The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, urged the Federal Government, through the relevant agencies, to provide relief materials to cushion the effects of the recent boat mishap that took the lives of five persons in the Nafada River, Gombe State, North-Eastern Nigeria.
The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by the member representing Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency, Gombe State, Abdullahi El-Rasheed.
The five persons, including four young girls and a boy, reportedly lost their lives on Saturday, October 25, 2025, onboard a boat sailing across the Nafada River.
Incidents of boat mishaps have been a regular occurrence across Nigeria’s waterways, continually claiming lives and heightening tension over maritime safety, particularly in rural areas.
El-Rasheed said, “The House is disturbed that unless relevant government agencies intensify their regulatory oversight and enforce strict compliance with maritime safety standards and operational guidelines, these devastating incidents will continue to occur.”
Shortly after the adoption of the motion, the House observed a minute of silence in honour of the victims and condoled with the families of the departed.
It thereafter urged the National Emergency Management Agency and the North-East Development Commission to, as a matter of urgency, “provide relief materials and necessary support to the affected families and the grieving communities.”
The Energy Commission of Nigeria has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling electricity challenges in public hospitals and universities through increased investment in renewable energy.
The Director-General of the ECN, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday to mark his two years in office.
He said the Renewed Hope Solarisation Project under President Bola Tinubu’s administration has accelerated the deployment of two-megawatt solar hybrid systems in public institutions across the country.
According to Abdullahi, the first phase of the project has been successfully implemented at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano, General Hospital Bangi in Niger State, the Enugu Research Centre, and the University of Abuja.
The ECN boss added that several communities in Benue, Kebbi, Kaduna, Ekiti, and Osun States have also benefited, while more institutions have been listed for the second phase.
He noted that the Commission has led key initiatives promoting renewable energy and sustainable power development, signing several memoranda of understanding for solar mini-grid deployment, which are at various stages of implementation.
“The newly gazetted National Energy Policy and National Energy Master Plan were launched by the Federal Government to enhance coordination of projects and catalyse investment in the renewable energy sub-sector,” Abdullahi stated.
He further revealed that the ECN has established a pilot Green Hydrogen Plant to drive the domestication and localisation of green energy technologies, a move he said would strengthen Nigeria’s clean energy transition and institutional capacity for sustainable growth.
Senator Ned Nwoko has broken his silence following a viral video showing his wife, actress Regina Daniels, in distress, describing her recent actions as “drug-influenced” and “unprovoked carnage.”
In a lengthy post and a short video shared on his Instagram handle #princenednwoko on Sunday, Nwoko claimed the actress was battling drug and alcohol abuse, which he said was at the root of the crisis rocking their marriage.
“Regina was not always like this. Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem.
“She must continue her rehabilitation programme, or I fear for her life and safety,” he wrote.
The senator alleged that Regina went on a violent rampage at their home in his absence, attacking staff and destroying property.
“She slapped and hit three staff in the past 48 hours and destroyed property, including cars and windows, for no just cause.
“Now she has moved to a place where she will have unrestricted access to drugs,” the senator alleged
Nwoko said he had offered his wife two rehabilitation options in Asokoro or Jordan, “where she will not have access to drugs.”
He further alleged that the scene at home was worsened by the interference of Regina’s associates, whom he described as “drug suppliers.”
“While I took Moon to the hospital, a scene of chaos unfolded at home, orchestrated by Sammy, Regina’s main drug supplier.
“Another known supplier of drugs to Regina is the tiny evil devil called Ann,”he alleged.
His post came hours after PUNCH Online reported that a video of the actress, visibly agitated and shouting during a confrontation, had gone viral on Saturday, sparking widespread concern.
In the footage, Regina could be heard saying, “In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing, but in my own house, I am a Queen. Not again. I can’t stand the violence, it’s too much.”
Her brother, Ojeogwu Samuel Danhillman, popularly known as Sammy West, also reacted angrily on Instagram, accusing Nwoko of assaulting his sister and vowing to defend her.
