Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has outlined the conditions under which he could consider the release of native doctors currently standing trial in the state.
The detained individuals — Chigozie Nwangu (popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki) from Oba, Eke Hit from Okija, and Onyeze Jesus from Nkpor — were arrested in February on allegations of promoting get-rich-quick practices, preparing charms for suspected criminals, and misleading youths into believing in wealth without hard work.
Responding, Soludo emphasized that the matter was now in court and beyond his unilateral control.
“You are asking for the release of Akwa Okuko, but I want to say that there is a process. There is a process for me to follow, and there is a process for the court to follow too. Where we are now is the process of the court,” Soludo said.
He acknowledged the concerns of the youths but cautioned that the actions of the detained individuals had negatively influenced young people.
“What we should be praying for is a speedy trial. If he is found guilty and convicted, after that, your leaders can meet with me, and we can discuss the possibility of a pardon. But until the judicial process is concluded, my hands are tied,” he added.
The governor further urged the youths to support efforts to rid Oba and other communities of social vices such as drug abuse, kidnapping, and the pursuit of “fast money,” stressing that the state government is committed to restoring values of hard work and integrity. (Vanguard)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Wednesday, urged Nigerians to stop speaking negatively about the country, declaring that Nigeria is a nation of proud, confident, and dedicated people destined for success.
Speaking at the reopening of the renovated National Theatre, now the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, which coincided with the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
Tinubu said the landmark’s revival was proof that the country could overcome setbacks and achieve greatness.
“Let’s believe in Nigeria, let’s put this country first. If you have a bad dream, forget it—Nigeria will succeed,” the President told the gathering, adding: “This is the giant of Africa; it won’t fall, it won’t disintegrate in my hands.”
Tinubu said the theatre’s rebirth must create jobs and expand opportunities in the creative economy. He directed CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, and the Bankers’ Committee to set up an endowment fund, pledging his own contribution.
“The worst is over; we have turned the corner. With proper management, prosperity will come,” he assured.
Speaking at the event, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said the transformation of the National Arts Theatre into the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s youths, Nigeria’s stories and rightful place on the global cultural stage.
The CBN Governor explained that the ₦68 billion funding from the Bankers’ Committee was not corporate social responsibility but a deliberate stake in the creative economy.
“This is more than a building; it is an investment in our youths, in our stories, and in Nigeria’s rightful place on the global stage,” he said.
He recalled the Theatre’s FESTAC ’77 legacy, years of neglect, and its revival into a modern hub with world-class performance halls, cinemas, galleries, and upgraded facilities.
He commended President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State, and cultural partners, urging that the Centre remain a beacon of creativity and national pride.
Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has applauded the Bankers’ Committee for championing the transformation of the National Arts Theatre, describing it as a landmark rebirth of Nigeria’s cultural pride.
Soyinka said he accepted the honour with mixed feelings, warning against the indiscriminate naming of monuments after leaders. He recalled challenging a past ruler for dedicating a public space to “a brutal dictator.”
The playwright lamented the neglect of Africa’s theatre pioneers but praised those who turned the once-derelict complex into a world-class hub. With humour, he recalled how poor design once “nearly electrocuted actors” during performances.
Soyinka thanked President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State, and the Bankers’ Committee, urging that the revived theatre remain a stage for African creativity, unity, and global cultural expression.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has hailed the restoration of the National Arts Theatre, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Center for Culture and Creative Arts, as a landmark in Nigeria’s cultural revival.
Sanwo-Olu said the theatre, once host to FESTAC ’77 but later abandoned, has been restored through federal, state, and private collaboration. He described it as a foundation for future creative possibilities and a global hub for culture.
The renaming honours Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, while Sanwo-Olu praised Tinubu’s support, calling the edifice a beacon of unity, pride, and Nigeria’s artistic rebirth. (Vanguard)
Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has accepted the renaming of Nigeria’s National Theatre in his honour despite his past criticism of public monuments named after individuals.
