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OAP Dotun Endorses Rufai Oseni’s Bold Interview Style Over Seun Okinbaloye

OAP Dotun has voiced his preference for Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni’s assertive interview approach over Channels TV’s Seun Okinbaloye. Sharing his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), Dotun said: “I’ll rather be Rufai. This is what Nigeria needs now. When they steal, dem no dey calm do am. He is within his ethics but uses a different method. His method, I love. Werey lo fin wo werey.” Dotun praised Oseni for his boldness in questioning public officials, highlighting his ability to challenge wrongdoing while staying within ethical limits. He contrasted this with Okinbaloye’s more restrained style, which, although professional, may not push political figures as hard. The remarks have sparked conversations about the balance journalists must strike between assertiveness and professionalism, and how different interview styles influence public perception of accountability in Nigerian politics.

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Portable Slams Baby Mama Ashabi for Disrespecting Wife Bewaji, Warns Her to Stay in Her Lane

Nigerian singer Portable has come out strongly in defense of his wife, Bewaji, after actress Ashabi Simple, his fourth baby mama, seemingly threw shade at her on social media. In a voice note that quickly went viral, Portable warned Ashabi not to disrespect his wife. “Don’t ever disrespect my wife, Bewaji. She is always minding her business. She was the only woman who stood by me when I had nothing,” he said. He contrasted Bewaji’s loyalty and contentment with Ashabi’s perceived ingratitude. “She is always satisfied with anything I give her, unlike you who don’t appreciate me,” Portable added. The singer also stressed Bewaji’s central role in his life, noting, “If she didn’t approve you, you wouldn’t be with me today because her happiness is my happiness. If my name is removed from your life, who are you? Stay in your lane.” The tension reportedly arose after Ashabi made a social media post that fans interpreted as a subtle jab at Bewaji. Portable’s response quickly sparked discussions online about respect, loyalty, and the complexities of celebrity relationships. Neither Bewaji nor Ashabi has publicly commented on the situation so far.  

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Venezuelan Opposition Leader, Maria Corina Machado Wins 2025 Nobel Peace Prize as Trump Loses Bid

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has been named the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced on Friday, beating US President Donald Trump, who had openly sought the award. Machado was recognized “for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy,” said Jorgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Nobel Committee in Oslo. The committee described her as “a key, unifying figure in a political opposition that was once deeply divided in a brutal authoritarian state now facing a humanitarian and economic crisis.” Despite being forced into hiding over the past year, Machado chose to remain in Venezuela, inspiring millions under serious threats to her life. Trump had repeatedly claimed he deserved the prize for his role in resolving conflicts since returning to the White House for his second term, but Nobel experts in Oslo had dismissed his chances, arguing that his “America First” policies conflict with the Peace Prize’s ideals. Last year, the award went to Japanese anti-nuclear group Nihon Hidankyo, representing survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Nobel Peace Prize includes a gold medal, a diploma, and $1.2 million in prize money. The award will be formally presented in Oslo on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. Unlike the Peace Prize, which is awarded in Oslo, the other Nobel categories are announced in Stockholm. On Thursday, the Literature Prize was awarded to Hungarian author Laszlo Krasznahorkai, renowned for works exploring postmodern dystopia and melancholy. The 2025 Nobel season concludes on Monday with the announcement of the economics prize.  

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Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde Says People, Not Political Godfathers, Will Decide 2027 Successor

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has insisted that the decision on who will succeed him in 2027 lies entirely with the people, not political godfathers or entitlement claims. He made the comments on Thursday in Ibadan while inaugurating the zonal stakeholders’ consultative forum and engagement meeting on the 2026 Budget. Makinde highlighted that eligible voters across the state will ultimately decide the next governor. “Oyo State has moved beyond politics based on entitlement or propaganda. The people are now politically aware and will support leaders who present credible plans and demonstrate the ability to deliver development,” he said. Reflecting on his own journey to the governorship in 2019, Makinde stressed that leadership is rooted in accountability rather than entitlement. He recalled facing skepticism because he had never held political office prior to his election. “In 2018, when I was consulting to become governor, there was no yardstick to measure me. I had never been a councillor or a local government chairman, but I asked the people to trust me and judge me by my actions,” he said. The governor urged political leaders to focus on policies and initiatives that positively affect citizens’ lives instead of political theatrics, noting that his administration has maintained a clear roadmap for Oyo State’s development—one that people can evaluate and hold accountable.  

