The Lagos State government has stated that due process was followed in the demolition of shanties and other unapproved structures in the Oworonshoki area of the state, as property owners disregarded notices and amnesty opportunities to regularise their buildings.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban and Regional Planning, Gbolahan Oki, said this during a press briefing.
Oki, who provided evidence of the notices served and meetings with stakeholders, said that the residents were given enough time to obtain planning permits during the state government’s amnesty programme for unapproved buildings.
He added that the amnesty began with a 90-day window from May 2024 to July 2024, which was extended to October 2024 and finally to December 2024.
According to him, despite the government’s efforts to encourage landlords and property owners to comply with building permits, only two or three landlords took advantage of the amnesty, and their buildings were not demolished. “but others ignored all warnings,” Oki stated.
He further stated that officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), along with community leaders and traditional leaders, engaged with the residents through meetings and sensitisation before the demolition.
Oki said that most of the demolished buildings were distressed, blocking drainage channels and posing security threats.
He added that some tilted backwards and had visible cracks or were only patched with paint to look safe.
Oki said: “The government cannot allow people to live in houses that are not fit for habitation. We are now insisting that every property in Lagos must have a certificate of fitness for habitation.”
According to the permanent secretary, obtaining a planning permit now takes 10 to 15 days once the necessary documents are submitted.
He noted that the office issuing the permit had been decentralised to all local government areas, adding that the demolitions were not carried out in secret.
A three-minute video showing marked buildings and community meetings at Oworonshoki was presented during the interaction.
Oki said that the demolition was necessary to safeguard lives, improve drainage and enhance security in the area.
It would be recalled that the Lagos State Government granted a three-phase amnesty between May 2024 and December 2024 for owners of unapproved buildings to regularise their documents.
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Nigerian men travelling alone will no longer be able to obtain tourist or transit visas to Qatar, following new rules introduced by the country’s Ministry of Interior.
The decision, which authorities say is meant to curb overstays, has sparked concerns that it could affect business, family connections, and wider relations between both nations.
The policy, which took effect around September 5, 2025, was first reported by industry sources and travel agencies last week.
It applies immediately to both new and pending visa applications.
Under the revised rules, only women or families are eligible to apply for visas, while men travelling independently are excluded unless accompanied by family.
Applicants are also required to book a confirmed return transfer and secure accommodation only in five-star hotels before visas can be processed.
For many Nigerians, particularly male business executives, students, and those using Doha as a connecting hub to Asia and Europe, the new rules come as a major setback.
Independent travel for men has effectively been cut off, raising costs and limiting opportunities for those who rely on Qatar as a transit point.
“This is going to affect a lot of Nigerians who fly Qatar Airways to Asia or Europe.
“For men, it is practically a travel ban if they are not going with their family,” multiple reports gathered.
Qatar says the policy is aimed at stopping overstays, but for Nigeria, the restrictions risk straining ties and cutting people-to-people exchanges.
Male travellers in particular now face the burden of either cancelling plans or restructuring trips under stricter and more expensive conditions.
This is not the first time visa restrictions have created friction.
In 2019, then Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, appealed to Qatar to ease entry barriers for Nigerians, while in 2023, former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, urged for a fairer visa system.
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The megawatt (MW) generated dropped from 2,917.83 (MW) to 1.5 (MW) between 11 am and 12 pm on Wednesday.
Shortly after the collapse, the Nigeria National Grid, an X handle that provides updates on Electric power distribution, announced that “System restoration is in progress.”
In another tweet, the X account stated that the Disco loads of all power distribution companies across the country, aside from Ibadan DisCo, have come down to zero megawatt.
“Disco load” is the amount of power (in megawatts, MW) allocated from the national grid to each Electricity Distribution Company (DisCo).
UPDATE:
DisCo Load | 10th September, 2025 | 4:54 PM
Abuja DisCo -???150 MW Benin DisCo -??? 60 MW Eko DisCo -???? 100 MW Enugu DisCo -???150 MW Ibadan DisCo -?? 120 MW Ikeja DisCo -??? 120 MW Jos DisCo -???? 50 MW Kaduna DisCo -?? 95 MW Kano DisCo -????90 MW…
Confirming the development in a statement, the Abuja DisCo assured its customers that efforts are ongoing to stabilise the grid and restore power.
The statement read, “Dear Valued Customers, Please be informed that the power outage currently being experienced is due to a loss of supply from the national grid at 11:23 hrs today, affecting electricity supply across our franchise areas.
“Rest assured, we are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure power is restored once the grid is stabilised. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
It collapsed at 11:23 a.m. — Abuja DisCo
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, on Wednesday, said that the national grid collapsed at about 11.23a.m.