“Anywhere wey man dey beat woman, whether na my sister or not, I go fight with my blood,” he wrote.
The cause of the altercation remains unclear, as neither Regina nor her representatives have publicly responded to Nwoko’s allegations.
Regina Daniels, who married Nwoko in 2019, has often been in the public eye alongside the politician and businessman.
The couple’s marriage, marked by a 40-year age gap, has long drawn public attention and debate.
As 2025 enters its final quarter, President Bola Tinubu’s administration faces mounting public expectations to deliver on major economic and social pledges that define its reform agenda.
From tackling inflation and boosting growth to driving infrastructure and food security, several commitments made over the past year have set clear benchmarks for performance.
Below are five of the most critical promises that Nigerians should be tracking closely in Q4 2025:
Reduce inflation to 15 per cent by the end of 2025
Tinubu first made this pledge on December 18, 2024, during the presentation of the ₦49.7 trillion 2025 Budget to the National Assembly.
He assured Nigerians that his administration would bring inflation down to around 15 per cent and stabilise the exchange rate.
The target, reaffirmed by the Finance Ministry in early 2025, aims to ease the cost-of-living crisis.
With inflation currently at 18 per cent, the administration has recorded modest progress, but the goal remains challenging. Tracking this promise requires close monitoring of monthly inflation figures from the National Bureau of Statistics and changes in the prices of essential goods such as food, transport, and fuel.
Achieve 7 per cent economic growth by 2027
On August 14, 2025, at a Federal Executive Meeting in Abuja, President Tinubu announced his administration’s goal of achieving at least 7 per cent annual economic growth by 2027. https://punchng.com/nigerias-economy-growing-consistently-due-to-tinubus-reforms-edun/ He said bold reforms, improved investment flows, and infrastructure expansion would drive the recovery.
The current GDP growth rate is 4.23 per cent. Tracking this will depend on quarterly GDP reports and foreign investment data over the next two years.
Boost local agricultural production for food security
The Federal Government declared a national emergency on food security on April 15, 2025, following renewed spikes in food prices.
According to the Federal Ministry of Information, there was a rollout of 2,000 tractors for mechanised farming, fertiliser distribution, and irrigation expansion in June. Tinubu said the move was aimed at reducing Nigeria’s heavy dependence on food imports and strengthening local production. The announcement followed an earlier declaration made in July 2023 when the administration first recognised food insecurity as a national crisis.
Accelerate major infrastructure projects nationwide
On June 6, 2025, President Bola Tinubu flagged off a series of major infrastructure projects across the country, including federal highways, bridges, and transport corridors. The initiative forms part of his administration’s broader plan to modernise Nigeria’s road network and enhance regional connectivity.
He reaffirmed this commitment on October 12, 2025, pledging equitable infrastructure development across all regions and promising that no part of the country would be left behind. According to The Guardian, the projects are aligned with the Federal Government’s drive to improve transportation links and stimulate economic growth.
Tracking this promise will involve monitoring the progress of key national projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road, and ongoing rail expansion programmes.
Implement Comprehensive Tax and Revenue Reforms
On June 26, 2025, President Bola Tinubu signed into law four major tax reform bills — the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act 2025, and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act 2025.
The reforms, earlier passed by the National Assembly between March and May 2025, are expected to raise Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio, enhance fiscal transparency, and curb revenue leakages.
The laws will take effect from January 1, 2026. Tracking progress will involve monitoring quarterly federal revenue reports, budget performance data, and improvements in tax collection efficiency.
These five promises, made between December 2024 and October 2025, define the Federal Government’s reform agenda heading into Q4. They cover inflation, growth, food production, infrastructure, and fiscal reforms. They are areas that directly impact Nigerians’ livelihoods and the overall economy.
As 2025 winds down, the delivery of these promises will shape public confidence in the Tinubu administration’s ability to translate policy goals into tangible progress.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has extended warm felicitations to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on the occasion of his 51st birthday.
