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Ghana Launches App for Marriage and Divorce Status Verification

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  Ghana has launched a digital platform that enables members of the public to verify marriage and divorce records, while also providing access to information on marriage officers, venues and licensed Imams, YEN reports. The platform, known as Marrify, was launched in Accra on August 28 by Marry Right Ghana Limited in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection. Marrify operates as a searchable marriage and divorce registry, with records covering ordinance, customary and Islamic marriages. Users can search the platform using details including names, spouse names, towns, churches, denominations, certificate numbers and Gazette numbers. The platform also provides a register of marriage officers appointed to solemnise civil or ordinance marriages, while users can search for licensed marriage venues and Imams. Its records are drawn from sources including the Registrar-General’s Department, courts, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, and the Ghana Gazette. The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, speaking at the launch, encouraged prospective couples to verify information about their partners, marriage venues and the people officiating their marriages. She said, “It is a reminder of the need to uphold the highest standard of integrity and accountability. “You would not have to take a person’s word for it, even in the most trusted relationship. You can verify with this app. And then again, when making a decision on the venue, who has to officiate the marriage, where it is officiated, the officiant, and the status of the one you are getting married to. “These are the critical issues we need to ponder over, verify and be sure of before taking the needed step. As a ministry, we’ve used our platform to promote the app and engage with our stakeholders and potential beneficiaries. To ensure that Ghanaians live in awareness. So that you do not invest for so many years, resources and find out that all the investment has gone in vain.” She also urged Marry Right Ghana to work with government institutions, religious bodies, traditional authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that information on the platform remains accurate and regularly updated. Marrify also contains divorce records based on court rulings and judgments, with some records linked to the marriages to which they relate. However, the platform cautions that records are still being uploaded and that a search returning no result should not automatically be interpreted as proof that a person has never been married. The platform also allows individuals and institutions to submit marriage and divorce records, together with supporting documents, for verification.  

Injured Osimhen Scores as Galatasaray Secure 3-2 Victory Over Istanbul Basaksehir

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Injured Osimhen Scores as Galatasaray Secure 3-2 Victory Over Istanbul Basaksehir

  Super Eagles striker and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen scored his sixth goal of the season before leaving the pitch with an injury as the Turkish champions battled to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir on Friday. Osimhen gave Galatasaray the lead in the 16th minute, finishing off an attacking move to put his side in front. However, the Nigerian forward was unable to continue after picking up an injury and was substituted 17 minutes later, with Barış Alper Yılmaz coming on in his place. Istanbul Basaksehir responded after the break, with Eldor Shomurodov converting a penalty in the 66th minute to level the score. Galatasaray regained the advantage five minutes later when Lucas Torreira found the back of the net in the 71st minute after a well-worked team play. The hosts were pegged back again after Davinson Sánchez turned the ball into his own net, restoring parity and setting up a tense finish. With the match heading towards a draw, Gabriel Sara produced a moment of brilliance in the 90th minute, curling a free-kick into the net to hand Galatasaray all three points. The victory keeps Galatasaray’s strong start to the season intact, while attention will now turn to the extent of Osimhen’s injury following his early substitution.

INEC, JAMB Strengthen Partnership on Biometric Verification

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INEC, JAMB Strengthen Partnership on Biometric Verification

