News Review

Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, has explained why popular content creator, Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, better known as Mandy Kiss, was appointed as an ambassador for the Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse (LASKADA) initiative. NEWS REVIEW earlier reported that Ogunlende, in a viral video on Tuesday, conferred the ambassadorship on the influencer. “We’re here with Mandy Kiss, and she has agreed to become one of our LASKADA brand ambassadors,” the Commissioner announced. Describing drug abuse as a “pandemic,” Ogunlende said the state must collaborate with individuals who can influence the youth positively. He noted that Mandy Kiss commands a strong online following of over 400,000, making her a valuable voice in spreading the anti-drug message. Advertisement The decision follows recent controversy after the 25-year-old influencer declared plans to attempt a Guinness World Record by sleeping with 100 men. An announcement that drew widesprea...

Ibadan, Oyo State — The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja , on Tuesday firmly restated his withdrawal from partisan politics, emphasizing that his primary duty on the throne is to champion fairness and justice for all humanity. The monarch made the declaration while receiving a high-profile delegation at his Bodija residence, led by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar . The delegation, which included former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman Senator Iyorcha Ayu , former Cross River State Governor Senator Liyel Imoke , and former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir el-Rufai , visited to personally congratulate the Olubadan on his recent coronation. Advertisement Abubakar Tenders Apology for Absence Former Vice-President Abubakar used the occasion to convey a deep, unreserved apology for his absence at the historic coronation ceremony, citing unavoidable logistical and protocol challenges . "Kabiyesi, I want to begin with an apology," Abubakar stated to...

Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing of Arise News Television anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who died after a robbery attack at her residence in Katampe, Abuja. In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the 29-year-old journalist, fondly called Sommie , as “a promising professional whose life was cut short in a cruel and condemnable manner.” Tinubu extended condolences to the Maduagwu family, the management and staff of Arise News, and the Nigerian media community, noting that her death was a painful loss to the nation. Advertisement He directed security and law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and bring those behind the killing to justice without delay. “The government remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and will continue to strengthen measures to tackle crime in all its forms,” the statement read. Arise News had announced on Mond...

LAGOS, NIGERIA — Social media personality Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, popularly known as Mandy Kiss , has been unveiled as a brand ambassador for the Lagos State Kick Against Drug and Substance Abuse (LASKADA). The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, during an event organised by the anti-drug initiative. “We’re here with Mandy Kiss, and she has agreed to become one of our LASKADA brand ambassadors,” Ogunlende said in a viral video, describing drug abuse as a “pandemic” ravaging Lagos communities. Advertisement He stressed the importance of government partnering with influencers who can reach large audiences, noting Mandy Kiss’s 402,000-strong following. “The government cannot fight it alone… with the powers conferred on me, I make her one of our brand ambassadors. So, say no to drugs,” he declared. The appointment follows recent controversy after Mandy Kiss sparked outrage with a social media post cl...

Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has cancelled the parade earlier scheduled to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, October 1. The announcement was made in a statement issued Monday by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen. “The Federal Government wishes to announce the cancellation of the Independence Anniversary parade… The cancellation is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary,” the statement read. Advertisement Government, however, confirmed that other lined-up activities will hold as planned, including President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast, cultural programmes, and the grand finale of the National Campus Debate. It expressed regret over any inconvenience while appreciating the understanding of Nigerians and international guests. At a world press conference in Abuja, SGF Senator George Akume sai...

Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government says this year’s 65th Independence Day anniversary will be marked with a low-key celebration. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this at a Pre-Independence World Press Conference on Monday in Abuja. According to him, the theme of the celebration is “All Hands on Deck.” Activities began with Jummat prayers on Friday, followed by a Thanksgiving service on Sunday. Other events include a National Students’ Debate and the unveiling of the National Value Charter. Advertisement The National Value Charter, driven by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), is a framework designed to promote national pride and responsible citizenship. It is divided into two parts: the “Nigerian Promise”  which outlines government commitments to equality, freedom, democracy, inclusivity, entrepreneurship, peace, and meritocracy and the “Citizens’ Commitment” , which emphasizes values such as discipline, accountability, to...

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has announced that the country’s crude oil production has risen from 1 million to 1.8 million barrels per day, with a target of 2.5 million barrels. He disclosed this at the inaugural Africa Energy Investment Summit (AE Invest 2025) in New York, where he revealed that American companies are already showing strong interest in Nigeria’s oil blocks. Speaking during a panel session, Lokpobiri stressed the importance of continued investment in fossil fuels for Africa’s growth. “Africa must not be deceived into abandoning fossil fuels while the West continues to expand production. Our hydrocarbons will finance our transition not charity, not aid,” he declared. Advertisement Also addressing the summit on behalf of Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President, H.E. Nguema Obiang Mangue, the Minister of Hydrocarbon Mining Development, H.E. Antonio Oburu Ondo, urged urgent action to reclaim Africa’s control over its ...