At the reopening of the refurbished venue in Lagos on Thursday, the 90-year-old playwright acknowledged “mixed feelings” about the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, as the complex in Iganmu is now known.
“I am notorious for having criticised many appropriations of public monuments by some of our past leaders, where everything is named after them,” Soyinka said.
“However, when I examined the history of theatre in Nigeria, and the lack of recognition for my predecessors, I believe somebody has to carry the can.”
The renaming, announced in July 2024 by President Bola Tinubu’s administration without Soyinka’s prior knowledge, sparked debate given his opposition to self-glorifying tributes.
The National Theatre, built in the 1970s under military rule, had fallen into disrepair, which Soyinka once described as a “slum” unfit for cultural events.
He recalled a near-fatal incident in the 2000s when exposed wiring endangered actors during a performance of his play Camwood on the Leaves.
The building’s Bulgarian-inspired conical design, which he had mocked as a “general’s hat,” became a symbol of neglect.
On Thursday, Tinubu inaugurated the restored theatre, rehabilitated with funding from Nigerian banks after years of decay. Soyinka, who staged Death and the King’s Horseman there in 1977, praised the effort as a “tasty morsel” of redemption, reversing his earlier support for a private takeover.
The centre is expected to host international festivals and youth programmes aimed at strengthening Lagos’s creative sector.
Soyinka, Africa’s first Nobel literature laureate in 1986, used the event to recognise figures such as Hubert Ogunde and Duro Ladipo, who helped establish Nigerian theatre during colonial and post-independence periods.
A co-founder of the Orisun Theatre Company in the 1960s, Soyinka’s works, including The Bacchae of Euripides, combine Yoruba traditions with global themes. His activism, including imprisonment during the 1967–1970 Biafran War, has also defined his public life.
Tinubu described the naming as a tribute to a figure of rare stature. (Guardian)
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared Abuja one of the safest cities in Nigeria, crediting both security measures by the administration and the commitment of residents to peace and harmony.
Speaking in his Independence Day anniversary message on Wednesday, Wike commended residents for intentionally living in peace and harmony, “in spite of a few distractions.”
He stressed that Abuja’s relative calm was not accidental, but the result of deliberate efforts by the government and the cooperation of citizens.
“Residents have also remained intentional about living together in peace and harmony in spite of a few distractions.
Consequently, the FCT has become one of the most peaceful places to reside in the entire country.
“This is not only due to the security measures we have put in place, but also because of zero tolerance of residents for insecurity, and their readiness to promote peace in every part of the Territory.”
While commending the capital’s record, Wike urged residents not to be complacent. He assured that his administration, working with law enforcement agencies, was committed to ensuring security and law and order at all times.
“I, therefore, appeal to all residents to go about their lawful businesses, to be watchful over their neighbourhoods and to report all suspicious movements to the law enforcement agents.”
The Minister also reminded residents that the FCT would once again set the pace for Nigeria’s election season, when it holds its Area Council elections in February 2026.
He appealed for calm, orderly campaigns and urged residents to choose leaders who had the interest of their people at heart.
“Come February 2026, the FCT will kick off the electioneering process in the country as residents head to the polls to elect new chairmen and councillors for the six area councils.
“I implore residents to go about campaigning for candidates of their choice in a peaceful and orderly manner. I also encourage everyone to come out en masse when the time comes, to vote for leaders who evidently have their interest at heart; leaders who have vision and capacity to attract development and prosperity to the people,” he said.
Wike’s comments on security in the FCT follows recent news of the death of 29-year-old Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a reporter and News anchor with Arise Television News, who died on Monday, after jumping from the third floor of her apartment building to escape armed robbers.
The Minister has pledged support for Police investigation, describing her death as tragic and unacceptable. (Punch)
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate has announced the start of implementation of the new pension increments for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, saying the adjustments will be reflected in the September 2025 payroll cycle.
