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Lokpobiri Calls for National Support for Tinubu’s Second-Term Ambition

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The National Coordinator of the Tinubu Health Sector Practitioners Alliance (TIHSEPA), Ogechi Lokpobiri, has called on Nigerians, particularly women and healthcare professionals, to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Lokpobiri, wife of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, made the call in Abuja on Friday while speaking with journalists on behalf of the alliance.

She urged Nigerians to remain engaged with the administration’s reform agenda, which she described as necessary for repositioning the country and promoting sustainable development.

According to her, the reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration have begun to reshape critical sectors of the economy and could strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global community.

She acknowledged that some of the reforms had created short-term challenges for citizens but argued that they should be considered within the broader objective of addressing longstanding structural problems and establishing a stronger economic foundation.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated the courage to take difficult decisions in the interest of the country. While reforms may come with challenges, we must also look at their broader objectives and the opportunities they are creating for a stronger and more sustainable Nigeria,” she said.

Lokpobiri urged Nigerian women to participate actively in the country’s political and development processes, stressing their role in shaping national decisions.

She called on women across the country to mobilise peacefully in support of government programmes which, she said, were aimed at improving healthcare delivery, strengthening social interventions, empowering families and creating opportunities for citizens.

Read Also: Mr 2Kay Opens Up On N8m Dispute With Former Label After Hotel Robbery

“Women cannot afford to remain on the sidelines. We have a responsibility to participate actively in the affairs of our country and to support policies and programmes that we believe will advance the wellbeing of our families and communities,” she stated.

The TIHSEPA coordinator also commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whom she described as an “Icon of Impact”, for her interventions in support of women, children, vulnerable Nigerians and other groups.

She specifically cited the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative and other programmes focused on social welfare, healthcare, education and economic empowerment, saying they complemented the administration’s broader development agenda.

Lokpobiri said the First Lady’s advocacy on issues affecting women and families highlighted the importance of inclusive leadership and greater attention to the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.

She added that TIHSEPA would continue to provide a platform for healthcare professionals to contribute to national development and support initiatives aimed at improving Nigeria’s healthcare system.

According to her, a healthy population is essential for productivity, economic growth and national development.

She urged healthcare professionals to participate in discussions on healthcare reforms and contribute their expertise towards building a more responsive and accessible healthcare system.

Lokpobiri also appealed to Nigerians to maintain national unity and give the administration the opportunity to consolidate its policies and programmes.

She expressed optimism that sustained implementation of the Federal Government’s reform agenda would create more opportunities for Nigerians and strengthen the country’s position internationally.

She reaffirmed TIHSEPA’s commitment to mobilising healthcare professionals and other stakeholders around national development, healthcare improvement and initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of Nigerians.

Mr 2Kay Opens Up On N8m Dispute With Former Label After Hotel Robbery

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Singer Abiye Jumbo, widely recognized by his stage name Mr 2Kay, has spoken about the disagreement with his former record label over the N10 million compensation he received following a robbery at Eko Hotel and Suites in 2017.

During an interview with Yanga FM Lagos, the Nigerian entertainer alleged that his label gave him only N2 million from the compensation, a situation he said influenced his decision to leave the company.

Mr 2Kay explained that the money was paid by the hotel management after he was assaulted and robbed at gunpoint in his hotel room.

The incident happened on October 22, 2017, after his performance at the Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless concert in Lagos.

According to reports, the attackers posed as room service personnel before entering his room, assaulting him, tying him up and stealing his belongings.

The case attracted widespread attention, with police arresting four suspects, including Joel Kantiok, who was identified as Burna Boy’s road manager.

Burna Boy was declared wanted during the investigation but later turned himself in to the police. In December 2017, he was arraigned at the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on two counts relating to conspiracy and accessory to armed robbery before being granted bail.

The suspects reportedly told investigators that they had been hired to attack Mr 2Kay. The allegations formed part of the legal process that followed the incident.

Mr 2Kay subsequently withdrew the case after Burna Boy apologised.

The dispute between the musicians appeared to have ended in August 2021 when they were seen together at a Lagos nightclub in a video that circulated widely online.

Reflecting on his professional development, Mr 2Kay disclosed that he has moved into music executive work, describing the business side of the entertainment industry as financially rewarding.

His comments have brought fresh attention to the disagreement over the compensation and his decision to part ways with his former label.

The singer’s account also underscores the importance of clear financial arrangements between artistes and record labels, particularly when compensation payments are involved.

FG Turns to Ethiopia’s Farming Success to Boost Nigeria’s Food Production

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Nigeria is seeking to leverage Ethiopia’s agricultural transformation to achieve food sovereignty and strengthen food security across Africa, Vice President Kashim Shettima has said.

