Meet Nigerian Twins Who Defied the Odds to Secure NNPC Jobs

  Identical Nigerian twins, Hussaini and Hassan Malami, have been employed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited as members of the NNPC Tigers Class of 2026, overcoming an initial setback after one of them was reluctant to apply due to a misunderstanding about the company’s recruitment process. The account was contained in a profile by Senior Communications Advisor, NNPC Limited, Adaobi Oniwinde, on Monday. Hussaini, who had always aspired to work with NNPC, applied when recruitment opened and encouraged his twin brother, Hassan, to do the same. Hassan, however, was initially reluctant, believing that NNPC recruited only one person from a family and not wanting to jeopardise his brother’s chances. He was also more interested in joining the Nigerian Air Force and already had a job in the banking sector. According to the profile, Hassan eventually applied after persistent encouragement from Hussaini and as the application deadline approached. The twins subsequently took the computer-based recruitment test on the same day but in different locations, with Hussaini sitting for his in Sokoto and Hassan in Kaduna. Following a recruitment process that included interviews, both brothers received employment letters on the same day. Hussaini said he discovered the employment offer after midnight and was eager to share the news with his family. “I opened the email after midnight and wanted to wake everybody up to tell them,” he said. Hassan said he learnt about his successful application through the family WhatsApp group when he woke up. “That’s when the pressure hit me. I was now nervous about the possibility of not being successful once Hussaini shared his news,” he said. Both brothers eventually secured positions at NNPC, with Hussaini joining NNPC Exploration & Production Limited and Hassan joining NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company. For Hassan, his new role has exposed him to aspects of Nigeria’s gas industry that were previously unfamiliar to him. “I didn’t know there was a whole business dedicated to transporting gas,” he said. “Now I’ve seen how gas powers plants and manufacturing companies. Hearing that gas is the future is one thing. Seeing how it is happening is another.” Although Hassan had initially preferred a career in the military, he now considers his work in the energy sector another form of national service. He said he still hoped to explore military service before reaching the age limit in 2030. For Hussaini, his employment at NNPC has reinforced his interest in contributing to the development of the country’s energy sector. He also expressed interest in becoming a guest lecturer at hisyou university in the future, saying he hoped to share practical industry experience with students. “When I was in university, I only had one lecturer with field experience,” he said. “I want to share practical experience with students someday.” The twins identified different NNPC culture and transformation pillars that best reflected their approaches to work. Meet Nigerian Twins Who Defied the Odds to Secure NNPC Jobs Hussaini chose Enterprise First, saying, “Giving your best to the company is giving your best to the country.” Hassan, a civil engineer, identified Execution Excellence, explaining, “I’m a civil engineer. I like seeing things come to life from concept to completion.” The brothers also urged young Nigerians interested in joining NNPC to disregard rumours about the recruitment process and apply when opportunities arise. “You don’t need to know anybody at NNPC. Apply. Take the test and earn your place,” they said.

2Baba, Annie Idibia Follow Each Other Again Amid Reconciliation Speculation

  Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, and his estranged wife, Annie Idibia, have reignited reconciliation speculation after the pair followed each other again on Instagram. The former couple, who had previously unfollowed each other on the social media platform, are now following each other again. The development has generated speculation among fans, with some interpreting the renewed Instagram connection as a possible sign that the estranged couple may be rebuilding their relationship. Annie has also reverted to the Instagram name she recently changed from Annie Idibia to Annie Macaulay, further fuelling fans’ curiosity. However, neither 2Baba nor Annie has publicly confirmed that they are reconciling or taking steps to revive their marriage. The renewed social media connection comes more than a year after 2Baba publicly announced that he and Annie had separated and were filing for divorce. In January 2025, the singer announced on Instagram that he and Annie had been separated for some time and were “currently filing for divorce”. The announcement generated widespread reactions, particularly because of the couple’s long and often turbulent relationship. Although the post was initially deleted amid claims that his account had been hacked, 2Baba later confirmed that he was responsible for the announcement. The couple’s relationship dates back to the early years of 2Baba’s music career. Annie featured in the video for his hit song, African Queen, and the pair eventually got married in 2013. Their wedding was held in two ceremonies, with the traditional wedding taking place in Akwa Ibom State and the white wedding held in Dubai. The marriage, however, was repeatedly hit by public controversies, particularly over 2Baba’s relationships with other women and his children from previous relationships. In 2021, the couple’s marital crisis became a major subject of public discussion after Annie accused 2Baba of travelling to the United States to spend time with Pero Adeniyi, the mother of some of his children. The controversy triggered a series of public accusations involving members of both families. Despite the repeated challenges, the couple continued their relationship and renewed their vows in 2023 to mark their 10th wedding anniversary. However, their marriage eventually suffered another major setback, leading to 2Baba’s separation announcement in January 2025. The singer later moved on and married Edo State lawmaker, Natasha Osawaru. Since the separation, both 2Baba and Annie have occasionally been at the centre of speculation about their relationship. The latest development, however, is the renewed Instagram connection between the estranged couple. While following each other again does not necessarily confirm a reconciliation, the move has nevertheless revived discussions about the possibility of the former couple making peace after years of marital crisis.

