Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has congratulated the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on the occasion of his 60th birthday.
Bago, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Tuesday, said clocking 60 was a milestone that calls for celebration.
“60 years is a milestone; it is a diamond jubilee, a significant age that marks a life well lived, and this calls for celebration,” the governor was quoted as saying.
He described Abbas as “a calm, humble, passionate and intelligent lawmaker who has been making significant contributions to the National Assembly from 2011 to date.”
The governor commended the Speaker for providing exemplary leadership in the House, saying “it is a testament to his experience, competence, and commitment to fostering vibrant legislatures.”
He added, “The leadership of the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives has been characterised by peace and unity regardless of party affiliations for the common good of the people.”
Bago prayed that God would grant Abbas more years, sound health, and wisdom as he continues to lead the Green Chamber.
The Federal Government has said that all income earned in Nigeria, including money made by ‘runs girls,’ is taxable under the law.
Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, stated this in a now-viral video from a tax education session by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David, Lagos.
Oyedele explained that upkeep money sent to dependants or relatives is not taxable, describing such transfers as “non-exchange transactions.”
He said, “You earn a certain amount of money and you have to send upkeep to your cousin, your brother, even a stranger, it doesn’t really matter.
“If the amount you’re sending to someone is money you are giving to them as a gift, that’s not taxable. It is you that should have paid tax before giving them a gift.”
However, he stressed that once payment is made for a service or product, the law requires taxation—regardless of whether the activity itself is legitimate.
He added, “If somebody is doing runs girls, right, they go and look for men to sleep with, you know that’s a service, they will pay tax on it.
“One thing about the tax law is it does not separate between whether what you are doing is legitimate or not. It just asks you whether you have an income.
“Did you get it from rendering a service or providing a good? You pay tax.”
Oyedele, however, urged Nigerians to look at the broader context of the new reforms, which he described as the most far-reaching in the nation’s history.
He said, “The starting point for me is always to give context. And the first thing, the first message, is a proverbial blind man and an elephant.
“Depending on the side of the elephant that they touched, they concluded what it was, maybe a fan, a wall, or a tree. But none of them got the right answer because they didn’t feel the big picture.”
According to him, the same mistake could be made if citizens focus only on one aspect of the sweeping tax changes.
He added, “One thing I can tell you is that the tax reforms enacted into law a few months ago, that will take effect from January next year, is the most transformative, most significant in our nation’s history.
“With over 200 significant changes and more than 400 pages combined, it is very easy and could be tempting to narrow it down to one issue. That would be making the same mistake as the blind man and the elephant.”
The reforms, he said, would impact individuals, business owners, employees, employers, and civil servants, with the aim of simplifying the tax system and improving compliance.
Canada on Monday declared India’s Bishnoi gang a “terrorist entity,” targeting a group linked to a murder that triggered a breakdown in relations between Ottawa and New Delhi last year.
Canada has accused the notorious syndicate — known for assassinations and extortion in India — of possible involvement in the murder of prominent Sikh activist and Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar near Vancouver.
Nijjar, who had advocated for a separate Sikh state carved out of India, was shot dead in a parking lot in 2023.
Following the incident, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have alleged that members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government worked with the “Bishnoi Group” to target Sikh activists in Canada.
India furiously rejected those charges, sparking a diplomatic fallout that saw both countries expel top diplomats.
Canada’s Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said Monday’s terrorism designation gave Ottawa “more powerful and effective tools to confront” the Bishnoi group.
A statement from his office called the Bishnoi gang “a transnational criminal organization operating primarily out of India, with a presence in Canada, that generates terror through extortion and intimidation.”
The move comes as Prime Minister Mark Carney, who took office in March, seeks to repair ties with India that collapsed under his predecessor, Justin Trudeau.
Carney has courted India as part of an effort to deepen Canada’s trade ties in Asia, which the prime minister says is essential to offset the impact of the trade war with the United States.
Carney met one-on-one with Modi at the Canada-hosted G7 meeting in June, stressing “the significant commercial links between Canada and India.”
President Bola Tinubu on Friday congratulated the leader of the All Progressives Congress in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, Adebisi Yusuf, on his birthday.
The President conveyed his congratulations through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
“I join your family, friends, and the people of Lagos State to celebrate you today and always. You have proven your mettle as a people’s leader, mobiliser of consciences, lawmaker, financial expert, humanitarian, and, more importantly, reliable political ally.
