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'If leaders left public funds in banks, Nigeria would be so be so rich by now that we would not know what to do with the money' - NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi Video Credit : Okwute // X

Barau Tackles Osinbajo Over Nigeria’s Economic Outlook Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has challenged former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo’s assessment of Nigeria’s economy and democratic governance, insisting that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is addressing longstanding national challenges. Barau spoke on Tuesday in Yola, Adamawa State, during a public lecture titled “Democracy and Development: Rethinking the Leadership Question,” organised to mark Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s 59th birthday. Osinbajo had cited Afrobarometer survey findings indicating widespread dissatisfaction with democracy and economic conditions across Africa, noting that while 64 per cent of Africans preferred democracy, only 38 per cent were satisfied with how it was working. Responding to the presentation, Barau acknowledged the concerns raised but attributed part of the disconnect between government performance and public perception to inadequate communication with citizens. He cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), ongoing road projects and other infrastructure initiatives as evidence of efforts to expand opportunities and stimulate economic growth. Barau also argued that global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East, had contributed to rising energy prices and living costs. He urged government officials to improve public engagement and explain policy measures more effectively, while acknowledging that addressing Nigeria’s economic and development challenges would take time.

Israel Election: Opposition Leader Eisenkot Declares ‘Netanyahu Era Is Over’ as Exit Polls Show Tight Race Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has declared that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political era is nearing its end after exit polls indicated a narrow lead for the opposition bloc in Israel’s general election. The Yashar party leader described the projections as a rejection of Netanyahu’s government and called for a change in leadership, arguing that voters had lost confidence in the ruling coalition. However, the exit polls showed a fragmented parliament, with neither political bloc securing the 61 seats required for a majority in the 120-member Knesset. Eisenkot also warned Netanyahu against using the country’s security institutions for political purposes during the transition and coalition-building process. While the projections suggested a close contest, Likud remained the largest single party according to the figures cited in the report, leaving the final balance of power dependent on official results and negotiations among political parties.

APC State Deputy Youth Leaders Forum Passes Vote Of Confidence On National Youth Leader Dayo Israel

Putin Hosts Iranian President Pezeshkian in Moscow for Talks on Energy, Trade and Security Russian President Vladimir Putin has held bilateral talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Moscow to discuss strengthening strategic relations between the two countries. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) summit, focused on expanding trade, advancing joint oil and gas projects, and improving cooperation in energy infrastructure and transportation. Both countries have continued to pursue closer economic ties amid Western sanctions and restrictions. The discussions also covered regional security challenges, financial cooperation and the development of the International North-South Transport Corridor to improve trade links. Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to its comprehensive strategic partnership with Iran, while both delegations agreed to maintain consultations on existing economic, energy and security agreements.

France: Socialist Party Seeks Legal Status for Up to 400,000 Undocumented Workers France’s Socialist Party has introduced a bill seeking to grant legal residency to between 300,000 and 400,000 undocumented migrant workers already employed in the country. The proposed legislation, scheduled for debate and a vote in the National Assembly on November 19, 2026, seeks to address labour shortages in sectors including construction, agriculture, hospitality, manufacturing and home care. Under the proposal, applicants would be required to provide evidence of at least six months of continuous employment in France. Supporters of the bill argue that regularising undocumented workers would protect them from exploitation, increase tax revenues and help businesses struggling to recruit staff. However, the proposal faces opposition from right-wing and far-right lawmakers, who contend that large-scale regularisation could encourage irregular migration and weaken existing immigration controls. The outcome of the parliamentary vote will determine whether the proposed pathway to legal residency can proceed.

Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval for $20.5bn, €1.04bn External Loans President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve a proposed external borrowing plan of $20.517 billion and €1.045 billion to finance infrastructure development and economic programmes across Nigeria. The request was conveyed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary in Abuja on Tuesday. According to the President, the proposed loans would support projects in power, transportation, healthcare, education, agriculture, water supply and security across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Tinubu said the borrowing plan was necessary to bridge the country’s infrastructure funding gap, create jobs, strengthen food security and support economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Following the presentation of the letter, Akpabio referred the request to the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, working jointly with the Committees on Appropriation and Finance, for scrutiny. The joint committee has been directed to submit its report within one week, after which the Senate will consider the request.