Ex – Thai Lawmaker Kills Local Official in Dispute Over Finances

A former Thai lawmaker allegedly shot and killed a local government official in broad daylight on Monday following a financial dispute, before being arrested and later confessing to journalists at a police station. The attack took place outside a government building in Nonthaburi province, north of Bangkok, just days after a school shooting in the same region that raised questions over gun control in Thailand. Flanked by police officers following his arrest, former MP Chalong Riewrang told reporters he had tried to talk to local official Thongchai Yenprasert about money. “I followed him to his car and hit his car’s window, saying I want to talk. He said he will not talk, so I pulled my gun,” Chalong admitted, handcuff-free and smoking a cigarette. “I did not aim to shoot, but his driver pulled a gun and pointed it at me so I fired.” Thongchai, who was chairman of the Nonthaburi local government administration, later died of his wounds, according to a hospital director, Sakon Sukprom. He was hit in the neck and lost a lot of blood, the director said. Thongchai’s driver was also shot, wounded in his right arm, but he successfully underwent surgery, Sakon said. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters that no one in Thailand except on-duty officials was legally allowed to carry a gun in public, noting the last gun-carry licences were issued three years ago and were only valid for one year. Anutin said authorities will pursue “full legal action” against Chalong, a former member of the prime minister’s party. “No matter who he is, he is now a murderer,” Anutin said. – Private issue – Chalong had confessed to being the sole shooter during the incident, but “both sides had guns”, regional police commander Wattana Yeechin told reporters earlier. A firearm was found in Thongchai’s vehicle but had not been used, while CCTV footage showed only Chalong firing his weapon from close range, he added. Wattana said the dispute was over several million baht (tens of thousands of dollars). “It was a private issue. According to his confession, it was about money that the… chairman borrowed from him for several years, and he asked for the return of the money several times,” he said. Nonthaburi governor Chestha Mosikarat earlier told reporters the suspect and victim were “friends for a long time” and the incident likely stemmed from a misunderstanding. Thailand has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in the region, with around 10 million firearms estimated to be in circulation — roughly one for every seven inhabitants. On Friday, a 14-year-old boy shot dead the grandparents who raised him in Nonthaburi before killing six others at his school and then turning the gun on himself. Officials have since promised stricter gun laws, but previous pledges have failed to prevent repeated shootings. AFP

“I Now Have Three Wives,” Says Kano Mass Wedding Beneficiary

  Dantani Aruba, a beneficiary of the Kano State Government’s mass wedding initiative, has expressed delight after marrying another wife through the programme. Aruba, who spoke during the mass wedding ceremony on Saturday, said the initiative had allowed him to expand his family without bearing the financial burden usually associated with marriage. In a now-trending video recorded by NewsCentralTV on Monday, he said, “I just married another wife, and I am happy that I have married another one. My wives are now three.” Aruba was among the beneficiaries who tied the knot at the mass wedding organised by the Kano State Government as part of its intervention to assist people who may be unable to afford the cost of marriage. The PUNCH reports that the state government under the leadership of Governor Yusuf Abba sponsored the wedding of 1,500 couples at a cost of N1.5bn. The programme, coordinated by the Kano State Hisbah Board, targets people from low-income backgrounds, including widows, widowers, divorcees, spinsters and bachelors. The government had earlier said the funds would cover dowry, empowerment support and household items for the beneficiaries. According to the state government, each couple is entitled to support including dowry, furniture, food items and other materials to help them establish their homes. The programme, popularly known as Auren Gata, was introduced in Kano in 2012 by the then Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, when 100 couples, mainly widows and divorcees, were married at the palace. The initiative has continued under successive administrations, with the number of beneficiaries increasing over the years in response to growing demand. The 2026 edition also accommodated beneficiaries in polygamous marriages, in line with Islamic practice.