  The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pledged to assist the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) with biometric verification technology as the two federal agencies move to strengthen their collaboration. The offer was made on Friday, when the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, led members of the Board’s management team on a courtesy visit to INEC headquarters in Abuja. Speaking during the visit, Aina said JAMB approached INEC because of its extensive experience in deploying biometric technology for the identification and verification of large numbers of Nigerians. He said the Board was seeking to further strengthen the integrity of its examination processes and had learnt that INEC had biometric verification equipment that might no longer be in active use. “We approached INEC as a sister agency with considerable experience in the deployment of biometric technology for the identification and verification of large numbers of Nigerians,” Aina said. He appealed to the Commission to consider making some of the equipment available to JAMB to support its efforts to enhance biometric verification. Responding, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, welcomed the delegation and commended JAMB for its statutory responsibilities, describing the Board as “a critical institution in Nigeria’s education system and the development of the country’s youth.” Amupitan said INEC’s recent electoral engagements, including the Anambra and Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, as well as bye-elections conducted across the country, had demonstrated the Commission’s growing technological capacity. According to him, the deployment of technology in recent elections had attracted commendations from stakeholders, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the United Kingdom High Commission. He said the commendations were particularly linked to the credibility and peaceful conduct of the electoral exercises. The INEC Chairman directed the Director of Information and Communications Technology, Dr. Lawrence Bayode, to review JAMB’s request and undertake a proof-of-concept assessment. The assessment, he explained, would determine the availability, technical condition, and suitability of any biometric verification equipment that could potentially be deployed by JAMB. Amupitan described the visit as a reflection of “the growing importance of inter-agency collaboration” and stressed the need for government institutions to leverage their expertise and resources to advance national development. He assured the delegation that “INEC remained willing to explore further areas of cooperation” that could strengthen the capacity of both institutions to deliver on their respective mandates. In his response, Aina expressed appreciation to the INEC Chairman and management for the warm reception accorded to him and his team. He reaffirmed JAMB’s interest in strengthening institutional collaboration with INEC, particularly in leveraging technology to improve the integrity and efficiency of the Board’s examination processes.   Punch

Dangote Refinery IPO Set to Open in 12 Days

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Dangote Refinery IPO Set to Open in 12 Days

  Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited, has announced that the initial public offering (IPO) of the Dangote Refinery is expected to open within the next 10 to 12 days. Dangote disclosed this on Thursday while speaking to investors and analysts in Botswana, according to Reuters. The $20bn refinery, Africa’s largest, is expected to raise about $5bn through the IPO, which could become the largest public offering on the continent. “So our dream is that we want to make sure we double the capacity of the refinery… which will take ​us to 1.4 million barrels per day. The IPO will ​open in the next 10 to 12 days,” Dangote ⁠said. The Lagos-based refinery, already Africa’s largest, hit its full designed capacity of 650,000 barrels per day in February and has since pushed output beyond that mark, touching 700,000 barrels per day in tests. Dangote does not release margin figures for the plant, though refiners worldwide have posted stronger profits lately as Middle East instability drove buyers toward alternative fuel sources. Beyond the refinery listing, Dangote used the Botswana trip to lay out a wider set of moves for his industrial empire. Dangote Cement is set for a secondary listing on the London Stock Exchange, likely in October, a step meant to open the company up to a broader pool of international investors. He also confirmed a long-mooted expansion beyond Nigeria’s borders: a new refinery on Kenya’s coast, built with East African governments as partners, to supply refined fuel to Kenya and its neighbours and cut the region’s dependence on imports. It would be the group’s biggest refining bet outside Nigeria yet, with construction expected to take up to three years.

FULL LIST: 2027: ADC Unveils Governorship, Deputy Governorship Candidates in 28 States

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FULL LIST: 2027: ADC Unveils Governorship, Deputy Governorship Candidates in 28 States

