Category: News

The Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army has noted the viral video regarding the unfortunate death of a soldier at Ikorodu general area of Lagos State. Without prejudice to the ongoing investigation into the incident, it is necessary to provide preliminary information on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army “On 16 November 2025, at about 4:00 pm, one of the soldiers deployed for internal security duty in the Imota area of Ikorodu while attempting to de-escalate a chaotic situation was attacked by a mentally unstable individual. The attacker struck the soldier on the head with a heavy log, causing severe injury. The situation was swiftly brought under control by other soldiers at the scene, who neutralized the attacker and recovered the soldiers’ weapon. The injured soldier was evacuated to Ikorodu General Hospital where he was pronounced dead. He was subsequently buried according to Islamic rite with the Acting Commanding Officer and other officers of the unit in attendance.

The 81 Division Nigerian Army has conveyed condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased soldier. We pray for the repose of his soul and appreciate his service to the nation. The Division has also instituted an investigation into the incident.

We urge the public to exercise caution and report any suspicious activities to the relevant security agencies. We also appeal for responsible reporting on this incident, allowing our investigation to run its course.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent warm birthday wishes to Bola Oyebamiji, a seasoned banker, administrator, politician, former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) as he marks his 60th birthday.

Recall that Bola Oyebamiji recently resigned his appointment as MD of NIWA in pursuit of his ambition to secure the APC Governorship ticket in Osun state.

In his congratulatory message, the President described Oyebamiji as a dependable figure in Nigeria’s financial and political spheres, noting that his leadership qualities, intellect, and integrity have continued to impact Osun State and the nation positively.

Tinubu also praised Oyebamiji’s strong track record in the banking industry, where he built a reputation for professionalism and excellence, before extending his expertise to public service and politics. He further described him as “a loyal party man, a trusted associate, and a patriotic Nigerian whose exemplary work ethic represents the ideals of responsible leadership.”

The President wished Oyebamiji more accomplishments in the years ahead, acknowledging his enduring contributions to the APC and to national development.

The Care. Organization. Public. Enlightenment (C.O.P.E) has marked three decades of pioneering work in breast cancer awareness, early detection, and survivor support with a commemorative event held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

The ceremony brought together healthcare professionals, survivors, donors, and corporate partners, led by Polaris Bank, the organisation’s longstanding partner and lead sponsor.

Speaking at the event, Emeritus Professor Osato Giwa Osagie, Chairman of C.O.P.E’s Board of Trustees, recounted his first meeting with the Founder, Mrs. Ebunola Anozie, describing her as “a persuasive and passionate woman whose vision has changed the narrative of breast health in Nigeria.” He noted that COPE has become a national force for awareness and care, providing free monthly breast screenings, prosthetic bras, and financial assistance to women in need.

“In the last ten years, we have witnessed remarkable progress in breast cancer survival in Nigeria, thanks to early detection and consistent education,” Professor Giwa Osagie said. “We have also begun importing breast supplements specifically for women who have undergone mastectomy, available right here at the C.O.P.E Centre, to help them regain confidence and comfort.” He emphasised that the organisation’s next milestone would be the establishment of a permanent C.O.P.E Centre, complete with a screening unit, conference hall, and residential facility for women undergoing treatment or recovery.

In her remarks, Mrs. Ebunola Anozie, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of C.O.P.E, reflected on how personal loss birthed a purpose that has endured for 30 years. “C.O.P.E was born out of grief, but it became my way of transforming pain into purpose,” she said. “From a modest awareness campaign in 1995, we have grown into a national movement that has educated millions and provided life saving early detection services for thousands of women. Yet, our work is far from done. We need a permanent home where every woman can find hope, healing, and care.”

She expressed gratitude to Polaris Bank and other corporate partners whose support, she said, “has kept C.O.P.E’s mission alive and expanding through every economic season.”

A highlight of the evening was the moving testimony of Mrs. Agatha Obi, a breast cancer survivor who discovered C.O.P.E during her treatment. “In 2011, I was told I had breast cancer and would need a mastectomy. It was devastating,” she recalled. “But through C.O.P.E, I found courage, community, and hope. Thirteen years later, I am alive, thriving, and grateful for this organisation that stood by me when I needed it most.”

