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At 65, Nigeria on the right track — Akpabio

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)

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J.K. Rowling attacks “ignorant”Harry Potter star Emma Watson

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling on Monday condemned Emma Watson as “ignorant” over her transgender rights views, in a stinging riposte to the former child star.

In a long post on X, the writer expressed her irritation that Watson, 35, and Daniel Radcliffe, 36 — who starred in the film adaptations of Rowling’s best-selling books — “continue to assume the role of de facto spokespeople for the world I created”.

Radcliffe, who played boy wizard Potter, and Watson, who played his friend Hermione Granger, have both taken issue with Rowling’s stance on gender issues.

But Rowling, who has not previously been so outspoken about Watson, suggested that the star’s privilege meant she was unable to properly grasp the issues at stake.

“I wasn’t a multimillionaire at 14. I lived in poverty while writing the book that made Emma famous,” she said. “I therefore understand from my own life experience what the trashing of women’s rights in which Emma has so enthusiastically participated means to women and girls without her privileges.”

Rowling has long been at the forefront of the debate about gender identity and has previously denounced trans activism, leading to accusations of transphobia.

She has defended herself saying her concern was the impact it has on women’s rights and single-sex spaces for women.

Rowling, 60, also revealed her annoyance at receiving a one-line note from Watson in 2022.

Following an awards ceremony at which Watson publicly made a dig at Rowling she sent her a message saying “I’m so sorry for what you’re going through”.

“This was back when the death, rape and torture threats against me were at their peak, at a time when my personal security measures had to be tightened considerably and I was constantly worried for my family’s safety,” the author said.

“Emma had just publicly poured more petrol on the flames, yet thought a one line expression of concern from her would reassure me of her fundamental sympathy and kindness,” she said.

Rowling also hinted she had only decided to be “this honest” about the “Beauty and the Beast” and “Little Women” actress now because of comments last week in which Watson announced that she still loved and treasured the author.

This was “a change of tack I suspect she’s adopted because she’s noticed full-throated condemnation of me is no longer quite as fashionable as it was,” Rowling said.

“Adults can’t expect to cosy up to an activist movement that regularly calls for a friend’s assassination, then assert their right to the former friend’s love.

“Emma is rightly free to disagree with me and indeed to discuss her feelings about me in public — but I have the same right, and I’ve finally decided to exercise it,” she said. (JapanToday)

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Protocol arrangement kept me from Olubadan coronation – Atiku

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)

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Liverpool lose to Galatasaray in Champions League; Chelsea beats Benfica

A Victor Osimhen penalty gave Galatasaray victory over Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday, while Chelsea edged out Jose Mourinho’s Benfica and Kylian Mbappe hit a hat-trick for Real Madrid in Kazakhstan.

Elsewhere in the second round of matches in the league phase of Europe’s elite club competition, Tottenham battled back to draw with Bodo/Glimt as Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Marseille and Inter Milan recorded big wins.

In Istanbul, Osimhen beat Alisson Becker from the spot in the 16th minute, giving Galatasaray a 1-0 win and condemning Liverpool to a second straight loss after their defeat by Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

The English champions thought they had a chance to equalise late on when Ibrahima Konate went down and a penalty was given, but the referee overturned his decision on review.

Liverpool, who finished first in the league phase last season, also saw Alisson go off injured in the second half before the introductions off the bench of Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak failed to have the desired impact.

“The margins were very small last season but then we were a lot of times on the right side of the score,” coach Arne Slot said.

“Today again the margins were really small, but for the second time in a row on the wrong side.”

Liverpool will now hope to bounce back on Saturday away to Chelsea, who themselves got back to winning ways with a 1-0 success against Benfica as the Portuguese giants’ new coach Mourinho came back to Stamford Bridge.

Richard Rios turned an Alejandro Garnacho cross into his own net for the only goal of the game in the 18th minute, with Benfica unable to recover as Mourinho returned to face the club he coached over two separate spells.

Chelsea had substitute Joao Pedro sent off in stoppage time but Enzo Maresca’s side were delighted to get the win after losing their opening European game of the campaign at Bayern.

“A defeat is always a defeat but this one can be a start for us. It was a stable performance,” Mourinho said of his team.

Spurs escaped Norway with a point in a 2-2 draw with Bodo/Glimt in a game played north of the Arctic Circle.

Kasper Hogh missed a penalty for the hosts before a brilliant second-half brace from Jens Petter Hauge had them two goals in front.

