GANUX, Author at SocietyGazette.com

Ogun seals energy deal with Chinese investors

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced a new partnership with Chinese investors aimed at strengthening the state’s energy infrastructure and industrial capacity.

In a statement shared on X on Saturday, according to the governor, discussions with the Jiangsu-based company Cteec focused on funding availability, technical capacity, and the company’s readiness to deliver key energy projects for the state.

“Our conversations highlighted three important areas of collaboration: strengthening transmission and distribution within the state; establishing an Industrial Park that will attract Chinese manufacturers while integrating power projects; and their commitment to install a free 3MW power plant at the Gateway International Cargo Airport, which will immediately jumpstart activities at that vital location,” Abiodun said.

The governor added that the delegation would inspect ongoing distribution infrastructure and power projects executed by Sahara and Powergen, as part of efforts to secure a reliable energy supply across Ogun State.

“The company, Cteec, based in Jiangsu, China, already has an investment footprint of 100MW in Nigeria and is now seeking to expand its operations further. Their interest covers power generation and distribution, investment in a dedicated state transmission network, and the establishment of an Industrial Park that will bring more Chinese manufacturers into Ogun State.

“This engagement is another testament to our commitment to building the energy backbone that will sustain Ogun State’s industrial growth and overall economic development,” Abiodun also said.

In related developments, reports indicate that maiden commercial flights from the Gateway International Airport, Iperu-Ilishan, to Abuja have sold out, with tickets for the following day also fully booked. The development underscores the airport’s readiness to serve as a hub for modern aviation and connectivity in Nigeria.

“From roads that connect our communities and ease the movement of people and goods, to housing projects that provide our citizens with affordable and decent homes, we have remained committed to building structures that improve the quality of life of our people.

“Our vision has always been clear: to bequeath a legacy of sustainable development and inclusive growth. With every stride in infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more prosperous Ogun State,” Abiodun said, emphasising his administration’s commitment to infrastructure as the backbone of development.

Gateway International Airport was officially granted an Aerodrome Operational Permit by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority in August 2025.

Passenger flight operations are set to commence on October 7, 2025, with Value Jet Airline starting passenger flights twice weekly.

Insecurity: Sokoto community demand right to bear arms for self-defence

Amid a surge in deadly attacks by suspected Lakurawa bandits, residents of Kebbe Local Government Area in Sokoto State have called on the Federal Government to permit them to bear sophisticated weapons for self-defence.

The residents, who voiced their anguish at a press conference held on Saturday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat, Sokoto, said they can no longer endure the incessant killings and destruction of property by the marauding bandits.

Led by Alhaji Adamu Kebbe, the group accused both the state and local authorities of abandoning them to their fate, lamenting that the government’s response to their plight has been slow and inadequate.

“We can’t sleep with our two eyes closed anymore. Our communities are being wiped out, and the government is doing little to protect us,” Haruna said emotionally.

They also urged the Federal Government to grant direct funding to local governments to enable them to equip local security outfits and respond swiftly to attacks.

Sokoto State has been one of the worst-hit by banditry in recent years, with emerging terror groups such as the Lakurawas and the notorious gang led by Bello Turji unleashing deadly violence across Isa, Sabon Birni, and Kebbe LGAs.

While the state government has acknowledged the growing threat, residents say its measures have fallen far short of what is needed to guarantee safety.

Security experts warn that the call for self-defence reflects a deepening loss of faith in state protection and highlights the urgency for the Federal Government to intervene decisively.

For now, the people of Kebbe say they are left with no choice but to defend themselves if the government fails to act.

“If we can’t get protection from the government, then we must be allowed to protect ourselves,” another resident declared.

In early September 2025, Sokoto youths, particularly from Shagari Local Government Area, threatened to take up arms in self-defence due to persistent bandit attacks and kidnappings.

They expressed frustration with government inaction and the impact of insecurity on farming, families, and local life. Former Governor Aminu Tambuwal also called for immediate federal reinforcement to contain banditry in Sokoto.