FULL LIST: Funke Akindele Reveals Star-Studded Cast for New Movie ‘The Four’

  Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has announced the star-studded cast of her latest film, The Four, ahead of its global cinema release on December 11, 2026. The film, titled The Four: No One Fights Alone, brings together some of Nollywood’s biggest names, alongside music and entertainment personalities. The cast includes Akindele herself, Waje, Chioma Akpotha, Bisola Aiyeola, John Ekanem, Wunmi Toriola, Lateef Adedimeji, Ireoluwa Olaniyan, Ali Nuhu, Omotunde Adebowale David, known as Lolo1,, Mide Iwasokun, Kolapo Omotosho, Shoday, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Timini Egbuson, Uzor Arukwe and Ogbolor. The film also features Ronke Oshodi Oke, Antar Laniyan and entertainment personalities Samuel Banks and Ayomide Iwasokun. Set between the picturesque Odu Community and the vibrant city, the film follows Esosa and three fiercely loyal women whose determination to fight for the future of a young man they love puts their courage, faith and loyalty to the test. The film explores themes of hope, sacrifice and unity while incorporating music, fashion, language and tradition to showcase Nigeria’s cultural identity. Akindele, who serves as the film’s writer, director and producer, said the movie would explore relationships and experiences that audiences could identify with. Speaking in an interview with BellaNaija uploaded on Monday, she said, “Audiences have grown with us over the years, and they expect stories that entertain while reflecting who we are.” She added, “With The Four, we are exploring the relationships that shape us, challenge us and stay with us. I think audiences will find a part of themselves in this story.” The movie marks another major theatrical project for Akindele, who has established herself as one of Nigeria’s leading filmmakers and box-office forces. She has directed and produced commercially successful films including Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Battle on Buka Street, A Tribe Called Judah, Everybody Loves Jenifa and Behind The Scenes. Her films have repeatedly broken Nigerian box-office records, strengthening her reputation as one of Africa’s most influential filmmakers. The Four: No One Fights Alone is scheduled for a global cinema release on December 11, 2026, with FilmOne handling its theatrical distribution.

Fire Razes House in Kwara as Arson Suspected

  Arson is suspected to be behind a fire outbreak that destroyed a room in a three-bedroom apartment in Iluteju Community, Irewolede area of Ilorin, Kwara State, on Saturday. The fire, which occurred around 1:07pm at C76, Iluteju Community, was quickly contained by personnel of the Kwara State Fire Service, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the building. The agency confirmed this in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Hassan Adekunle, a copy of which was made available to The PUNCH in Ilorin. According to Hassan, the suspicion of arson followed information gathered from sympathisers and community members who were at the scene of the incident. “According to information gathered from sympathisers and members of the community at the scene, the fire was suspected to have been deliberately set,” he said. The spokesperson added that the room affected by the fire was the only one in the building furnished with furniture, while the other rooms had been emptied of their contents. “According to information gathered from sympathisers and members of the community at the scene, the fire was suspected to have been deliberately set,” he said. The spokesperson added that the room affected by the fire was the only one in the building furnished with furniture, while the other rooms had been emptied of their contents. He also said the building had already been disconnected from electricity, ruling out power supply as an immediate source of ignition. Hassan, however, noted that the cause of the fire remained subject to further investigation by the appropriate authorities. “The affected building had already been disconnected from the power supply, further ruling out electricity as an immediate source of ignition, subject to further investigation by the appropriate authorities,” he stated. The Fire Service urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities that could lead to fire outbreaks or endanger lives and property. The Chief Fire Officer, Muhammed Alabi, commended the firefighters for their prompt response and urged residents to continue providing accurate and timely information to the service during emergencies.