This is as he described the revered monarch as “a beacon of peace, cultural rebirth, and national inspiration.”
In a Friday statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke lauded the enduring legacy of the Arole Oduduwa.
He also noted that the Ooni’s reign has become synonymous with “transformational traditional leadership, youth empowerment, and cultural diplomacy.”
“It gives me immense pleasure to celebrate our royal father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on the occasion of his 51st birthday.
“Kabiyesi’s life and reign continue to exemplify vision, courage, and compassion, attributes that define great leaders and enduring legacies,” Adeleke stated in his congratulatory message.
The governor praised the monarch’s contributions to the social and economic rejuvenation of Ile-Ife and his efforts in promoting unity among Nigeria’s diverse peoples and faiths.
“Kabiyesi has continued to project the glory of Yoruba culture and tradition on the world stage, advancing values of peace, unity, and progress.
“His consistent advocacy for youth inclusion and community development reflects a deep understanding of leadership as service to humanity,” the governor added.
Adeleke also highlighted the Ooni’s pivotal role as Chairman of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers, commending his commitment to fostering collaboration among royal fathers and strengthening traditional institutions across the state and beyond.
“As Kabiyesi marks this new age in good health and divine favour, I pray to Almighty God and Eledumare to continue to grant him wisdom, long life, and renewed strength to guide his people and contribute to the prosperity of Osun State and Nigeria,” Adeleke concluded.
PUNCH Online reports that the monarch is the 51st traditional ruler of the ancient and historic town. He became the Ooni after his predecessor HRM Okunade Sijuwade in August 2015.
The Lutheran Church of Norway on Thursday apologised to the country’s LGBTQ community, at a gay pub in Oslo, for the discrimination and harassment it subjected them to in the past.
“The Church of Norway inflicted shame, serious harm and pain on gay people,” said Olav Fykse Tveit, presiding bishop of the Church of Norway, in a speech at the London Pub, a prominent venue for the gay community.
“It should never have happened and to them I say today: I’m sorry,” he said, acknowledging that the “discrimination, unequal treatment and harassment” caused some to lose their faith.
In the 1950s, the church said gay people were a “global social danger” and qualified their acts as “perverse and despicable.”
Over time, the Church of Norway — which has 3.4 million members, representing over 60 percent of the Norwegian population — has adopted a more liberal approach.
It has allowed gay pastors since 2007 and religious unions for same-sex couples since 2017.
Thursday’s apology was “strong and important” but comes “too late for those of us who died of AIDS … with hearts filled with anguish because the church considered the epidemic to be God’s punishment,” said Stephen Adom, leader of Norway’s Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity.
“We are seeing a populist and conservative Christian wave sweeping across country after country. In the United States, in Hungary, but also in Norway, it is becoming increasingly accepted among religious and political leaders to denigrate the human diversity of identities and bodies,” he lamented.
The London Pub was one of two bars targeted in a shooting that left two dead and nine injured during Oslo’s Pride parade on June 25, 2022.
The perpetrator, Zaniar Matapour, a Norwegian of Iranian origin who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, was sentenced to the maximum penalty, 30 years in prison which can be extended indefinitely, for committing an “aggravated terrorist act.”
In 2023, Tveit himself participated in the Pride parade, a first for a Church of Norway presiding bishop.
According to a survey conducted by the Opinion Institute for the Church of Norway, 65 percent of respondents said it was “high time” for the institution to apologise to gay people.
Other Protestant churches in England and Canada have issued similar apologies in recent years.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has mourned the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, describing him as a true African patriot and a symbol of democratic struggle on the continent.
Jonathan, in a statement titled “Adieu H.E. Raila Odinga” shared on his official X account on Thursday, paid glowing tribute to the late Kenyan statesman, whom he hailed for his courage, resilience and unwavering commitment to democracy in Africa.
PUNCH Online, in an agency report titled “Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga dies in India”, reported that Odinga, 80, died in India after collapsing during a morning walk, leading to widespread mourning across Kenya and the continent.
