Reuben Abati Claims Nicki Minaj Just Chasing Clout With UN Speech on Nigeria

Former presidential aide Reuben Abati has criticized Nicki Minaj’s recent speech at the United Nations on alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria, describing her involvement as inappropriate and attention-seeking. Minaj addressed the UN in New York alongside U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz, who had praised her for using her platform to highlight the issue. Her remarks generated global attention, but Abati argued that the rapper lacked the background to speak on such a sensitive matter. “Nicki Minaj is a rapper from Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. She should focus on her music — Anaconda, her rap career, and her Barbs — rather than commenting on complex national issues,” he said. Abati also suggested that Minaj’s appearance was more about personal visibility than genuine concern for Nigeria. “She’s chasing clout, even though she was invited by a White House adviser and Michael Waltz,” he added. He proposed that Nigeria counter international influencers by featuring its own prominent figures to defend the nation’s image. “If Americans are bringing in influencers, we should do the same. During Nicki Minaj’s speech, Tiwa Savage or another Nigerian celebrity could have shared patriotic perspectives on national television,” Abati said, emphasizing that local voices should be ready to respond whenever global discussions touch on the country.

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Curacao Makes History as Smallest Nation Ever to Qualify for the FIFA World Cup

Curacao has rewritten football history by becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup after holding Jamaica to a 0-0 draw in Kingston on Tuesday. With a population of only 156,000, the Caribbean island survived a relentless second-half push from the Reggae Boyz, earning the single point needed to secure their spot at the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The result crowned a stunning qualifying run for the “Blue Wave,” who finished at the top of Group B with 12 points from six matches—one point ahead of Jamaica. Curacao’s achievement breaks the previous record held by Iceland, which qualified for the 2018 World Cup with a population of about 350,000.

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Oshodi’s Re-election as ITTF Vice President Thrills Sanwo-Olu, Abiru, Others

The re-election of Wahid Enitan Oshodi as Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has drawn widespread commendation from prominent leaders, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports, Anthony Adeboye. Oshodi was re-elected during the continuation of the ITTF Annual General Meeting (AGM) held online on Saturday, November 15, 2025. His return to the Executive Board was celebrated as a recognition of his exceptional leadership, deep knowledge of global sports administration, and unwavering commitment to advancing table tennis in Nigeria, Africa, and worldwide. In a congratulatory statement issued by Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Governor described Oshodi’s re-election as a testament to his leadership qualities and hard work during his first term. Governor Sanwo-Olu said: “On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Lagos State, I rejoice with a worthy citizen of our dear State, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, on his re-election as Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). Oshodi has distinguished himself at the state, national, continental, and international levels. His contributions to sports development, particularly table tennis, have been immense, and we are proud of his achievements. We believe he will continue to lift the fortunes of table tennis in Nigeria and Africa, raising the bar to compete globally.” Senator Tokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, also praised Oshodi’s achievement: “On behalf of the people of Lagos East Senatorial District, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to my dear brother and friend, Barrister Wahid Enitan Oshodi, on his well-deserved re-election. This remarkable victory exemplifies his distinguished leadership, competence, and unwavering commitment to the growth of table tennis worldwide.” Anthony Adeboye, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports, highlighted Oshodi’s consistency and integrity: “Your influence continues to uplift the standard of table tennis in Nigeria and inspire the next generation of African sports leaders. You have always been a shining example of excellence, and this new mandate further positions you to elevate our continent to even greater heights in the world of sports.” Oshodi, who also serves as President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), will continue his role on the ITTF Executive Board for another four-year term (2025–2029), working alongside ITTF President Petra Sörling to advance the sport globally.

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LIVE UPDATE: 14 Killed in Israeli Air Attacks in Lebanon as Strikes Continue in Gaza

At least 14 people have been killed in a series of Israeli air attacks across southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, as cross-border violence continues to intensify despite international calls for restraint. In southern Lebanon, an Israeli strike targeting a vehicle killed one person and left several others injured. This comes a day after another Israeli attack on a Palestinian refugee camp in the region killed at least 13 people, according to local authorities. Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israel’s military launched multiple air raids on Rafah and Khan Younis overnight, hitting several residential areas. Gaza’s Government Media Office says Israel has violated the latest ceasefire agreement 393 times, killing 279 people and injuring 652 in those incidents alone. The wider Israeli offensive on Gaza, ongoing since October 2023, has killed at least 69,483 Palestinians and wounded 170,706. The war began following the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, which left 1,139 people dead and around 200 others taken captive. The situation remains volatile as regional tensions rise and diplomatic efforts struggle to halt the escalating violence.