BREAKING: Lionel Messi’s Father, Jorge, Dies at 68

  Jorge Messi, the father and longtime representative of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68, according to MARCA, which cited Argentine news outlet Infobae. An independent check by PUNCH Online on Infobae and multiple other media sources disclosed that Jorge died at about 10 pm on Friday at a sanatorium in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness. Jorge, who was married to Celia Cuccittini and had four children, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias, and Maria Sol, played a major role in his son’s rise from a young player at Newell’s Old Boys to one of football’s biggest stars. He was particularly instrumental in securing medical treatment for Lionel when the youngster required growth hormone therapy. After efforts to secure the treatment in Argentina proved unsuccessful, Jorge helped arrange his son’s move to Barcelona at the age of 13. He later stayed with Lionel in Spain during the early and difficult stages of his European adventure while the rest of the family remained in Rosario. Recalling that period in a 2007 interview, Lionel said his father had asked whether he wanted to continue pursuing his dream in Spain or return home. “My old man was always by my side. We lived through many bad moments,” Messi recalled. He added, “My old man asked me, what do you want to do, do you want to continue or shall we go back? I wanted to continue and he stayed with me.” That decision became a defining moment in the footballer’s career as Messi went on to establish himself at Barcelona and eventually become one of the most decorated players in football history. Jorge also became a key figure in managing his son’s affairs away from the pitch, including negotiations with major global brands. Despite his prominent role in Messi’s career, Jorge largely avoided the spotlight and gave only a handful of interviews over the years. In one of those interviews, he delivered an emotional message to his son as Lionel was beginning to emerge as a global football star. “You know very well that we have gone through many good and not-so-good moments,” Jorge said. He added that those difficult experiences had helped strengthen the family and told his son that, beyond being a great footballer, he believed Lionel was “an excellent person”. Jorge’s health had attracted attention during the 2026 World Cup after Lionel became emotional following Argentina’s opening match. After scoring a hat-trick, Messi was asked about his reaction and said, “It is for a reason completely unrelated to sport. I had some difficult, complicated days.” Asked later about the family situation, Messi said, “The truth is, more than anything, because of the family.” The Messi family subsequently said Jorge was “under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favourably within the condition he presents”. Jorge was trained as a chemical technician and began working at Acindar, an Argentine steel company, in the 1980s, eventually becoming a manager. He had also pursued football as a youngster, playing as a midfielder in Newell’s youth system before leaving the sport after being called up for military service. His death marks the loss of a figure who remained largely behind the scenes but was central to the development and management of Lionel Messi’s extraordinary career.

Thailand Shooting: Teen Kills Grandparents, Five Staff

  At least seven people have been killed in a shooting spree allegedly carried out by a 14-year-old boy in Thailand, according to a Reuters report on Friday. Among the victims were his grandparents and five other staff, including teachers of the Debsirin Nonthaburi School, on the northwestern outskirts of the capital city, Bangkok. The gunman fired at least 26 bullets using a gun that belonged to his grandfather, while an additional 34 rounds were found, the report stated. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters, “This is terrible for something like this to happen. I’m sad for those who died and sad for something like this to happen in our country.” The bodies of his grandparents were discovered by the police in their home, as Charnvirakul noted that the gunman had suffered from stress related to his studies. One of the students in the school, an 18-year-old, with names undisclosed, had presumed that the sound was from firecrackers, saying, “I didn’t think it was a gun at first. There ​were many shots: bang, bang, bang. Then it went quiet. Then it started again.” According to the report, Friday’s incident is the latest in a succession of mass shootings in recent years in ⁠Thailand, which has by far the largest number of guns in civilian possession in Southeast Asia, estimated at 40%. It added that this is the second school shooting in Thailand this year after a teacher died and a student was injured in February. An emergency worker, Kiatikhun Verapongpradith, 47, narrated that the gunman shot himself in the head. “We rushed up and found that the perpetrator had shot himself in the right side of the head and collapsed. When we got up there, we checked his pulse, he still had one, so we started CPR,” he said, adding that upon arriving at the school, his team treated ⁠students with injuries in the back, chest and arms. They found a teacher dead on an upper floor of the school, and in another room a female teacher with chest and arm wounds. In another narration, a female seventh grader, still dressed n school uniform, with her mother beside her, told the BBC how she managed to escape the shooting. She added that the gunman came in close contact with one of the teachers while they were discussing. “She was talking to me when [the gunman] showed up and shot her. I couldn’t see anything but a [cloud] of dust. I had to climb over the school fence to escape with other friends,” she said. Under the country’s laws, the illegal possession of arms attracts imprisonment of up to 10 years, Reuters said. However, the police hasn’t reported that the firearm used by the boy, which belonged to his grandfather, is illegal. In the 2025 academic year, the school had an enrolment of ​about 3,100 students and 147 teachers, according to ​district authorities.