In a statement signed by Management and posted on its X handle, PTAD said the increase package includes a fixed N32,000 payment alongside percentage increases of 10.66% and
12.95% for eligible categories, which will benefit about 832,000 pensioners under its management.
Recall that PTAD in August announced President Bola Tinubu approved a series of measures, including new welfare benefits for pensioners under DBS.
The approval follows a formal request by PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, seeking an emergency budgetary allocation to implement pension reforms and welfare benefits for the scheme’s retirees.
The measures include a N32,000 pension increment, percentage increases for pensioners of defunct and privatised agencies, pension harmonisation for all DBS pensioners, enrolment into the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the settlement of long-standing unfunded pension liabilities.
In the statement on Tuesday, PTAD said the partial release of N820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance from the emergency funding has made it possible for pensioners to begin receiving the enhanced payments immediately.
The statement read, “Further to the President’s approval of the emergency budgetary allocation for the payment of the new pension increment rates for Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (DBS) that was earlier published by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate on Friday, 8th August, 2025, the Directorate is delighted to announce the commencement of the implementation of the 832,000, 10.66% and 12.95% pension increment for eligible pensioners under the management of PTAD, in the September 2025 pension payroll cycle.
“This achievement has been made possible through the partial release of 820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance, from the initial 845 billion emergency funding approval granted by the Federal Government.
“This milestone clearly reaffirms the Federal Government’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare and entitlements of DBS Pensioners in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The directorate thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the emergency allocation.
It also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Accountant-General of the Federation and key presidential aides and parliamentary committees for their “timely interventions” and support.
The statement also expressed appreciation to organised pension groups, including the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria, for their cooperation during negotiations and implementation planning.
“We further assure all our DBS Pensioners and Stakeholders that the Directorate will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities towards release of the outstanding approved funds and subsequent fulfilment of all future obligations relating to the pension increments and the landmark reforms,” the statement added.
The DBS covers pensioners who retired before the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2004, including those from defunct public institutions, privatised agencies, and treasury-funded parastatals.
In a statement signed by Management and posted on its X handle, PTAD said the increase package includes a fixed N32,000 payment alongside percentage increases of 10.66% and
12.95% for eligible categories, which will benefit about 832,000 pensioners under its management.
Recall that PTAD in August announced President Bola Tinubu approved a series of measures, including new welfare benefits for pensioners under DBS.
The approval follows a formal request by PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, seeking an emergency budgetary allocation to implement pension reforms and welfare benefits for the scheme’s retirees.
The measures include a N32,000 pension increment, percentage increases for pensioners of defunct and privatised agencies, pension harmonisation for all DBS pensioners, enrolment into the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the settlement of long-standing unfunded pension liabilities.
In the statement on Tuesday, PTAD said the partial release of N820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance from the emergency funding has made it possible for pensioners to begin receiving the enhanced payments immediately.
The statement read, “Further to the President’s approval of the emergency budgetary allocation for the payment of the new pension increment rates for Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (DBS) that was earlier published by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate on Friday, 8th August, 2025, the Directorate is delighted to announce the commencement of the implementation of the 832,000, 10.66% and 12.95% pension increment for eligible pensioners under the management of PTAD, in the September 2025 pension payroll cycle.
“This achievement has been made possible through the partial release of 820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance, from the initial 845 billion emergency funding approval granted by the Federal Government.
“This milestone clearly reaffirms the Federal Government’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare and entitlements of DBS Pensioners in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The directorate thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the emergency allocation.
It also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Accountant-General of the Federation and key presidential aides and parliamentary committees for their “timely interventions” and support.
The statement also expressed appreciation to organised pension groups, including the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria, for their cooperation during negotiations and implementation planning.
“We further assure all our DBS Pensioners and Stakeholders that the Directorate will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities towards release of the outstanding approved funds and subsequent fulfilment of all future obligations relating to the pension increments and the landmark reforms,” the statement added.
The DBS covers pensioners who retired before the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2004, including those from defunct public institutions, privatised agencies, and treasury-funded parastatals.