Representing the Managing Director of Polaris Bank, Mrs. Bukola Oluyadi delivered a goodwill message reaffirming the Bank’s partnership with C.O.P.E. She noted that Polaris Bank is “deeply proud to stand beside an organisation whose work embodies compassion, resilience, and impact.” In her address, she said:

“Reaching three decades of dedicated service and advocacy is no small feat. C.O.P.E has been a beacon of hope, empowerment, and positive change in our society. At Polaris Bank, we remain committed to advancing the fight against breast cancer through awareness, early detection, and sustained care. Together, we will continue to empower women, strengthen families, and transform communities.”

Mrs. Oluyadi commended the C.O.P.E team for their enduring commitment to public enlightenment and healthcare access, assuring that Polaris Bank will remain a steadfast partner in driving initiatives that touch lives and promote national well-being.

The 30th anniversary celebration concluded with renewed pledges from partners and donors to support the organisation’s vision of building a permanent COPE Centre, a symbol of hope for women across Nigeria.

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has reiterated its commitment to youth empowerment by serving as the headline sponsor of Gymfest Championship 2.0.

The competition, which held in Lagos over the weekend, drew remarkable participation from children aged 3 to 12years who competed across levels 1 through 7., Gymfest 2.0 brought together gymnasts, parents, clubs, schools, and sponsors, all united by a shared vision to nurture young gymnastic talent across the country.

Speaking at the event, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, explained that the support for gymnastics is part of the bank’s broader vision to invest in platforms that empower young Nigerians to unlock their full potential and pursue greatness with intention.

“At Fidelity Bank, we believe sports are a powerful tool for transformation. They instill discipline, sharpen focus, and foster teamwork; qualities that shape character and build strong communities. These same values drive innovation, leadership, and national development.

“As headline sponsor of Gymfest, we are proud to support an initiative that promotes physical excellence, strengthens community bonds, and inspires national pride. Gymfest is more than a competition; it motivates children to set ambitious goals and pursue them with dedication and effort,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Founder, Tee Tumblers Gymnastics Club and Co-founder, Gymfest Championship, Yoyin Akpose, outlined the long-term vision of the initiative as one that seeks to build a thriving community of children, parents, schools, clubs, and sponsors united by a shared passion for gymnastics.

Akpose stated that, “Our aim is to make gymnastics accessible to every child with a dream, creating fully equipped centers that provide training opportunities for all levels, from Surulere to Ikorodu, Ikeja, Apapa, and beyond.”

“GYMFEST is changing the narrative by offering a structured platform for talent development, international exposure, and professional training,” Akpose added.

One of the event’s highlights was the impressive performance of Oluwatoni Pitan, who emerged as the winner and overall best gymnast in the Level 2 Vault category.

Expressing her excitement, she said,“I feel very excited because I didn’t even expect this at all. This is my first Level 2 competition, and it took me three weeks of preparation. I encourage other female gymnasts to work hard and be consistent, you never know when your opportunity will come.”

Oluwatoni also expressed her gratitude to Fidelity Bank, the organisers, and her parents for the opportunity to showcase her talents and pursue her dreams as a young athlete.

Through strategic partnerships for initiatives like GYMFEST, Fidelity Bank continues to demonstrate its dedication to empowering the next generation, driving positive change, and fostering excellence through sports development in Nigeria.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka has hit another high in its revenue generation.

The Command which has continued to witness focused leadership from the revenue man has also experienced greater performances in various areas of its operations especially since the introduction of the Unified Customs Management System, codenamed the B’Odogwu software platform.

The October 2025 revenue record as obtained from the office of the public relations officer, Chief Supretendent of Customs, Oscar Ivara shows the second highest revenue generation of the Command with the a total of one hundred and fifty four billion, three hundred and eighty four million, eight hundred and thirty four thousand, fifty naira and ninety three Kobo (₦154,384,834,050.93k) only

Recall that the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Onyeka has said in August when the Command recorded its highest revenue generation ever that the revenue breakthrough is attributable to the successful deployment of the indigenous B’Odogwu trade platform, which he said has “significantly improved trade facilitation and enhanced revenue performance.” The Command had recorded its highest monthly revenue collection ever in August 2025, raking in ₦159 billion.

The CAC had then praised the commitment of his officers and commended stakeholders for contributing to the achievement. Indeed, he also then commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for recognising the efforts of the Tin Can Island Port Command officers and granting his support in their activities.

The Tin Can Island Port Command has fully keyed into the policy of collaboration, consolidation and innovation as espoused by the CGC and this has been a driving force in the activities of the Command this year.

The committee set up by the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to investigate the controversial developments surrounding the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) has opened a critical chapter—one that demands a deeper probe beyond the Palace of the Oba of Benin and the immediate past state administration.