  The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has released its list of governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the 2027 general elections across 28 states. The list includes former presidential aide Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour in Lagos, former Kaduna State governorship candidate Isa Ashiru, and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami. The party also fielded former Delta State governorship candidate Great Ogboru, Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita in Katsina. The candidates were announced in a statement on Friday, with the party saying they would carry its banner and commitment to providing Nigerians with credible leadership and a “real alternative” in the 2027 elections. A release by the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi also shared on X disclosed this. Other notable candidates include Senator Halliru Dauda Jika in Bauchi, former House of Representatives member Herman Iorwase Hembe in Benue, former House of Representatives member Zakari Mohammed in Kwara and former Nigerian Army officer Brigadier General John Sunday Sura in Plateau. The party also fielded candidates in Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Borno, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara. In Lagos, Rhodes-Vivour will contest the governorship with Gbadamosi Babatunde Olalere as his running mate, while Ashiru will fly the party’s ticket in Kaduna alongside Kantiok Irmiya Ishaku. Ogboru is paired with Afiari Gloria in Delta, while Kaita will contest in Katsina with Aminu Yar’adua Ahmed as his running mate. In Kebbi, Malami will contest alongside Zagi Musa Mohammed. The ADC said the candidates represented its commitment to offering Nigerians an alternative ahead of the 2027 elections. ADC unveiled the candidates ahead of the February 6, 2027 governorship elections. Also, governorship campaigns are scheduled to begin on September 9, 2026. Here is the full list: ADC governor & deputy governor candidates Abia: Governor – Kalu Kalu Agu; Deputy Governor – Alozie Ogidimma Darlington. Adamawa: Governor – Modibbo Hammantukur Ribadu; Deputy Governor – Aguwa Kevin Iliya. Akwa Ibom: Governor – Akpanudoedehe John James; Deputy Governor – Nsien Mkpombuk Tommy. Bauchi: Governor – Sen. Halliru Dauda Jika; Deputy Governor – Sama’ila Mohammed Kabir. Benue: Governor – Rt. Hon. Herman Iorwase Hembe; Deputy Governor – Abba John Abba. Borno: Governor – Babagana Buhari; Deputy Governor – Mamman Dauda. Cross River: Governor – Nkoyo Toyo; Deputy Governor – Okwoche Andrew Adagbor. Delta: Governor – Chief Great Ogboru; Deputy Governor – Afiari Gloria. Ebonyi: Governor – Ukpai Mba Udeh; Deputy Governor – Onwe Daniel Ede. Enugu: Governor – Ocho Obodoze Chukwuma; Deputy Governor – Eze Arinze Christopher. Gombe: Governor – Bala Bello; Deputy Governor – Bala Sani Isa. Jigawa: Governor – Sabo Mohammed Nakudu; Deputy Governor – Musa Ya’u Balarabe. Kaduna: Governor – Isa Mohammed Ashiru; Deputy Governor – Kantiok Irmiya Ishaku. Kano: Governor – Ibrahim Ali Amin; Deputy Governor – Shehu Abdulkadir Bari. Kastina: Governor – Sen. Ahmad Babba Kaita; Deputy Governor – Aminu Yar’adua Ahmed. Kebbi: Governor – Abubakar Malami; Deputy Governor – Zagi Musa Mohammed. Kwara: Governor – Zakari Mohammed; Deputy Governor – Olawuyi Julius Olayide. Lagos State: Governor – Gbadebo Rhodes Vivour; Deputy Governor – Gbadamosi Babatunde Olalere. Nasarawa: Nuhu Angbazo — Governor; Ahmed Yusuf — Deputy Governor Niger: Dr. Mohammed Kpautagi — Governor; Musa Mamman — Deputy Governor Ogun: Biodun Collins Ogundipe — Governor; Muraina Oluwaranti Oluyemi — Deputy Governor Oyo: Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke — Governor; Wahab Adeniyi — Deputy Governor Plateau: Brig. Gen. John Sunday Sura — Governor; Pwajok-Kele Chundung Bitrus — Deputy Governor Rivers: Gabriel Pidomson — Governor; Okumgba David Amapakaye — Deputy Governor Sokoto: Manir Mohammad Daniya — Governor; Isah Bello Ambarura — Deputy Governor Taraba: Abubakar Umar Tutare — Governor; Kwetishe Haruna Kwenyan — Deputy Governor Yobe: Kassim G. Gaidam — Governor; Kori Lawan Mohammed — Deputy Governor Zamfara: Shinkafi Bilyaminu Yusuf — Governor; Muhammad Abdulmuddalib Auwal — Deputy Governor