VP Shettima made this known in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, while interacting with journalists as part of his three-day visit to the East African country.

Speaking during a tour of farms and agricultural facilities in Oromia, Ethiopia, as part of the Ethiopia–Nigeria Leadership Exchange, Vice President Shettima stated that the goal was to secure Africa’s place as the food basket of the world.

He cited Ethiopia’s Oromia model as the benchmark for Africa’s agricultural rebirth, emphasising that the strategic agribusiness hub provides a blueprint for farming communities both on and off the continent.

He said; “By resolving critical supply chain gaps and logistical bottlenecks, the country aims to de-risk agribusiness, attract significant investment, and ensure long-term food and nutrition security.”

The Vice President noted that Ethiopia had transformed its wheat production, flipping the script from importing $1 billion in wheat annually to achieving full self-sufficiency.

He commended the massive economic turnaround, saying the nation now generates enough surpluses to export to neighbouring countries like Djibouti and Kenya.

He also noted Ethiopia’s progress in rice production, observing that the country had become largely self-sufficient in the commodity.

VP Shettima said Nigeria planned to leverage Ethiopia’s experience in advancing large-scale, mechanised and modernised agricultural production.

“We intend to embrace improved seeds, mechanisation, and climate-smart agriculture,” he said.

The Vice President, however, warned that food security was fundamental to national sovereignty, stressing that countries depending heavily on external food sources could compromise their sovereignty.

“Food dependency compromises our sovereignty. Without independence in food production, a nation remains incomplete in its sovereignty,” he stated.

Pacesetters
VP Shettima declared that, through closer cooperation in modern agriculture and large-scale food production, Nigeria and Ethiopia had the potential to sustain the African continent.

Read Also: Gov Idris’ Aide Warns Malami Against Entering Kebbi Amid Billboard Dispute

He expressed Nigeria’s determination to achieve food sovereignty by adopting mechanisation, climate-smart agriculture, high-yield seeds and modern farming practices.

VP Shettima expressed optimism that cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia could significantly boost Africa’s food security, describing the East African nation’s agricultural transformation as an exemplary model.

“I am overwhelmed with joy that the real economic renaissance of Africa is in the offing. Ethiopia has become the pathfinder, the front runner in us reclaiming our pride and our continent. We are mightily proud of them.

“Africa must learn to feed itself. Ethiopia is doing it and Nigeria is on course to do the same. Ethiopia is a success story worthy of emulation,” he maintained.

Tree Planting
The Vice President also announced plans for Nigeria to embark on a massive tree-planting campaign starting next rainy season, with a target of planting 20 billion trees.

He stated that the initiative would draw lessons from Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, which combines environmental restoration with economic and livelihood benefits.

“We will embark on a massive tree-planting campaign in the next rainy season. It requires a lot of planning, energy and drive, which Ethiopia was able to galvanise its population into doing. We intend to plant 20 billion trees,” he hinted.

He said the programme would support environmental restoration while creating employment opportunities, adding that Nigeria sought to replicate aspects of Ethiopia’s experience.

VP Shettima also said the combined population and economic potential of Nigeria and Ethiopia could have a wider impact on the continent.

“With a population of 100 million people, and a combined population with Nigeria of over 400 million, Ethiopia’s success will reverberate across the length and breadth of East and Southern Africa,” he said.

President of the Oromia Regional State, Shimelis Abdisa, outlined the region’s agricultural achievements and the contribution of farming to Ethiopia’s economy.

Abdisa said more than 200 varieties of crops were being cultivated across Ethiopia, while the country had expanded its exports of agricultural products, including bananas, avocados and coffee.

He noted that wheat production alone generated more than $3.1 billion annually for the country, adding that Ethiopian wheat was competitive in the international market.

The Oromia President announced collaboration with the Dangote conglomerate to produce fertiliser for regional farmers.

He noted that the region’s large-scale poultry production had grown significantly beyond its initial two-million-bird capacity, with plans for further expansion.

During the tour, Vice President Shettima visited wheat, banana and papaya farms in the region, where he examined Ethiopia’s agricultural production systems and ongoing efforts to expand food production.

Gov Idris’ Aide Warns Malami Against Entering Kebbi Amid Billboard Dispute

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An aide to Kebbi State governor, Nasir Idris on cemetery affairs, ATM Jega, has threatened to prevent former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami from entering the state over the alleged destruction of political billboards.

Jega issued the threat while reacting to allegations that some individuals were removing billboards in different parts of Kebbi State.

He urged Malami, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, governorship candidate in Kebbi, to caution those he described as his supporters against the alleged vandalism.

“We will prevent Abubakar Malami from entering Kebbi State if he does not stop his boys from tearing down our billboards,” Jega was quoted as saying.

