Mindless Act of Violence, Obi Condemns Killing of 12 in Kwara

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Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed sorrow over the deadly attack on Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State that left some vigilantes and a community leader dead. The Kwara State Police Command confirmed that at least 12 persons, including the Baale of Ogbayo, were killed during Sunday morning’s bandits’ attack. According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the incident occurred around 7 a.m. when armed men stormed the Ogbayo area of Oke-Ode, shooting sporadically and targeting members of the local vigilante. Ejire-Adeyemi said four injured victims were immediately taken to the hospital for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were evacuated. In a statement on his X handle on Tuesday, the former Anambra Governor described the incident as “another mindless act of violence” and urged urgent action to halt the cycle of bloodshed. He said, “It is with a heavy heart that I received the news of the tragic killings in Oke-Ode, Kwara State, where innocent lives, including vigilantes and the Baale of Ogbayo, were cut short in yet another mindless act of violence from armed bandits terrorising our nation. “Once again, our nation is thrown into mourning as innocent lives are cut short. These repeated attacks show the urgent need for an emergency on national security. “No Nigerian should have to live in fear in their own home. We cannot continue to normalise tragedy. Obi offered condolences to the governor, the people of Kwara State and the bereaved families. “My heart goes out to the Governor and the people of Kwara State. I reassure you that you are not alone. And to the grieving families, please accept my deepest condolences. “May you find strength and comfort in this difficult time and may the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace,” he prayed.

Donate Blood, Save a Warrior

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  How blood donation keeps sickle cell warriors alive and how the Noella Foundation is leading the fight Sickle cell disease is one of Nigeria’s most urgent yet overlooked health challenges. Each year, about 150,000 babies are born with the condition, the highest number in the world. Too many do not live to see their fifth birthday. For those who survive, life is a constant battle of painful crises, medical emergencies, and repeated hospital stays. For these patients, often called warriors for their resilience, blood is not optional. It is survival. And for the Noella Foundation, ensuring warriors have access to safe blood is central to our mission. Understanding Sickle Cell: The Silent Crisis Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that reshapes red blood cells. Instead of being round and flexible, they become hard, sticky, and sickle-shaped. These cells block blood flow, die faster, and deprive the body of oxygen. The result is severe pain, infections, strokes, organ damage, and sometimes death. Warriors live with the unpredictability of crises that can strike at any moment, in classrooms, workplaces, or at home. Every episode carries the risk of being fatal. Among the most dangerous complications is severe anemia, when the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells to survive. This is where blood transfusions make the difference. They replace damaged cells, ease pain, prevent strokes, and often pull a warrior back from the edge. For many, transfusions are not a temporary treatment. They are a lifeline that keeps them alive and functioning. Behind each warrior’s survival is often the unseen gift of someone’s donation. Donate Blood, Save a Warrior Statistics reveal the scale of the problem, but they only take on meaning when tied to human experience. Chinedu, a 12-year-old from Enugu, loves drawing superheroes. Yet, he spends more time in hospitals than at school. During one crisis, his blood levels dropped so dangerously low that doctors said he would not survive without a transfusion. A single pint of blood saved him. That donation meant he could return home, pick up his pencils, and continue chasing his dream of becoming an engineer (before the next hospital appointment, and hopefully there’s blood). Not all stories end with hope. Bisi, a 23-year-old graduate in Ibadan, collapsed during a job interview. Doctors searched desperately for blood, but the bank was empty. By the time her family found a donor, it was too late. Her life was cut short not only by sickle cell but also by the shortage of blood. These two stories underline the thin line between life and death that warriors walk every day. One pint of blood can save up to three lives because it can be separated into red cells, plasma, and platelets. For warriors, the red cells are most critical. When a crisis strikes, time matters. Without available stock, families waste precious hours searching while their loved one fades away. This tragedy is preventable if more Nigerians commit to regular voluntary donations. Voluntary donors also build a safer and more reliable system. Their blood is screened in advance, reducing risks and ensuring quality. Sporadic donations during emergencies are never enough for warriors who need blood repeatedly. Unlike food or money, blood cannot be manufactured. It must come from one person to another, from you to them. How You Can Help The Noella Foundation is committed to tackling sickle cell disease by raising awareness, driving advocacy, and working with hospitals and communities to improve access to safe blood. But this mission cannot be achieved without you. Here is how you can help: Donate blood regularly: The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) has centers nationwide. Teaching hospitals and some private facilities also run drives. Know the requirements: Donors must be 18–60 years old, weigh at least 50kg, and be in good health. Understand the process: The actual donation takes less than 15 minutes, and your body naturally replenishes the blood within weeks. Men can donate every three months, women every four. Spread awareness: Help correct the myths. Donating blood does not make you permanently weak or shorten your life. Research even shows health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease. Organise or support drives: Workplaces, schools, and religious groups can partner with NBTS and the Noella Foundation to bring blood closer to warriors who need it. Support advocacy: Push for stronger policies and funding that expand blood services and reduce the stigma around sickle cell. A Call to Action Every day, warriors across Nigeria wake up to battles most of us will never face. But resilience alone cannot fill a blood bank. Hope lies in knowing blood will be available when they need it. When you donate, you are giving more than a pint. You are giving Chinedu another chance to draw superheroes, a graduate like Bisi, the future she deserved, a mother and father the chance to raise their children, and countless others the chance to see another sunrise. The Noella Foundation believes no warrior should die because blood was not available. This is our mission, but it can only be achieved with your support. Today, we pass a simple message: Donate blood. Save a warrior. Save a father. Save a mother. Save a child. Save a life