“As the leader, you have steadied the turf, rallying members and resources for our administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This agenda aims to spread prosperity and transform the lives of Nigerians at the critical stratum of society—the grassroots.
“Owing to your pedigree of excellence and dedicated stewardship, you served as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Alimosho Constituency 1, for 12 years—from 2011 to 2023. You also served as Chairman of Ipaja/Ayobo Local Council Development Area,” Tinubu said.
The statement also added that in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Yusuf chaired several committees, including public accounts (local) and commerce, where your impact was immensely felt.
“Through the Prince Hope Turns to Reality Foundation, a non-profit organisation you founded, you have made a difference in the lives of many, providing healthcare and empowerment to vulnerable individuals and communities in Alimosho, Lagos.
“On this special day, I wish you many years of good health, wisdom, and strength as you continue to provide leadership and guidance in your community and beyond,” the statement read.
The Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has disclosed that Nigeria went over a decade without attracting any new investments in the oil sector until the advent of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to the minister, the stagnation crippled growth and weakened confidence in the industry, but recent reforms are beginning to restore investor interest.
The minister made this known in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, on Thursday, following his keynote address at the United States–Nigeria Council’s session on oil sector collaboration, held on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“At the heart of Nigeria’s renewed energy agenda is a clear and deliberate policy direction: to open our oil sector to deeper, smarter, and more strategic partnerships. The time to invest is not just now, it is ripe.
“Recall that for over ten years, prior to the coming of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria did not have any new investment in the oil sector, but with the reforms we have carried out, which have created an atmosphere that is globally competitive and attractive, we now have new investments running into billions of dollars”, the minister stated.
“All inactive blocks during the period of no investments are in the basket now and up for grabs. We have a longstanding relationship with the US and US companies; beyond these relationships, there are new opportunities for new investors, both in the upstream sector and other sectors.”
The minister noted that, under the leadership of Tinubu, Nigeria’s oil sector has witnessed significant progress over the past two years, including increased production output and a more attractive investment climate.
He urged global investors to seize emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s rapidly transforming oil industry, citing ongoing reforms, enhanced production capacity, and the country’s growing regional influence as key drivers of growth.
“Thanks to bold reforms and globally competitive fiscals, Nigeria has significantly ramped up production and repositioned itself as a dependable energy hub across West Africa and the continent,” he said.
]Lokpobiri attributed this transformation to the successful implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, which he described as a “robust, investor-friendly legal framework” that is driving growth and restoring investor confidence.
He also emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to energy transition efforts, affirming that the country would continue to leverage its fossil fuel reserves to finance its energy mix, while adhering to international climate agreements.
“We are fully aligned with the Paris Agreement, and remain committed to cleaner, more sustainable exploration,” he said.
“Our doors are open, our laws are clear, and our environment is conducive; now is the time for U.S. and global investors to become part of Nigeria’s energy success story.”
The current administration has repeatedly assured international partners that Nigeria remains committed to energy transition goals, but argues that oil and gas revenues will play a crucial role in financing renewable energy expansion.
Recent policy shifts, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, efforts to deregulate the downstream sector, and renewed emphasis on gas monetisation, have also been positioned as signs of Nigeria’s seriousness in reforming its energy industry.
These reforms are part of the government’s efforts to attract $30bn in sectoral investments by 2027 and at least $60bn by 2030.
The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said the fight against poverty and the pursuit of national development cannot be left to the government alone, stressing the need for collective responsibility by faith-based organisations, the private sector and individuals.
Abiodun made the call in Lagos on Tuesday while chairing the 12th Annual Public Lecture of The Foursquare Gospel Church Nigeria, themed “Poverty Alleviation, Economic Development and Stability of the Nigerian Economy,” held at The Marquee, Harbour Point, Victoria Island.
According to him, the complexity of governance makes it impossible for the government to carry the burden of development single-handedly.
“The burden of governance cannot be shouldered by government alone, and the church has effectively demonstrated this belief through its initiatives,” he said.
He commended Foursquare Gospel Church for going “beyond the pulpit” to provide social interventions through schools, hospitals, humanitarian outreaches and empowerment programmes that had impacted countless lives.
Abiodun added, “The problem of poverty requires economic stability which must be anchored on inclusive growth where opportunities are extended to all citizens, especially the vulnerable.