Over the years, many have faced irregular payments, delayed harmonisation, and inadequate healthcare access, challenges that the new reforms are expected to address. (Punch)
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has declared that Nigeria is moving in the right direction as President Bola Tinubu’s reforms are beginning to yield positive results.
The former Akwa Ibom State governor also dismissed claims that Nigeria is “finished” or irredeemable, insisting the country is on the right track under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Akpabio made the appeal in a congratulatory message to mark the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
The Federal Government had earlier declared Wednesday, October 1, a public holiday to commemorate the country’s independence from Britain in 1960.
However, in a late announcement on Monday, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation disclosed that the traditional Independence Day parade would no longer be held.
The statement read: “At 65, we are mature and should be working for the unity of the nation and prosperity of our people. We salute your resilience, patience and endurance in the last two years. We deeply appreciate your support and understanding.
“In line with the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘All hands are on deck for a greater Nigeria,’ I urge you to continue to bear the temporary discomfort of the ongoing reforms.
“We are not unaware of the pains occasioned by the reforms. But I want to assure you that very soon, this will be a thing of the past because the benefits of the reforms are beginning to manifest positively.”
Continuing, the Senate president urged Nigerians to endure the pains of the reforms for a little while longer in the interest of the future generations.
Akpabio also dismissed insinuations by critics of the current administration that the country has finished running its course.
“I must tell you that Nigeria is not finished. Do not buy into the mischievous narrative that Nigeria is irredeemable.
“We are on the right pedestal and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration is reshaping the country; we are growing and making progress.
“If we all join hands together to support the reforms, Nigeria will become better and surely get to the promised land,” he stated. (Punch)
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday attributed his absence at the coronation of the former Oyo State Governor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, to protocol arrangements.
Atiku gave the explanation when he, alongside prominent African Democratic Congress coalition leaders, paid Ladoja a visit at his private residence in Ibadan.
With Atiku were a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Iyorcha Ayu; ex-Governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), and other prominent ADC members.
The PUNCH reports that Ladoja was crowned last Friday in a grand ceremony attended by President Bola Tinubu and a host of dignitaries.
Atiku clarified that his absence was not deliberate, describing the new Olubadan as a statesman who had played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s political history.
“We are here to say congratulations to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja. We regretted that we didn’t attend the coronation. It was not intentional. Protocol arrangements did not allow us to come during the coronation, not that we didn’t want to come.”
“We know your roles and relationship with some of us. We are here to congratulate you.
Kindly accept our apologies for not making it to the coronation. We regret not attending the programme,”he added.
In his response, Oba Ladoja declared that he had left partisan politics behind, stressing that his new role demanded impartiality. He recalled his long association with Atiku and others during his political years but emphasised his focus on justice and fairness as monarch.
He said,”I’m not one of you again. I am the Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, I am for everybody now. I am no more one of you. I am not a politician anymore. Welcome to my house.
“Now that I am the Olubadan, I am no more interested in any other thing than the Olubadan. You are welcome to my house.
“We started from the Social Democratic Party, we were in exile together, we were in Peoples Democratic Party together. When I wanted to create identity, I went to Accord Party, which became a household name here. I know you politicians have a way of coming back.
“All the religious leaders, they said that the only thing the leaders can do is to promote justice and fairness. I will serve my people, Ibadan people, the state, Africa and the world at large. I will depend on your support and advice,” the monarch stressed. (Punch)
Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with an attempt to disrupt the announcement of results during the Student Union Government election at the Ebonyi State University.
The incident occurred while the election results were being announced, and the suspects allegedly fired gunshots to disperse the crowd.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, said this in a statement on Tuesday.
“Unfortunately, the bullet struck a student, who was immediately rushed to Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, for medical attention.
“The Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, CP Adaku Uche-Anya fdc assures members of the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace, law, and order across the state,” the statement read partly.
In July, several students sustained injuries when the Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, Students’ Union Government election degenerated into chaos.