Sokoto has also been responding to humanitarian crises, including a deadly cholera outbreak among internally displaced persons, resulting from insecurity

Diddy sentenced to four years for prostitution-related charges

Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to 50 months in prison after being convicted on prostitution-related charges.

Prosecutors had pushed for an 11-year sentence, but Judge Arun Subramanian imposed just over four years following an emotional daylong hearing on Friday.

Combs’s lawyers had urged a far lighter penalty of 14 months, effectively time served, since the 55-year-old hip-hop star has already spent more than a year in custody in Brooklyn, according to CNN.

Before sentencing, Combs addressed the court, expressing remorse. “I am truly sorry,” he said, asking the judge for “another chance.”

He added, “I ask your honour for mercy. I beg your honour for mercy.”

In July, a jury acquitted Combs of the most serious charges, sex trafficking and racketeering but found him guilty of two counts of transporting people across state lines for prostitution.

His former girlfriend, singer Casandra Ventura, known as Cassie, submitted a searing letter to the court.

She urged the judge to consider “the many lives that Sean Combs has upended with his abuse and control.”

Ventura described enduring years of physical, emotional and sexual abuse in her relationship with Combs.

Along with another woman, identified as Jane, she said she was coerced into “freak-offs” — sexual marathons with hired men that Combs orchestrated and sometimes filmed.

“The entire courtroom watched actual footage of Combs kicking and beating me as I tried to run away from a freak off in 2016,” Ventura wrote.

She said she continues to suffer nightmares and flashbacks “on a regular, everyday basis.”

Prosecutor Christy Slavik argued that Combs has yet to take responsibility.

“His remorse was qualified. It’s as though he thinks the law doesn’t apply to him,” she told the court.

Slavik added that Combs had booked speaking engagements in Miami in anticipation of a lighter sentence, calling it “the height of hubris.”

In defence, attorney Nicole Westmoreland described Combs as “an inspiration” to the Black community and a social justice crusader.

“No, Combs is not larger than life.

“He’s just a human being. He’s made mistakes,” she said.

She insisted he was remorseful and argued, “It’s of no benefit to anyone to warehouse him in a prison.”

Combs’s six adult children also pleaded for leniency. His eldest, Quincy Brown, called him “a changed man.” One of his daughters, D’Lila Combs, appealed to the judge, “Please, please give our family the chance to heal together. Not as headlines but as human beings.”

Super Falcons star Onumonu retires from football

Super Falcons forward Ifeoma Onumonu has announced her retirement from football, bringing an end to a professional career that spanned more than a decade across the United States, France, and Nigeria, PUNCH Online reports.

In a statement shared on Instagram in the early hours of Saturday, the 31-year-old expressed gratitude for her journey, describing her retirement as a “natural conclusion” to a lifelong discovery that began at the age of eight.

“It is with a heart full of gratitude that I bid farewell to my playing career on the pitch,” Onumonu wrote, reflecting on her early years with a youth team called Magic in the United States.

“We played in white, black, and green jerseys at the AYSO fields near my house. I remember how vast I thought the field was. I don’t remember if I played an actual position or if I even passed the ball.

”All I wanted to do was run as fast as I could and score. I didn’t much care about winning or losing; I just loved playing.”

Onumonu said that passion for football guided her for 22 years and culminated in unforgettable moments on both club and international stages.

“I had the profound pleasure of lifting an NWSL championship trophy, representing Nigeria at the Olympics and a World Cup, and helping to lift the African Cup of Nations trophy with the Super Falcons for a historic 10th time,” she added.

The American-born striker, who made her senior debut for Nigeria in 2021, was part of the country’s 2023 Women’s World Cup squad and also represented the Super Falcons at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

She featured in the team’s WAFCON triumph in July 2025, the country’s record-extending 10th continental title.

Though her involvement in the tournament in Morocco was limited to a 54-minute outing in the goalless draw against Algeria in the group stage, she remained one of the squad’s oldest players, behind veterans Tochukwu Oluehi, Osinachi Ohale and Francisca Ordega.

Her inclusion in Nigeria’s 2024 Olympic roster came after she was upgraded from the alternates list following Halimatu Ayinde’s withdrawal due to injury.