Jega warned that he would take action if the alleged destruction continued.

The development comes as political activities gather momentum in Kebbi ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Petrol Price Relief: Oyedele Explains Funding for Tinubu’s 30-Day Scheme

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The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has dismissed suggestions that the 30-day petrol discount at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) Retail stations amounts to a restoration of fuel subsidy.

Oyedele said the temporary price reduction was being financed exclusively through NNPC Retail’s profit margin, without any contribution from public funds.

The clarification followed his earlier announcement that motorists and other petrol consumers would purchase fuel at reduced prices at NNPC filling stations during the 30-day period.

In a statement issued on Friday, the minister said the programme was designed to ease the financial pressure on households, commuters and transporters while maintaining the market-based pricing system.

He explained that the difference between a commercial discount and a fuel subsidy lies in who bears the cost.

According to him, a retailer can voluntarily reduce its profit margin to attract customers or provide temporary relief. A subsidy, however, occurs when the government pays part of the cost of a product using public revenue.

Oyedele stated that NNPC Retail obtains petrol from Dangote Refinery and other suppliers at prevailing market prices before adding its margin to determine the final pump price.

He said the current discount was absorbed by the company itself and did not involve the government paying the difference between the market price and the discounted price.

Read Also: I Lost 2023 Election, It Broke My Heart – Banky W Opens Up On Painful Experience

The minister also warned against confusing the initiative with arrangements involving the sale of Federation-owned crude oil below market value, which could create a financial loss borne by public revenue.

He defended NNPC Retail’s decision to reduce its margin, noting that the company had operated as a petroleum marketing and retail business for more than two decades.

According to him, the company’s mandate includes ensuring the availability, distribution and affordability of refined petroleum products across Nigeria.

Oyedele also addressed concerns that reducing earnings per litre could affect NNPC Limited’s profits and dividends payable to the Federation.

He argued that lower prices could attract more customers, increase sales volumes and strengthen customer loyalty, potentially offsetting the reduced margin.

The minister said the approach could benefit both consumers and the government if higher sales translate into improved overall profitability.

He maintained that the 30-day initiative was a commercial decision and should not be interpreted as a return to the fuel subsidy regime discontinued in 2023.

I Lost 2023 Election, It Broke My Heart – Banky W Opens Up On Painful Experience

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Popular Nigerian entertainer Bankole Wellington, better known as Banky W, has revealed how his unsuccessful political ambition in 2023 contributed to a renewed understanding of his purpose and eventual entry into pastoral ministry.

The singer, actor and entrepreneur shared the reflection while marking one year as a pastor, explaining that losing the election was an emotionally difficult experience that forced him to reconsider his future.

Banky W had contested for the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives under the Peoples Democratic Party during the 2023 general election.

He said the defeat broke his heart and left him searching for direction after the election had ended.

According to the entertainer, he was uncertain whether to focus on leadership and politics, continue developing his entertainment career, expand his business interests or dedicate himself to ministry.

He explained that he sought God’s guidance, asking what path he should follow and what role he was expected to play in the years ahead.

However, Banky W said he eventually came to understand that his different interests did not necessarily require him to abandon one for another.

He noted that he had mistakenly viewed ministry and his professional pursuits as separate paths when they could instead complement one another.

The singer described his experience as a realisation that his responsibilities were expanding, allowing him to combine his work in entertainment and business with pastoral service.

He said he remained committed to music, filmmaking and entrepreneurship while embracing his responsibilities as a pastor and professor.

Looking back on the past year, Banky W said the election did not produce the result he had hoped for, but the experience helped him appreciate that his future could unfold differently from his original plans.

He reflected that setbacks could become opportunities for personal growth and a fresh understanding of one’s calling.

The entertainer marked the anniversary with gratitude, asking his followers to celebrate the milestone with him.

His testimony offers a glimpse into how he navigated disappointment after the 2023 election and subsequently embraced pastoral ministry without giving up his established professional interests.

Tacha Says She Has Someone She Likes, Reveals Her Ideal Partner

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Popular Nigerian reality star Tacha has disclosed that there is currently someone special in her life, while revealing some of the qualities she looks for in a romantic partner.

Tacha spoke about her relationship status during a conversation with media personality Morayo.

The discussion centred on her dating life and whether her demanding schedule allows her to maintain a relationship.

The reality star said she does make time for relationships and confirmed that she currently likes someone.

However, Tacha said she prefers to keep the relationship away from public scrutiny because circumstances can change.

She explained that a relationship in the entertainment industry could end publicly and later be rekindled.

“For now I’m in a relationship,” she said, while acknowledging that the situation could change in the future.

Tacha said she believes having a partner is particularly important for people who have achieved significant success in the entertainment industry.

