Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has lauded the Super Eagles for their resilience and sportsmanship in Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Zimbabwe.
In a post on X.com on Wednesday, Obi, who travelled to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to witness the match firsthand, praised the players for their dedication and fighting spirit.
He wrote, “Yesterday, I travelled to Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital, where I joined a host of other sport-enthusiastic Nigerians to support The Super Eagles as they played the Warriors of Zimbabwe in their sixth match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match.
“As usual, our team demonstrated the true Nigerian spirit of strength, resilience and dedication on the field of play. Football, and indeed sports, has remained a strong unifying factor for our nation battling with disunity.”
He added that while the Super Eagles did not secure the win, their determination and sportsmanship had won the hearts of Nigerians.
While we may not have clinched the victory on the field of play, our dear players have, again, won our hearts with their obvious display of sportsmanship.
“I sincerely appreciate our dear national football team and, indeed, everyone whose efforts and sacrifices got us far in this journey. Our labours were not in vain,” he wrote.
PUNCH Online reports that Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico suffered another setback on Tuesday with a potentially damaging 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
After enduring a frustrating first half, Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock for Nigeria in the 74th minute of the game but Eric Chelle’s men couldn’t hold on to their lead as they were pegged back by the visitors in stoppage time.
Nigerian football fans also expressed mixed reactions following the Super Eagles’ disappointing home draw, with many pointing out the team’s lack of coordination, poor finishing, and reliance on individual talent.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria has commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited for successfully running the revamped Port Harcourt Refinery for 180 days non-stop
National Public Relations Officer, Dr Joseph Obele, who gave the commendation in a statement on Tuesday, also commended the host communities for their cooperation and support during the rehabilitation of the refinery.
He stated, ”The refinery has been dormant for over 20 years.
“It was commissioned in October 2024 and has been running continuously for 180 days, up to March 2025; it is a remarkable feat that underscores the effectiveness of the rehabilitation project.
“PETROAN is pleased to note that its members are currently loading Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) from the refinery, while NNPC Ltd. retail marketers are loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), called fuel.
“This development has not only ensured a steady supply of petroleum products but has also helped to eliminate the circulation of fake kerosene and diesel in the market.
PETROAN wishes to extend special commendation to the Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), Mr Ibrahim Onoja, for his exceptional leadership, technical expertise, and dedication to ensuring the successful operation of the refinery.
“PETROAN wishes to extend special appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for making funds available for the rehabilitation of the refinery.”
He also commended the Federal Government and the management of NNPC Ltd. for their vision and commitment towards the revitalisation of the refining industry.
According to him, the association believes that the achievement will have a positive impact on the country’s energy security, economy, and employment opportunities.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi, has dismissed the recent call by the Nigeria Labour Congress for the probe of the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, and others over allegations of forgery, describing it as a waste of time and a political ploy.
Arabambi, in a statement on Tuesday, said the allegations had long been settled by a March 2023 judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, as well as forensic and police investigative reports, which cleared Abure of any wrongdoing.
His reaction followed a demand by the NLC Political Commission Chairman, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, and the Chairman of the Nigerian Corruption Watch, Dandy Rowland, for Abure’s prosecution over allegations of perjury, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.
The Senator Nanedi Usman-led Labour Party Caretaker Committee had also insisted that Abure and some national officers of the party be prosecuted, lamenting what it described as an unjustifiable delay in their prosecution.
However, Arabambi described the calls as a desperate attempt to tarnish the reputation of Abure and the party’s National Secretary, Alhaji Farouk Umar Ibrahim.
“The forensic report and the police investigative report clearly stated that there was no forgery. The case file forwarded to the Attorney General of the Federation was returned to the police on the grounds that the forensic report exonerated all four accused persons,” Arabambi stated.
He further noted that the Court of Appeal judgment, delivered on March 6, 2023, by Justices Hamma Akawu Barka, Adebukola Banjoko, and Peter Chudi Obiorah in suit No. CA/ABJ//CV/559/2023, set aside all allegations of forgery, perjury, and conspiracy, adding that only the Supreme Court has the authority to overturn the ruling.