Onumonu, who was born in California to a Nigerian father and raised in the United States, began her professional journey in the National Women’s Soccer League with Boston Breakers and subsequently featured for Portland Thorns, Reign FC, Utah Royals, and NJ/NY Gotham FC before moving to France to play for Montpellier HSC.

A product of the California Golden Bears collegiate programme, she represented the United States at U-23 level before switching allegiance to Nigeria, where she earned international recognition for her intelligent movement, composure, and work ethic.

Reflecting on her decision, Onumonu said her retirement does not mark an end to her involvement in football.

“This is not a goodbye to football, but a new beginning.

“I am excited to explore opportunities off the pitch, using the skills and lessons learned from my time on it,” she stated.

She expressed deep appreciation to all who supported her journey, adding, “Thank you to all the staff, teammates, coaches, doctors, fans, and my incredible friends and family for your unwavering support through the years. Although my time as a player has come to an end, my love and devotion for this game will never waver.”

BBNaija S10: Imisi’s fans take voting campaign to Luli concert

Supporters of Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate, Imisi Ayanwale, have intensified their campaign for votes, taking the movement to the annual Luli Concert of the Celestial Church of Christ at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

Imisi, who is currently among the Top 10 finalists of the Season 10 edition, is a long-standing member of the church and has been a regular participant at the concert before making it into the reality TV show.

Her fans said the concert, which attracts thousands of worshippers and music lovers, presented a strategic platform to galvanise support.

The design on the banner…Credit: Facebook/ CCC Family

On Friday night, videos began to surface showing Imisi’s fans in branded T-shirts distributing campaign materials and canvassing for votes among church members and attendees.

One video obtained by PUNCH Online showed supporters dressed in white garments (sutana) approaching participants of the concert to encourage them to back the housemate.

The campaign drew attention as many attendees were seen stopping to engage with the canvassers with a big banner.

The Luli Concert, a major gospel music festival in Nigeria, features popular ministers including Tope Alabi, Shola Allyson, Toluwani Sings, Lilian Nneji, and Bidemi Olaoba.

Imisi’s fans capitalised on the high turnout to push their candidate’s profile ahead of Sunday’s grand finale.

Imisi, who has emerged as one of the standout personalities in the house, will rely heavily on her voting bloc, especially from faith-based supporters, to stand a chance at clinching the top prize.

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(𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎) 𝐁𝐁𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐣𝐚 𝐒𝟏𝟎: 𝐈𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐢’𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐮𝐥𝐢 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭

Supporters of Big Brother Naija housemate, Imisi, have intensified their campaign for votes, taking the movement to the annual Luli Concert of the…

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Voting for the season’s grand finale officially opened shortly after the Top 10 finalists were announced on Sunday.

The list included Kola, Imisi, Isabella, Sultana, Jason Jae, Mensan, Koyin, Kaybobo, Dede, and Faith.

However, Faith was disqualified on Thursday for physically assaulting fellow housemate, Sultana, who alleged she sustained injuries during the clash.

The disqualification leaves nine contenders in the running for the ultimate prize, with campaigns heating up across social media and offline spaces.

NAFDAC destroys N15bn fake, expired drugs in Oyo

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on Thursday destroyed fake, expired, substandard, and falsified drugs and products valued at N15bn in Ibadan, Oyo State.

This was announced by the Director-General of the agency, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, during the destruction in Ibadan, the state capital.

Represented by NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Martins Iluyomade, Adeyeye said the agency remained resolutely committed to ensuring that foods, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, packaged water, and drinks were safe, wholesome, and effective for human consumption.

“There is no doubt that drugs are a critical aspect of NAFDAC’s mandate, and the agency has established strict guidelines governing the licensing, sale, and distribution of drug products.

“The products we destroyed today (Thursday) include expired, counterfeit, uncontrolled, unregistered, and banned drugs such as Analgin, Cocodamol, codeine cough syrup, tramadol, oxytocin, and various types of vaccines.

“The estimated street value of these products being destroyed today (Thursday) stands at N15bn only.”

