Dan Agbese, veteran journalist and co-founder of Newswatch, has passed away at the age of 81. According to family sources cited by our sister publication, TheNews, Agbese died on Monday morning. A towering figure in Nigeria’s media landscape, Agbese made a lasting impact decades after he first entered the newsroom. He was widely respected as a masterful writer and a leading voice in public affairs commentary.
The Nigeria Football Federation wishes to openly and sincerely apologise to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), to the Federal Government as a whole; and to millions of Nigerians, most especially our passionate, loyal football fans, following the Super Eagles failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. Sunday’s loss to DR Congo in the Africa Play-off Final in Rabat remains a moment of profound sadness for Nigerian football. For a nation where the Super Eagles serve as a symbol of unity, hope, and collective pride, missing out on the World Cup for a second consecutive time is a disappointment of great weight and emotional depth. The NFF, the technical crew, and the players understand the gravity of this moment. We understand the expectations Nigerians rightly hold. We understand the passion and sacrifice of a country that has always stood firmly behind its team, through triumphs and trials. And we recognise that our collective effort did not deliver the outcome this nation deserved. In the dressing room after the match, the pain among the players was palpable. Many struggled to speak. Throughout the long journey of this qualification campaign, we were privileged to receive enormous support from the Federal Government through the National Sports Commission, the National Assembly, key Ministries, Departments and Agencies, our diplomatic missions, the media, and, above all, the passionate fans whose devotion remains unmatched anywhere in the world. Football in Nigeria is more than a game. It is a national language. A bridge across cultures, a source of pride and emotional identity. A powerful symbol of unity that binds over 200 million people as one family. We owe it to this nation to honour that bond with sincerity, accountability, and action. As we look forward, our immediate attention turns to the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, which begins shortly. This tournament presents an opportunity for healing, for renewal, and for demonstrating the resilience that has always defined Nigerian football. In the coming days, the NFF Board and Management will enter into a rigorous review process, honest, uncompromising, and strategic. We will evaluate the technical, administrative, and structural gaps that led to this outcome. And we will take decisive steps to reposition our national teams for future success. We make this solemn commitment to the people of Nigeria: We will rebuild trust. We will restore pride. We will reclaim our standing on the global stage. We will not allow this disappointment to be the final word on Nigerian football. Nigeria is a nation of resilience, of spirit, of unyielding hope. Just as our people rise from every challenge, so too will the Super Eagles.
Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has dismissed claims that she was arrested, addressing the rumours directly during a TikTok live session. The mother of two criticized those spreading false information, warning of the consequences of their actions. “To all rumour mongers spreading fake news about me, it shall not be well with you. Who did they arrest? Your stories make my fans worried and calling to check on me. You mention my name just to drive traffic and make money. You are heaping curses on yourself because I am a special being. Anyone wishing me harm, it will return to the sender,” she said. The actress’s statement follows the circulation of a fake “wanted” poster featuring her image, which the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed is false. Iyabo urged her followers to disregard such misinformation and reassured them that she is safe. Iyabo Ojo responded to false claims that she had been arrested. Omo! The cu rs3 she laid in this video is too much 🙆🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/VVsl1PyI4y — 𝒆𝒏𝒙𝒄𝒉 (@EN0CX) November 17, 2025
Nigeria’s inflation rate slowed to 16.05 per cent in October 2025, continuing a steady decline over the past several months, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed. According to the NBS Consumer Price Index and Inflation report shared on its verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, the figure represents a drop from 18.02 per cent recorded in September. On a month-to-month basis, however, headline inflation increased slightly by 0.93 per cent. The report also indicated a modest relief in food prices, with food inflation decreasing by 0.37 per cent compared to the previous month. This marks the seventh straight month in which Nigeria’s inflation rate has eased, signaling gradual relief for consumers amid ongoing economic pressures.
Social media personalities Verydarkman (Martins Otse) and comedian Mr. Jollof (Freedom Atsepoyi) have been handed over to airport authorities following a physical confrontation during boarding at Asaba International Airport. The incident happened on United Nigeria Airlines Flight UN0523, which was scheduled to fly from Asaba to Lagos. The two have a long-standing feud on social media, which escalated after VDM accused Mr Jollof’s wife of inappropriate relations with “Yahoo boys.” Video footage circulating online showed the duo exchanging punches as other passengers looked on. VDM later confirmed the altercation on his social media, claiming he had “handled” the situation. Chibuike Uloka, UNA’s Public Relations Officer, stated that the airline crew acted quickly and professionally to calm the situation. Both men were deboarded prior to departure, and authorities were called in to manage the matter. Uloka emphasized that passenger safety is the airline’s top priority and that UNA maintains a zero-tolerance stance on behavior that threatens the well-being of travelers or staff. He added that the flight proceeded safely after the incident, while VDM and Mr. Jollof remained in the custody of airport security for further investigation.
