IOC Moves Toward Ban on Transgender Women in Female Olympic Events.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is considering a unified policy that may prohibit transgender women from competing in female categories across all Olympic sports.

Until now, individual sports federations have set their own rules. However, IOC President Kirsty Coventry says a single global framework is needed to protect fairness in women’s sports.

Coventry, who took office in June, said the IOC would draw on existing research and regulations rather than start from scratch. “The priority must be the protection of female competition,” she said, noting that some sports, like equestrian events, already allow mixed-gender competition without issue.

Dr. Jane Thornton, IOC director of health and science, recently briefed members on research showing that individuals who undergo male puberty maintain physical advantages that hormone therapy cannot fully eliminate.

Reports suggest the IOC could announce the new policy during its 145th session in Milan, ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Senior officials say momentum is building for the decision.

The debate intensified after the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-Ting won gold despite previously facing scrutiny over gender eligibility. Both athletes identify as women and are not transgender, but the controversy renewed calls for clearer rules.

Many international sports bodies — including World Athletics and World Aquatics — already bar transgender women from competing in female events.

In the U.S., former President Donald Trump signed an executive order earlier this year banning transgender participation in female sports at school and grassroots levels, and suggested similar restrictions for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

So far, only one openly transgender woman, New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard, has competed at the Olympics, taking part in Tokyo 2020.

The IOC has not yet made a final decision, but insiders say a shift is imminent.

Mexico’s President Files Complaint After a Man Attempted to Kiss Her on the Street, Seeks Nationwide Reform on Harassment Laws.

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has filed a formal complaint after a man groped her during an impromptu walk near the National Palace, an incident that has reignited debate over the country’s troubling record on women’s safety.

The 63-year-old president was greeting supporters when an apparently intoxicated man placed an arm around her, touched her hip and chest, and attempted to kiss her neck. Sheinbaum pushed his hands away as her staff intervened. The man was later arrested.

Speaking at her morning news conference, Sheinbaum said she chose to press charges to send a clear message about the protection of women. “If this happens to the president, what becomes of all the women in our country?” she said. She added that the incident reflects everyday realities for millions of Mexican women.

Sheinbaum announced that her government will review legislation across Mexico’s 32 states, where sexual harassment is not universally defined as a crime. She urged state authorities to strengthen legal protections and make it easier for victims to report assaults, saying the country needs to hear a “loud and clear no” to violations of women’s personal space.

The attack has also drawn scrutiny over the president’s security arrangements, as her detail was not close by at the time. Still, Sheinbaum dismissed calls to increase distance between herself and the public, insisting she will maintain her approachable style.

Mexico continues to struggle with widespread harassment and gender-based violence, with rights groups warning of a femicide crisis and the UN estimating that seven in ten women have experienced at least one form of sexual harassment.

BREAKING NEWS: Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been nominated for the 2025 IFFHS Women’s Best Goalkeeper Award!

Congratulations, Champ!

Borno Girl Reportedly Ends It All After Being Forced Into Marriage by Her Father.

Tragedy struck in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State on Sunday evening as a young woman allegedly took her own life after being compelled by her father to marry one of his friends.

The heartbreaking incident was made public by prominent counter-insurgency expert and security analyst, Zagazola Makama, who disclosed the details on Monday through his verified social media handle.

According to Makama, the woman whose identity has not yet been revealed ended her life shortly after the forced marriage arrangement was finalized. “Tragedy struck in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State on Sunday evening, when a young woman reportedly took her own life after being forced by her father to marry one of his friends,” he stated.

Citing local sources, Makama revealed that the incident occurred around 6:20 p.m. after the victim, said to be in deep emotional distress, succumbed to the overwhelming pressure from her family to go through with the arranged marriage.

A child protection advocate, Bukar Fantami Gubio, who also confirmed the incident, described it as “heart-wrenching” and called for urgent intervention from relevant authorities.

“The emotional pain and pressure she went through as a result of this forced marriage pushed her into taking her own life. It is truly a sad situation that calls for urgent action,” Gubio said.

He appealed to human rights organizations, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure justice is served.

According to him, the case highlights the urgent need to protect the rights and dignity of young women in Nigeria, particularly in communities where forced marriages persist.

