Lagos Director Dies In Hit-And-Run Crash Four Days To Retirement And 60th Birthday Celebration

A senior Lagos State Government official, Mrs. Serifat Talabi, has died in a tragic hit-and-run accident just four days before her long-awaited retirement and 60th birthday celebration. Talabi, who was the Director of Procurement at the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA), was knocked down on Saturday while crossing the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near the Redemption Camp in Ogun State. A civil service source confirmed that the incident occurred suddenly as Talabi attempted to cross the busy road. “She was hit by a speeding vehicle that fled the scene immediately. She was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival,” the source said. The late director had spent decades in public service and was set to retire officially on Monday, October 13. However, her farewell event — which was also meant to mark her 60th birthday — had been shifted to Wednesday, October 22, to allow the agency’s General Manager to attend. “She had already printed and distributed invitation cards to her colleagues, friends, and family members,” another source said. “Everyone was preparing to celebrate her achievements and milestone birthday when the news of her death broke. It’s heartbreaking.” Her colleagues at LASRRA described her as a dedicated and warm-hearted civil servant who was looking forward to her retirement after years of service to Lagos State. The family has since released her burial arrangements. A wake will be held on October 23, 2025, followed by a burial service on October 24, both at her residence, 10 Ore-Ofe Street, Ara Hall Bus Stop, Ibafo, Ogun State. What was meant to be a week of celebration has now turned into one of mourning, as family, friends, and colleagues struggle to come to terms with the sudden loss of Serifat Talabi — a woman remembered for her diligence, kindness, and lifelong dedication to public service.

Read More

Arne Slot Faces Major Selection Dilemmas After Liverpool’s Defeat to Manchester United

Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United at Anfield has left head coach Arne Slot facing several critical selection dilemmas as he searches for a formula to get the champions back to winning ways. The defeat marked the first time since Brendan Rodgers’ tenure in 2014 that Liverpool have lost four consecutive matches in all competitions, putting immense pressure on Slot ahead of key fixtures in Europe and the Premier League. The Reds now face a challenging week with a trip to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday, followed by a Premier League clash with Brentford on Saturday. With performances faltering and results dipping, Slot must quickly find solutions to his team’s tactical imbalances and selection inconsistencies. One of the main issues concerns the full-back positions, where both Milos Kerkez and Conor Bradley struggled against United. Andy Robertson is now being considered to return on the left, offering experience and composure, while on the right, Dominik Szoboszlai could again fill in for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who remains sidelined. Slot’s defensive setup will be crucial in determining whether Liverpool can regain stability. Midfield remains another area of concern. Alexis Mac Allister, who has yet to complete a Premier League match since April due to fitness struggles, may be rested to recover fully. Curtis Jones impressed after replacing him in the second half against United, and many believe he deserves a starting role. Slot must now decide whether to prioritise Mac Allister’s gradual reintegration or opt for Jones’ energy and dynamism. Attention has also turned to summer signing Florian Wirtz, who once again started on the bench for Liverpool’s biggest match of the season. The German playmaker joined from Bayer Leverkusen with great expectations, but fans and pundits, including Jamie Carragher, have questioned Slot’s reluctance to start him. Carragher argued that Liverpool must build their attacking play around Wirtz and record signing Alexander Isak. Mohamed Salah’s recent dip in form adds another complication. The Egyptian forward has now gone seven Premier League games without scoring a non-penalty goal, his longest drought since joining Liverpool in 2017. Carragher suggested that Salah should no longer be an automatic starter, urging Slot to consider rotating him or testing Jeremie Frimpong in his position to add more pace and defensive balance. Up front, Slot faces a difficult choice between Isak and Hugo Ekitike. Despite being the most expensive player in British football history, Isak has yet to score in the Premier League this season, while Ekitike has netted five times in 11 appearances. The Frenchman’s form before his suspension has led many to call for him to start ahead of the Swede as Liverpool search for goals. Jamie Carragher believes the solution lies in finding a way to integrate all of Liverpool’s key signings — Isak, Ekitike, and Wirtz — into the same starting eleven. He proposed deploying Wirtz on the left wing to complement Kerkez defensively while providing creativity in attack. As Liverpool prepare for crucial games, Slot’s ability to balance his squad selections could determine whether the champions can bounce back from this early-season crisis.