A core question remains: **What role did officials of the Federal Government’s antiquities and relics management agency play in what is now unfolding—a modern remake of the 1897 Benin tragedy?** This time, however, the script appears to have been crafted in Nigeria, executed in Europe, and presented to an unsuspecting Nigerian audience—until a vigilant governor and a patient Oba disrupted the plot.

The MOWAA project was not designed to fail. It was a carefully scripted initiative packaged under government cover—promising opportunities for young artists, foreign scholarships, and funding support. Beneath that glossy presentation, however, was a subtle machinery positioned to facilitate a quiet recolonisation of Benin’s priceless heritage.

Benin Kingdom is no stranger to artistic brilliance. Every quarter echoes with centuries-old craftsmanship—woodwork, bronze casting, sculptural masterpieces. Benin City, the Edo State capital, remains Nigeria’s hub of cultural creativity with untapped tourism potential. Yet, this is only one layer of the wider MOWAA saga.

The Oba of Benin, following the wisdom of his ancestors, confided in former governor Godwin Obaseki on the urgent need to return looted Benin artefacts. He further entrusted a senior official of the National Museum and Monuments with detailed documentation of over a thousand iconic artefacts scattered across Europe and America—including information on funding pathways to protect them upon their return.

Tragically, reports now suggest that the senior official, alongside associates, betrayed this trust and aligned with the Obaseki administration, thereby igniting what many are describing as a re-enactment of *1897 in 2025*—a new wave of “re-looting” that has made a comprehensive audit of Nigeria’s Museum and Monument system an urgent national necessity.

The Oba of Benin is not one of those frivolous custodians of culture. He is widely respected for his wisdom, restraint, and depth. His recent interview in *Sunday Vanguard* (November 16) narrated how the senior Museum official allegedly disappeared after receiving sensitive documents relating to the artefacts. That revelation alone suggests a brazen intellectual robbery and a potential scam serious enough to attract the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC must act.

Olugbile Holloway, Director-General of the National Museum and Monuments, must demand accountability from the implicated official(s). This is not just about disrespecting the revered Oba of Benin—it is about betraying Nigeria’s cultural heritage for personal gain.

Holloway must go beyond surface investigations. A full audit is required:

* How much funding was donated by foreign governments or private interests towards the MOWAA project?
* Which Museum officials were involved at any stage?
* What processes led to the relocation or return of artefacts?
* Were there deliberate attempts to sideline the Palace of the Oba or Edo State institutions?

The global black market for antiquities is ruthless. Private collectors and underground networks pay millions of dollars for iconic pieces. This environment reinforces the fear that MOWAA may have been compromised by interests close to the former administration—perhaps to derail the original plan for the Benin Royal Museum, later rebranded as the Edo Museum of West African Arts (EDOWAA), and eventually renamed MOWAA.

As Nigeria anticipates a transparent investigation, Mr. Holloway must seize this moment to restore the credibility of the National Museum and reaffirm its constitutional role as custodian of the nation’s cultural heritage.

The troubling reports of European Union officials and ambassadors entering Benin City en masse—without formally notifying the Edo State Government—raise even more questions. It is a disturbing development that must not be ignored. The six-man committee led by Senator Adams Oshiomhole must dig deep to uncover the truth behind the MOWAA project.

Beyond the indicted museum officials, the committee must also examine the role of the MOWAA directors. Notably, in April 2023, Mr. Philip Iheanacho held a press conference in Lagos on the Edo Museum of West African Arts (EMOWAA). **What role did he play in this unfolding saga?** The public deserves answers, and Senator Oshiomhole must provide them.

The MOWAA saga is more than a controversy—it is a national wake-up call. It challenges Nigeria to guard its heritage fiercely, audit its cultural institutions thoroughly, and ensure that history does not repeat itself under new guises.

…Shehu Sani, stakeholders advocate greater government support for Nollywood at Kaduna Film Festival

India and Nigeria are strengthening cultural and creative ties through increased collaboration between Bollywood and Nollywood.

Speaking at the 2025 Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF), the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Abhishek Singh, emphasised the role of film as a bridge for cultural exchange, education, and mutual understanding between the two nations. The event was hosted by the Indian High Commission in Abuja.

Ambassador Singh expressed delight in India’s continued partnership with KADIFF, now in its second year of collaboration. He noted that films not only entertain but also reflect societal values, making them an effective medium to showcase the rich diversity of both countries.