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Tim Godfrey Criticizes Churches for Poor Treatment of Gospel Artists, Reveals Being Paid in Yams and Live Chicken

Gospel singer Tim Godfrey has raised concerns over the way some churches in Nigeria treat gospel artists, revealing that he has been paid with yams and even a live chicken for his performances. In a video shared on Thursday by AsakuGRN on X, the award-winning singer expressed frustration over the lack of fair compensation for gospel performers, saying it has made performing in Nigeria increasingly challenging. “I don’t like coming. I come to Nigeria, but it has become difficult because of how artists are being treated,” Godfrey said in the viral clip. He described receiving food items instead of monetary payment and questioned how artists are expected to meet basic expenses. “I have collected tubers of yams as honorarium. I have even received a living, breathing chicken. How am I supposed to pay school fees, rent, or buy property with that? It’s completely unfair,” he added. The singer’s remarks have sparked widespread debate on social media about the ethics of church payments for gospel performances and the need to properly support artists in ministry settings.  

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Gombe Lawmaker Appeals for Urgent Action as Hippopotamus Attacks Kill Residents

Inuwa Garba, the lawmaker representing Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency in Gombe State, has called on the Federal Government to intervene in the rising attacks by hippopotamuses on local communities, which have recently led to fatalities. Garba raised the issue on Thursday during a plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu, presenting a motion of urgent public importance. Gombe and neighbouring Bauchi States are home to diverse wildlife, including bush pigs, buffalo, elephants, and zebras. The Peoples Democratic Party lawmaker highlighted that several communities in Yamaltu/Deba have experienced repeated and deadly hippopotamus attacks, particularly affecting fishermen and farmers working along rivers and farmlands. “These attacks have caused tragic loss of lives and destruction of crops, creating severe hardship for families and communities whose livelihoods depend on fishing and agriculture. The presence of these wild animals has instilled fear, forcing many to abandon their work, worsening poverty and food insecurity in the constituency,” Garba said. He cited a recent incident on October 5, when a canoe was attacked, killing one Yahaya Bawa and injuring several others. Garba warned that if the situation is not addressed, it “could escalate into a major humanitarian and economic crisis, displacing more people, destroying livelihoods, and reducing agricultural productivity.” He urged urgent action to manage wildlife encroachment, protect local communities, and preserve habitats, stressing that failure to act could lead to deserted farmlands and widespread food shortages.  

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Burkina Faso Refuses US Proposal to Accept Deported Citizens

Burkina Faso Refuses US Proposal to Accept Deported Citizens

Burkina Faso has rejected a US request to take in deported individuals, pushing back against a key migration policy under President Donald Trump. The West African nation, governed by a junta critical of Western influence, refused to accept people sent to third countries with whom they have little or no connection. In contrast, several African countries, including Eswatini, Ghana, Rwanda, and South Sudan, have recently agreed to accept individuals expelled from the United States. Burkina Faso’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, called the proposal “indecent” and said it went against the country’s principles of dignity. Earlier on Thursday, the US embassy in Ouagadougou announced the suspension of most visa services for Burkinabe citizens, directing them instead to apply in Lome, Togo. “Is this a way to put pressure on us? Is this blackmail? Whatever it is… Burkina Faso is a place of dignity, a destination, not a place of expulsion,” Traore said. Since taking power in a September 2022 coup, Captain Ibrahim Traore has positioned himself as an anti-imperialist, Pan-African leader, reducing ties with France and the West while strengthening relations with Russia.  

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Lagos State to Close Marine Bridge for 15 Days for Urgent Repairs

Lagos State Government has announced the temporary closure of Marine Bridge in Ijora, Apapa, to allow urgent maintenance work by the Federal Ministry of Works. The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the bridge will be closed for 15 days, from Saturday, October 11, to Saturday, October 25, 2025. The maintenance will be carried out in two phases to minimise traffic disruption and ensure smooth vehicle diversions. Phase I (October 11–18) will affect the section from the foot of Marine Bridge at Lawani Oguntayo Road (by UBA, inbound Apapa/Costain). Motorists from Ijora Olopa heading to Apapa will be diverted via the Ijora Causeway Access Ramp by Omni Retail Company, connecting to Ijora 7up, then onto Lilypond Access Ramp. Phase II (October 19–25) will cover the stretch between Ijora Badia and Lilypond Access Ramp (inbound Apapa). Vehicles from Ijora Olopa heading to Apapa and Costain will use a 500-metre contraflow lane before rejoining the main carriageway. Traffic from Apapa towards Costain, Lagos Island, or Ijora Olopa will maintain through traffic but will briefly share the contraflow lane near the construction site. Osiyemi urged road users to cooperate with traffic management personnel, explaining that the closure is necessary to replace the bridge’s underlying bearings, which are vital for its structural integrity and safety. He assured that traffic officers will be stationed along diversion routes to manage movement and reduce congestion. “The temporary closure is essential for the long-term safety and durability of Marine Bridge. This project highlights the ongoing collaboration between Lagos State and the Federal Government to improve infrastructure and ensure safer roads for all,” Osiyemi said.

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