The company made this known on its verified Twitter handle in Abuja.
It said: ”Please be informed that the power outage currently being experienced is due to a loss of supply from the national grid at about 11:23 a.m. on Wednesday.”
According to the company, the outage affected electricity supply across its franchise areas.
“Be rest assured we are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure power is restored once the grid is stabilised.
”Thank you for your patience and understanding,” it said.
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Money talk is never far in Nigeria. People complain about fuel prices, debate the naira’s value, or share news about what’s happening abroad. In the last few years, another subject has joined the mix: access to global markets. With better internet and cheaper devices, the idea of trading no longer feels distant.
It’s not just professionals watching these changes. Students, freelancers, and small business owners are curious too. Some want to test out skills, others simply want to understand why prices jump from one week to the next.
Digital doors opening
Phones and laptops changed everything. Ten years ago, tracking international prices in real time wasn’t possible for most Nigerians. Today, a basic connection is enough to pull up charts, read updates, or join a trading group online.
That’s where online trade comes in. The web has made markets more open, giving people in Lagos, Abuja, or smaller towns a chance to explore the same movements once hidden behind closed doors.
The messy first steps
Starting out is rarely smooth. New words appear — leverage, margin, volatility — and they sound confusing at first. Add hundreds of YouTube channels and “mentors” promising easy wins, and the mix turns chaotic.
Many people rush in, put money on the line too soon, and then get discouraged when it goes wrong. A slower, step-by-step approach usually works better: practice first, ask questions, and accept mistakes as part of the learning curve.
Why practice matters
Modern platforms allow something older generations never had: training without real risk. Demo accounts let beginners use virtual money while following actual market moves. It’s like rehearsal before stepping on stage.
Practicing this way builds confidence. Instead of stressing over losses, people can focus on learning how tools work and how decisions play out.
Things unique to Nigeria
Global markets are important, but local realities matter just as much. Anyone learning here needs to keep a few points in mind: ? Oil prices push the naira and the wider economy up or down. ? Central Bank decisions change rules quickly. ? Exchange rates swing during political or global shocks. ? Tax and regulatory issues still apply, even if often ignored.
Knowing this context makes the charts on a screen more meaningful. Learning in groups. Nobody wants to feel alone in a confusing space. Across Nigeria, communities are forming: campus clubs, Telegram groups, even informal meet-ups in cafés. People share stories — wins, losses, lessons learned. That shared experience makes the journey easier.
But caution is needed. Not all advice online is trustworthy. Developing a critical eye is part of the process, just like learning to read charts.
Looking ahead
Financial literacy in Nigeria is still young, but it’s growing. Younger generations are already online every day, so exploring markets feels natural. As connectivity spreads to rural areas, more people will join the conversation.
It doesn’t mean everyone will become a full-time trader. But gaining basic knowledge of how global events connect to local life is powerful. In a country where oil prices abroad can raise food and transport costs at home, awareness itself is a form of strength.
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The Federal Government has no immediate plans to implement the five per cent fuel surcharge contained in the newly signed Tax Administration Act 2025.
Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the economy, said this at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said that the surcharge was a long-standing provision first introduced in 2007 under the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Act, and not a new tax measure created by the President Bola Tinubu administration.
According to him, the surcharge’s inclusion in the 2025 Act is part of efforts to consolidate and harmonise existing laws for clarity and ease of compliance.
“It is important to make this distinction; the inclusion of the surcharge in the 2025 Nigeria Tax Administration Act does not mean an automatic introduction of a new tax. It doesn’t mean fresh taxation automatically,” the minister said.
Edun said that the new law would not take effect until January 1, 2026, and even then, any implementation of the surcharge would require a formal commencement order by the Minister of Finance, published in an official gazette.
“There is a whole formal process involved, and as of today, no order has been issued, none is being prepared and there is no plan. There is no immediate plan to implement any surcharge,” he said.
According to him, the government’s broader tax reform effort is a long-overdue overhaul of the country’s fragmented tax system.
Edun said that the Tax Administration Act is one of four legislative instruments passed to improve transparency, simplify compliance for individuals and businesses, and modernise revenue collection.
He said that the other laws include the Revenue Service Bill, the Joint Revenue Board Bill, and the overarching Tax Reform Bill.
“This is a transformational legal document.”
Edun said that the process of preparing the reforms followed years of consultation, technical work and collaboration.
The minister said that moving from legislation to implementation would also involve significant preparation, including institutional realignment, capacity building, and public sensitisation.
Edun said that amid heightened public scrutiny and economic pressure on households, the present administration remains committed to macroeconomic stability and private-sector-led growth.