PENGASSAN, Dangote Reconciliation Meeting Ends in Deadlock

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  The meeting between the delegation of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association and the management of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery over the lingering industrial dispute ended in a deadlock. The reconciliation meeting, called by the Federal Government, started at approximately 4 p.m. on Monday. The meeting, attended by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, lasted for about nine hours into the early hours of Tuesday. Following the stalemate, Dingyadi said the meeting would reconvene to resolve the deadlock at 2 p.m. on Tuesday. The Federal Government, worried about the potential impact of the dispute on the nation’s economy and energy security, had summoned both sides to the negotiating table following reports of widespread discontent. The rift stems from allegations by PENGASSAN that Dangote Refinery had embarked on the mass transfer and sack of union members. Also, he allegedly replaced some Nigerians with foreign nationals, a claim the company has consistently denied. The session, originally scheduled for 2 p.m., began around 3:50 p.m. due to the late arrival of key stakeholders, before moving into a closed-door discussion that lasted several hours. In his opening remarks, Dingyadi underscored the gravity of the situation. “What’s happening today is very dear to our economy and to the security of the country. We have been informed that PENGASSAN is on strike,” he said. The minister appealed to both parties to demonstrate good faith in dialogue, stressing that industrial peace in the oil and gas sector was critical at a time Nigeria is banking on the Dangote Refinery to boost local refining capacity and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products. The deadlock means tension remains high, with PENGASSAN insisting its members will not return to work until alleged anti-labour practices are reversed, while Dangote Refinery maintains that its restructuring exercise is in line with global best practices. As the stalemate lingers, concerns are mounting about the potential disruption of operations at the refinery and the ripple effect on petroleum product supply across the country. The next round of talks later today is expected to determine whether a compromise can be reached to avert a full-blown industrial crisis in Niger ia’s oil and gas industry.  

Police Begin Probe Into Murder of ARISE TV Anchor

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  The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed the death of a news anchor with Arise News Channel, Ms. Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who was killed during an armed robbery attack at her Katampe residence in Abuja on Monday.   The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ajao Adewale, described the incident as a “cruel and senseless act that has no place in a sane society,” while commiserating with the deceased’s family, colleagues, and the media community.   In a statement on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the command said Adewale had ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the killing. The statement partly read, “The FCT commissioner of police has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a News Anchor, Reporter, and Producer with Arise News Channel, who tragically lost her life during an armed robbery incident at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025. “Describing the incident as a cruel and senseless act that has no place in a sane society. The Commissioner of Police assured that the Command remains fully committed to ensuring that justice is served. ” The CP also directed the deployment of intelligence and operational assets to track down the perpetrators. “To this end, he has ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. He further directed the deployment of intelligence and operational assets to identify, track, and apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime, ” he said. The commissioner urged residents to support the investigation by providing timely and useful information to the police and to raise prompt alarm in suspicious situations to forestall similar crimes. This is not the first time media professionals have been killed in robbery-related incidents in the Federal Capital Territory. On June 14, 2024, Azubuko Nwakama, a staff member of Liberty Radio, was attacked and robbed at Panteka Market in Mpape. After more than a year of investigation, the police announced the arrest of three suspects in August 2025. In January 2019, Chris Edoga, a journalist with Radio Nigeria, Abuja, was attacked by armed robbers at his home in the Gwagwalada area. The hoodlums broke into his apartment, stabbed him, and carted away valuables. He was rushed to the hospital by good Samaritans but died the following day. Similarly, on September 1, 2019, an AIT journalist in Abuja lost his life after falling victim to a “one-chance” robbery syndicate. He was attacked, robbed, and fatally stabbed by the operators.