Atiku Condemns Economic Hardship Pushing Nigerian Youths to Sell Their Kidneys

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Atiku Condemns Economic Hardship Pushing Nigerian Youths to Sell Their Kidneys

  Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over the reported rise in cases of young Nigerians selling their kidneys as they struggle to cope with the country’s worsening cost-of-living crisis, attributing the situation to the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The Africa Democratic Congress presidential candidate, in a post on X on Thursday, said he had heard “disturbing stories” of young Nigerians resorting to selling body organs, particularly kidneys, in desperate attempts to raise money. “I have heard disturbing stories about the extent to which young Nigerians are being driven simply to survive. Perhaps the most horrifying are the growing reports of young people selling parts of their bodies: kidneys in particular, in desperate attempts to raise money,” Atiku wrote. He said young Nigerians ought to be “selling dreams, ideas and innovation, not their body organs,” adding that the trend should “offend the conscience of every Nigerian.” Atiku claimed that young Nigerians were reportedly being driven to sell their kidneys for as little as ₦1.7m, a figure he did not attribute to any specific report or agency. PUNCH could not independently verify the figure as of the time of this report. The former Vice President linked the trend to the rising cost of living under the Tinubu administration, listing food, transport, rent, school fees, medicine and electricity as items that have become increasingly unaffordable for ordinary Nigerians. He said, “In Tinubu’s Nigeria, almost everything required to live with dignity is becoming more expensive by the day: food, transport, rent, school fees, medicine and electricity. “Yet young Nigerians are reportedly being driven to sell their kidneys for as little as ₦1.7 million. “That should break the heart of a nation. “Young Nigerians should be building careers, starting businesses, raising families and pursuing their dreams, not calculating how much parts of their bodies can fetch simply to stay alive. “When young Nigerians begin to see their kidneys as emergency savings, we are no longer talking about ordinary economic hardship. We are talking about desperation at its most frightening.” Atiku acknowledged that Nigeria already has laws prohibiting commercial organ sales and organ trafficking, but argued that “laws alone cannot cure the poverty and desperation that make vulnerable young people easy prey for criminal networks.” He called for economic reforms with “a human face,” including affordable food, cheaper transportation, accessible healthcare, decent jobs and “renewed hope for the next generation.” The former Vice President capped the statement with a direct jab at the President: “Tinubu made Nigeria expensive. I will make Nigeria affordable again.” Atiku’s remarks come amid a spate of reports and unverified claims about organ trafficking in parts of the country in recent weeks. The Nigeria Police Force recently paraded four suspects, including two nephrologists, over the alleged operation. Police said one of the suspects, Emmanuel Ode, allegedly admitted to recruiting victims and disclosed that a 22-year-old man had been lured to a hospital in Abuja in April, where his kidney was allegedly harvested for $1,250, equivalent to about N1.7m. Investigators said the alleged syndicate targeted vulnerable and financially desperate young people in Nasarawa and neighbouring areas.

Wike never concealed his support for Tinubu, says aide

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Wike never concealed his support for Tinubu, says aide

