamzahuthman77 said:
“Innalillahi wa’inna ilayhi raji’un. He got married yesterday and passed away today, Marketing Guru who makes videos on Trading knowledge on TikTok, May Allah have mercy on him and forgive him. And give his wife and family patience in this loss..”
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Read the post below
In a similar story, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian wedding ceremony was canceled after the sudden death of the groom. One of the friends of the late husband-to-be narrated how the tragedy occurred.
Bride honours late mother with wedding portrait
Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that a bride moved many to tears by creating a portrait of her late mother, who passed away just days before her wedding, to honor her and symbolically include her in the ceremony.
In a heartfelt gesture, the bride held her mother’s portrait during the wedding, allowing her presence to be felt and creating an emotional moment that went viral on social media.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
Lady impresses many as she shows of the stacks of 120 books she read in 2025, revealing how she managed to read so much.
The lady identified as identified as @xx_howdy on X took to the social networking platform to share the achievement.
Bookworm.
Lady reads over 100 books in a year
The young lady left mouths ajar after she revealed that within the year, she had read 120 books.
She shared a photo of the stacks of books she had finished reading in the year, posing between the tall stacks of books.
The bookworm expressed excitement at having reached her goal for the year.
“I did it!! 120 books read this year 🎉📚”
Lady shares how she read so much
One netizen @AnkomahGabi asked: “How did you do that, a book every 3 days?”
@xx_howdy responded: “It’s not calculated. I just love to read”
Another netizen, @KwameDee7 asked: “So now that you’re done reading them, what happens to those books?”
@xx_howdy reacted: “Worship them”
@AlexEbiowei said: “I used to read this aggressively… Now I want to focus more applying those knowledge to my life. I’d still read don’t get me wrong, but not as much. However, this year I still read more than 30 books!”
Check out post below …
Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday said he is the most abused politician in Nigeria after President Bola Tinubu.
Wike spoke in Ochigba, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, during a meeting with the LG’s Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stakeholders.
The meeting was part of the end of the year thanksgiving service.organised by former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, in Ochigba, his hometown.
Wike explained that people abuse him because he insists on agreements which would ensure that his followers are carried along.
He said: “After Tinubu, the next most abused politician today is me. Why are they abusing me? Because they know that agreement is agreement.
“When we have agreed on something let’s implement it, if we can’t implement it, don’t even come for it.
“So for us, long before now we have agreed that we must make sure that we will continue to support Tinubu, that is the position you took and that is the position we are going to still take.”
The Akwa Ibom state government has said it is fully aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s directive that funds should be paid directly to local governments.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr Aniekan Umanah, stated this on Friday, noting that Governor Umo Eno has consistently supported financial autonomy for local government councils.
Umanah said that even before the Supreme Court judgment which affirmed direct allocation to councils, Governor Eno had never interfered with local government funds.
He maintained that the governor is a strong advocate of grassroots development, a commitment he said has enabled local governments in the state to thrive.
“Governor Umo Eno is a lover of grassroots development, and that is why he fully supports the President’s directive for funds to be sent directly to local governments,” Umanah said.
“Local governments in the state are executing projects, awarding contracts and carrying out empowerment programmes at the grassroots because the state government does not tamper with their funds.
“To the governor, President Tinubu’s renewed directive is not just an instruction, but a moral duty for all governors across the country to allow the third tier of government to be financially independent.
“Visit any of the 31 local government areas of the state and you will confirm that this administration aligns with the President’s mandate to uplift local communities,” he added.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he is one of the most attacked political figures in Nigeria today.
He placed himself just behind President Bola Tinubu in terms of public insults and criticism.
Wike made the remark while speaking to political stakeholders in Rivers State.
He used the occasion to defend his political choices and reaffirm his loyalty to President Tinubu, insisting that his position has not changed since the 2023 general elections.
The FCT Minister spoke on Saturday in Ochigba community, Ahoada East Local Government Area. He was at the country home of Chibudom Nwuche, Chairman of the South-South Development Commission. The visit was part of a thanksgiving service held in honour of Nwuche and his family.
Addressing leaders from the local government during a brief closed-door interaction, Wike said attacks against him were politically motivated. He explained that many of those criticizing him today were not visible during the heat of the last election cycle.
According to him, his backing of President Tinubu was based on commitment and agreement, not convenience. He stressed that consistency and loyalty remain the foundation of his political decisions.