He maintained that the Inspector General of Police cannot be blamed for refusing to prosecute Abure, as the appellate court’s ruling prevented any further legal action on the matter.
Arabambi also took a swipe at Ndubuaku and NLC President, Joe Ajaero, accusing them of attempting to use intimidation tactics to discredit the party leadership.
“At this point, Ndubuaku and his master, Joe Ajaero, must understand that Abure, Ibrahim, and Clement Ojukwu have no case to answer. It is laughable that someone is issuing ultimatums to the Attorney General of the Federation over a case already settled by the Court of Appeal,” he said.
He insisted that the continued attempts to smear the party leadership through what he termed baseless allegations would not be tolerated.
A businessman, Sunday Okorie, collapsed in court on Wednesday while standing in the dock.
Okorie had been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday for allegedly failing to declare $299,000 and being in possession of counterfeit foreign currency.
Justice Deinde Dipeolu had ordered Okorie to be remanded after he pleaded not guilty on Tuesday. The judge then adjourned the trial to Wednesday.
When the case resumed on Wednesday, Okorie’s lawyer, Uche Okoronkwo, told the court that his client wanted to change his plea to guilty.
Okoronkwo asked the court to allow the charge to be read to Okorie again.
The lawyer for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Chineye Okezie, confirmed that Okorie had decided to plead guilty.
Okezie said, “In view of the defendant’s wish to change his plea from not guilty to guilty on counts one and two, the commission would like to withdraw counts three and four.”
Justice Dipeolu agreed and ordered counts three and four to be withdrawn. He then asked the court registrar to read counts one and two to the defendant.
As the registrar was about to read the charges, he asked Okorie if he understood English. Okorie did not respond. Seconds later, he collapsed in the dock.
His wife and daughter, who were in the courtroom, started crying.
Mrs. Okorie knelt and cried out, calling on Jesus.
The EFCC had arraigned Okorie on four counts related to money laundering and importing counterfeit currency.
The EFCC prosecutor, Chineye Okezie, told the court that Okorie hid the $299,000, the counterfeit $250, and €100 inside relaxer containers. He then tried to take them through the Nigerian Customs Service at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.
Okezie said Okorie committed the offence on March 19, 2025.
She explained that he illegally brought five pieces of counterfeit $50 notes, totalling $250, into Nigeria. The fake notes had serial numbers MB67951730 D, MB93612802 A, MB67957416 D, MB67957308 D, and MB121997428 C.
According to her, Okorie knew the money was fake but still had it in his possession.
She said the offences violated Sections 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and Sections 3(1)(a), 5(1)(b), and (2) of the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provisions) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
OpenAI, the AI startup that owns ChatGPT, has integrated image generation directly into the chatbot, enabling users to create and modify images using GPT-4o, the company announced in a blog post on Tuesday.
The Microsoft-backed firm described the update as a significant step toward making image creation a core part of AI-driven communication.
As part of the announcement, OpenAI shared a sample image on its website demonstrating improved text accuracy in AI-generated visuals compared to older models.
The update aims to enhance the quality of AI-generated content, addressing past limitations in rendering text and intricate details.
ChatGPT, specifically with DALL·E integration has been capable of generating images for some time. However, OpenAI’s latest update improves this capability by integrating it more seamlessly into ChatGPT, likely making it faster, more interactive, or enhancing features like inpainting
“At OpenAI, we have long believed image generation should be a primary capability of our language models. That’s why we’ve built our most advanced image generator yet into GPT‑4o. The result—image generation that is not only beautiful but also useful,” the blog post stated.
The feature is now available across Plus, Pro, Team, and Free subscription tiers.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the rollout marks a new level of creative freedom, acknowledging that while the tool will enable users to create remarkable content, some outputs may be controversial.
“People are going to create some really amazing stuff and some stuff that may offend people; what we’d like to aim for is that the tool doesn’t create offensive stuff unless you want it to, in which case, within reason, it does,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“As we talk about in our model spec, we think putting this intellectual freedom and control in the hands of users is the right thing to do, but we will observe how it goes and listen to society
Shops and goods estimated to be worth multi-million naira have been burnt during a night fire incident that occurred at the popular Iweka Road, close to Ochanja market, Onitsha, Anambra State.