2027 Elections: NCDC Boss Says Ebola Spread Could Force Postponement The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, has said the 2027 general elections could be considered for postponement if the Ebola outbreak spreads widely across the country. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Idris stressed that there was no immediate need to delay the elections, but said a severe public health emergency could require the government to consider contingency measures. “We hope the election will not be postponed, but if the thing gets wide enough, that might be considered; as at now, there is no need for that,” he said. The NCDC chief also rejected claims that Ebola could be used as a political tool to disrupt the electoral calendar, insisting that public health decisions would be guided by scientific evidence and risk assessments. He said contact tracing and surveillance were continuing following the evacuation of the index patient to Switzerland for specialised treatment, with health authorities monitoring identified contacts. He urged Nigerians and political stakeholders to avoid spreading unverified information and cooperate with public health officials as containment efforts continue.

NDC to Unveil Statement of Account, Commission Secretariat, Inaugurate Campaign Council in Abuja The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has scheduled its third National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the commissioning of its national secretariat and the inauguration of its National Campaign Council for Monday, October 26, 2026, in Abuja. According to a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director,the NEC meeting will begin at 10 a.m. at the JD Event Centre in Maitama, where the party is also expected to present its Statement of Account as part of efforts to demonstrate financial transparency. The meeting is restricted to invited NEC members. The party will commission its newly acquired national secretariat in Jabi at 2 p.m., followed by the inauguration of the National Campaign Council and presentation of Certificates of Return to its candidates at 5 p.m. The Director also disclosed that about 80 per cent of the party’s candidates received Expression of Interest and Nomination forms free of charge in response to economic hardship facing prospective aspirants. The campaign council event and subsequent dinner will be attended by designated party officials and candidates, including the presidential and governorship candidates and National Assembly flagbearers.

France Protests: Thousands Rally in Paris Over Living Costs, School Funding Thousands of protesters have reportedly taken to the streets of Paris and other French cities to protest rising living costs, public service cuts and concerns over school funding. The demonstrations, initially driven by high school students over teacher shortages and poor educational infrastructure, have reportedly expanded to include trade unions, student groups and elements of the Yellow Vests movement. Protesters are demanding higher wages, increased funding for public schools and measures to ease the cost of essential goods and energy. Authorities have imposed security restrictions in Paris, including reported metro station closures and changes to the approved protest route, following clashes and property damage at earlier demonstrations. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reportedly said more than 135 people had been detained nationwide by Saturday afternoon, as security forces sought to prevent further violence. The protests have also triggered restrictions on demonstrations in some cities, drawing criticism from union leaders over the right to peaceful assembly. Protest organisers have vowed to continue their campaign for economic relief and public sector reforms.

Shoprite Nigeria Shifts From Shopping Malls to Standalone Neighbourhood Stores Retail giant Shoprite Nigeria is shifting its expansion strategy towards standalone neighbourhood stores as it seeks to reduce operating costs and stabilise its business amid mounting economic pressures. The move marks a departure from its traditional reliance on large-format outlets in shopping malls, where high rents, facility management charges and diesel-powered electricity have increased the cost of running stores. The new format is expected to bring groceries and other essential goods closer to residential communities while allowing the retailer to operate with smaller store footprints and potentially lower overheads. The strategic shift comes amid persistent inflation, foreign exchange volatility and changing consumer spending patterns in Nigeria’s retail sector. Smaller outlets could also enable Shoprite to expand more flexibly, although the company’s rollout plans and the extent of its planned transition remain to be established.

Anambra Police Arrest Chima Ofoeke Over Suspected Murder of 23-Year-Old Woman The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a suspect, identified as Chima Ofoeke, in connection with the suspected murder of 23-year-old Mmesoma Umeorini in Uga, Aguata Local Government Area of the state. The arrest followed preliminary investigations into the incident, which has reportedly left members of the community in mourning. Police operatives are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the young woman’s death. The suspect is being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka, where homicide detectives are interrogating him as investigations continue. According to the police, investigators are working to determine the motive behind the alleged killing and whether other persons were involved. Community leaders and youth representatives have called for a thorough investigation, while the command has assured the public that further updates will be provided as the case progresses. The suspect’s arrest does not constitute proof of guilt.