Wike stated: “We have never wavered in our support for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Let me tell you, after President Bola Tinubu, the next most abused politician is me.
Why are they abusing me? Because they know agreement is what? When we have agreed on something, let’s implement it.”
The former Rivers State governor argued that many individuals now parading themselves as supporters of the President were absent when support truly mattered. He said this reality explains the hostility directed at him.
In his remarks, Chibudom Nwuche praised Wike’s political courage and leadership style. He assured that political leaders and stakeholders across Rivers State would continue to stand by the FCT Minister.
Nwuche described Wike as a key political figure whose influence remains strong in the South-South region.
The gathering was attended by party leaders, traditional figures, and political allies, many of whom echoed calls for unity and continuity in political engagement within the state.
A young groom, who had just celebrated one of the happiest days of his life, reportedly passed away just hours after his wedding.
The sad news emerged shortly after friends and well-wishers had celebrated the joyous ceremony.
Wedding Photos Flood Social Media
Friends who attended the wedding earlier shared cheerful photos from the event, celebrating the couple and wishing them a happy life together.
Sadly, the mood quickly changed when news broke that the groom had died not long after.
Friends Confirm His Death
Hours later, friends took to X to announce the shocking loss. One close friend, who had been posting about the wedding, wrote emotionally:
“Innalillahi wa innailaihi Rajiun. The friend I went to his wedding yesterday is no more today. Indeed, the life of this world is nothing but enjoyment of delusion. Allah yajikansa da rahama. Please pray for him. He lived a good and kind-hearted life. Subhanallah.”
Memories of the Groom Shared Online
The same friend shared a video of the groom taken shortly before the wedding, expressing disbelief at his sudden death. He wrote:
“Went to his wedding yesterday, took this video 5 days ago, but he’s no more today. Subhanallah!!”
Heartfelt Tribute From Friends
Another friend recalled taking him for a haircut ahead of the wedding, sharing the groom’s excitement for his big day.
He wrote: “Day before his marriage I escorted him to barb his head. He said, ‘Umar Dan Allah karkafini kyau ran aurena, subhanallah.’ This world is nothing.”
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Former Senate Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has called on the Federal Government to extend Nigeria’s joint military operations with the United States against terrorist hideouts to the North-East region of the country.
Ndume made the appeal in a statement issued on Saturday, while commending the recent military strikes carried out against Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) cells in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
United States President, Donald Trump, had announced the attacks on his Truth Social platform, revealing that the Department of War executed what he described as “numerous perfect strikes” against terrorist targets.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, later confirmed the development, stressing that the U.S. military strikes were conducted with Nigeria’s full cooperation, approval and intelligence support.
He added that the operation did not violate Nigeria’s sovereignty and was not directed at any religious group.
Ndume, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, said extending the joint military operations to the North-East would significantly weaken the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram insurgents operating in the region.
“We welcome this cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in targeting terrorist hideouts,” he said. “I am calling on them to extend it to the North-East where ISWAP and Boko Haram have their three known black spots, Lake Chad, the Mandara Mountains and Sambisa Forest, which are exclusive strongholds of these groups.”
He further urged that the military partnership with the United States should go beyond air strikes to include support for ground troops through training, intelligence sharing and logistics, as well as the deployment of attack helicopters to back ground operations.
The federal lawmaker commended President Bola Tinubu for allocating what he described as the highest budgetary provision to defence in the 2026 Appropriation Bill but insisted on the need for accountability and transparency in the utilisation of the funds.
Reacting to the recent suicide bomb attack at a mosque in Gamboru, Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, which claimed five lives and left many others injured, Ndume expressed condolences to the victims and their families.
“I sympathise with the victims of the bomb blasts in Borno State, where many people were killed and injured,” he said. “The incident at the mosque in Gamboru clearly shows that the terrorists do not care about religion.
“In this instance, which occurred on the eve of Christmas, all the victims were Muslims.
“The narrative of religious targeting does not exist. These terrorists are simply bent on making life unbearable for our people and are blind to religion.”
Former Super Eagles star player, Emmanuel Amuneke, has hailed Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen, as the natural leader of Nigeria’s national soccer team.
Amuneke, who represented Nigeria in multiple Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, highlighted that Osimhen has consistently shown the same dedication and character since his debut.
Speaking to Victor Modo ahead of Nigeria’s crucial clash with Tunisia on Saturday night at the ongoing 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco, Amuneke recalled Osimhen’s unwavering commitment to the national team, dating back to his U17 days.