She stated that the destruction of those products would eliminate the risk of their re-entry into the Nigerian market.

The DG appreciated the support of the police, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, NDLEA, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, among others.

She, therefore, urged stakeholders to educate their families and wards about the dangers of patronising quacks and unauthorised medicine dealers.

S.K. Tijani, who spoke on behalf of the Controller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, stated that there was synergy between Customs and NAFDAC in the fight against fake, expired, substandard, and unwholesome drugs and products nationwide.

He said all stakeholders must play their part in ensuring that the nation is free from criminal activities.

Spain coach dismisses spat with Flick over Yamal injury

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said Friday there was “no conflict” with Hansi Flick after the Barcelona boss last month criticised the national team’s handling of Lamine Yamal.

The 18-year-old winger made his first start for Barcelona since August in Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to Paris Saint-Germain after recovering from a groin injury Flick felt was made worse by him playing in September’s World Cup qualifiers.

“There is no conflict with Flick. I was simply surprised by those statements because he has been a national team coach and I thought he had that empathy,” De la Fuente said after announcing his squad for games against Georgia and Bulgaria.

“You know we have two very important matches; we are playing for the World Cup. It seems like they’re in the background, and we’re talking about Flick.

“We are playing for the World Cup, that is what really matters. The rest is not important. Everyone said what they said, and that’s it.”

Flick said at the time he had spoken briefly to De la Fuente via text message but their communication could be improved.

De la Fuente sought to provide more clarity on the situation Friday as he tried to draw a line under the issue.

“What happened was that, when the match ended, he had some kind of discomfort. But I have never played without discomfort. Nothing happened,” he said.

“Our medical staff have explained it, and I have explained it. Nothing more. Did he then have discomfort after the match? Well, I don’t know.”

Spain will be without Nico Williams and Dani Carvajal for the upcoming qualifiers, while Alvaro Morata has been left out of the squad after a slow start to the season at Como.

Athletic Bilbao winger Williams has not played since picking up a groin injury in the 6-0 win over Turkey. His club had reportedly asked for his playing time to be managed due to discomfort.

“The risk in football and in sports always exists. If he is playing at his club, he is assuming those risks. We are talking about completely normal situations,” said De la Fuente.

Spain are top of Group E with six points after two matches. They face Georgia in Elche on October 11 and host Bulgaria in Valladolid three days later.

AFP

Man City’ll not see ‘best’ Rodri until next season – Guardiola

Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City will have to wait until next season to see the best of Rodri again as the Spanish midfielder slowly finds his feet after knee surgery.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner missed last weekend’s 5-1 win over Burnley due to pain in the knee — 12 months after he suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage.

The 29-year-old made his return in May but has suffered a series of minor setbacks.

“Rodri is an outstanding player, everyone knows it,” said Guardiola on Friday.

“Maybe he struggled to understand it’s not about six months or 12, the World Cup will be the best Rodri, and next season will be the best Rodri. This year is how to handle it.

“One year he has been out. The body changes, the rhythm changes, it’s a question of time; if he’s healthy, he will be back.”

To cover Rodri’s absence, City splashed out £50 million ($67 million) on Nico Gonzalez in January, but he has struggled to match the levels of his compatriot.

The former Barcelona midfielder replaced Rodri for the final 30 minutes of Wednesday’s 2-2 Champions League draw at Monaco and conceded a late penalty that cost City victory.

“He’s learning and improving. We need him”, said Guardiola, referring to Gonzalez.

“Rodri can’t sustain the rhythm for games for 90 minutes. He made an incredible effort in the week with Manchester United, Napoli, and especially Arsenal.

“I try to protect my players. Sometimes I want the best players there, but I have to protect the players.”

Despite dropping two points in Monaco, a draw extended City’s unbeaten run to six games in all competitions.

City suffered their first trophyless campaign for eight years last season, and Guardiola is encouraged by the progress he sees after refreshing his squad with several younger players.

“The happiest feeling is how we have improved. I love that feeling. And the feeling that I think we can do better,” he said.

“That is the feeling that I like as a manager. The feeling we are creating again — the tempo, the pace.