Our correspondent gathered that the fire, which started at about 8.30pm on Tuesday, razed many shops, burning goods and property to ashes.
Although the cause of the fire has yet to be ascertained, it was gathered that the fire raged for several minutes before the arrival of firefighters, as some of the traders had gone home.
Confirming the fire incident on Wednesday, the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, led by the state fire chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, said it received a distress call at about 9.40pm and immediately deployed a crew of firemen and firefighting equipment to the scene.
Chiketa said, “Anambra State Fire Service at about 9.40pm on Tuesday, March 25, received a distress call about a raging fire outbreak at the popular Iweka road, close to Ochanja Market, Onitsha.
“Immediately, a crew of firemen and firefighting equipment were deployed to the scene of the fire outbreak. They fought gallantly and contained the incident, stopping the fire from further escalation.
“The incident affected four shops, and many others were saved in a two-storey building. These shops contained furniture materials such as leather, foam and others.
“The cause of the fire outbreak has not been ascertained. The crew of firemen withdrew from the incident’s scene at 03:05 h3.05am) of the next day, Wednesday 26th March.”
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has mourned Ebunoluwa, the wife of the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi.
In a post via his Facebook page on Monday, the governor also expressed his condolences to Ojelabi and asked God to grant him comfort in this difficult time.
The governor wrote, “I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Lagos State, on the passing of his beloved wife, Ebunoluwa Esther Ojelabi.
“Please know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
“While this is an extremely difficult loss, I encourage you to take heart. Mrs. Esther Ojelabi lived a remarkable life and was a nurturing mother.
:Her warmth, kindness, and spirit touched many lives and she will be deeply missed.
“May God bless her soul and grant you comfort. We share in your grief and are here for you.”
Samsung Electronics co-CEO Han Jong-Hee died from cardiac arrest on Tuesday, according to a spokesperson for the South Korean tech giant. Han was 63.
Born in 1962, Han had overseen Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices businesses since 2022, according to the company. He was named Samsung Electronics vice chairman and co-CEO in 2022. Han’s co-CEO, Jun Young-Hyun, heads its semiconductor business.
In an internal message seen by CNN, Samsung paid tribute to Han, saying he had dedicated more than 37 years of his life to leading Samsung’s TV business to become a global leader. As the head of its electronics and appliances businesses, he also contributed to the company’s growth amid a “challenging business environment.”
“Our deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the message said.
No announcement has been made about Han’s successor, the spokesperson told CNN.
During an annual meeting with investors last week, which he chaired, Han apologized for the performance of Samsung stock and warned of a difficult 2025 because of uncertainties around the economic policies of major economies, according to Reuters. He added that Samsung would seek “meaningful” mergers and acquisitions deals this year to support the company’s growth.
“There are some difficulties in doing semiconductor M&As due to regulatory issues and various national interests, but we’re determined to produce some tangible results this year,” he was quoted as saying.
Han joined the company in 1988 after earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Inha University. Prior to running Samsung’s electronics and devices division, he was in charge of the display operation.
The Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, has resigned his appointment.
The resignation of the HoS, who served under the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara was contained in a statement issued by the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator and obtained by newsmen on Tuesday morning.
The Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), thanked Nwaeke for his service to him within the short period since he assumed office and wished him well in his future endeavours.
The statement reads, “The office of His Excellency, the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (retd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, is saddened to announce the resignation of the Head of Service, Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke, FCA, Mni.
“His Excellency, the Administrator appreciates the immense contributions he has shown this administration in the short period he served and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”
Meanwhile, Ibas has appointed Prof. Ibibi Worika as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government.
Worika’s appointment was also contained in a statement from the office of the Sole Administrator also obtained on Tuesday morning.
The statement reads, “His Excellency, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.) CFR, the Administrator of Rivers State, is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG).
“His appointment follows careful consideration of his credentials, extensive experience, and performance during rigorous selection process.
“Professor Worika’s distinguished career spans academia, international legal practice, and high-level policy advisory roles, making him uniquely qualified to support the administrator in the onerous task of achieving Mr President’s mandate. His appointment takes immediate effect.