“One thing I can always say is that the character Osimhen demonstrates as a leader today is exactly what he has shown over the years,” Amuneke said.
He added that it would bring him immense joy to see Osimhen lift the AFCON trophy for Nigeria, insisting that the former African Player of the Year truly deserved to win the continental soccer tournament.
After a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania in their opening match at Morocco 2025, the Super Eagles face a tougher challenge against Tunisia this Saturday.
While Nigeria aims to secure a win and strengthen their position in Group C, the Carthage Eagles will also be eager to claim the top spot, promising an intense encounter.
Lagos Blue Line train heads to Mile 2 Terminal during its commercial launch. Photo: Pius Utomi Ekpei / AFP
The Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line will operate an expanded train schedule on Sunday, 28 December 2025, to support passenger movement for Wizkid’s “G.O.A.T: The Greatest Of All Time Experience” concert at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), according to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
In a notice shared on its official X account, LAMATA said the Blue Line will increase services from its regular 22 Sunday trips to 54 train trips for the day.
The enhanced operations will run at 30-minute intervals between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. to accommodate increased passenger demand linked to the concert.
The concert is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, 28 December, and end at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, 29 December 2025.
LAMATA said normal weekday operations on the Blue Line, comprising 90 daily train trips from 6:30 a.m., will resume on Monday.
The LRMT Blue Line, which runs between Marina and Mile 2 along the Badagry corridor, has become a key component of Lagos State’s public transport system.
Passenger services on the first phase of the line were officially launched in September 2023, following its inauguration by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The expanded service for the Wizkid concert builds on earlier operational adjustments made by LAMATA since the rail line became fully electric.
In October 2023, the authority announced a transition from diesel to electric-powered operations, a move that enabled a significant increase in daily train trips.
At the time, LAMATA said the number of trips would rise from 12 to 54, with a longer-term target of further increases as additional train sets were deployed.
LAMATA’s Managing Director, Abimbola Akinajo, said during the electrification phase that temporary service suspensions were necessary to ensure passenger safety while power systems were tested.
The switch to electricity, she said, was designed to support higher service frequency and increased passenger capacity.
Since the start of operations, the Blue Line has recorded steady passenger usage. LAMATA previously said the rail service had transported more than 80,000 passengers in its early months, with projections indicating higher daily passenger volumes as services expanded and public awareness increased.
The decision to run additional trips for the concert reflects a pattern of transport planning around major events in Lagos, particularly those held on Lagos Island, where road congestion is common during large gatherings.
Tafawa Balewa Square regularly hosts national and cultural events, often requiring coordinated traffic and public transport arrangements.
LAMATA did not announce any changes to fares or station access arrangements for the concert period. Passengers are expected to use existing stations along the Blue Line corridor under normal operating conditions.
The Muslim Public Affairs Centre, MPAC, has raised concerns over the United States military strikes on alleged ISIS enclaves in Sokoto State, calling on the Nigerian government to clarify the circumstances surrounding the operation and reaffirm the country’s sovereignty.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, MPAC said it unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and supports efforts to eliminate violent extremism in Nigeria.
However, the organisation said it was disturbed that news of the alleged strike was first announced by authorities in Washington rather than by the Nigerian government.
MPAC said the manner in which the information emerged raises questions about transparency, authority and national dignity.
“Military operations conducted on Nigerian territory should be communicated primarily by Nigeria’s own authorities, not by foreign governments addressing their domestic audiences”, the statement read
The organisation cautioned that while security cooperation with international partners is important, it should not evolve into operational dependence. MPAC stressed that intelligence sharing and strategic alliances must not undermine Nigeria’s control over its security decisions.
It also questioned official explanations indicating that Nigerian intelligence contributed to the operation while the United States carried out the strike because of its superior capabilities.
MPAC noted that Nigeria has previously demonstrated the ability to project military force within the region and argued that this capacity should be sufficient to address security challenges within its own borders.
Drawing on past US military interventions in other countries, the group warned of the potential risks of foreign-led strikes, including civilian casualties and prolonged instability. MPAC also expressed concern over past rhetoric by US leaders which, it said, could fuel religious division.
The organisation emphasised that many victims of terrorism in Nigeria are Muslims and warned against actions that could deepen sectarian tensions in the country.