“This tragedy is a painful reminder of the importance of respecting women’s freedom of choice in marriage decisions,” he added.

Efforts by journalists to obtain an official comment from the Borno State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the command’s spokesperson, Nahum Kenneth Daso, did not respond to calls or messages as of the time of filing this report.

"Nigeria Needs $1.2 billion to Achieve Gender Equality Targets" — Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has revealed that the country requires $1.2 billion over the next five years to bridge its financing gap and meet national gender equality and social inclusion targets.

Speaking in Abuja during the annual general meeting and founder’s day celebration of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), the minister emphasised that closing the gap demands “bold partnerships and investment in women’s advancement.”

Represented by her special adviser, Ola Erinfolami, Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the federal government is exploring blended finance models, public-private partnerships, and impact investments to fund programmes that support women, children, and families.

On the Reserved Seats Bill, she commended the National Assembly for backing efforts to increase women’s political participation, describing it as a “strategic investment in democracy and national progress.”

The Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, also endorsed the bill, urging lawmakers across all levels to pass it for more inclusive governance.

Similarly, Olufolake Abdulrazaq, chairperson of the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum represented by Hauwa Halira called for mobilising broad support to ensure women’s full political inclusion before the 2027 general elections.

In their remarks, NILOWV founder Esther Udehi and President Irene Awunah-Ikyegh urged grassroots advocacy to boost understanding of the Reserved Seats Bill, while Aishatu Bura, President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), stressed the media’s vital role in amplifying women’s voices and driving inclusive discourse.

NDLEA Nabs Lagos, Onitsha Boutique Owner With 127 Wraps of Cocaine Hidden in Stomach and Underwear.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 52-year-old businessman, Ejiofor Godwin Emeka, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano for attempting to smuggle 127 wraps of cocaine into Nigeria.

Ejiofor, who reportedly owns boutiques in Lagos and Onitsha, Anambra State, was intercepted on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, upon arrival from Bangkok, Thailand, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight.

According to a statement released on Sunday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the suspect was apprehended following credible intelligence. A body scan revealed that he had ingested several pellets of cocaine and concealed more inside his underwear.

“Ejiofor was immediately taken into custody after the scan confirmed he had ingested the drugs. A total of 58 wraps were recovered from his underwear, while another 69 pellets were later excreted in seven rounds, bringing the total to 127 wraps weighing 1.388 kilograms,” the statement said.

In related operations, NDLEA operatives in Lagos intercepted three shipments of illicit drugs bound for the United Kingdom between October 9 and 10. The seizures included 1.74 kg of methamphetamine hidden in glass ceramic blocks, 114 grams of pentazocine, 168 grams of tramadol injections, and 48 grams of tramadol capsules concealed in Vitamin C containers.

The agency also foiled attempts by other drug syndicates to smuggle 2.6 kg of skunk and 422 grams of tapentadol disguised as black soap heading to Turkey, 169 grams of cocaine hidden in women’s handbags destined for Australia, and 568 grams of “Loyd” cannabis concealed in herbal containers en route to the United Arab Emirates.

NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against drug trafficking networks across Nigeria and beyond.

Ebonyi Bishop Arrested Over Alleged Sexual Exploitation of 22-Year-Old Church Member.

The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested Bishop Samuel Onyeagoziri, General Overseer of Champions of the Truth Church, following allegations by a 22-year-old congregant, Euphemia Ede, that he lured her into years of sexual exploitation disguised as “divine healing” for her sickle cell condition.

Police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed on Friday that the cleric was picked up on Wednesday and remains in custody. “We have commenced an investigation and he will definitely be arraigned upon the conclusion of our findings,” Ukandu stated.

Ede, in a viral podcast interview, recounted how the preacher manipulated her parents’ desperation after losing three siblings to sickle cell. She alleged that while still in SS3, the bishop told her that sleeping with him for seven days would miraculously change her genotype from SS to AA.

“He is the one who broke my virginity,” she said tearfully, adding that despite years of intercourse, her health only worsened.

The victim further accused the bishop, also known as Ndubueze Onyeagoziri Okorie, of threatening her with a rifle and forcing her to pose for nude photographs. She claimed the explicit images, which recently went viral, were taken under duress. While the cleric denied the photos, saying they were AI-generated by “detractors,” Ede insisted they were authentic.