  Lere Olayinka, media aide to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has rejected allegations that the minister was disloyal for declaring his support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election in the 2027 presidential poll. Olayinka said Wike had never concealed his support for Tinubu, stressing that the minister had declared his position even before the Peoples Democratic Party presented its presidential candidate, Professor Sunday Oloruntuyi. He spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Friday. Reacting to a description of Wike as “treacherous,” Olayinka said the word was inappropriate because the minister had been open about his political position. He said, “The word ‘treacherous’, I don’t believe he should have used it because, to my own understanding, a treacherous person is somebody who is doing something against you behind you and presenting himself to be your friend. “The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has never hidden his position. He said it even before PDP presented Professor Sandy Onor as candidate, that he was going to support President Tinubu in 2027. He did not hide it, and up till now, he has not hidden it. He has been saying it.” Olayinka said Wike had also told Onor that, although he was free to contest the election, the condition of the PDP would make it difficult for the party to make a major impact. He argued that not everyone who contests an election does so with the expectation of winning, saying some candidates participate mainly to “register their presence”. According to him, the number of presidential candidates expected in the 2027 election was an indication that not all the candidates were realistically seeking victory. “For instance, in this 2027 election, we have 19 presidential candidates. Can we say, honestly, that all the 19 are contesting with the mindset of winning? The answer is no,” he said. Olayinka cited the African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who he said secured 14,600 votes in the 2023 presidential election, questioning how the candidate could win the 2027 poll. He also questioned the electoral strength of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, claiming that it did not have governorship candidates in 15 of the 28 states where governorship elections would be held in 2027. “How do you win election when you don’t have people on ground to canvass vote for you, to manage election for you?” he asked. Olayinka similarly questioned the chances of the African Democratic Congress, saying it did not have governorship candidates in 9 of the 28 states He argued that parties needed substantial structures and polling-unit agents to compete effectively, noting that Nigeria had 176,846 polling units. “In Nigeria today, there are 176,846 polling units. To make good impression on election day in election in Nigeria, you need at least five people to manage each polling unit for you, at least,” he said. The Wike aide maintained that the minister’s position that Tinubu would have an easy victory in 2027 was based on what he described as the weakness of the opposition. “And that’s why the Minister has been saying consistently that this election of 2027 will be the easiest for the President to win, because there’s no opposition, nobody is contesting against him to win. Others are contesting to make impression,” Olayinka said.

Lassa Fever Death Toll Rises to 252 as Confirmed Cases Reach 1,035 — NCDC

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Lassa Fever Death Toll Rises to 252 as Confirmed Cases Reach 1,035 — NCDC

  The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has recorded 14 new confirmed cases of Lassa fever in epidemiological week 33, raising the total number of confirmed infections to 1,035. The latest cases were recorded between August 10 and August 16, in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Benue states, according to the situation report released in Abuja on Tuesday. According to the agency, cumulative deaths increased to 252, while the case fatality rate rose to 24.4 per cent, higher than the 18.6 per cent recorded in 2025. “The 14 new cases represented an increase from four cases reported during epidemiological week 32, when cases were recorded in Ondo and Edo states. “In week 32, cumulative infections reached 1,021, with 240 deaths and a case fatality rate of 23.5 per cent,” it said. The agency said that the week 32 figure represented a decline from 17 confirmed cases recorded during epidemiological week 31, indicating fluctuations in weekly transmission. “By week 33, 23 states had reported at least one confirmed lassa fever case across 117 local government areas. “Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo states accounted for 87 per cent of all confirmed cases recorded cumulatively by week 33. “The five states also accounted for 86 per cent of confirmed cases in week 32, maintaining their position as the major affected states. “People aged 21 to 30 years remain the predominant age group affected by lassa fever during both reporting weeks,” the agency said. According to the NCDC, no new healthcare worker infection was recorded during week 32, while week 33 also recorded no newly affected healthcare worker. It said that the agency would continue surveillance and response activities as lassa fever remained a significant public health concern across affected states. NAN

Nollywood Actress Atinuke Kareem Dies After Cancer Battle

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Nollywood Actress Atinuke Kareem Dies After Cancer Battle