Reflecting on Odinga’s legacy, Jonathan described him as a leader who placed service above self and who embodied the hope of a united, progressive Africa.
“I am saddened by the news of the passing of H.E. Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya and a distinguished African statesman whose life symbolised resilience, courage, and democratic struggle in Africa.
“Kenya has lost a patriot, and our continent has lost a great leader, one who understood that leadership is not about self, but about service; who believed and looked forward to Africa’s greatness and ascendancy”, the statement partly read.
The former Nigerian president further celebrated Odinga as a fellow advocate of democracy and a devoted pan-Africanist whose impact would continue to resonate across generations.
He prayed for history to remember Odinga kindly and for Africa to draw continued inspiration from his legacy.
“I honour him not just as a brother in the cause of democracy, but as a committed pan-Africanist whose light will continue to shine.
“May history remember him kindly, and may Africa continue to be blessed by his hope, wisdom and sacrifice”, Jonathan’s statement concluded.
A Non-Governmental Organisation, Hope Behind Bars Africa, has inaugurated the Farming Justice Project at the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja to promote inmate rehabilitation and tackle food insecurity within correctional facilities.
The initiative, implemented in partnership with the Nigerian Correctional Service, is funded by the European Union through International IDEA under the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme.
At the official launch on Tuesday, the Executive Director of HBBA, Funke Adeoye, described the project as a practical response to Nigeria’s evolving correctional mandate.
“With the change in nomenclature from ‘prison’ to ‘correctional service,’ there is a need to ensure that our custodial centres reflect that change through genuine rehabilitation and empowerment,” she said.
Adeoye explained that the Farming Justice Project integrates agriculture with restorative justice principles, giving inmates the opportunity to gain life skills and contribute meaningfully to society both during and after incarceration.
She noted that the initiative seeks to empower inmates through agricultural training and practical food production, adding that over 80 inmates are currently being trained in modern techniques for okra, watermelon, and tomato cultivation.
“Some of our harvested okra has already been consumed by inmates, showing real progress in tackling food shortages in custodial centres,” she said.
The project currently operates at the Kuje Custodial Centre and the Dukpa Farm Centre in Abuja, with plans to replicate the model in other facilities across the country, including Lagos, where HBBA has previously worked with female inmates on similar agricultural initiatives.
“Our goal is to reduce recidivism by equipping inmates with viable means of livelihood after serving their sentences.
“We are calling on partners and well-meaning Nigerians to support the NCoS in ensuring effective rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates,” Adeoye added.
She commended the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, for his support and openness to public-private partnerships aimed at reforming correctional practices.
On the broader issue of incarceration, Adeoye emphasised the importance of preparing inmates for reintegration into society.
“Out of over 80,000 inmates nationwide, only about 3,600 are on death row. This means a large number will eventually return to our communities. Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure they come out better prepared for productive living,” she said.
In his welcome remarks, the Controller of Corrections for the FCT Command, Christopher Jen, praised the initiative as a significant step towards building a more peaceful and secure Nigeria.
“My desire is to see a better Nigeria tomorrow where everyone will live without fear or anxiety.
“The enthusiasm and willingness of inmates to learn skills today give me confidence that such a future is possible,” Jen said.
He described the Kuje Custodial Centre as a “centre of excellence” in vocational training, listing ongoing programmes such as barbing, embroidery, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, shoemaking, soap making, and fishery.
In a goodwill message, Joseph Odeh, a representative of International IDEA, stressed the importance of collective effort in justice reform.
“Justice reform is not the responsibility of one institution alone. It is a shared mission that requires the active participation of all sectors of society.
“Let this day mark the beginning of a new chapter in our justice system—one that prioritises human development, community reintegration, and sustainable transformation,” he said.
The event featured a guided tour of the Kuje facility, the unveiling of the Farming Justice Project, and visits to various skill acquisition centres where inmates are receiving hands-on vocational training.