According to her, between 2021 and 2025 she tried several times to escape his residence but was threatened with death if she exposed him. The abuse escalated in 2025 when he allegedly sought to marry her, despite being married already.

The shocking revelations have sparked outrage across Ebonyi State and beyond, with women’s groups, civil society organizations, and residents demanding justice. Many describe the case as a litmus test for Nigeria’s criminal justice system, urging police not to bow to political or religious pressure.

Ex-Senator Elisha Abbo in Police Custody Over Alleged Rape of 13-Year-Old.

Former Adamawa North lawmaker, Senator Elisha Abbo has surrendered to the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja following allegations that he raped a 13-year-old secondary school student.

According to the victim’s parents, the alleged assault took place on June 29, 2025, at Abbo’s residence in Katampe, Abuja. They further claimed that after the incident, Abbo repeatedly tried to silence them by sending money to the girl’s father.

In a startling twist, the family alleged that Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, popularly known as Binani & a former 2023 Adamawa governorship candidate, visited their home to dissuade them from going public with the case.

Police sources confirmed that Abbo is currently being held at the FCID headquarters, where investigators are interrogating him.

“The matter is under thorough investigation & no stone will be left unturned,” a senior officer told reporters on condition of anonymity.

This is not Abbo’s first brush with scandal. In 2019, he made headlines when a viral video showed him assaulting a woman at a sex toy shop in Abuja. He also faced allegations of attempting to blackmail a married woman with a sex tape, further damaging his reputation.

The latest case has drawn strong condemnation from civil society groups, child rights advocates, and women’s organizations, who insist that justice must prevail. The Executive Director of the Child Protection Network (Lagos Chapter) described the case as “a test of Nigerian criminal justice system,” warning authorities not to succumb to political pressure.

Since losing his Senate seat in 2023, Abbo has remained in the public spotlight largely for controversies rather than political achievements. His arrest has already sparked heated debate across social media, with many Nigerians demanding swift prosecution.

As of press time, neither Abbo nor his legal representatives have released an official statement.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has sacked his Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Child Development, Zainab Baban-Takko, from office.

A statement from the government on Monday confirmed the development.

According to it, the governor made a slight adjustment in 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,” the statement read.

Hajiya Zainab was appointed as commissioner in 2019 at the beginning of Governor Mohammed’s first term and had served in the cabinet until her removal.

The dismissal takes effect immediately.

Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed Sacks Women’s Affairs Commissioner.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has sacked his Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Child Development, Zainab Baban-Takko, from office.

A statement from the government on Monday confirmed the development.

According to it, the governor made a slight adjustment in 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,” the statement read.

Hajiya Zainab was appointed as commissioner in 2019 at the beginning of Governor Mohammed’s first term and had served in the cabinet until her removal.

The dismissal takes effect immediately.

Sowore Urges Nigerian Women to Demand Equal Political Representation

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has called on Nigerian women to resist political marginalization and stop being used as tools in the political space.

In an interview with Platinum TV, Sowore stressed that despite their huge contribution to elections, women remain grossly underrepresented in leadership. He highlighted that women make up about 51% of Nigeria’s voting population, yet their numbers in the National Assembly do not reflect this demographic strength.

“There are 51% of women voting in an election; why can’t we have 51% of them in the Senate?” Sowore asked. “Women should be represented in the same proportion as their population. They should not be oppressed or relegated.”

He further challenged women to go beyond symbolic roles in politics, urging them to assert themselves as equals to men.

“Women must stop playing second fiddle to men. Stop being the ones politicians put in party clothes, the ones dancing at rallies, or sweeping the venue after the event,” Sowore stated. “You are equal to men and must take your rightful place in leadership.”

His remarks have reignited conversations on women’s participation in politics, with many observers agreeing that democracy cannot flourish without gender balance in governance.