“Professor Worika’s appointment reflects the administrator’s commitment to harnessing the great human capital of the Rivers’ people to work with him to achieve the much-needed peace, stability and security.”
Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has raised the alarm over fake reports of pipeline explosions in the state, urging security agencies to investigate and take action against those spreading false information.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara dismissed viral videos of alleged attacks on oil and gas facilities as “fake and malicious,” warning against attempts to incite chaos.
He stressed his commitment to maintaining peace in the state.
This comes as a sociopolitical group, Simplicity Movement, called on the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), and security agencies to investigate recent reports of pipeline explosions in the state.
The group specifically urged a probe into the alleged explosion at the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, which was widely reported after a section of the facility was said to have gone up in flames.
President Bola Tinubu, on March 18, 2025, proclaimed emergency rule in Rivers and suspended Fubara, deputy governor, Prof Ngozi Odu and the lawmakers, after three explosions on pipelines across the state within two days.
The explosion followed reported threats by militants to resume hostilities if Fubara was impeached by the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly loyal to the former governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The President, in what he said was a move to forestall the breakdown of law and order in the state, appointed Ibas as sole administrator.
Fubara, who denied link with any militant group nor contemplated doing so, warned those trying to cause violence or acts of economic sabotage in the guise of drumming support for him to stop forthwith.
The suspended governor called on security agencies to take note of the fake videos and take the necessary steps to arrest perpetrators.
“Our attention has, once again, been drawn to a flurry of malicious, fake and imaginary videos of purported explosions on oil and gas facilities in Rivers State.
“Virtually all the fake videos have been linked to alleged militant groups in the state, with the creators of such content trying very hard to connect them to supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
“Already, the communities where these incidents are alleged to have occurred have reacted, dismissing any claims of explosions on oil and gas facilities in their domains, and reassuring that all critical government assets within their areas are safe, secure and efficiently functioning.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has no link to any militant group, does not contemplate any such association, and has no reason to encourage any criminal group or elements, anywhere in the State or Niger Delta, to undertake any action inimical to the peace of the people or safety and security of oil and gas facilities, and by extension, the economy of the country,” the statement read.
Fubara warned purveyors of violence and economic sabotage to steer clear of the state and avoid any attempt to use his name or capitalise on the present political crisis to foment trouble.
“It is also important to warn bloggers and social media hirelings to stop, forthwith, their campaign to create an atmosphere of tension, chaos and anarchy in the state.
“Their fake reports and posts in the last couple of days have triggered enough wrong decisions that would not help the state move forward.
“Security agencies should take note of these fake videos designed to misinform the people, and further paint the state in bad light, and take every necessary step to contain them, and bring those behind them to book,” the statement added.
The National Leader of the ‘Simplicity Movement,’ Sobomabo Jackrich, at a news briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, said the denial of the explosion at the Trans Niger Pipeline by operators called for concern.
“We use this medium to express our deepest concern over the recent purported explosions at oil and gas installations across Rivers State.
“While the truth that emerged from the operators of the Trans Niger Pipeline at Bodo community proves there were no such explosions in their facility, these incidents pose serious threats to lives, the environment, and the economic stability of our state.
“We call on the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) and relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the immediate and remote causes of these purported explosions.
“If found to be acts of sabotage, the perpetrators must be identified and brought to justice to face the full weight of the law,” he said.
He also said the President was unfair to Fubara over comments on the demolished Rivers State House of Assembly complex.
“As the Sole Administrator has now confirmed for himself, Governor Fubara was already constructing a befitting and modern state Assembly complex, which according to the chairman of the Rivers State Assembly Service Commission, Dr Tamunosisi Gogo Jaja, was a response to calls for better facilities.
“The complex is over 80 per cent complete before the declaration of state of emergency.
“Work was progressing at a steady pace before the sudden imposition of the state of emergency.
“The assertion that the governor abandoned the Assembly complex reconstruction is misleading and should be corrected,” he added.
He declared support for the sole administrator on the condition that democratic government would be restored in due time.
“We call on stakeholders, political actors and well-meaning citizens of the state to desist from further heating the polity, let’s de-escalate tensions and work toward restoring democracy and the rule of law in the state,” he pleaded.