He said that the goal of the tax reforms was not to impose new burdens on Nigerians, but to create a more transparent and effective tax system that curbs leakages, boosts efficiency, and fosters investor confidence.
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The Lagos State University, LASU, on Friday, said no member of staff had the authority or capacity to offer admission for money, warning candidates against deception.
The university management stated this in a release by the Deputy Registrar and Coordinator, Centre for Information and Public Relations, Mrs Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile.
She advised candidates that anyone making such claims was exploiting desperation and could not fulfil those promises.
“No staff member has the authority or capacity to offer admission in exchange for money. Candidates must not be deceived by such false claims.
“The university refutes, in the strongest terms, any suggestion that admission can be bought.
“We sympathise sincerely with candidates who, despite strong results, could not be admitted. But LASU cannot be coerced into exceeding its approved capacity,” she said.
She said the university had monitored with keen interest social media posts and comments about the ongoing 2025/2026 admission exercise at LASU.
“Ordinarily, LASU owes no applicant an explanation regarding admission.
“However, a misleading narrative has emerged on social media, alleging staff involvement in admission racketeering.
“As a responsive institution, LASU cannot remain silent, for silence could allow misinformation to harden into accepted truth,” she said.
She said it was therefore important to establish some facts for the benefit of the public.
“LASU Law 2004, as amended, provides that the university shall adopt a merit-driven admission policy, open to Nigerian and international students.
“This is with special preference for Lagosians, using a 70-30 guiding principle, whenever possible.
“This means that, after the merit list is released, Lagos State indigenes are prioritised before other candidates are considered.
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The Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers has suspended its two-day strike following a meeting with the Dangote Group on Tuesday.
The National President of NUPENG, Williams Akporeha, confirmed this to our correspondent.
According to him, the Dangote refinery team led by Sayyu Dantata, agreed to unionise its drivers.
He said the meeting was summoned by the Department of State Services.
“We have suspended the strike. The Dangote refinery has agreed to unionise its drivers. We signed an agreement,” Akporeha said in a telephone conversation.
Petroleum tanker drivers on Monday made good their threat to shun fuel loading due to the crisis between them and the Dangote refinery as a result of the unionisation of tanker drivers.
This was despite an appeal by the Federal Government that they shelve the plan.
In some parts of the country, filling stations were also closed by NUPENG members. The Aradel refinery in Obele, Port Harcourt, was shut. The Kwale Hydrocarbon facility in Delta State was shut.
NUPENG had on Friday declared its intention to stop loading fuel this week over allegations that the Dangote refinery planned to ban the drivers recruited for its 4,000 trucks from joining the union.
NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, on Sunday confirmed that the Federal Government had reached out to the union on the need to avert the strike. He, however, insisted that the industrial action would go ahead.
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Elizabeth Amadou Aminata, popularly known as Jarvis, is a Nigerian social media sensation, content creator, and TikTok live streamer whose unique approach to content creation has earned her a great name in the entertainment industry.
Jarvis is known for her robotic human artificial intelligence-inspired character content with over 7 million followers. She’s become an influential female voice in Nigeria.
Jarvis, also known as Jadrolita, hails from Edo State in the South-South part of Nigeria. She is the first child of her parents and also grew up in Edo State. Jarvis was born on March 1st, although her exact year of birth is not known.
Education
She completed both her primary and secondary education in Edo State. She studied for a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Accounting at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, and graduated in the year 2024.
Jarvis kicked off her creative content career when she was in her third year at university. According to her, growing up, people always told her that she was a robot or cartoon-like character, but she didn’t take it seriously then. It was at university that a friend introduced her to TikTok. She started her first trial with her sister, and at first, their content was getting low views. Through research, she discovered the Non-Player Character video role, which she felt she would fit perfectly. She derived her name from the Artificial Intelligence Character, ‘Just a Rather Intelligent System,’ in the popular movie ‘Iron Man.’ Pinky Doll, a Canadian media personality known for her robotic-styled content, also influenced her decision to enter this niche. Hence, she strived to create something different and entertaining for Nigerians. It was then that she started gaining high views on TikTok. She later realised that the brand name Jarvis was already established, so she decided to go with the name Jadrolita. However, Nigerians are very familiar with her and prefer to refer to her as Jarvis.
Her Parents’ Reactions to Her Career
Jarvis made it known that her parents are lovers of education. They wanted her to be more academically inclined. However, when she started, her sudden growth took them by surprise. Though they still want her to get more certificates, they now appreciate her creative efforts.
On Marriage with Peller:
A popular Nigerian TikTok creator, Amadou Aminata, widely known as Jarvis, recently shared insights into her relationship with her boyfriend and creative partner, Peller.