Read More

Arsenal Crush Atletico Madrid 4–0 as Arteta’s Side Dominate Champions League Clash

Arsenal produced another dominant European performance as they thrashed Atletico Madrid 4–0 at the Emirates, sending a clear message to the rest of Europe — Mikel Arteta’s men are not just contenders; they look unstoppable. The Gunners have now kept four straight clean sheets, facing just one shot on target in their last three matches, while continuing their remarkable record from set-pieces — 10 goals already this season from dead-ball situations. Wednesday night’s victory was a masterclass in control, discipline, and ruthlessness. Declan Rice once again orchestrated proceedings in midfield, delivering two assists from set-pieces, while Viktor Gyökeres ended his nine-game goal drought with a confidence-boosting brace. When Arsenal dismantled Real Madrid 5–1 on aggregate last season, it was seen as their arrival among Europe’s elite. Six months later, Diego Simeone’s Atletico have suffered a similar fate. Atleti came prepared, compact, and disciplined — vintage Simeone football — but were eventually blown away by an Arsenal side operating at frightening efficiency. The Spanish giants, who scored five goals against Real Madrid earlier this season, managed just one shot on target all night. David Raya has made just one save across Arsenal’s last three fixtures, and the team has conceded only three goals in 12 games — their best-ever defensive start to a season. For all the legendary backlines under George Graham and Arsène Wenger, this defence may be reaching even greater heights. Arsenal’s set-piece record is becoming almost absurd. The Gunners scored twice from dead-ball situations again, making it the fourth match this season they’ve done so. Gabriel opened the scoring from a Rice free-kick, continuing a trend where Arsenal inevitably break opponents through well-drilled routines. Critics may argue Arsenal rely too heavily on set-pieces — but at this level of execution, it’s a weapon few teams can counter. As Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson put it: “No one beats Atletico by four. Arsenal steamrolled them.” It was also a night of redemption for Viktor Gyökeres. The Swedish striker, under pressure after a goalless spell, silenced doubters with two well-taken goals and another selfless, high-energy performance. “He makes us a better team,” Arteta said post-match. “His work rate and intelligence create so much space for our wingers. The goals were a reward for that effort.” With upcoming fixtures against Crystal Palace, Brighton, Burnley, Slavia Prague, and Sunderland, Gyökeres has a prime opportunity to build momentum — and Arsenal to extend their dominance. Top of the Premier League, joint-leaders in the Champions League, and statistically the best defence in Europe’s top five leagues — Arsenal’s rise under Arteta shows no signs of slowing down. If they continue combining tactical control with devastating set-pieces and newfound attacking depth, the question is no longer whether they can win major silverware — but who can stop them.

Read More
Marriage Is Deeper Than Physical Intimacy: Blaqbonez Sparks Debate With Views on Open Marriage and Modern Love

Marriage Is Deeper Than Physical Intimacy: Blaqbonez Sparks Debate With Views on Open Marriage and Modern Love

Nigerian rapper and songwriter Emeka Akumefule, popularly known as Blaqbonez, has once again set social media abuzz — this time with his unconventional take on marriage, intimacy, and relationships. Speaking on the “In My Opinion” podcast, the Chocolate City artist argued that open marriages could offer a practical and emotionally balanced approach for some couples navigating today’s demanding lifestyles. According to Eyes of Lagos, Blaqbonez emphasized that marriage should go beyond physical exclusivity, noting that emotional connection and mutual understanding matter more than rigid fidelity. “Marriage is more than physical intimacy,” he said. “If my partner needs closeness while I’m unavailable, I don’t see harm in her seeking it elsewhere — as long as our emotional connection remains solid.” Openness Over Possession The rapper, known for his candid and often controversial views, maintained that honesty and consent should define modern relationships. He described traditional monogamy as unrealistic for everyone, particularly for couples separated by work or travel. “Physical intimacy doesn’t define loyalty,” he added. “A partner can have a momentary experience but still stay emotionally devoted to you. What matters is connection, trust, and mutual respect.” While many fans applauded his progressive perspective, others condemned it as incompatible with Nigeria’s cultural and religious values. Separate Rooms, Shared Values Blaqbonez also shared another unorthodox relationship idea — keeping separate rooms from his future wife. He explained that personal space helps sustain attraction and individuality in long-term partnerships. “Having separate rooms doesn’t mean separation,” he clarified. “It means preserving personal space so that intimacy becomes intentional, not routine.” He believes that constant proximity can dull passion, while healthy boundaries encourage appreciation and emotional renewal. Challenging Traditional Norms Blaqbonez’s comments highlight a growing cultural shift among young Nigerians exploring new definitions of love and partnership. While monogamy remains dominant, conversations around emotional transparency, independence, and self-awareness are gaining traction. “People evolve, careers evolve, and so should our understanding of relationships,” he said. “We shouldn’t be afraid to define love in ways that work for us.” Emotional Connection as the Core of Marriage Concluding, Blaqbonez asserted that emotional and spiritual intimacy form the true foundation of lasting unions. “A fling can’t replace what you build with your partner,” he said. “True marriage is about mental, emotional, and spiritual connection — not just sex.” His remarks continue to spark intense debate online, with many viewing them as part of a broader rethinking of marriage, fidelity, and partnership in modern African society.