“I’ll Be Back Stronger” — Broda Shaggi Breaks Silence

  Popular Nigerian skit maker and actor Samuel Perry, popularly known as Broda Shaggi, has spoken out after months away from the public eye, expressing gratitude to his fans for their continued support and loyalty throughout his absence. Shaggi, who has largely stayed away from social engagements, public appearances and shows in recent months, said he had been unable to connect with his fans in the way he wanted. In an emotional message shared on his WhatsApp channel on Friday, the comedian thanked those who continued to check on him and support him despite his prolonged absence. He said their patience and loyalty had meant more to him than he could express. “To everyone who’s still here… waiting, checking in, showing love, and holding me down even through the silence, thank you. I don’t think y’all truly understand how much that means to me. “Even when I haven’t been able to show up the way I wanted to, knowing that y’all are still here has meant more than I can put into words,” he wrote. The skit maker, however, did not disclose the reason for his absence, saying he was not yet ready to tell his full story. He hinted that he would eventually open up about what he had been going through and expressed hope that he would soon return to doing what he is known for. “I wish I could tell y’all everything right now… but I can’t. Not yet. “Just know I haven’t forgotten about you, and I haven’t stopped thinking about the day I can finally come back and really be ME with y’all again. I’m hoping that day comes soon,” he said. Shaggi also promised his fans that his eventual return would be stronger, while acknowledging the time he had spent away from the scene. “And when it does, I promise I’m coming back better, stronger, and ready to make up for all this lost time,” he added. “Until then, please know this from the bottom of my heart. I LOOOOOOOOR Y’ALL SOOOO MUCH. Thank you for staying. Thank you for being patient with me. Thank you for still being here,” Shaggi said. The message comes months after reports surrounding an alleged shooting incident involving the comedian sparked concern among his fans. PUNCH Online had reported that the Ogun State Police Command commenced an investigation into reports that Shaggi had sustained a gunshot injury while filming a comedy skit around the Sango-Ota area of Ogun State. The reported incident was said to have occurred on a Sunday afternoon while the comedian and his crew were filming under the Sango-Ota bridge. However, the circumstances surrounding the reported incident remained unclear, while the Ogun State Police Command said it could not confirm that the incident occurred within the state. In a statement issued at the time, the command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information. “For the sake of clarity, the command cannot confirm that Broda Shaggy was shot anywhere within Ogun State. Investigation into the matter has, however, commenced,” he said. “Members of the public are kindly advised to refrain from spreading unverified information and allow the investigation to run its course.” The Lagos State Police Command had also said detectives were alerted by a hospital about a gunshot victim receiving treatment at the facility. According to the command, officers who visited the hospital discovered that the victim was Shaggi. The command said he had an injury to his thigh, but noted that the reported location of the incident, Sango-Ota, was outside its jurisdiction. At the time, a source told PUNCH Online that Shaggi had initially been taken to a hospital in the Alakuko area of Lagos before being referred to another facility in Ikeja. However, reports surrounding the incident were later questioned on social media, while no detailed account of what happened was publicly provided by Shaggi himself or his management. His prolonged absence from public events, comedy shows and his usual online activities subsequently became a source of concern among fans, who continued to ask about his whereabouts and wellbeing. Shaggi’s latest message is his most significant public communication in months, although he stopped short of explaining what had kept him away. The comedian instead focused on thanking his supporters and assuring them that he had not forgotten them. Known for his distinctive comic character, energetic skits and appearances in Nigerian entertainment productions, Shaggi rose to prominence through social media comedy and has built a large following across various platforms. For now, his fans are left waiting for the full story he promised to share, and, perhaps, his return to the comedy scene.