MPAC called on the Federal Government to urgently explain the legal, operational and diplomatic framework under which the reported strike occurred, reassure Nigerians that the nation’s sovereignty remains intact, and recommit to building a security architecture that is Nigerian-led, Nigerian-controlled and Nigerian-accountable.
“Security is the primary responsibility of any government and cannot be subcontracted,” the statement said, urging authorities to prioritise transparent governance and Nigerian-led solutions to the country’s security challenges.
The Federal Government has concluded plans to deploy no fewer than 7,000 newly trained forest guards to seven pilot states as part of renewed efforts to curb insecurity and reclaim Nigeria’s vast ungoverned forest spaces.
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed this on Saturday in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, during the graduation ceremony of the forest guards who had undergone intensive training.
Ribadu said the guards would be deployed immediately to communities worst hit by insecurity, particularly areas around forests that have become havens for criminal elements.
“We are fully aware of Nigerians’ concerns about insecurity across the country. Accordingly, the newly trained Forest Guards will be deployed immediately to all the beleaguered communities in the highlighted states, particularly around forested and ungoverned spaces,” the NSA said.
According to Ribadu, the primary responsibility of the forest guards is to gather actionable human intelligence, support ongoing security operations, and restore government presence in areas where it has been weak or completely absent for years.
He noted that the guards are expected to work closely with existing security agencies in tackling banditry, insurgency, terrorism, and other criminal activities being perpetrated from forest hideouts across the country.
“The mandate of the Forest Guards is essentially to tackle bandits, insurgents, terrorists, and other criminal elements that are exploiting Nigeria’s vast, ungoverned forest spaces,” he stated.
Ribadu explained that the guards earned their graduation after completing an intensive three-month training programme conducted simultaneously in the seven pilot states of Adamawa, Borno, Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto and Yobe.
He said the training was designed to prepare them for the harsh realities of forest operations.
“Trainees underwent extensive physical and mental conditioning, including endurance exercises, obstacle-crossing drills, and long-range patrol simulations to prepare them for sustained forest operations,” he said.
The NSA recalled that the trainees were mobilised under the Presidential Forest Guards initiative, which was launched by President Bola Tinubu in May this year as a collaborative effort between the Federal Government and the states.
According to him, the programme reflects the administration’s resolve to address insecurity through proactive and intelligence-driven measures.
He added that instructors and coordinators for the training were drawn from several security and intelligence agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, National Park Service, and the National Intelligence Agency.
Ribadu disclosed that the current deployment marks only the pilot phase of the initiative, stressing that the Federal Government is already working towards expanding the programme nationwide.
“The pilot phase of the forest guards rollout provides a solid foundation for a nationwide deployment after more guards are accordingly recruited,” he said.
“As we speak, processes have commenced to train new batches across additional states, ensuring rapid expansion and comprehensive national coverage.”
In his remarks, the Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, charged the graduating forest guards to see their assignment as a call to national service.
He urged them to carry out their duties with professionalism and respect for civilians.
Fintiri advised the guards to treat residents of host communities with civility, noting that winning the trust of locals would be critical to the success of the initiative.
Naija News reports that the deployment of the forest guards is expected to boost security operations in forested areas that have long served as hideouts for criminal gangs across the country.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday arrived at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos for the 2025 edition of the Eyo Festival, popularly known as the Adamu Orisha Play.
The festival commenced on Saturday with colourful and vibrant processions as residents, tourists and cultural enthusiasts thronged the venue.
The iconic cultural event transformed the city centre into a spectacle of tradition, music and pageantry.
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Saturday Telegraph reports that, President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, are expected to join other dignitaries at the event.
The Eyo Festival, which last held in 2017, is renowned for its distinctive white-clad masquerades, symbolic staff known as opambata, rhythmic chants and energetic dances deeply rooted in Yoruba culture and Lagos history.
It remains one of Nigeria’s most recognisable and celebrated traditional festivals.
Ahead of the festival, Governor Sanwo-Olu on Friday inaugurated the Eyo Monument at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, Lagos Island.
The monument is described as a powerful symbol of Lagos heritage and is expected to boost cultural tourism, while promoting education and economic development in the state.
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…Says “Sheikh Gumi to Keep his peace
…Call on Nigerians to support the USA to end terrorism
A Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Niger Dtate Hon. Jonathan Vatsa has described the ongoing airstrike against the Islamic State sects and other terrorists across the country as the best thing that happened to Nigeria in recent times, saying “We are very happy about the airstrike because it gave us a great relief”.