“Economic development and stability are two sides of the coin. Without stability, the economy is short-lived. Without development, poverty persists. As leaders, whether in the government, church or private sector, we must collaborate to break the cycle because poverty is not just an economic statistic, it is a human reality. We must care for the vulnerable.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church Nigeria, Rev. Sam Aboyeji, said no nation could achieve development and stability without deliberately tackling poverty.
“Poverty is one of the greatest challenges confronting Nigerians today, and it can only be removed or minimised through a collective battle by government, faith-based organisations, committed parastatals, and individuals,” he said.
Aboyeji noted that with 70 years of continuous presence in Nigeria, the church considered it a “sacred duty” to contribute to national progress, hence its commitment to the annual lecture as a platform for intellectual discourse and policy engagement.
Delivering the lecture, Senior Fellow and Associate Professor at Lagos Business School, Dr Doyin Salami, lamented the volatility of the Nigerian economy, warning that the current 3.2 per cent growth rate was inadequate for poverty reduction.
According to him, Nigeria needed sustained growth of at least 6.5 per cent annually for a decade to achieve meaningful results.
“Recent data shows that increases in investment in Nigeria are not strong enough to stimulate growth. We must avoid the mistakes of the past and ensure that our investments are the kind that stimulate, support and drive development,” Salami said.
He recalled that Nigeria was ahead of China in poverty indices as far back as 1992, but by 1996 China had reversed its fortunes while Nigeria lagged behind.
He also warned that Nigeria’s reliance on services over industry was deepening its de-industrialisation and undermining prospects for sustainable growth.
The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the rising cases of attacks and killings of security personnel across the country.
Obi, in a post via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, described the spate of violence against soldiers, policemen, members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and vigilante groups as tragic and unacceptable.
The former Anambra State Governor stressed that the sacrifices of security operatives to the nation must not go unappreciated.
“The country has been thrown into mourning yet again with the reported tragic killings of our security personnel. Our men and women in uniform have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, dedicating their lives to the safety and stability of our dear nation,” Obi said.
He urged leaders at all levels to take urgent steps to better equip and motivate security operatives, insisting that security must form the foundation of governance.
According to him, Nigeria cannot continue to bury its security personnel while abandoning their families. He stressed the need for adequate compensation and support for the dependents of fallen officers.
“Our government must rise to the responsibility of ensuring that the wives, children, and parents of these fallen heroes are fairly compensated and supported. That is the least a grateful nation can provide. It is not charity, it is justice,” Obi added.
The former governor offered prayers for the repose of the souls of the slain operatives and assured their families of solidarity and support.
“To every fallen hero, may your soul rest in perfect peace. Your sacrifice and patriotism will never be forgotten. And to the families left behind, you are not alone. May God continue to provide you with strength and comfort,” he concluded.
The Olofin of Isheri, Oba Sulaiman Bamgbade, Ayodele III, has handed over a newly built Isheri High Court to the Ogun State Government, in what he described as a contribution to strengthening the state’s justice delivery system.
The monarch said the gesture was driven by a desire to promote quicker access to justice and ease the workload of existing courts.
During the official handover, Oba Bamgbade explained that the judicial facility, which he singlehandedly built, represents his commitment to strengthening access to justice and ensuring that the people of Isheri and environs are better served by the rule of law.
In a statement on Friday signed by the Palace’s Office of Media and Publicity, the monarch stressed that a functional justice system was key to peace, order, and development in any society.
“Justice and healthcare are the twin pillars of a thriving society. By handing over the Isheri High Court to the Ogun State Judiciary, we are strengthening access to justice for our people, who previously had to travel as far as Itori and Ifo,” the monarch said.
Aside from the PHC, the traditional ruler also inaugurated the 20-bed Renewed Hope Primary Healthcare Centre in Isheri Olofin as part of efforts to boost access to quality healthcare for residents.
The monarch said that the project was conceived to address the pressing medical needs of his people, particularly women, children, and the elderly.
Speaking at the unveiling as part of events to mark his 4th coronation anniversary, the monarch explained that the facility would provide affordable and accessible healthcare services, noting that primary healthcare remained the foundation of any functional health system.
He stressed that strengthening grassroots health facilities was critical to reducing avoidable deaths and the burden on tertiary hospitals.
According to him, the center would reduce the long distances my people travel to access medical care, while also creating a safer environment for maternal and child health in the area.