However, Micky van de Ven pulled one back on 68 minutes for last season’s Europa League winners, and Spurs then got a lucky 89th-minute equalizer when a Nikita Haikin save smashed into the stomach of Jostein Gundersen from close range and trickled over the line.

Record 15-time European champions Real made the long trip east to face Kairat Almaty and ran out 5-0 winners.

Mbappe opened the scoring from a first-half penalty and made it 2-0 soon after the break before firing in from the edge of the area to complete his hat-trick on 73 minutes, making it 60 career Champions League goals.

The Frenchman has now scored 13 goals in nine games in all competitions this season for Real, who also saw Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Diaz net towards the end.

Bayern also scored five, with Harry Kane netting twice in the first half in a 5-1 win away to Pafos in Cyprus. The England star now has 17 goals in nine games in all competitions this season for his club.

Raphael Guerreiro, Nicolas Jackson and Michael Olise also found the net for Bayern, while Mislav Orsic scored for the hosts.

“I’m going into games with confidence, knowing I’ll get my chances. Scored a couple more goals today, I’m happy with that,” Kane said.

Atletico followed a 5-2 win over Real in the Madrid derby last weekend by thumping Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1.

Giacomo Raspadori, Robin Le Normand, Antoine Griezmann and Giuliano Simeone netted for Atletico before Julian Alvarez scored a late penalty. Griezmann’s goal was his 200th for the club. Jonathan Burkardt pulled one back for Eintracht.

Igor Paixao netted twice in the opening 12 minutes as Marseille hammered Ajax 4-0. Mason Greenwood and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were also on target.

Lautaro Martinez got a brace either side of a Denzel Dumfries goal as last season’s runners-up Inter eased to a 3-0 win over Slavia Prague at San Siro.

Mario Pasalic scored a late winner as Atalanta beat Club Brugge 2-1, after a Lazar Samardzic penalty had cancelled out a Christos Tzolis opener for the Belgians. (JapanToday)

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One shot, three arrested over Ebonyi varsity SUG election

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)

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Lagos court remands NURTW leader for suspected murder

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)

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Sanwo-Olu, NGE mourn Arise TV anchor

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)

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Scientists turn human skin cells into eggs

Scientists said Wednesday they have turned human skin cells into eggs and fertilised them with sperm in the lab for the first time – a breakthrough that is hoped to one day let infertile people have children.

The technology is still years away from potentially becoming available to aspiring parents, the US-led team of scientists warned.

But outside experts said the proof-of-concept research could eventually change the meaning of infertility, which affects one in six people worldwide.

If successful, the technology called in-vitro gametogenesis would allow older women or women who lack eggs for other reasons to genetically reproduce, Paula Amato, the co-author of a new study announcing the achievement, told AFP.

“It also would allow same-sex couples to have a child genetically related to both partners,” said Amato, a researcher at the Oregon Health & Science University in the United States.

Scientists have been making significant advances in this field in recent years, with Japanese researchers announcing in July that they had created mice with two biological fathers.

But the new study, published in the journal Nature Communications, marks a major advance by using DNA from humans, rather than mice.

The scientists first removed the nucleus from normal skin cells and transferred them into a donor egg, which had its nucleus removed. This technique, called somatic cell nuclear transfer, was used to clone Dolly the sheep in 1996.

However, a problem still had to be overcome: skin cells have 46 chromosomes, but eggs have 23.

The scientists managed to remove these extra chromosomes using a process they are calling “mitomeiosis”, which mimics how cells normally divide.

They created 82 developing eggs called oocytes, which were then fertilised by sperm via in vitro fertilisation.

After six days, less than nine per cent of the embryos developed to the point that they could hypothetically be transferred to the uterus for a standard IVF process.

However, the embryos displayed a range of abnormalities, and the experiment was ended.

While the nine per cent rate was low, the researchers noted that during natural reproduction, only around a third of embryos make it to the IVF-ready “blastocyst” stage.

Amato estimated the technology was at least a decade away from becoming widely available.

“The biggest hurdle is trying to achieve genetically normal eggs with the correct number and complement of chromosomes,” she said.

Ying Cheong, a reproductive medicine researcher at the UK’s University of Southampton, hailed the “exciting” breakthrough.

“For the first time, scientists have shown that DNA from ordinary body cells can be placed into an egg, activated, and made to halve its chromosomes, mimicking the special steps that normally create eggs and sperm,” she said.

“While this is still very early laboratory work, in the future it could transform how we understand infertility and miscarriage, and perhaps one day open the door to creating egg- or sperm-like cells for those who have no other options.”