During a candid TikTok live session, she expressed her readiness to settle down but noted that Peller’s younger age is a key reason they haven’t yet taken the step toward marriage.
Recently, speculation has been growing among fans about when the couple might get married. Many of their followers have noticed their strong chemistry and assumed that marriage might be on the horizon. The two have built a strong online following, with fans closely following both their content and personal relationship.
In the viral conversation, Jarvis looked at Peller and stated, “Let us not lie, the age difference is there because I am older, and I accept that and I don’t want it to look like since I am older, I am pressurising him to get married at the wrong time, and of course, this is a wrong time for him. Let us be real and logical.
Habeeb Hazmat, popularly known as Peller, is also a social media sensation. Jarvis and Peller met on TikTok when Peller started showing interest in her content. They have matching vibes, which led them to collaborate and fit into each other’s lives. Since then, they have been creating content together and also attending events together. On December 23, 2024, Peller proposed to Jarvis. Although Jarvis initially denied it and said it was only a promise ring, she later confirmed their engagement on July 20, 2025, in an interview with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds Show, stating that it was indeed an engagement. When asked if marriage plans were underway, she responded that they were taking things slowly because marriage is not something you just jump into. She also mentioned that she doesn’t like wearing her ring because it isn’t her exact size, but she still has it with her. Peller has, on several occasions, made it known that Jarvis was the love of his life. Though they may fight, quarrel, and argue, Jarvis affirmed that it doesn’t change anything about their relationship. She also stated that you shouldn’t judge people online, as Peller is a nice guy offline, and she is cool with him.
Jarvis has stated on TikTok live that her association with Peller is a “contractual agreement for content creation purposes” and will expire, according to Facebook.
Confusion and Engagement:
This clarification came despite video evidence of Jarvis confronting Peller over his behavior and Peller having proposed to Jarvis in December 2024.
Public Reaction:
The public is often confused by the dynamic between Jarvis and Peller, as their on-again, off-again interactions fuel their content and attract views, notes a TikTok
Controversy
TikToker Jarvis (Amadou Aminata) recently faced controversy for a boastful live comment, “We are very, very rich… don’t compare us to you,” which ignited backlash for insensitivity during economic hardship. The backlash was amplified because the comment followed criticism of her partner, Peller, and was seen as arrogant. While Jarvis has also clarified her relationship with Peller as contractual rather than romantic, even after he proposed to her in December 2024, these interactions and her overall persona have attracted significant public attention and debate.
.The “Rich” Comment Controversy
Many social media users condemned her statement as arrogant and insensitive to the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. Some fans defended her right to flaunt her wealth, but the prevailing sentiment was that wealth should not be displayed with such arrogance, and humility would earn more respect.
Boastful Statement:
In a March 2025 TikTok live session, Jarvis declared that she and her partner, Peller, are “very, very rich” and can “afford anything,” which sparked outrage.
Context:
This comment occurred after Peller faced criticism for dismissing complaints about the economy, and Jarvis’s attempt to defend him only intensified the controversy.
Backlash:
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Maverick singer Seun Kuti, has shared his opinion on Afrobeats.
According to him, Afrobeats is more of a “title” than a genre of music.
The Grammy-nominated Afrobeat musician explained that Afrobeats artists and executives don’t treat it like a genre.
In a recent interview with The Beat 99.9 FM Lagos, Kuti argued that Afrobeats is just a tag for music from Africa.
“I think Afrobeats is more of a title than a genre. You can see Amapiano is the new Afrobeats. It’s the new title, it’s the new thing in Afrobeats. So, Afrobeats is just a generalisation; it’s just a title to identify something from a particular place [Africa].
“I don’t think it’s a genre. Even the gatekeepers, the big names, don’t deal with it like a genre, they don’t work it like a genre. They are [Afrobeats] artists that are eclectic in a way that they could do a dancehall track today, do a blue track tomorrow, do a Nigerian pop sound, jump on Amapiano, and whatever is trending. So, I think it’s actually a title,” he stated.
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In the latest Global Peace Index (GPI) report released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), Mauritius has once again emerged as Africa’s most peaceful country, maintaining its status for the 18th consecutive year.
Botswana and Namibia follow closely, cementing their positions as regional leaders in peace and stability.
The annual index evaluates peace levels in 163 countries and territories, representing 99.7% of the world’s population.
It relies on 23 indicators categorized into safety and security, ongoing conflict, and militarization. Each country is scored from 0 (most peaceful) to 5 (least peaceful).