  The Ogun State Chapter of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) has announced the death of Nollywood actress Atinuke Kareem, who reportedly died following a battle with breast cancer. The news of her passing was officially announced on Tuesday by her colleague and the Executive Governor of TAMPAN Ogun State, Owolabi Ajasa, via an official statement posted on his Instagram page. The statement was accompanied by a video clip of Kareem seeking support and prayers during her battle with breast cancer, highlighting the physical toll of the illness on her. “I’m a breast cancer patient. It has been going on for a while. My family has spent a lot of money; I’ve come to seek help. The association I belong to, TAMPAN, has tried too, but it’s not enough,” Kareem said in the video. “Don’t allow me to die this way; I have two young children. Nigerians, please help me with any amount you can use to help.” In the release signed by the state Public Relations Officer, Femi Solaja, on behalf of Ajasa, the association expressed deep appreciation to colleagues, fans, and well-wishers who provided financial and moral support during the actress’s medical battle. “We sincerely appreciate everyone who contributed financially, offered prayers, encouragement, and support towards the treatment of our dear colleague, Atinuke Remilekun Kareem,” the statement read. “Your kindness and sacrifice during her difficult moment meant so much to her family and all of us. We are deeply grateful.” The association further expressed sorrow over her demise, describing it as an irrecoverable loss that members must accept as the will of God. “Sadly, despite all our efforts and prayers, Atinuke has passed on and answered the final call. “We cannot question the Almighty God. We can only submit to His will and pray that He grants her eternal rest and gives her family, colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear this painful loss. Rest in peace, Atinuke Remilekun Kareem,” the statement concluded. Atinuke’s passing comes barely over a week after the Yoruba film industry was thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who also succumbed to stage-four cancer.

Oyo 2027: Alli Denies Being Stoned in Igbeti, Kishi, Says APC Enjoyed Massive Support

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Oyo 2027: Alli Denies Being Stoned in Igbeti, Kishi, Says APC Enjoyed Massive Support

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has dismissed reports that he and his entourage were attacked with stones during recent consultations in Igbeti and Kishi, describing the claim as completely unfounded and a product of the imagination of those who circulated it. Alli, who spoke on Sunday at an APC stakeholders’ meeting and press conference, said he and his running mate were warmly received throughout their consultations across Oyo North, particularly in Igbeti and Kishi. He said contrary to reports in some sections of the media, nothing untoward happened during the visits, stressing that the crowd that welcomed his team in the two communities was massive. Alli said, “I want to use this opportunity to tell the whole world that we were received warmly, loudly, in all the places where we went and there was nowhere where anything untoward happened, not to talk of getting stoned, as has been said or carried in some sections of the media. “The crowd that received us in Igbeti and Kishi was so massive. When we got to Kishi, it was already getting dark, and the crowd was so massive that the crowd we met at Yoyi, at the boundary, was much more than what we had there in 2023.” The senator further dismissed the alleged incident, insisting that the reception his team received was evidence of the growing acceptance of the APC in the area. He said the reception at the Kishi Town Hall was equally overwhelming, noting that the venue was filled to capacity when the delegation arrived at about 8pm. “For anybody to now come up with the idea of saying that we were stoned, it is the figment of their own imagination. We were warmly received, and on getting to the hall at 8pm, when we got to the town hall, it was filled to the brim,” Alli said. The APC candidate also urged party leaders, aspirants and members to remain united and sustain the momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship election. He appealed to party members who contested the APC nomination processes to put their differences aside and work together towards securing victory for the party. “I want to implore all of you, let’s all be on board. Let’s ensure that we get to power. It is for us. The coming government is for us,” he said. “I want to plead with you, let’s keep the tempo at which we are moving right now. I want to assure you, on my behalf and that of our deputy, the tempo we are going to keep it on.” Alli thanked APC leaders, aspirants and candidates in Olorunsogo, Irepo and Ogbomoso local government areas for their support during the consultations. Looking ahead to his administration, Alli also promised to grant full administrative and financial autonomy to local governments in Oyo State if elected governor in 2027. He said the proposed autonomy would give local governments greater capacity to deliver development at the grassroots and create opportunities for party members and residents to benefit from governance. “I will only mention one or two, that as, by the grace of God, when I am sworn in on May 29, 2027, by His grace, there is going to be full administrative and financial local government autonomy in Oyo State,” he said.

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