Today's Headlines: Natasha Accuses FG of Double Standard; US Vows Visa Ban on Corrupt Nigerian VIPs.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused the Federal Government of political persecution and double standards over the six-count criminal defamation charges filed against her. The lawmaker, representing Kogi Central, argued in court that while her petitions against Senate President Godswill Akpabio were ignored, the government rushed to prosecute her based on complaints from Akpabio and former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello. Her legal team, led by four Senior Advocates of Nigeria, described the charges as unconstitutional, frivolous, and aimed at silencing opposition voices.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who pleaded not guilty in June and was granted bail on self-recognition, insists the case is a misuse of the criminal justice system. She contends that defamation is civil in nature and should not be criminalised. Meanwhile, a coalition of over 350 women’s rights groups has petitioned the United Nations, alleging gender-based discrimination in her suspension from the Senate. The activists argue that the standoff undermines women’s participation in politics and breaches Nigeria’s international obligations. The matter resumes in court on October 20

Deputy Speaker Kalu Hails First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at 65

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has extended warm felicitations to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as she marks her 65th birthday, describing her as an inspiration to women and a pillar of support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, Kalu praised the First Lady’s compassion and commitment to youth and women’s empowerment, which he said are evident through her various initiatives and pet projects.

The Deputy Speaker also commended Senator Tinubu’s strong advocacy for the reserved seats bill, aimed at tackling gender disparity and deepening women’s participation in governance.

Kalu said:

“I heartily congratulate Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of our President and leader, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of her 65th birthday. She is a passionate and kindhearted leader who has devoted her life to selfless service to our dear nation in different capacities, both in private and public service.

I commend her relentless advocacy for the advancement of the girl child and her unwavering commitment to education for children, women, and the less privileged. The parliament is proud of her achievements during her time in the Senate, and I urge her to continue setting shining examples for women in leadership and governance. Happy birthday, Your Excellency, and many happy returns. Congratulations.”

Kalu concluded with prayers for God’s continued guidance, good health, and long life for the First Lady, urging her to remain a role model for women in leadership and a source of strength for the nation.

"91 chibok girls still in boko-haram captivity"- UN exposes Nigeria's systemic failures.

A decade after the horrific 2014 abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, Nigeria, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) has disclosed that 91 of the victims remain unaccounted for or held captive by Boko Haram terrorists, underscoring ongoing rights abuses.

The committee’s investigation also highlights the persistent trauma and societal rejection faced by survivors, who often lack essential psychological and social services.

These revelations stem from a detailed inquiry report issued after a confidential two-week fact-finding trip to Nigeria in December 2023.

The CEDAW team evaluated conditions in Abuja and key states such as Adamawa, Borno, Enugu, and Kaduna.

“The committee finds grave and systematic violations persist after Chibok mass abduction of schoolgirls,” the report stated.

“Nigeria is responsible for grave and systematic violations of women’s and girls’ rights amid multiple mass abductions.”

The experts called for immediate steps to halt torture and mistreatment.

School officials noted that this marked the first UN visit to Chibok Government Secondary School since the 2014 incident.

In the capital, the delegation engaged with the Director of the Women Development Department and the Director of Defence and Security.

They also consulted representatives from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the Police Service Commission.

At an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Abuja, the group spoke with Boko Haram abduction victims and women and girls seized by other factions for ransom.

“The initial focus of the Committee’s inquiry was on the mass abduction carried out by Boko Haram in 2014, when 276 schoolgirls were taken from Chibok Secondary School in Borno State.

“Of that number, 82 managed to escape on their own, while 103 were released in small groups between 2016 and 2017 through prisoner exchanges.

“At least 91 of the Chibok girls remain in captivity, or their whereabouts are still unknown.”

The probe went further, addressing kidnappings by various armed factions in the years since, including those driven by extortion.

Nahla Haidar, the Committee’s Chair, emphasized: “The abduction of the Chibok girls was not an isolated tragedy but part of a series of mass abductions targeting schools and communities across northern Nigeria.

“Though it was the first publicised case to gain global support.

“While such attacks had started earlier, Chibok marked the beginning of increased international attention of a decade-long pattern of mass abduction.”

She continued: “At least 1,400 students have been kidnapped from schools since the Chibok abduction.

“These girls were often taken for ransom, forced marriage, trafficking and prisoner exchange,

“The Committee considered that the state party’s repeated failure to protect schoolgirls and other women and girls from abductions amounts to systematic and grave violations.”

The document detailed brutal captivity conditions under Boko Haram and rival groups, including malnutrition, beatings for non-compliance, forced marriages to militants, religious conversions, and births in confinement.

“Other survivors of abductions for ransom by other armed groups faced extremely high risks of sexual violence, often suffering repeated rape by different men, and other physical violence,” the report concluded.