No fewer than 117 beneficiaries from northern Nigeria have departed for Algeria to pursue various academic programmes under a fully funded study scholarship facilitated by the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation.
Speaking during a send-forth and orientation ceremony organised for the beneficiaries in Bauchi, the Chairman of the Foundation, Sayyadi Aliyu, explained that the scholarship was secured through the Darika Tijjaniyya Islamic Sect in collaboration with the Algerian Government.
According to him, “We were able to secure 140 slots, but only 117 met the complete requirements. The remaining ones will join them later.”
Aliyu noted that Bauchi State, being the host of the foundation, produced the highest number of beneficiaries, while others were drawn from Gombe, Taraba, Yobe, and other northern states.
He disclosed that 50 of the slots were allocated for Medicine, while the remaining were distributed among other disciplines such as Computer Science, Engineering, and Islamic Studies.
The chairman added that the scholarship covers feeding, accommodation, healthcare, and other essential needs, urging the students to remain law-abiding and disciplined throughout their studies.
“You must be good ambassadors of Nigeria and of those who facilitated this opportunity.”
“You have already been introduced to Arabic and French to help you settle in quickly. Islam is a religion of knowledge, and whoever neglects to seek it is going against its teachings, ”Aliyu charged.
He cautioned the students against distractions, urging them to remain united and focused on their purpose of acquiring knowledge for the benefit of Islam and humanity.
In his remarks, the Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Sulaimanu Adamu, advised the beneficiaries to uphold Nigeria’s image abroad and avoid any act capable of tarnishing the country’s reputation.
Expressing concern over negative reports involving Nigerians abroad, the Emir said:
“The Nigerian flag has in many instances been blackened abroad, contrary to its true green-white-green identity. Green, as we know, is the colour associated with the house of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
“You must uphold this symbol with dignity and commit yourselves to the pursuit of knowledge.”
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has predicted sunshine and cloudiness from Monday to Wednesday across the nation.
NiMet`s weather outlook released in Abuja envisaged sunny skies on Monday with patches of clouds over the northern region.
It anticipated prospects of isolated thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Taraba and southern Kebbi states during the morning hours.
“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna, Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Kebbi and southern Sokoto states.
“For central region, cloudy skies with spells of sunshine are expected with prospects of morning thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Niger, Benue, Plateau and Kogi states.
“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi, Kwara and Nasarawa states,“ it said.
According to NiMet, a cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the southern region with prospects of morning thunderstorms and light rains over parts of Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Imo, Ebonyi and Abia states.
It forecast isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains over most parts of the region later in the day.
NiMet predicted sunny skies on Tuesday with patches of clouds over the northern region during the morning period.
It envisaged isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Kaduna, Taraba, Bauchi, Southern Kano, Southern Jigawa and Adamawa states later in the day.
The agency anticipated sunny skies with patches of clouds over the central region.
NiMet forecast morning thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger and Benue states.
According to it, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over part of Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger and Kogi States later in the day.
“For southern region, cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the southern region with prospects of morning rains over parts of Ogun, Ondo, Ebonyi, Lagos, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states during the morning hours.
“Later during the day, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over parts of Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, Cross River, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states,“ it said.
NiMet predicted sunny skies on Wednesday with patches of clouds over the northern region and thunderstorms with light rain over parts of Taraba State during the morning hours.
The agency envisaged isolated thunderstorms with Light rains over parts of Kaduna, Adamawa and Taraba States later in the day.
According to the forecast, a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is anticipated over the central region with chances of thunderstorms and light rains over parts of Niger, Kwara and Benue States during the morning period.
The agency predicted isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Kogi, Benue, Niger, Nasarawa and the FCT later in the day.
“Cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the southern region with prospects of thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa during the morning hours.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over most places in the region,“ it said.
NiMet urged the public to drive under the rain with caution, ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision and disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets.
It further urged the public to stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.
“Farmers should avoid leaching of nutrients by refraining from applying fertiliser and pesticides right before the rains.
“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” the statement added.