November 16, 2025 A new market survey has revealed a significant drop in the prices of major food items across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, offering much-needed relief to residents after months of food inflation. The survey, conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri, Damaturu, Yola-North and Numan, shows steady declines in the prices of rice, maize, beans, pepper, millet, spaghetti and cooking oil when compared to earlier months. In Maiduguri’s Monday Market, a 50kg bag of rice—sold for between ₦78,000 and ₦82,000 in August and September—now goes for ₦64,000 to ₦65,000. A 100kg bag of maize has fallen from ₦60,000–₦65,000 to ₦40,000–₦45,000, while white beans decreased from ₦105,000 per bag to ₦85,000. One of the most dramatic drops was in the price of fresh pepper, which traded as high as ₦70,000–₦85,000 earlier in the year, but now sells for ₦6,500–₦8,500. Millet prices also declined from ₦65,000 to ₦46,000 per 100kg bag, while sorghum fell to ₦38,000 from earlier prices of ₦50,000–₦55,000. Traders attributed the decline to increased supply from local farmers and improved security access to farmlands around Zabarmari, Muna, Konduga, Jere and Mafa. “Prices came down because supply increased,” grains dealer Haruna Bukar said. However, some traders warn the drop may be temporary due to poor storage facilities. “If government provides storage centres, we can keep prices stable,” said retailer Amina Umar. In Damaturu, prices have also fallen sharply. A big measure of white beans, formerly ₦6,000, now sells for ₦3,000, while red beans dropped from ₦4,800 to ₦2,400. Rice now sells for ₦2,500 per measure, down from ₦5,000, and a carton of spaghetti has dropped from ₦19,000 to ₦13,000. An economist with Yobe State University, Dr. Binta Yahaya, linked the decline to massive imports of grains such as rice and wheat by the present administration to curb food inflation. “When supply floods the market, prices naturally fall,” she said, urging government to balance imports with support for local farmers. In Adamawa, a 50kg bag of local rice now sells for ₦32,000–₦36,000, compared to ₦48,000–₦55,000 three months ago. Prices of maize and beans have also dropped significantly. Traders and consumers across the three states appealed to the government to sustain market stability and continue improving road access, transportation systems and farming support. Agriculture expert Dr. Obadiah Noah warned that while lower prices offer short-term relief, heavy dependence on imports could affect long-term food security. He urged investment in irrigation, credit access, rural roads and security on farmlands to ensure sustainable production.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 396,000 capsules of tramadol at the Aliyu Mustapha International Airport in Yola, Adamawa State. The seizure, made on 14 November, comes just a week after operatives recovered more than 171,000 tramadol capsules in coordinated operations across Niger, Benue and Taraba States. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed on Sunday that a 50-year-old suspect, Ahmed Isyaku Nda, was arrested in connection with the Yola interception. He added that operatives also raided a warehouse in Asob Maraba, Karu, Nasarawa State, where they recovered 785 kilogrammes of cannabis belonging to a dealer who fled before officers arrived. In Lagos, the agency also arrested a suspected drug baron who had been posing as a hotelier and businessman. The suspect, Franc CJ Ibemesi, 42, was arrested at his hotel on Ago Palace Way, Isolo, and later taken to his warehouse where officers found 1.76 tonnes of cannabis packed in 42 jumbo bags and four cartons. Recovered cash from the operation included $11,600, £2,000, €2,200, and 50 Canadian dollars. In Osun State, NDLEA operatives foiled an attempt by a syndicate operating in the Orita-Apeje and Araromi-Okeodo forest reserves to distribute over 11 tonnes of processed cannabis. Two trucks transporting the drugs were seized, and seven suspects — Lucky Abiodun, Julius Amos, Victor Ngbikili, Sunday Oduegwu, Ibrahim Akanni, Eze Godstime and Fred Ifeanyichukwu — were apprehended. NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), praised the operatives for their vigilance and urged personnel nationwide to maintain the momentum of the agency’s coordinated anti-drug efforts. The latest string of operations follows the recent recovery of a ₦338 billion drug consignment at the PTML Terminal of the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. The NDLEA says it is working with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the UK’s National Crime Agency to track the syndicates behind the shipment.
President Bola Tinubu has commended the Super Eagles for putting up their best efforts towards qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, despite their loss in the playoffs on Sunday Tinubu Commends Super Eagles, Urges ‘Em to Focus on AFCON President Bola Tinubu has commended the Super Eagles for putting up their best efforts towards qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, despite their loss in the playoffs on Sunday. The President, in a statement on Monday, charged the Eagles to put behind them the loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo and prepare for the African Cup of Nations, which will be held from December 2025 to January 2026 in Morocco. Nigeria’s dream of featuring in the World Cup was dashed as Congo DR eliminated the Super Eagles in a dramatic qualifier play-off on Sunday night in Morocco. The Eagles lost in a penalty shootout after the game ended 1-1 in extra time. DR Congo triumphed 4-3 on penalties to advance to the Inter-Confederation play-off, keeping their own 2026 World Cup hopes alive. President Tinubu said that, although it was painful that the Eagles failed to qualify for the World Cup tournament for the second consecutive time, the team must be commended for striving hard to reach the Mundial, particularly after winning their first playoff match. President Tinubu remarked: “Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them. “We must now plug all the loopholes. Our football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders must go back to the drawing board. “Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory.” The President, in a statement on Monday, charged the Eagles to put behind them the loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo and prepare for the African Cup of Nations, which will be held from December 2025 to January 2026 in Morocco. Nigeria’s dream of featuring in the World Cup was dashed as Congo DR eliminated the Super Eagles in a dramatic qualifier play-off on Sunday night in Morocco. The Eagles lost in a penalty shootout after the game ended 1-1 in extra time. DR Congo triumphed 4-3 on penalties to advance to the Inter-Confederation play-off, keeping their own 2026 World Cup hopes alive. President Tinubu said that, although it was painful that the Eagles failed to qualify for the World Cup tournament for the second consecutive time, the team must be commended for striving hard to reach the Mundial, particularly after winning their first playoff match. President Tinubu remarked: “Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them. “We must now plug all the loopholes. Our football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders must go back to the drawing board. “Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory.”