Mauritius Tops Africa, Beats Global Powers
Mauritius ranks 26th globally with a score of 1.586, outperforming several advanced economies such as the United Kingdom, France, and the United States. The island nation continues to set the standard for peace in Africa, driven by low crime rates, stable governance, and minimal involvement in external conflicts.
Botswana and Namibia follow in second and third place respectively on the continent, ranking 43rd and 50th globally. These countries have consistently maintained a reputation for democratic governance and social stability.
Peace Declines Across Much of Africa
Despite these standout performances, the continent experienced a general decline in peace. Of the 50 African countries included in the index, 26 saw their scores worsen compared to 2024, while only 22
showed improvement. Two remained unchanged.
Sub-Saharan Africa’s peace rating dropped by 0.17%, with the region continuing to grapple with widespread conflict. According to the IEP, 36 of 44 countries in the region have experienced some form of conflict in the past five years—a sharp rise from just seven in 2008.
Globally, peace is at its lowest level since the index began in 2008. The year 2024 alone witnessed a surge in violent conflict, with 87 countries experiencing a deterioration in peace, and 59 active state-level conflicts recorded—the most since World War II. The total economic cost of violence reached $19.97 trillion, amounting to 11.6% of global GDP.
Iceland Retains Global Lead; Africa Holds Ground
Iceland remains the world’s most peaceful country, followed by Ireland and New Zealand. At the other end of the spectrum are conflict-ridden nations such as Russia, Ukraine, Sudan, and Yemen.
Africa’s top 10 peaceful countries—dominated by smaller democracies—signal a contrasting narrative of hope, stability, and progress, even as conflict persists in other parts of the continent
Africa’s 10 Most Peaceful Countries in 2025 (by global ranking):
Mauritius
Botswana
Namibia
The Gambia
Sierra Leone
Madagascar
Ghana
Zambia
Senegal
Liberia
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Nigeria’s Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana played out an eventful first half at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, with both teams finding the net as the sides went into the break tied 1-1.
The match started with South Africa pressing early, looking to capitalise on home advantage. Nigeria had the first corner in the 10th minute after Ademola Lookman delivered a cross from the right, but South Africa’s goalkeeper Foster cleared the ball with a header.
South Africa threatened on the counter following the corner, with Nkota sprinting forward after a long ball from midfield, only to be denied by a swift save from Nigeria keeper NWABALI.
The game’s first booking came in the 18th minute, with South Africa’s Ngezana and Nigeria’s Lookman receiving yellow cards. Shortly after, Ola Aina was forced off due to a hamstring injury following a challenge from Kabini. Bright Osayi-Samuel came on as his replacement.
South Africa broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. A superb through ball from midfielder Mokoena found Nkota on the flank. Nigeria captain Troost-Ekong inadvertently deflected Nkota’s cross into his own net, giving the hosts the lead. By this point, South Africa had dominated possession (58 percent) and created more attempts (two) compared to Nigeria’s zero.
Despite trailing, Nigeria pushed forward. Osayi-Samuel showed early promise down the right wing but was met by three defenders who regained possession for the hosts. The first half saw intense moments, including a minor tussle between players that required the referee’s intervention.
Nigeria found a dramatic equaliser just before the break. Lookman initiated the move from central midfield, finding Simon on the right, whose cross was headed home by Bassey. Replays suggested the ball may have struck Bassey’s arm, but with no VAR in the match, the goal stood.
The referee signalled three minutes of added time, and the first half ended with both teams locked at 1-1. South Africa aim to extend their lead at the top of the group, while Nigeria hope the result boosts their bid to move into second place.
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I will rather quit politics than align with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos politics – Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour
Former Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2023 elections in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has said he will rather quit politics than align with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos politics.
Rhodes-Vivour, who dumped the LP and formally joined the African Democratic Congress on Saturday, said his politics was ideologically different from that of Tinubu, adding that it would be a waste of time for him to align with the ruling party in Lagos.
He said this while featuring on Sunday evening on Channels TV’s ‘Politics Today.
Asked if it would not be more realistic for him to align with Tinubu to realise his governorship ambition, Rhodes-Vivour said, “No. I’ll rather go and focus on my business, work and my family; that would be a complete waste of time.”
Further dismissing the possibility of aligning with “Tinubu politics” in Lagos, the politician said, “The reason why we’re in politics is to make the lives of Lagosians better, to restore Lagos to its old glory. Any party or any platform that does not allow me to maximise the common wealth of Lagos for the benefit of the people is a complete waste of time.”
President Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, is the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress and is considered to have a strong influence on Lagos politics, being his base.
The APC is also the ruling party in Lagos. However, Tinubu lost Lagos during the 2023 presidential election to the then presidential candidate of the LP, Peter Obi.
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