“Everything is a little bit more fluid and consistent. But we can do better, and I love that.”

City, who sit five points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, travel to Brentford on Sunday.

EPL: Timber set for new Arsenal deal

Arsenal have opened contract talks with defender Jurrien Timber as they look to secure his long-term future at the club.

The Gunners are keen to reward the Dutch international for his standout performances, which have seen him become a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s squad.

According to BBC Sports on Friday, talks are at an early stage, but there is a will from all parties to reach an agreement to extend his stay in north London beyond his existing deal that expires in 2028.

The 24-year-old arrived from Ajax in a deal worth £34.4m in the summer of 2023, but his first season at the Emirates was ruined by an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in the opening game of the campaign against Nottingham Forest.

The injury saw him make just one more appearance all season, but he recovered to play 51 times during the 2024-25 campaign.

The defender has maintained his impressive form this season, playing a key role in Arsenal’s promising start to solidify his place as first-choice right-back.

The club are also in talks with Bukayo Saka over a new long-term contract amid optimism that the England star will sign soon.

Key central defender William Saliba has already signed a new five-year deal.

NAFDAC shuts two Chinese supermarkets, shops in Abuja

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has shut two Chinese supermarkets located in the Jabi District and eight cosmetics shops at Wuse Market, Abuja, for flagrant violations of extant laws governing the sale, distribution, and labelling of regulated products in Nigeria.

NAFDAC disclosed this in a press statement on Friday, signed by the Deputy Director of Public Relations/Protocol, Adegboyega Osiyemi.

The agency said, “Acting on the directive of the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the enforcement team confiscated and evacuated offending products worth over N170m.”

NAFDAC officials are sealing one of the shops in Abuja. Credit: NAFDAC.

It noted that the enforcement exercise was carried out by the NAFDAC Investigation and Enforcement Directorate and members of the Federal Task Force on Counterfeit and Substandard Medicines and Unwholesome Processed Foods in Abuja, led by the Assistant Chief Regulatory Officer, Musa Embugushiki.

“The supermarkets, situated on Mike Akhigbe Way and Ebitu Ukiwe Street in Jabi District, Abuja, were sealed following credible consumer complaints and subsequent surveillance by the NAFDAC Enforcement Team, which revealed that the operators were engaged in the sale of unregistered food items and products labelled exclusively in the Chinese language, contrary to NAFDAC’s mandatory labelling policy requiring English translations for the Nigerian market and regulatory understanding.

“Despite initial resistance and denials by the foreign national at Ebitu Street that the supermarket had yet to commence operation, the enforcement team confirmed that the outlet was in full operation and selling unregistered regulated products.

“In a related operation, eight cosmetics shops within Wuse Market were also sealed for the sale of banned, expired, and unregistered cosmetics, aphrodisiacs, and aesthetic medicines.

“Investigations revealed that certain individuals had been illegally presenting themselves as dermatologists and pharmacists, prescribing and selling harmful products to unsuspecting consumers under the guise of body enhancement, skin whitening, aesthetic improvement for women, and manpower for men,” it stated.

NAFDAC highlighted that some of the cosmetics products seized include Wenicks Capsules, Maxman Capsules, Boobs Enlargement, Curvy Weight Gain, Skin Whitening Vitamin Gummies, Collagen, Royal Jelly, Glutathione Whitening Gummies, White Doll, Dr. Gallery Plus, Maiz Zaki Syrup, Original Herbal Yellow Fever, Sickle Cell Medicine, Dr. Nafisa Herbal Medicine, Dynewell Syrup, White Blinks, among others.

It said Prof. Adeyeye reiterated the agency’s mandate to protect the health of Nigerians against exposure to dangerous chemicals and toxic substances, which are linked to serious health risks, including skin cancer, kidney damage, irritability, and memory loss.

“The agency hereby reaffirms its commitment to enforcing compliance with NAFDAC regulations and advises Nigerian consumers to patronise only products duly registered by NAFDAC.

“Foreign nationals and investors intending to import or market products in Nigeria are advised to visit NAFDAC offices nationwide for product registration and regulatory guidance,” it added.