2027: Makinde Sets Clear Expectations For Re-elected Oyo PDP Excos

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  Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged the re-elected executives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to work tirelessly to ensure the party wins comprehensively at all levels in the 2027 general elections, from the presidency down to councillorship seats. Makinde gave the charge on Monday during the PDP State Congress, held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan. At the exercise, Dayo Ogungbenro was re-elected unopposed as the state chairman of the party. The congress brought together PDP members from all 33 local government areas of the state, who gathered to renew the mandate of the party’s leadership team for another four-year term. According to the official figures announced during the congress, a total of 4,050 delegates were accredited, while 4,031 votes were cast. There were 74 valid votes recorded, and 19 delegates were absent. Dayo Ogungbenro was re-elected unopposed as the state chairman, polling 3,957 votes. Wasiu Adeleke was returned unopposed as the deputy state chairman, also with 3,957 votes. Joel Oyelami was re-elected unopposed as the state secretary, securing 3,957 votes. For the position of women’s leader, Toyin Olawunmi was re-elected unopposed with 3,957 votes, while Kazeem Bello was returned unopposed as the youth leader, also polling 3,957 votes. All other executive members were equally re-elected unopposed to continue in their respective positions. In his address to the delegates, Governor Makinde reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the PDP remained the dominant political force in the state and across Nigeria. He stressed the importance of unity and focus among party members, charging the newly re-elected executives to deliver victory for the party at every level of governance in 2027. “Your mandate is to deliver victory for the Peoples Democratic Party, from the presidency to the councillorship and to ensure that we retain our dominance beyond 2027,” Makinde said. The governor described the state congress as a vital step towards strengthening the party’s internal structures and consolidating its gains ahead of future elections. Earlier, the Chairman of the PDP Electoral Panel Committee, Senator Austin Akobundu, urged delegates to exercise their voting rights responsibly. He stressed that their actions would play a key role in shaping the party’s future and positioning it for electoral success. Akobundu praised Governor Makinde for what he described as the “remarkable transformation” of Oyo State under his leadership. He expressed confidence that the PDP was well-prepared to secure victory in the 2027 elections. “Today’s event is of great significance. I am pleased to note that under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, this party has grown from strength to strength. We expect nothing short of total victory from all our elected officers,” Akobundu stated. Several notable party figures also addressed the congress, including former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido; former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja and Senator Gbenga Babalola, Federal lawmakers Hon Abass Adigun Agboworin; Member representing Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency, Hon Stanley Adedeji Olajide, Ibadan North -West/South-West, Hon Shina Peller former lawmaker at the House of Representatives, all the local government council chairmen, PDP state assembly members, past members of the national assembly on the platform of the party, among others. They described Governor Makinde as a trailblazer and a stabilizing force within the PDP, both at the state and national levels. In his acceptance speech, Ogungbenro pledged to keep the party united and focused, assuring members that the new executives would continue to build on Governor Makinde’s achievements. “We will consolidate on the excellent performance of Governor Seyi Makinde and work tirelessly to keep our party strong and victorious as we prepare for the challenges ahead,” Ogungbenro said. The atmosphere at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex was electrifying, as party supporters celebrated Ogungbenro’s victory with songs, chants, and banners reflecting the themes of unity, continuity, and readiness for 2027

Governor Makinde Casts Vote As Oyo PDP Commences Congress

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The Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commenced its state congress in Ibadan, the Capital city of the state, with Governor Seyi Makinde casting the first vote to kick off the electoral process. Governor Makinde, who serves as the number one delegate from Ibadan North East Local Government Area, was among the early voters in the peaceful and well-organised exercise. Delegates from all 33 local government areas of the state are currently participating in the congress. The congress marks the culmination of the party’s internal electoral process, following successful ward and local government congresses held across the state. The exercise is aimed at electing new state executive officers who will steer the party’s affairs over the next four years. In his address, Governor Makinde urged the newly elected executive members of the party to deliver the party from the presidency to the counsellorship position. He said, “Congratulations to you all, I salute your courage for standing firm in your party, your responsibility is beyond 2027. “Your mandate is very clear: deliver PDP from the Presidency to the counsellorship position in the 2027 general elections. The event attracted several high-profile dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of the State, Barrister Adebayo Lawal a former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido; the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; and several federal lawmakers such as Hon. Abass Adigun Agboworin (Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency), Hon. Stanley Adedeji Olajide (Ibadan North-West/South-West), and Hon. Shina Peller, a former member of the House of Representatives. Also in attendance were all the local government council chairmen across the state, party stakeholders, and supporters who witnessed the congress proceedings. The outcome of the congress is expected to shape the direction of the PDP in Oyo State as it prepares for future electoral contests.  

