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Davido Reflects on Loss: ‘Losing My Son Changed My Life’

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The tragic death of his son Ifeanyi Adeleke changed the life of Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, better known by his stage name Davido.

Davido and his wife, Chioma, lost their three-year-old son, Ifeanyi, in October 2022 when he drowned in a pool at the singer’s home on Banana Island, Lagos State.

Davido said that losing his baby altered his outlook on life and his business in a recent interview with Rocsi Diaz of ABC News.

Additionally, he expressed his pride in the way he and Chioma dealt with the loss and recovered.

Read Also: Tragedy in Lagos: Councillor Passes Away Two Weeks Post-Swearing-In

The musician mentioned how many people have come to him to thank him for encouraging them to stay strong during difficult times, revealing that their strength has been a source of inspiration for many.

Taking a step back after losing my baby and reflecting on my work helped me refocus on my goals for the future. It altered my life.

“I am aware that a lot of people approach me at the airport at random and share how my resilience has helped them through difficult times. I told my wife the other day that I’m proud of our recovery. We have twins now. They roar everywhere and are large. It is really amazing for us to be able to go over the loss of our baby and recover significantly,” Davido remarked.

 

Tragedy in Lagos: Councillor Passes Away Two Weeks Post-Swearing-In

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Only two weeks after being elected as the Ward C1 Councillor in Lagos State’s Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Oluwakemi Rufai passed away.

The sole female member of the legislative branch of the council, Rufai, passed away early on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, after a brief illness.

Ibeju-Lekki LGA Chairman Sesan Olowa and Lekki Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Chairman Rasaki Kasali, confirmed the news in separate releases, calling her passing a tragic loss for the council and the community she served.

The All Progressives Congress, or APC, Lagos State chapter also expressed sadness over Rufai’s departure.

Read Also: Imo PDP Chairman, INEC Sued by 83 Party Members Over State Congress

Seye Oladejo, the party spokesperson, praised her as a “rising star within the APC” whose leadership demonstrated “commitment, grassroots service, and gender inclusion.”

Oladejo observed that Rufai left a lasting impression despite her brief tenure in office because of her commitment to community development and adherence to the party’s ideals.

His words, “Her legacy of service, courage, and vision will not be forgotten,” were directed towards her family, constituents, and the Ibeju-Lekki community.

Imo PDP Chairman, INEC Sued by 83 Party Members Over State Congress

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83 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State have taken the party’s state chairman, Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and others to court over the actions of the state congress, further exacerbating the party’s leadership problem.
Asserting that the August 31, 2024, congress that produced Nwachukwu and other executives was “marred by exclusion and illegality,” the plaintiffs claim that it broke both the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act of 2022.
The party was accused by the irate members, led by Lambert Eze, of illegally banning legitimately elected delegates from Ideato North and South Local Government Areas from the process.
In order to prevent present officials from posing as executives and to enforce the conduct of a new, democratic congress that includes all eligible delegates, they are requesting an order to invalidate the congress.

Read Also: Tragic Accident in Niger: Five Killed, Two Injured by Trailer Crash

Ten additional people, including Hon. Chris Ozoemenam and Hon. Dr. Sylvester Durukwuaku, the party’s interim leaders in Ideato North and South LGAs, as well as the PDP national body, have joined the lawsuit.

K.U. Alisigwe of Ononaku Chambers, Owerri, acting as their attorney, filed the case, which was designated FHC/OW/CS/51/2025.

In their appeal to the court to support their stance and restore “the integrity of internal democracy in Imo PDP,” the plaintiffs characterized the congress as “unlawful, null, and void.”

Tragic Accident in Niger: Five Killed, Two Injured by Trailer Crash

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It was understood that the fatal accident happened in the Gurara Local Government Area on Tuesday morning close to the Izom Bridge.

While trying to avoid potholes on a poor section of road near the bridge, the trailer, which was loaded with cargo and had left Lagos on its way to one of the northern states, collapsed, according to witnesses who talked to Daily Trust.
According to Adamu Umar, a Lambata resident, the accident was caused in part by the road’s poor condition.

The collision raised questions about the safety of the Lambata–Suleja corridor for drivers and heavy-duty vehicles less than a week after a similar incident on the same road claimed 22 lives and injured 20 more.

Read Also: Fresh Tensions as Benue Assembly Moves to Suspend SUBEB Boss

In a statement to media, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander for Niger State, Aishatu Sa’adu, confirmed the collision.

The injured people were sent to a neighboring medical institution for treatment, she said, and rescue attempts were completed quickly.

Authorities have warned drivers to drive extremely carefully along the route, pointing to the road’s declining condition as a persistent risk.

Fresh Tensions as Benue Assembly Moves to Suspend SUBEB Boss

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Dr. Grace Adagba, the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), is being considered for suspension in Benue State.