Post-release experiences for the Chibok survivors differed sharply.

Those who fled independently were shunned in their communities due to stigma linked to associations with insurgents, preventing returns to home village.

Tobi Amusan Makes Nigeria Shine at  World Athletics Championships as She Wins Silver.

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan secured the silver medal in the women’s 100m hurdles at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Monday, clocking 12.29 seconds in a tightly contested final.

The world record holder delivered a powerful run but finished just behind Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji, who claimed gold with a national record of 12.24s. Grace Stark of the United States earned bronze in 12.34s, while Masai Russell placed fourth in 12.44s.

Amusan, 28, was aiming to regain the world title she famously won in Oregon in 2022, becoming the first Nigerian and African to achieve the feat. While she fell short of gold this time, her silver medal adds to a decorated career that already boasts a world record of 12.12s, multiple Diamond League triumphs, and a Commonwealth Games title.

After missing the finals at the Paris Olympics, Amusan’s performance in Tokyo silences critics and proves her continued dominance on the track.

Nigeria’s medal hopes also rest on 21-year-old Ezekiel Nathaniel, who advanced to the men’s 400m hurdles semifinals with a time of 48.37s. Composed and strong in his finish, Nathaniel will aim to secure a spot in the final and challenge for a podium place later this week.

Once-Prominent Oleh Township Stadium in Delta Now Overrun by Bushes and Farmlands

September 15, 2025

Oleh Township Stadium in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, once a vibrant hub for sports and community events, has fallen into severe neglect, with its grounds now overtaken by cassava, yam, plantain, and thick bushes.

The facility, which hosted matches during the 2006 Africa Women’s Championship, including the South Africa vs. Algeria clash, was once ranked among Delta’s most prominent arenas—alongside Oghara, Ughelli, Agbor, and the Jay-Jay Okocha Stadium in Ogwashi-Uku—under the administration of former Governor James Ibori.

Residents who visited the stadium this week described its collapse as a “death sentence” for young talents in the region.

“This used to be one of the most beautiful stadiums in Delta about 10–15 years ago. It was the pride of the state. Today, it is farmland. Cassava here, yams there. The tracks, roofs, and seats are all gone. Dreams have been wasted,” a resident lamented.

Community members accused the Delta State Government, House of Assembly, and Commissioner for Sports of deliberate neglect, and also faulted the local government chairman for ignoring the stadium’s decay.

Some young athletes continue to struggle to train on the dilapidated grounds, but residents say their ambitions are being crushed.

For many, the stadium holds deep personal value. A former athlete recalled how Oleh Stadium launched his career:

“I learned handball here and represented Delta State in several national tournaments. To see this stadium abandoned is heartbreaking. It once gave us hope.”

Locals have now issued an urgent appeal to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to rescue the facility from total collapse, warning that the neglect is destroying future sporting opportunities.

“Delta prides itself as a sports-loving state. But look at what has become of Oleh Stadium. It is nothing but shameful,” a youth leader said.

“I Was Expelled and Silenced for Standing by My Principles” — Hon. Fatumata Speaks on Senator Natasha’s Suspension

The controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Ako Dwanga from the Nigerian Senate continues to draw widespread debate across the country and the African continent.

Speaking during an Arise TV interview on September 11, 2025, Honorable Fatumata Nay, a member of the Pan-African Parliament and former ECOWAS Parliamentarian, condemned the prolonged suspension of the Kogi Central senator, stressing that her six-month suspension has already expired and should not be unlawfully extended.

Drawing from her personal political journey, Fatumata recalled how she was expelled from her own party and removed from parliament for refusing to compromise her values.

“I’ve been expelled from my party and removed from parliament for standing by my principles. I know what it feels like to be silenced,” she said, linking her experience to Senator Natasha’s plight.


Legal experts have also weighed in, warning that keeping Natasha away from her legislative duties beyond the suspension period undermines parliamentary credibility. By law, once a suspension ends, a senator is free to resume duties unless a fresh motion is passed.

Fatumata emphasized that this issue goes beyond Natasha as an individual — it reflects the systemic challenges women face in politics. She argued that arbitrary suspensions and administrative delays discourage women from aspiring to leadership and weaken the push for gender equality in governance.