Vatsa, a former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism said all Nigerians who mean well for the good and development of the country must support the USA ongoing operations against terrorists groups in the country.
He said in a statement made available to Journalists in Minna that Nigerians should be grateful to the American Government for showing interest in the peace and development of the country, adding that “The terrorists do not have boundaries in their attacks on innocent Nigerians whether you are a Muslim or a Christian.”
The former Publicity Secretary of the APC in Niger state pointed out that anybody who is not in support of the America intervention in the insecurity in Nigeria must be an accomplice to the killings of innocent Nigerians.
Vatsa also described Sheikh Gumi’s stands to the America action as retrogressive and a disgrace to the group he claimed to represent, stressing that “Since Gumi has proven beyond reasonable doubt that he is above the law of the land with his reckless utterances, I will advice that he should keep his peace. Atleast, we now have a great relief.
“With the ongoing America airstrikes, Nigerians will soon know those who are behind the terrorism attacks in the country.
“They will soon begin to show their emotions and sympathy for the terrorists.
“This is a great sigh of relief to Nigerians because our farmers can now go to their farm, children can return to their schools and Nigerians can now travel freely without the fear of being abducted on the highways”.
He however called on the Nigerian Military and other security agencies to be vigilant as the terrorists will began to relocate to other parts of the country due to the ongoing US Military operations.
Accordingly, he said “I urge the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in step up their vigilance because many of the terrorists will soon begin to relocate to other parts of the country for safe haven.
“This is the time to step up our intelligent gathering, using the locals so as to monitor the movement of these terrorists.
“They will soon be fleeing from the far north which is hitherto their safe haven and we must be vigilant about it”.
He the commended President Bola Tinubu for involving the USA in the country’s security challenges threatening the very existence of Nigeria as a nation, saying that no country can solve its internal security challenges alone.
Furthermore, he said “it obvious that we do not have what it takes to tackle the situation so therefore we need external assistance.
“We must this initiative to liberate the country from terrorists, the country is under siege”.
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The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has temporarily closed the Otedola Bridge along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to facilitate the removal of two fully loaded 20-foot container trucks involved in an early-morning accident.
In a video update released on Saturday, the agency confirmed that recovery operations were underway, necessitating the suspension of vehicular movement on the bridge.
LASTMA explained that heavy-duty equipment, including a high-capacity crane and flatbed trucks, had been deployed to evacuate the affected vehicles.
“Recovery of the two loaded 20-foot container trucks is currently in progress. The bridge has been shut to traffic to enable safe operations, and there is no vehicular movement at the scene,” the authority said.
Motorists were advised to steer clear of the area and use alternative routes to reduce congestion.
According to LASTMA, drivers can divert from the Redeem Camp or Kara axis through Ogunusi Road, proceed to Omole Junction, connect to Agidingbi Road, and continue their journeys.
The incident occurred when one of the container trucks overturned on Otedola Bridge, inward Secretariat, causing heavy traffic congestion that extended from Berger towards the Oke axis.
Earlier, the agency disclosed that the accident happened at about 6:30 a.m., adding that traffic officers were promptly deployed to control the situation and coordinate evacuation efforts.
LASTMA assured road users that officials remain on ground to manage traffic and expedite the clearance process, urging motorists to exercise patience and caution while recovery work continues.
A member of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has joined family members, political associates and well-wishers nationwide to celebrate the 72nd birthday of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, describing him as a statesman whose life exemplifies selfless service and enduring leadership.
In a congratulatory message issued on Wednesday, Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, hailed Akume as a mentor and political father whose influence has shaped generations of leaders in Benue State, the North Central region and across the country.
He likened the SGF to a baobab tree firmly rooted in Benue soil, with branches extending nationwide to provide guidance, protection and opportunity to many. According to Agbese, Akume’s leadership has consistently transformed challenges into opportunities through vision, patience and integrity.
Agbese said he considers himself privileged to be among those nurtured by Akume’s mentorship, noting that the SGF’s counsel, discipline and steadfast character have remained a source of strength during difficult times.
“Your years of service continue to bear fruit for the nation,” he said, while praying for continued good health, wisdom and renewed strength for Akume in the years ahead.
Agbese, who also serves as Deputy Spokesperson of the 10th House of Representatives, reaffirmed his admiration and loyalty to the SGF and wished him a fulfilling birthday celebration.