Highlighting the historical connection, Singh noted that Bollywood films have enjoyed widespread popularity in Nigeria for decades. At the same time, Nollywood has evolved into one of the world’s largest film industries since the mid-1980s. He encouraged more joint ventures to enable Nigerian films to reach Indian audiences and strengthen bilateral creative ties.

The High Commissioner announced a new initiative, “Bollywood and Yamarita,” which will showcase Indian films with English subtitles alongside Nigeria’s famous snack, Yamarita. The programme, he said, will be held across major Nigerian cities, including Abuja and Kaduna, to celebrate cultural diversity and promote collaboration between Indian and Nigerian filmmakers.

Singh referenced successful past collaborations such as Namaste Wahala and Postcard, highlighting how these projects blend both cultures and appeal to audiences across continents. He stressed that such partnerships open doors for talent exchange, innovation, and the growth of the creative industries in both countries.

Festival Ambassador, Mr Kashim Israel Audu, described this year’s KADIFF, themed “Cultural Nuances,” as a platform for celebrating creativity, tourism, and cross-cultural dialogue. He pointed to the co-produced film “Not So Long in Nature” as an example of how Nigeria–India collaborations can tell socially relevant stories while blending artistic traditions.

Audu announced that entries for the 9th Kaduna International Film Festival will run from November 11, 2025, to April 24, 2026, ahead of the main event scheduled for August 25 to 29, 2026. He said filmmakers from around the world are encouraged to participate, showcasing stories that highlight shared values, creativity, and cultural exchange.

He concluded by emphasising that continued collaboration between Bollywood and Nollywood not only strengthens bilateral relations but also contributes to global cinema. “Through partnerships like these, we can tell stories that inspire, educate, and connect people across continents.”

In the same vein, prominent figures in Nigeria’s creative industry, including Senator Shehu Sani and veteran actor Francis Duru, called for stronger government support and structured investment in the nation’s film sector.

Shehu Sani commended the organisers for sustaining the festival and promoting cultural collaboration between Nigeria and India through film and creative exchange. He stated that Nollywood has become a significant contributor to national development and global recognition.

“If the government can fund profit-making agencies, it should also invest in the film industry that generates jobs and revenue,” Sani said.

He noted that the industry has become an essential cultural and economic asset, helping to project Nigeria’s image positively across Africa and beyond.

In his remarks, Francis Duru said that while the festival’s theme, “Renaissance,” was appropriate, there was a need for what he called “recalibration”—a process of reviewing policies and strengthening the foundation of the film industry to foster inclusive growth.

“Before a renaissance, there must be recalibration,” Duru explained. “We need to identify where we are lagging and empower creatives at all levels.”

Duru added that the government must recognise the contributions of independent filmmakers who have continued to project Nigeria’s identity across the world. “We’re not begging the government,” he said.

“We’re already contributing to the economy and promoting Nigeria abroad; what we need is an enabling environment to thrive.”

Both speakers stressed that with deliberate policy direction, institutional reform, and increased investment, Nollywood can become one of the country’s strongest economic sectors while deepening Nigeria’s cultural ties with India.

The Chief Executive Officer of Dee Utensils, Lois Andrew Ihwo as who was recently conferred with Honorary Doctorate Degree by American Management University California USA has graced the cover page of the 19th edition of Attention Magazine.

A publication of Amity Global Network, the magazine which is a blend of personality features, politics, economy, current affairs and interviews has been on the newsstand for years.

Its circulation base covers embassies, airports, hotels, public offices, ministries and political party offices.

A 120 page publication, Attention Magazine has in the previous editions featured personalities such as the Senator representing Delta North, Sen Ned Nwoko, the CEO of Moorex Group, Engr Chidi Ameachi.

The publisher, Alex Nwankwo better known as AlexReports has delivered copies to the CEO of Dee Utensils, Lois Andrew Ihwo, in his Abuja office.

She was full of excitement with the quality of the work, including paper texture, digital colour separation and well as quality of content.

The edition is expected to hit the newsstand across Abuja and neighbouring states in coming days.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Friday 14 November, 2025, engaged journalists at the State House Press Pool, Abuja, where he outlined Nigeria’s renewed commitment to deepening continental trade integration and strengthening Customs-led reforms ahead of the maiden Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) Conference scheduled for 17–19 November 2025 in Abuja.

The CGC, who spoke under the State House “Meet the Press” platform, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent approval of an extension of his mandate came with clear performance targets focused on trade facilitation, port decongestion, and modernisation of Nigeria’s cross-border systems.