LAGOS, NIGERIA — Traders at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, were left in shock on Thursday as bulldozers from the Lagos State Government demolished more than 19 buildings, leaving millions of naira in goods and property destroyed. The exercise, carried out by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Physical Planning Permit Authority, and the Urban Renewal Agency, was backed by armed security operatives. Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, explained that the action was supported by a 2003 Supreme Court judgment and the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning Law of 2019. He stressed that federal ownership of the land does not exempt developers from state planning approvals. But affected traders told NEWS REVIEW that no demolition notices were issued before their buildings were pulled down. Advertisement One eyewitness, Ikenna, said the exercise began around 8 a.m. without warning. “Nothing like a notice to v...

Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved sweeping reforms linking the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation process to compliance with the National Policy for the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD). A circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, confirmed that from October 6, no Nigerian graduate whether trained at home or abroad, will be mobilised or exempted from NYSC without proof of compliance with the NERD policy. The directive, invoked under Sections 2(4)(4) and 16(1)(C) of the NYSC Act, requires all prospective corps members to deposit their academic outputs, including theses and project reports, into the national databank. The move is aimed at curbing certificate racketeering, safeguarding Nigeria’s intellectual assets, and restoring credibility to academic qualifications. Advertisement The Federal Government explained that the policy serves as a quality assurance measure by time-st...

Nigerians may face tougher days ahead as the nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) kicks off today, Monday, September 29, 2025, threatening a twin blow of soaring petrol prices and widespread electricity blackouts. The union has directed its members to halt crude oil and gas supplies to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, a move that has sent shockwaves across the energy sector. Oil marketers have already warned that the disruption could choke supply in the domestic market, pushing up demand and fuel prices. In a related twist, power generation companies (GenCos) announced a complete shutdown of thermal plants—responsible for more than 70 per cent of Nigeria’s electricity supply. The development, tied to the strike, is expected to plunge large parts of the country into darkness, crippling economic activities and worsening pressure on households and businesses unless the Federal Government swiftly intervenes. Advertisem...

IBADAN, OYO STATE — Former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Ladoja, has been officially installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland in a colourful traditional ceremony. The coronation began with the symbolic adornment of the Akoko leaf at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, before Ladoja received the crown at the Ose Meji Temple in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area. He will later be presented with the staff of office by Governor Seyi Makinde at the historic Mapo Hall. His emergence follows the death of his predecessor, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, who passed away on July 7, 2025. Advertisement The event drew a large crowd of residents and dignitaries, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Ọlaoye; former Ogun State governor Ibikunle Amosun; and the Chief Imam of Ibadan. Security was visibly tight, with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigerian Army personnel ensuring order. The Olubadan stool remai...

Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government on Friday explained why it opposed the request to move detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to the National Hospital in Abuja for medical treatment. Government lawyers, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, told the Federal High Court that a medical report prepared by Kanu’s private physicians, led by Prof. Martin Aghaji, was exaggerated and suspicious. The report had recommended urgent transfer to either the National Hospital or a foreign facility due to Kanu’s deteriorating health. Awomolo argued that doctors at the Department of State Services (DSS), headed by Dr. Mohammed Nasir, had examined Kanu and confirmed he could be adequately treated at the DSS medical facility. He also disclosed that the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has set up a seven-man panel to review the conflicting medical reports. Advertisement The government further contended that Prof. Aghaji changed Kanu’s medication without involving DSS medical officers who had ...

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles touched down in the Chilean city of Talca on Thursday afternoon ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Drawn in Group F, the two-time World Cup finalists will face Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia, with all group matches set to take place in Talca. On arrival, the team received a warm welcome from FIFA officials, the Local Organising Committee, and hotel staff before holding their first training session in the evening. Head coach Ali Zubair told reporter that the mistakes from the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations have been corrected, assuring the squad is now better prepared for the global stage. Advertisement The Flying Eagles are camped at Hotel Diego de Almagro in Talca after a 12-day training camp in Santiago, where they tested strength against Chile and Australia. The friendlies ended in a 1-1 draw with hosts Chile and a 3-1 victory over Australia. Nigeria will open its campaign against Norway on Monday, September 29, at Estadio Fiscal de Talca before s...

IBADAN, OYO STATE - The ancient city of Ibadan is abuzz with activity as final preparations conclude for the coronation of Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland . The landmark event, set for Friday, has already drawn an impressive congregation of powerful traditional rulers and high-profile political figures. Leading the list of early arrivals was the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III . He was formally received by a delegation including the Oyo State Commissioner for Works, Alhaji Mojeed Mogbonjubola, senior government officials, and representatives of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA). The Sultan, accompanied by his traditional aides and dignitaries from Sokoto, signaled the national significance of the coronation. Advertisement The historic venue, Mapo Hall , is already hosting a distinguished assembly of royal fathers. Among those present are the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade ; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi A...