A viral video seen by PUNCH Online showed students scaling the institution’s fence while gunshots rang out in the background.
Smoke was also visible at the venue, suggesting the use of tear gas. In addition, some youths were spotted wielding knives to scare away voters and disrupt the process. (Punch)
The Ebute Metta Chief Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday remanded the leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Shamsideen Oladiti aka Shameleon, at the correctional centre, pending the legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
PUNCH Metro reported that the Lagos State Police Command arrested Oladiti over allegations of assault and murder.
The 55-year-old man, according to a statement by the command’s Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, allegedly attacked a dispatch rider on Lagos Island, using a helmet and fists to inflict serious injuries.
The command’s deputy spokesman also explained that a separate complaint had earlier been lodged against the suspect over an incident on August 28, 2025.
He noted that during an altercation, Oladiti allegedly used a metallic ring to repeatedly strike another man on the head and face, leaving him with severe injuries.
Oluseyi said that despite medical care, the victim died on September 17, 2025, and his remains had since been deposited in the mortuary for autopsy.
The suspect had since been held at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba.
The police, however, arraigned him on a three-count charge, after which the court ordered his remand.
The case was also adjourned to October 28, and the case was ordered to be duplicated to the state Directorate of Public Prosecutions for advice.
It was gathered that the death of the deceased, identified as Imam Ramon, triggered protests at the suspect’s office in Sandgrouse Market, Lagos Island.
Sympathisers were also said to have set two of Adio’s motorcycles ablaze, heightening tension in the area.
The incident again brought to the fore the high-handedness of some NURTW officials in the country, as residents called on the government to curb their excesses. (Punch)
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the ARISE Television News Anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who died during an armed robbery attack at her residence in Katampe, Abuja, on Monday.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu described the late 29-year-old Maduagwu, fondly called “Sommie” by colleagues, as a fast-rising star in broadcast journalism.
The governor noted that the deceased discharged her duties diligently and passionately while on air.
He also commiserated with the deceased’s family, friends, colleagues, and the management and staff of ARISE News, especially the founder, Nduka Obaigbena, over the tragic loss.
The condolence message read in part, “On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, we commiserate with ARISE News over the death of one of its anchors, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu. She was a diligent and thorough professional.
“Her death was a big shock considering the circumstances, but we take solace in the Almighty God that she lived a fulfilled life and made positive impacts in the media industry.
“She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, associates, colleagues, and the entire ARISE News team. I pray that God will comfort everyone who was close to her and grant her eternal rest.
“My thoughts are with her immediate family and the Chairman of ARISE TV, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena. May God grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
Also, the Nigerian Guild of Editors has expressed sadness over the death of Maduagwu.
In a statement signed on Tuesday by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the guild described Somtochukwu’s death as a huge loss to journalism in Nigeria.
“By Somtochukwu’s untimely death, journalism has lost not just a good professional who was committed to shedding light on important issues and giving voice to the voiceless but also one who represented the future of journalism in the country,” the guild said.
The editors noted that the incident underscored the dangers posed by insecurity in the country.
“The loss of this dedicated journalist from an armed robbery incident is a stark reminder of the dangers Nigerians face daily in their homes and on the street. We cannot help but reflect on the issue of insecurity that plagues our nation. The increasing frequency of armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, insurgency and other violent crimes has created an environment of fear and uncertainty for both citizens and professionals like journalists,” the statement added.
The NGE called on the government to address insecurity and bring those behind the reporter’s death to justice.
“We demand action from the government to address the root causes of insecurity and take measures to ensure the safety and security of all citizens. We demand that those responsible for Somtochukwu’s death be fished out by security agencies and made to face the full weight of the law,” it said.
The guild also commiserated with Arise News and the journalist’s colleagues.
“At this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with Arise News and the broader journalism community. We pray that the memory of this talented young journalist who died at her prime inspires excellence in journalism, even in the face of adversity. May the memory of this vibrant journalist be a blessing to all who knew her.” (Punch)
English