Accord Presidential Candidate Explains Why Tinubu Will Win in 2027

  Prof. Christopher Imumolen, the presidential candidate and National Chairman of a faction of the Accord Party, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu is on course to win the 2027 presidential election, citing his administration’s reforms, leadership style and increasing support across the country. Imumolen stated this at a news conference in Lagos on Friday, where he formally announced his withdrawal from the 2027 presidential race and endorsed Tinubu for a second term. He said the decision followed extensive consultations with the party’s leadership and members. Imumolen said that national interest should always take precedence over personal ambition and partisan considerations. According to him, Tinubu’s re-election is inevitable because Nigerians are beginning to appreciate the long-term benefits of the administration’s reform agenda despite prevailing economic challenges. “Tinubu will win because of his people-oriented programmes and the massive support he has received from different parts of the country. “There is focus. Let us forget about the challenges of inflation and security. There must be progress. “If another person comes in 2027, he will have to start all over again. “There must be continuity. He has identified the challenges, and we need to move from where we are to the next phase. That is why we are supporting him, and he will win. My support is total,” Imumolen said. He said the President’s reform agenda closely aligned with his own manifesto, especially in economic transformation, education, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, industrialisation and national development. Imumolen said the party endorsed him for ten reasons, after reviewing the administration’s performance and Nigeria’s future development needs. He said the first three reasons were Tinubu’s courage in implementing difficult economic reforms, demonstrated leadership capacity and commitment to progressive governance through continuity of development projects. According to him, the fourth, fifth and sixth reasons were deliberate youth empowerment, bridging generational leadership and appointing competent individuals into strategic public offices. He said the seventh, eighth and ninth reasons were placing national interest above personal ambition, ensuring policy continuity, political stability and sustained reforms, and demonstrating transparency through the party’s early endorsement. Imumolen said the tenth reason was the party’s conviction that collaboration in the national interest would strengthen democracy and accelerate national development. “Over the last four years, I was one of those who criticised the President. However, I have also witnessed his leadership style and the progress his administration has made,” he said. He said no opposition presidential candidate, including those of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and National Democratic Congress (NDC), possessed a stronger prospect than Tinubu. Imumolen commended the administration for appointing young Nigerians into strategic positions, saying the President had demonstrated confidence in the country’s younger generation. According to him, the appointments have created opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to governance and national development. “I believe President Bola Tinubu is uniquely positioned to provide a seamless transition between Nigeria’s founding democratic leadership and the emerging generation of transformational leaders,” he said. Imumolen reiterated that his political aspiration had always been driven by service to Nigeria rather than the pursuit of public office. “My aspiration has always been to serve Nigeria and not merely to occupy political office. “Whenever the national interest is better served through unity and strategic collaboration, I will always choose Nigeria above personal interest,” he said. He said continuity in governance remained essential for attracting investment, creating jobs, strengthening institutions and sustaining ongoing reforms across the country. “These are some of the reasons our party has collectively resolved to stand behind President Tinubu in the forthcoming election. “There is no hidden agenda. Our only objective is to support what we believe is good for Nigeria and secure a better future for ourselves and our children,” he said. Imumolen said the party announced its endorsement ahead of the election to demonstrate openness and provide clarity to its members and supporters. He dismissed claims that the endorsement resulted from weak political structures, insisting the decision was based entirely on performance and national interest. “Our party evaluates leaders based on their performance. We have assessed Mr President’s record and believe supporting him is in the national interest,” he said. Imumolen explained that the party deliberately declined to field a presidential candidate because it believed continuity would consolidate the reforms initiated by the Tinubu administration. He assured supporters that the presidential endorsement would not affect Accord Party’s participation in governorship, legislative and other elections across the country. (NAN)