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Senator Okey Ezea Passes Away While Undergoing Medical Treatment Abroad

Senator Okey Ezea, the only National Assembly member from Enugu State representing the Labour Party, has died. Reports indicate that he passed away on Tuesday while undergoing medical treatment in the United Kingdom. Prior to this, he had also sought medical care in Germany. The news was first shared on Facebook by popular on-air personality ‘Senator’ Chijinkem Ugwuanyi, who wrote: “Sad News. Senator Okey Ezea, representing Enugu North, is dead… Rest in Peace.” Although the exact circumstances surrounding his death have not been disclosed, the announcement has prompted an outpouring of reactions across social media.

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Taye Arimoro Sues Peggy Ovire Over Alleged Assault on Movie Set, Demands N100 Million

Actor Taye Arimoro has sued his colleague, Peggy Ovire, and her production company over an alleged assault during a movie shoot. Through his lawyers, Inibehe Effiong Chambers, Arimoro is demanding a public apology and N100 million in damages, citing a violation of his fundamental human rights. Arimoro alleged on his official Instagram page that the incident occurred after he tried to leave the set when his contracted working hours had ended. He claimed that Peggy and her team blocked his car, damaged its tyres, and physically assaulted him, injuring his gums and lips. “I said I wanted to go home, but they don’t want me to. They held me against my will, and that wasn’t cool. Why would you block me? I can’t go to my house again? Why? I’m not shooting two scenes. I told you, if it’s 12 p.m., I’m out,” he said during an Instagram livestream. Arimoro added, “I definitely need to see a dentist because my lower front tooth is damaged, and I’m also seeing a lawyer. I can’t drive my car because they deflated about three of my tyres. It’s really bad. I’ve never experienced anything like this because I don’t cause trouble, especially when it comes to work.” Peggy Ovire denied the allegations in an Instagram post, claiming that Arimoro was the aggressor during the confrontation.

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Tinubu Postpones South Africa and Angola Trips Amid Rising Attacks in Kwara and Kebbi States

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has postponed his scheduled trips to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, to attend the 20th G20 Summit and the 7th AU-EU Summit, citing growing security concerns across the country. The decision follows the kidnapping of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and Monday’s attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State. In a statement, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President will await further security briefings before traveling. In response to a request from the Governor of Kwara State, President Tinubu has ordered the deployment of additional military and police personnel to Eruku and the wider Ekiti Local Government Area. He has also directed security agencies to pursue the bandits responsible for the attack. “The President was scheduled to leave Abuja today for the summits, but disturbed by the recent security breaches, he has suspended his departure,” Onanuga said. The President is now awaiting reports from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who visited Kebbi on his behalf, as well as updates from the police and the Department of State Services regarding the attacks. President Tinubu reiterated his directive to security agencies to do everything possible to rescue the 24 abducted schoolgirls and ensure their safe return.

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FG Backs 30% Youth Quota Bill, Pledges Full Support for Youth-Friendly Governance Agenda

The Federal Government has declared full support for the proposed Youth Quota in Parliament Bill, which seeks to reserve 30 percent of parliamentary seats for young Nigerians aged 25 to 35, including women and persons with disabilities. The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Olawande Ayodele, announced the government’s backing while joining ongoing advocacy efforts for the bill. He affirmed his commitment to collaborate with campaigners, amplify the initiative, and ensure that young people’s voices are adequately represented in the nation’s constitution. The bill, sponsored by Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala, Chairman of the House Committee on Youth, passed its first reading in the National Assembly on November 12. The minister noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has already set a strong precedent for youth inclusion by appointing more young Nigerians into government roles than any previous administration. “The present administration has reassured that quota for youth is part of its policy agenda,” he said, expressing confidence in the bill’s successful passage. He commended the advocacy team led by Hon. Blessing Oyefeso, President of Nigeria Youths in Politics and Team Lead for the Youth Quota in Parliament Bill Advocacy, praising their dedication to advancing youth participation in governance. According to him, the government’s commitment to working with youth-led groups marks a significant milestone in strengthening democratic inclusion. The Youth Quota in Parliament Bill is considered a major step toward empowering young Nigerians and expanding their participation in national decision-making and governance.

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