Please remember that a few days ago, the Benue State House of Assembly passed a motion calling on Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia to suspend the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) chairman.

Additionally, the Assembly instructed Mr. Denen Aondoakaa, Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to immediately stop releasing monies to the board.

Dr. Adagba was accused in the motion, which was made by Hon. Bemdoo Ipusu, of declining to appear before an ad hoc committee that the House had established to look into alleged unlawful activity inside SUBEB.

Ipusu told the House that the chairman had blocked the legislature’s constitutional oversight duties by writing a letter rejecting the legislature’s right to look into contracts the board awarded.

Citing recurrent encounters with the House, lawmakers who participated in the debate unanimously supported Dr. Adagba’s suspension and voiced their extreme displeasure of her behavior.

According to information obtained, this is the third time the chairman of SUBEB and the Benue State Assembly have disagreed.

Dr. Adagba’s absence from an ad hoc committee meeting looking into SUBEB’s operations was noted in the motion, which was sponsored by Hon. Bemdoo Ipusu.

Political analysts point out that the action coincides with escalating disputes over the hiring of teachers between the executive and legislature.

Although the Daily Independent was unable to fully confirm these claims, some media speculate that the conflict may be connected to larger political scheming in the state.

The resolution to suspend Adagba, however, is thought to have deviated from the standard legislative procedure.

Observers suspected that the call for SUBEB’s suspension was politically motivated because, according to a video of the House plenary where the Ad Hoc Committee on State-Wide Contract Verification was established independently, SUBEB was not initially on the list of agencies to be investigated.

Read Also: AMSG Rallies To Shape Future Of Global Critical Minerals In New York

This was confirmed by a committee member who spoke to our correspondent anonymously. “SUBEB wasn’t even included in our original scope.” During our Tuesday, August 5 meeting, the subject of her suspension unexpectedly came up, according to the source.

According to the Daily Independent, the dispute allegedly started earlier this year when the Assembly halted a SUBEB-run state-wide teacher recruiting campaign.

According to sources, when contract awards under projects supported by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) became contentious, tensions increased. Adagba insisted on due procedure and reportedly resisted attempts by some MPs to influence the contracts.

Adagba allegedly wrote to the Assembly committee on August 4th, stating that she was prepared to appear before it if she had at least 30 days to prepare her documentation.

But the House passed the resolution suspending her the very following day.

Concerns have been raised by observers that the situation would harm Benue’s ties with UBEC and other donor organizations, which frequently condition assistance on openness and adherence to regulations.

AMSG Rallies To Shape Future Of Global Critical Minerals In New York

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On September 22, 2025, in conjunction with the 80th United Nations General Assembly, the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) will hold its second High-Level Roundtable on Critical Minerals Development in Africa in Manhattan, New York.

In order to establish Africa as a key player in the rapidly expanding critical minerals economy, the conference will bring together African heads of state, ministers, multilateral organizations, and leaders of international industry under the subject “Forging a Common African Voice, Advancing Global Partnerships.”
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will preside over the event in coordination with AMSG Secretary-General H.E. Moses Micheal Engadu and AMSG Chairman and Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dr. Oladele Henry Alake.

The 2025 roundtable builds on the first UNGA sideline meeting in 2024, where Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Tinubu stressed that Africa may become self-sufficient without relying on international aid thanks to its abundant mineral resources.

Read Also: Peller Challenges Lagos Govt Over N36 Million Tax Demand

Engadu emphasized the significance of unified policies, capital mobilization, and open international collaborations that directly benefit African residents, saying, “Our critical minerals are the foundation of global sustainable development and the catalyst for Africa’s industrialization.”

Leaders from the mining, technology, traceability, and logistics industries will attend the summit together with ministerial delegations from AMSG member states. Reiterating its commitment, strategic partner Core International—represented by Managing Partner Suleiman Zakari—referred to the roundtable as “an opportunity to go from discussion to outcomes.”

The AMSG, which was established in January 2024, is Africa’s main intergovernmental forum for important minerals policy, investment coordination, and international engagement. Its goals are to strengthen the continent’s position in the global energy transition and restore African agency over its mineral wealth.

Peller Challenges Lagos Govt Over N36 Million Tax Demand

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TikTok influencer Peller has reportedly been summoned to pay ₦36 million in income tax to the Lagos State Government.
According to reports, Peller, who became well-known last year, made this revelation in a live video alongside Peruzzi, a singer.

He said that given his recent pay increase and current income, the tax agency’s massive tax bill seemed irrational.

Adding that his own tax payments are higher than what Peller was required to pay, Peruzzi reminded Peller that paying taxes is a legal requirement for Nigerians.

The singer suggested that Peller pay the tax payment right now to stay out of trouble with the law and even go to jail.