He noted that the President’s policy directives reflect a deliberate shift towards using trade as a major engine of economic expansion, saying the administration is determined to reposition Nigeria as a central hub for intra-African commerce.

“Mr President has made it very clear that he intends to use trade to promote economic development and alleviate poverty. So I was not surprised that the implementation of the continental free trade agreement was specifically mentioned in my renewed mandate.” He said.

The Customs CG further explained that since receiving the directive, he has intensified engagements with his counterparts across Africa, including a recent strategic meeting in Ghana with the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He said the NCS is pushing for greater involvement of Customs administrations in implementing the free trade regime, insisting that sustainable integration cannot happen without Customs at the centre.

He added, “For many years, regional trade arrangements struggled because Customs was not brought in early enough. I have made this point repeatedly: if we must achieve the objectives of AfCFTA, Customs must play its role in enforcing rules of origin, applying preferences, and ensuring that goods genuinely enjoy the benefits of the agreement.”

CGC Adeniyi said the forthcoming C-PACT Summit, which Nigeria will host in Abuja from 17th to 19th November, represents a major step in correcting past gaps and opening direct engagement between African Customs administrations, policymakers and private-sector operators.

He confirmed that more than 30 Customs administrations have registered for the summit, with 22 of them led by Directors-General, adding that the surge in private-sector interest is the most encouraging indicator so far.

The CGC disclosed that Nigeria will, for the first time, host the Secretary-General of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), Ian Sanders, during the conference.

He described the development as a significant recognition of Nigeria’s increasing leadership role in continental trade diplomacy.

He also highlighted the growing momentum in Nigeria’s export performance, saying volumes have increased by more than 30 per cent in the past two years, emphasising, “the current challenge is to redirect more of this trade towards African markets.”

He acknowledged strong support from the Federal, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment, the AFREXIMBANK Bank, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, port authorities and other agencies involved in cross-border trade, noting that their alignment has created “a historic window” for Nigeria to take command of its role in Africa’s economic transformation.

CGC Adeniyi urged the State House Press to help raise public awareness ahead of the Abuja summit, saying the first day of the programme will feature direct conversations with private-sector operators from across Africa to uncover the persistent barriers they face in moving goods across the continent.

Residents of Ogombo, Lekki, Ajah and it’s environs have been enjoying an unrivalled level of spiritual revival since the Grace Nation Church International ignited a fire of apostolic explosion in Lagos early this week.

The conference tagged, ‘Ogombo Apostolic Visitation’ began on Wednesday with thousands of attendees testifying to the wonders of God’s intervention in their lives.

The five-day event meant to herald a new experience in christian warfare, prophecy, healing and deliverance for individuals who seek liberation from demonic oppression appears to have exceeded expectations with the growing numbers of congregants who have thronged the venue since Wednesday.

Expected to close with a bumper thanksgiving service on Sunday, November 16, the conference holds a promise for more Holy Spirit-inspired encounters in the lives of all visitors to the church located at the Fourth Main Event Centre, 85 Oko Eleme Ogombo Road, Ogombo, Lekki-Ajah, Lagos.

The conference which has as it’s theme, “5 Days Of Glory,” has not only witnessed diverse moves of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the people, it has also seen several well known gospel artistes including, Eben, Bidemi Olaoba, Dare Justified and Peterson Okopi enlivening the proceedings with inspired renditions of their popular songs.

The church’s founder and senior pastor, Dr Chris Okafor has since directed proceedings, deploying his famed prophetic prowess to good effect.

His uncanny prophetic gift has been deployed severally in exposing hidden, long-term battles that have plagued many in their different spheres of endeavour.

“I thank God that He has helped us to achieve all that we set out to do from day one of this conference,” Dr Okafor said while responding to questions on how successful the last three days of the event has been.

“The Holy Spirit has helped greatly in lifting burdens, breaking yokes, setting captives of demonic strangulation free, healing the sick and impaired, while releasing breakthroughs of diverse dimensions to many.

“God still has much more in stock for those who will be attending the programme on Saturday and Sunday. I am confident that He will calm the storms of troubled marriages, careers, businesses, academics and finances, while also ensuring that they receive salvation,” he said.

The church has since ensured that visitors on the mainland to the programme are conveyed to the event venue daily courtesy of BRT buses stationed in strategic places in the Lagos metropolis.

Saturday’s programme will hold from 5pm.