FG Declares October 1 Public Holiday for Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary

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The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, October 1, 2025, a public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. The declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement signed and released on Monday by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani. According to the statement, Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians at home and in the diaspora and urged citizens to uphold the patriotic spirit, unity and resilience that have sustained the nation since 1960. “He urged Nigerians to further keep faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which is anchored on national rebirth, economic transformation, and collective prosperity. “The Minister expressed confidence that, with the cooperation of all Nigerians, the country will continue to grow stronger in peace, progress, and development,” the statement added. He wished Nigerians a happy and memorable 2025 Independence Day celebration. Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960. This year anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” activities for celeration has begun with prayer at mosques and churches.

ASUU Issues 14-day Ultimatum to FG Over Unresolved Issues

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The union made the decision following a National Executive Council meeting held on Sunday at the University of Abuja. The national president of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna made this known in a copy of strike action he personally signed and made available to our correspondent in Abuja. “ At the National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Abuja on the 28th of September, 2025, the Union decried the neglect of the University system and the government’s consistent refusal to heed to its demands. “Accordingly, ASUU has given the Federal Government of Nigeria an Ultimatum of fourteen (14) days within which to address these issues. If at the end of the fourteen-day ultimatum, the Federal Government fails to address these issues, the Union may have no option but to, first, embark on a two-week warning strike and thereafter, a total and indefinite strike.” Recall that the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education set up a committee headed by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Abel Enitan to look into a proposal for ASUU in a bid to ensure stability across universities. At the time of filing this report, the committee has yet to make any decision known to the public. ASUU’s core demands remain largely unchanged: renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, adequate revitalisation funds for univer­sities, settlement of outstanding salary arrears, and sustainable funding mechanisms. Details later

BREAKING: NNPC, NUPRC, NMDPRA Shut As PENGASSAN Begins Strike

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The nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria on Monday paralysed operations at key oil and gas regulatory institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority. The industrial action, which followed the weekend directive by the union’s National Executive Council, saw members across the country withdrawing their services, effectively shutting down critical agencies that drive Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Our correspondent observed that at the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main gate was firmly locked, leaving several employees stranded outside the premises. Security operatives on duty confirmed that no staff were allowed entry, in line with the strike directive issued by the union. Similarly, activities at the NMDPRA headquarters in the busy Central Business District were completely grounded as workers fully complied with the industrial action. Confirming the situation, the PENGASSAN Chairman in NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, told The PUNCH that the union had achieved “100 per cent compliance,” effectively restricting access to staff and visitors. He added that his colleagues had also enforced 100 per cent compliance at the NNPCL and other relevant agencies. PENGASSAN said the strike became inevitable after the alleged wrongful dismissal of about 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The union’s directive to halt crude oil and gas supplies to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has sent shockwaves through the energy sector, with oil marketers warning of severe disruptions in fuel distribution. This move is expected to choke the domestic market, driving up demand and prices. On Sunday, PENGASSAN announced a nationwide strike, instructing all its members in various offices, companies, institutions, and agencies to cease all services starting at 12:01 am on Monday, September 29, 2025. The union also directed members stationed in various field locations to down tools from 6:00 am on Sunday, September 28, and commence a round-the-clock prayer vigil. In a strongly worded resolution signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the union accused the refinery of violating Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation conventions by sacking workers for joining the union. It alleged the dismissed workers had been replaced by foreigners. “All processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately,” the resolution declared. “All IOC (International Oil Companies) branches must ramp down gas production and supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals.” The development has heightened fears of fuel scarcity and blackouts, as NNPC remains the sole importer of petrol while the midstream and downstream authority regulates supply and distribution. Similarly, NUPRC is responsible for monitoring crude production and enforcing gas supply obligations to power plants. All eyes are now on Monday’s emergency meeting convened by the Minister of Labour. Whether dialogue can restore calm or whether Nigeria plunges deeper into crisis may depend on the willingness of both sides to compromise.

Bauchi Gov Sacks Women Affairs Commissioner

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  Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has relieved Hajiya Zainab Baban-Takko, the state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, of her duties with immediate effect. The Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mr Mukhtar Gidado, disclosed this in a statement early Monday. According to him, the decision was a result of a minor change by the governor to the composition of the State Executive Council. “In that respect, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hajiya Zainab-Baban Takko, has been relieved of her appointment with immediate effect. “The governor thanks the Honourable Commissioner for her services to the State and wishes her success in her future endeavours,” said Gidado. The development comes shortly after Bauchi State Civil Service Commission dismissed two senior government officials for forgery. A statement issued by the Information and Public Relations Officer of the commission, Saleh Umar, and made available to PUNCH Online last Wednesday, said the offence contravened State Public Service Rule 0327 (ii, iii, and vi), which relates to forgery and falsification of official documents. The commission also dismissed an education officer on September 11, for gross misconduct involving sexual harassment.

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