Search Continues After 18-Storey Building Collapses in Kenya’s Capital Emergency workers searched through concrete rubble on Saturday for survivors after an 18-storey building under construction collapsed in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, killing concerns over construction safety and regulatory compliance. The building collapsed on Friday afternoon in Eastleigh, a densely populated commercial and residential district, according to local authorities and rescue services. Rescue teams, including the Kenya Red Cross and Nairobi County disaster personnel, deployed heavy machinery to clear debris and open access routes for search operations. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said the building lacked an occupation certificate, although commercial premises on lower floors were reportedly operating before the collapse. Kenya’s National Construction Authority said the project was registered in 2025 and that officials were investigating possible breaches of construction safety standards. Authorities have yet to establish the cause of the collapse, while investigations into compliance with building regulations continue.

Senate Orders Probe of Tansian University Over Alleged Administrative Irregularities The Senate has ordered an investigation into the operations and regulatory compliance of Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State, following allegations of administrative excesses and irregular appointments and dismissals of personnel. The directive followed a motion of urgent public importance raised on Thursday by Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, who expressed concerns over the university’s alleged failure to comply with established National Universities Commission (NUC) guidelines

NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Imported Tomato Paste With Fake Registration Number in Onitsha The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to an imported tomato paste product intercepted at Bowa Market, Onitsha, Anambra State, for allegedly bearing a fake NAFDAC registration number linked to a sachet water product. The agency said the discovery was made during a recent enforcement operation, describing the misuse of a registration number as a deceptive practice designed to mislead consumers into believing the product had received regulatory approval. NAFDAC also disclosed that the imported tomato paste falls under Nigeria’s import prohibition, warning that the product violates import regulations in addition to raising concerns over its claimed registration status. The agency urged consumers to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of regulated products before purchase, as it continues efforts to tackle the circulation of prohibited and improperly labelled goods in Nigerian markets.

Ebola Outbreak: FG Partners Uganda to Prevent Spread in Nigeria, Activates Contact Tracing The Federal Government has said it is collaborating with Uganda to prevent the spread of Ebola in Nigeria following the confirmation of an imported case. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, gave the assurance after meeting with the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Pate disclosed that health authorities had commenced contact tracing and activated containment measures to prevent further transmission. The minister expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to manage the situation, citing the country’s experience in containing the 2014 Ebola outbreak. He said the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) had activated its incident management system, with officials monitoring developments and coordinating the response. Pate urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, avoid panic, follow official health advisories and refrain from spreading misinformation, assuring that the government would provide timely updates as more information becomes available

2027: ‘Child of Nobody Must Become Somebody Without Knowing Anybody’ — Peter Obi National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for a Nigeria where every citizen has a fair opportunity to succeed, regardless of background or personal connections. Obi made the call after a series of engagements in London, United Kingdom, where he met with British government officials and members of the Nigerian diaspora to discuss the country’s future. He said the discussions centred on the collective responsibility to rebuild Nigeria and tackle bad leadership, corruption and lack of accountability, which he blamed for undermining national development and denying millions of Nigerians access to quality healthcare, education and decent employment. He stressed the need for a country where hard work is rewarded and opportunities are available to all, declaring that “a New Nigeria is POssible.”

APC Youth Wing Partners Ministry of Women Affairs to Strengthen Youth Engagement The All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Wing has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to promote dialogue, collaboration and greater youth participation in governance and national development. The partnership featured An Evening with the Minister of Women Affairs, part of a series designed to bridge the gap between political leaders and young people. The initiative provides a platform for open dialogue, direct engagement and meaningful conversations on issues affecting young Nigerians, while encouraging stronger collaboration between policymakers and the youth.

Ebola Scare: Hilarious Moment as Lawmakers Reject Motion to Visit Primary Case Site