Taskforce advised me to pay ₦36 million in taxes. I’m without anything. He said, “I only gained attention last year.”

Read Also: Fani Kayode Warns Babachir Lawal: Remarks Against Yoruba People Could Ruin Your Credibility

How come you haven’t filed your taxes? As a Nigerian, are you aware that you must pay taxes? Are you aware of the amount of taxes I pay? It goes beyond the tax bill they provided you, but I won’t go into it here,” Peruzzi added.

However, Peller maintained that the tax demand was excessive and said that because of his TikTok activities, the government had never provided him with any kind of support.

He said that the authorities singled him out because he publicly flaunted his wealth and revealed his TikTok profits.

Peller argued that his revenue primarily came from social media rather than local Nigerian sources, despite Peruzzi’s suggestion that he should ask for additional time to arrange payment.

Fani Kayode Warns Babachir Lawal: Remarks Against Yoruba People Could Ruin Your Credibility

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Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has been cautioned by former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode to use caution when making comments against the Yoruba people.
According to reports, Lawal had previously said that the Yorubas are unreliable.
He asserted that after they succeed, Yorubas tend to minimize the assistance they get from others.

The issue with the Yoruba is that they act as though they have dominated you when you back them and they win, Babachir stated. Your assistance will not be taken into account.

Fani-Kayode cautioned, however, via X on Wednesday that disparaging an entire race would make Lawal’s argument less strong.

Read Also: Senate Launches Probe Into KWAM 1 and Emmanson’s Dispute With Airlines

“My dear brother Babachir Lawal, I advise you to be very careful with your words and your characterization of an entire race,” he wrote.

“You are aware of my fondness for you, but disparaging the Yoruba race does not make your point stronger. It devalues you, undermines your case, and ruins your reputation.

Fani-Kayode also reminded Babachir that he was nominated by President Bola Tinubu to be the SGF in the administration of the late Muhammadu Buhari.

Senate Launches Probe Into KWAM 1 and Emmanson’s Dispute With Airlines

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A thorough inquiry of recent high-profile airline passenger events that have sparked questions about operating standards, passenger rights, and discipline within Nigeria’s aviation industry is set to be carried out by the Senate.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North), the chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, stated that “immediate and coordinated action” is necessary to safeguard the industry’s integrity and rebuild public trust in light of the recent events.
In keeping with the Senate’s constitutional authority, Senator Buhari said, the inquiry will involve important regulatory organizations, aviation companies, security agencies, and public interest organizations.
The objective is to verify the facts, examine current practices, and guarantee the prompt execution of any remedial actions, he clarified.

The public’s confidence in our aviation system, safety, and professionalism will not be compromised by enforcement breaches or procedural flaws. All levels of accountability will be guaranteed by the Senate Committee on Aviation, Buhari said.

Read Also: Gov Eno Slams Politicians, Says Only Certain People Can Criticize Tinubu

Nigerians were reassured by the committee that it is actively monitoring the situation and will steer the process toward legally binding measures to stop similar occurrences in the future.

The investigation follows two heavily publicized cases. The first concerns Wasiu Ayinde, more commonly known as KWAM 1, a singer from Fuji who is accused of causing trouble at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport when he tried to board a ValueJet trip to Lagos with what turned out to be alcohol.

Reports state that the artist resisted following security protocols, which resulted in a dispute with airline employees and, ultimately, the musician’s expulsion off the plane by aviation security.

A passenger named Comfort Emmanson was recently banned by Ibom Air for allegedly abusing crew members during a journey from Uyo to Lagos in the second case. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security reportedly pulled Emmanson off the ramp, arrested him, and turned him over to the police for further investigation, according to the airline.

Gov Eno Slams Politicians, Says Only Certain People Can Criticize Tinubu

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Umo Eno, the governor of Akwa Ibom State, has blasted opposition lawmakers who have been criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s policies.
According to reports, Eno urged people who were criticizing Tinubu to provide their scorecards from their time in administration during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday.
Those qualified to denounce Tinubu are new individuals who have never held public office, the governor, who just switched to the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasized.
Even if an angel were in charge of Nigeria’s affairs, some people would still criticize, according to Eno.

Even if you bring an angel to oversee Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State, some people will claim that the angel is Lucifer or the devil, he stated.

Read Also: NAF Airstrikes Kill 592 Terrorists in Borno

Because it’s all political, there will always be some who disagree with what you’re doing. The majority of these individuals have already served in government; I wonder what kind of impact they had.

“If individuals must criticize the president, it should be fresh people. Someone who has served in our nation’s government should present us his report card first.

“You served in government but accomplished nothing while you were among those who helped this nation to its current state.

We discuss subsidies; but, who are the actual recipients of these benefits? Go read the book on subsidy scams that the former EFCC chairman authored.