“In this industry, you need that one person because it’s always lonely at the top,” she explained.

The reality star went on to describe the type of man she would like to have.

She said she prefers a quiet man who is expressive and outspoken around her but maintains a reserved personality in public.

Tacha also listed hard work and strong faith among the qualities she considers important.

She said her ideal partner should love God as much as she does.

Interestingly, the reality star revealed that she is not attracted to men simply because they are physically handsome.

She jokingly said she would rather be the attractive one in the relationship.

Tacha also mentioned financial stability as an important consideration, saying she does not want to manage the emotional challenges that could come with financial instability.

Her comments suggest that while she is open to love, she remains careful about exposing her personal life to the public.

For now, Tacha has chosen not to reveal the identity of the person she is dating, leaving fans to respect her privacy as she continues her career.

Jarvis Announces Pregnancy as She and Peller Prepare for Parenthood

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Popular Nigerian social media personalities Jarvis and Peller are set to become parents as they announce that they are expecting their first child.

Jarvis shared the pregnancy news on Instagram, expressing excitement and gratitude for what she described as one of the greatest blessings in their lives.

Reflecting on their relationship, she said their journey had taken them from uncertainty about the future to marriage and now parenthood.

“From two people who once had no idea where this journey would take us… to husband and wife, and now soon to be parents,” she wrote.

Jarvis said the couple had experienced different moments together, including laughter, tears, prayers and personal growth, adding that God had continued to guide their story.

She described their unborn baby as “our greatest blessing” and “our answered prayer.”

The announcement comes about two months after the couple got married and follows a year filled with major developments in their relationship.

Read Also: How I Emerged as Rivers Governor Despite the Odds – Wike

Peller proposed to Jarvis during a romantic moment in Ghana in June. The proposal was followed by a series of marriage ceremonies.

The couple first held their traditional marriage rites in Edo State and later completed their civil wedding in Lagos.

They subsequently hosted a white wedding attended by relatives, friends, colleagues and several public figures.

Peller and Jarvis gained widespread popularity through their joint social media content and livestreams, where their relationship became a regular subject of public interest.

Their transition from online collaborators to a married couple has attracted considerable attention from fans.

With the latest announcement, the couple are now preparing for another major milestone as they await the arrival of their first child.

Jarvis concluded her message with a prayer of gratitude to God for the new addition to their family.

How I Emerged as Rivers Governor Despite the Odds – Wike

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The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike, has revealed how late Chief Daniel Orbih played a key role in his emergence as Rivers State governor in 2015.

Wike spoke in Abuja on Wednesday at a night of tributes organised in honour of Orbih, who was the National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the South-South.

It was reported that Orbih, who hailed from Etsako in Edo State, died on August 31 at the age of 64.

The minister said Orbih stood his ground despite serious political pressure and huge financial offers from opponents who wanted him to withdraw his support for Wike’s governorship bid.
He said their friendship grew stronger between 2013 and 2014, a difficult period when some political rivals, including the then Rivers State governor, tried everything to stop his ambition, but Orbih refused to back down.

“Today, I am a Minister of the FCT; yesterday, I was a governor. Who did God use for me to become governor? It was Dan.

“There was nothing in this world that was not done to induce him.

“My governor then sent people to Dan, offered him everything in this world, but Dan stood firm and said, ‘No, I will not accept. I will not agree,’” Wike said.

2027 Exams: FG, Stakeholders Consider New Examination Dates

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The Federal Government has proposed new dates for major national examinations in 2027, following a meeting between the Minister of State for Education and representatives of examination bodies and private schools.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued after the meeting held on September 30, 2026, signed by Dr Bukola Dosunmu, Coordinator, FME-Government Private Sector Working Group.

Under the proposed timetable, the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, is scheduled to hold from March 15 to 25, 2027, with results expected to be released in March.

The National Examinations Council, NECO, Senior School Certificate Examination, SSCE, is proposed to hold from April 1 to May 14, 2027, while the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, is scheduled for May 11 to June 18, 2027.

Both NECO and WAEC results are expected to be released in August 2027.

The National Business and Technical Examinations Board, NABTEB, and the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies, NBAIS, examinations are proposed to take place between June and July 2027, with their result release dates yet to be communicated.

The Federal Ministry of Education, however, stated that the proposed dates remain subject to confirmation by the respective examination bodies.

“Schools accredited as examination centres are required to ensure that at least 75% of their teachers are TRN-licensed by 11 December 2026.

“Compliance will be verified, and the details of schools that meet the requirement will be uploaded to the designated registration portal.

“Schools that fail to meet this requirement will not be approved to serve as examination centres for any of the examinations.

“Further details and updates on the implementation of these resolutions will be communicated in due course,” parts of the statement read.