“With the commissioning of the Primary Healthcare Center, we are also prioritising the health and well-being of our people, because only a healthy community can truly prosper.
“This brings an end to our people having to leave their community in search of medical attention,” the monarch said.
Dignitaries at the event include the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun; the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, and the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker.
Others are Member, House of Representatives (Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency), Hon. Tunji Akinosi, Member, Ogun State House of Assembly (Ifo II), Hon. Folawewo Salami, and the Executive Chairman, Ifo Local Government, Hon. Idris Kusimo. Also present were numerous traditional rulers, community leaders, and illustrious sons and daughters of Isheri.
On May 24, 2025, Oba Bamgbade appealed to the Lagos and Ogun State Governments, as well as the Federal Government, to support heritage initiatives that protect and promote the Awori history and identity.
The monarch also urged the government to support the kingdom in turning Isheri Olofin into a cultural tourism destination and a hub for economic empowerment.
The presidential candidate of the defunct Nigeria for Democracy in the 2019 election, Asuquo Archibong, has said that the emergency rule imposed on Rivers State and subsequently suspended is not about Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
This is as he commended President Bola Tinubu for ending the six-month emergency rule and reinstating Fubara to office.
Recall that Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state on March 18, following a frosty relationship between Gov Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly.
The development made it impossible for the governor to present the Rivers State 2025 Appropriation Bill before the legislature for its input.
The Federal Government swiftly waded in and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator to oversee the running of the state for an initial period of six months, which elapsed on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, Archibong described Fubara’s return to office as “A respect for the rule of law and democracy in Rivers State.”
He added, “The return of democracy in the state will promote peaceful co-existence. Everything that played out will strengthen democracy.
“Anytime we have an aberration in terms of governance or the rule of law, it’s a painful experience. The emergency rule was not particularly pleasant. We should naturally welcome the reinstatement of democracy in River State.
“It’s not really about Fubara, but the experience of democracy so that we can have uninterrupted dividends of democracy in the state.”
While urging the relevant stakeholders to put the past behind them and give peace a chance, Asuquo stated that the good thing is that Fubara has stepped into the office he was elected into by the Rivers electorate and urged the three arms of government to work together.
“That’s why we have the three arms of government, and they are all equal arms.
“The executive branch is at the same level as the legislature and is at the same level as the judiciary, and they all have to work together for the betterment of the people. This is the principle of democracy,” he added.
He urged the Rivers State House of Assembly to be cordial with Governor Fubara in the interest of the state.
He also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his role in the reinstatement of Gov Fubara after six months of emergency rule in the state.
A former Big Brother Naija housemate Victoria Adeyele, popularly known as Vee, has sparked a major online discussion after revealing her personal dating philosophy.
In a video shared on her TikTok page on Tuesday, the 29-year-old stated that it is her “mission in life to avoid the wrong man getting me pregnant”.
Vee, who had a romantic relationship with fellow housemate Neo Akpofure on the 2020 BBNaija show before they ended things in February 2022, explained that her cautious approach to dating is a form of self-preservation.
“It is my own personal mission. It may not be your own mission, but it’s my mission,” she said.
She was quick to clarify her stance, adding, “It’s not to say that I’m better than the women who have been in that position. It’s simple, I know myself. I know what I’m like, and I try to avoid certain situations that will put me in a state of psychosis.”
She described dating in Lagos as being particularly difficult, referencing a past negative experience.
“I’m a 29-year-old living in Lagos and… dating is hard, but dating in Lagos, there’s a tweet Offset made that haunts me to this day. I don’t want to put myself in a position where a man can tell me such.”
Vee candidly admitted that her strong resolve might be a barrier to finding love, but it’s a trade-off she’s willing to make.
“I am passionate about not getting f#cked over. And maybe that’s what stops me from finding unapologetic love. I’m stubborn. Yes, I’m hard-headed, but I’m not stupid,” she said.
She also emphasised the importance of making careful choices, even when it comes to choosing a partner.
“I need to make sure that when it comes to choosing a life partner, I try my best to get it right. People say experience is the best teacher. Not in my world… I don’t need to experience something to know that it’s not going to work for me,” she said.
In the now-viral moment, Vee concluded by stating she has a limited number of chances left for dating.
“I just turned 29… I have two more tries left in me sha. Just two. You see these two fingers? Two. Let it pass that two. The way these men are doing.”