Observers are now calling on the Senate President to uphold due process, reinstate Senator Natasha, and restore proper representation to the people of Kogi Central. Many warn that failing to act will damage Nigeria’s image as a standard-bearer for democratic practices in West Africa.

The case is seen as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and the protection of democratic principles — with women’s political participation at the heart of the debate.

Tinubu To Address Nigerians On October 1st.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to deliver a nationwide broadcast on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
"This Ship Will Not Sink, We Have Blocked The Scavengers" - Tinubu Declares
Naija News reports that this was made known in a statement on Wednesday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, during the inauguration of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) for the anniversary in Abuja.

In a statement by the director of information in the SGF office, Segun Imohiosen, Akume explained that the committee has been tasked with planning, organising, and executing all approved programmes for the celebrations.

The former senator described the Independence Day as both a moment of reflection and a call to action.

He said: “This anniversary is a reminder of where we are coming from and where we are going from here. As a nation, we have faced challenges in areas such as political, economic and social issues but have overcome them. An anniversary is not just a celebration of the past. It is a call for action for the future.”

Schedule released by the government showed that activities will begin with a World Press Conference on Thursday, September 25, 2025, followed by a Juma’at Service and women’s activities on Friday, September 26.

Youth events and a historical arts exhibition will hold on Saturday, September 27; a Church Service on Sunday, September 28; and a public lecture on Monday, September 29. The celebrations will climax with the President’s broadcast and the Independence Day parade on October 1.

As part of the commemorative projects, Akume also unveiled the Nigeria@65 Compendium Project workstation, initiated in collaboration with CherryAfrica Magazine, which will document milestones in governance, economy and national development across the decades

BASA Accuses Governor Makinde of Betrayal, Says He Abandoned Her Local Government for Another Candidate

Bolanle Aminat Sarumi-Aliyu (BASA), a former Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Matters to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, has voiced strong disappointment over what she described as a breach of political trust by the governor.

In a video interview shared on the official YouTube channel of Edmund Obilo, BASA recounted how Governor Makinde had personally pledged support for her ambition to contest a seat in the House of Representatives under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). According to her, the governor encouraged her candidacy as part of his stated commitment to increase women’s participation in politics.

However, BASA said things took a different turn when the decisive moment arrived. She claimed the governor abandoned his promise, leaving her and her supporters embarrassed, while instead throwing his weight behind another consensus candidate.

“He disappointed and abandoned my local government in front of all of us the same day he chose the other consensus candidate,” she said.

Her remarks have sparked debate among political observers, with many pointing to her experience as another example of how women often face exclusion despite ongoing calls for gender inclusivity in Nigerian politics.

BASA’s outburst is expected to reignite discussions about trust, loyalty, and fairness within the PDP in Oyo State, while also highlighting broader concerns about women’s representation in leadership positions.

Bauchi Hisbah Bans DJs, Mixed Gatherings, and Cultural Events in New Social Guidelines

The Hisbah Command of the Bauchi State Sharia Commission has issued new regulations governing social events, including weddings, birthdays, and festivals, citing rising complaints of social vices and public disturbances.

In a circular dated July 16, 2025, and signed by Permanent Commissioner Barrister Aminu Balarabe Isah, Hisbah outlined a series of prohibitions under the document titled “Guidelines Governing the Conduct of Marriage Ceremonies and Other Festivals in Bauchi State.”

Among the restrictions are bans on Disk Jockeys (DJs), mixed-gender gatherings, and women’s attendance at male events. The guidelines also prohibit dancing between men and women in the presence of children, the sale or consumption of alcohol, and entry into venues with weapons.

Other directives include gender-based seating arrangements, suspension of activities during prayer times, observance of traditional dress codes, and strict segregation of events—men at male gatherings and women at female gatherings.

Traditional and cultural activities such as Sharo, Shadi, Garaya, and Kauyawa Day were also outlawed, along with DJ entertainment, gala nights, and Aloba. Gambling, prostitution, p@rnography, and birthdays considered to encourage imm+rality were equally banned.

“All recreational centers, clubs, and cultural organisations must comply with these directives or face sanctions,” the circular warned.

Confirming the development, Bauchi Hisbah Commander Muhammad Muhammad Bununu said: “Yes, it is from us. We issued it."