Other researchers trying to create eggs in the lab are using a different technique. It involves reprogramming skin cells into what are called induced pluripotent stem cells — which have the potential to develop into any cell in the body — then turning those into eggs.

“It’s too early to tell which method will be more successful,” Amato said. “Either way, we are still many years away.”

The researchers followed existing US ethical guidelines regulating the use of embryos, the study said. (Punch)

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FG cancels Independence Day parade

The Federal Government has announced the cancellation of the parade earlier scheduled to celebrate the country’s 65th independence anniversary on October 1.

This was announced in a statement on Monday by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary of the Federation (OSGF), Segun Imohiosen.

According to the statement, the Federal Government apologised for the inconvenience caused by the cancellation.

“The cancellation is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary, and the government remains committed to celebrating Nigeria’s 65th year of independence with dignity and enthusiasm,” the statement reads.

“Accordingly, all other programmes slated for the Independence Anniversary will remain in effect.

“The Federal Government appreciates the understanding, support and cooperation of all Nigerians, members of the diplomatic community, and invited guests, and urges Nigerians to support the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in making Nigeria a greater nation.”

Independence Anniversary parade is one of the activities lined up for the celebration tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation.”

This comes after the government declared Wednesday as public holiday to mark the nation’s 65th independence anniversary. (Channels)

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Ryder Cup MC steps down over foul-mouthed chant aimed at golfer Rory McIlroy

A Ryder Cup emcee has stepped down after heckling and cursing were aimed at golf players during the championship game over the weekend, the PGA of America said on Sunday.

Actress and comedian Heather McMahan, who hosted the first tee at Bethpage Black Golf Course on Long Island, N.Y., was heard on videos posted to social media chanting expletives against golfer Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland.

“F*** you, Rory,” McMahan could be heard saying into the microphone, before some in the crowd recited the jeer.

McMahan has apologized to Mcllroy and the Ryder Cup Europe team, according to PGA of America. NPR reached out to representatives for McMahan for comment on Sunday.

Some of the golf at this year’s Ryder Cup has been overshadowed by interventions from passionate and unruly fans, as Americans tee off against Europeans in one of the sport’s biggest events.

McIlroy has faced the brunt of the insults from spectators, who also jeered and yelled at his wife throughout the weekend. At one point, McIlroy was seen pushing back against jeering by telling unruly spectators to “shut the f*** up” in videos posted on social media and live television. He later also refused to putt until the jeering stopped.

“I don’t mind them having a go at us, that’s to be expected, that’s what an away Ryder Cup is,” McIlroy said on Saturday, according to BBC Sport. “Whenever they are still doing it while you are over the ball and trying to hit your shot, that’s the tough thing. You know, look, in between shots, say whatever you want to me. That’s totally fine. But just give us the respect to let us hit shots. Give us the same chance that the Americans have.”

Two spectators were ejected from the Ryder Cup on Saturday after a verbal altercation, according to Beau Duffy, a spokesperson for New York State Police, in a statement to NPR on Sunday.

“Yesterday, additional State Troopers were placed along the course for player and public safety. Additional adjustments will be made today as needed,” Duffy also said.

A Westbury, N.Y., man was also charged with two misdemeanors for stealing a golf cart used for the event — unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and criminal possession of stolen property, according to Duffy.

Luke Donald, captain of Team Europe at the Ryder Cup, said behavior by some fans had “crossed the line,” during a press conference on Saturday.

“It was loud. It was raucous, you know. What I consider crossing line is personal insults and you know making sounds, you know, when they’re trying to hit on their back swings or you know, very close to when they’re trying to go into their routines,” Donald said. “That did happen a little bit. It’s happened to other Ryder Cups, too … something we prepared for and I can see, you know, I think how well they’ve dealt with it.”

Keegan Bradley, captain of Team USA, defended fans during the press conference.

“I thought the fans were passionate. I mean, their home team is getting beat bad,” Bradley said. “The fans of New York have — all I’ve seen, have been pretty good. You’re always going to have a few people that cross the line and that’s unfortunate. I really was happy to see our players trying to quiet down some people that were like that. But, you know, part of it is our fault. You know, we’re not playing up to the standards that they want to see, and they’re angry, and they should be.”

On Sunday, jeers and screaming continued to be hurled against McIlroy, even as he putted the ball in a match against Scottie Scheffler.

Europe defeated the U.S. in the Ryder Cup 15-13 Sunday evening. (NPR)