Read More

Nnamdi Kanu Lists Malami, Wike, Buratai Among Witnesses in Terrorism Trial

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has named several prominent Nigerians—including former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN)—as witnesses in his ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja. In a motion personally signed by Kanu and filed before Justice James Omotosho, the IPOB leader stated his readiness to commence defence in compliance with the court’s directive. According to court filings sighted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the motion—marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015 and dated October 20—was filed on October 21. It is titled: “Notice of Number and Names of Witnesses to be Called by the Defendant and Request for Witness Summons/Subpoena and the Variation of the Time Within Which to Defend the Counts/Charges Against the Defendant.” Kanu disclosed plans to call 23 witnesses, divided into “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses,” the latter to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011. He requested a 90-day period to conclude his defence. He also told the court he would personally testify, providing a sworn account of the events and explaining the political context of his statements and actions. Among his proposed “compellable witnesses” are: Former AGF Abubakar Malami Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike Former Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) Former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd) Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma Minister of Works Dave Umahi Former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu Former DG of the National Intelligence Agency Ahmed Rufai Abubakar Former DG of the State Security Service Yusuf Bichi Kanu assured the court that all voluntary witnesses would submit sworn statements in advance and that his defence team would not delay proceedings. He emphasized that his intention was to ensure “justice is not only done but manifestly seen to have been done.” The motion follows his preliminary objection filed last week, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to continue hearing the case—filed the same day a court-appointed medical panel declared him fit to stand trial. Meanwhile, a magistrate court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the remand of Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others arrested during Monday’s protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore, which demanded Kanu’s release. The defendants face charges of criminal conspiracy, disobedience of lawful order, and inciting disturbance under Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code. They have been remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending their arraignment on October 24.

Read More
Kyari: Public-Private Partnerships Key to Reducing ₦3.5trn Post-Harvest Losses

Kyari: Public-Private Partnerships Key to Reducing ₦3.5trn Post-Harvest Losses

Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has emphasized that a strong and strategic public-private partnership is essential to reforming the agricultural sector and cutting the nation’s annual post-harvest losses, estimated at ₦3.5 trillion. Kyari made this known during a high-level panel discussion at the FAO Hand-in-Hand Sahel Regional Initiative, held recently in Rome, Italy. The event focused on accelerating capacity, partnerships, and investments to transform agrifood systems across the Sahel region. According to the minister, scaling up the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) — Africa’s largest such initiative — from eight to 27 states will provide integrated infrastructure, reduce production costs for agro-processors, and boost food value chains nationwide. He also highlighted the implementation of the Nigeria Postharvest Systems Transformation Programme (NiPHaST) as a major step toward curbing the ₦3.5 trillion lost annually to poor storage, cold chain gaps, and inefficient warehousing. Kyari underscored the importance of “strong institutions, innovative financing, strategic and robust public-private collaboration, and smart governance” in unlocking the full potential of farmers, processors, and agribusinesses across the Sahel. “The pathway to upscale is to implement a laudable agenda,” Kyari said.

Read More
FG Warns ASUU Against Strike, Vows To Enforce No Work No Pay Policy

BREAKING: ASUU Suspends Two-Week Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has lifted its two-week warning strike, which had paralyzed academic activities across public universities since last week. The announcement was made on Wednesday during a press conference at the union’s national secretariat in Abuja. ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, said the decision came after interventions from the Senate and several respected Nigerians who urged the union to give dialogue another chance. He explained that the National Executive Council (NEC) resolved to suspend the strike temporarily, granting the federal government a one-month window to fulfill its promises and address all outstanding issues. Piwuna warned that the union would not hesitate to resume industrial action if the government fails to take concrete steps within the given timeframe.

Read More
Fire Guts Alaba International Market In Lagos, Shops And Goods Destroyed

Fire Guts Alaba International Market In Lagos, Shops And Goods Destroyed

A fierce blaze swept through parts of the Alaba International Market in Lagos on Tuesday evening, destroying numerous shops and sending hundreds of traders into panic. Videos from a live TikTok stream by user KB Clothings captured the chaos as thick black smoke rose over the market and desperate traders shouted for help. Many could be seen crying over the loss of their goods, while others frantically tried to rescue their merchandise before the fire spread further. Firefighters from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service raced to the scene to battle the flames, which continued to burn late into the evening. Witnesses said the fire spread rapidly through locked shops and warehouses, with several traders accusing market security officials of reacting too slowly. Alaba International Market, situated along the Lagos-Badagry expressway, is one of Nigeria’s largest trading hubs for electronics and building materials, attracting thousands of merchants and customers from across the country and neighboring West African nations.

Read More