2025 NEW YAM FESTIVAL: A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE, UNITY, AND COMMUNITY GROWTH

-Special Report-

EBONYI STATE – THE OHANIVO IRI JI FESTIVAL 2025

In the heart of southeastern Nigeria, the vibrant cultural tapestry of Ebonyi State came alive once again with the 2025 edition of the Ohanivo Iri Ji Festival.

Held in September, this annual celebration of the new yam harvest, known locally as “Iri Ji”, is more than a mere agricultural milestone. It is a deeply spiritual and communal event that binds the people of the Ohanivo region, comprising three local government areas, in a shared expression of gratitude, identity, and progress.

Trapeze artist falls and di£s in front of horrified families at circus

Tragedy Under the Big Top: The Death of Marina B

In a devastating turn of events that has shaken the circus world and left families traumatized, 27-year-old Spanish trapeze artist Marina B. fell to her death during a live performance at the Paul Busch Circus in Bautzen, eastern Germany.

The incident occurred on Saturday evening in front of a crowd of approximately 100 spectators, including many children, who had gathered to witness the spectacle of aerial artistry. What was meant to be a night of wonder quickly descended into horror as Marina plummeted from a height of five meters, roughly 16 feet, striking the ground with fatal force.

Nigeria's at 65 Anniversary Inter-Denominational Church Service

-Special Report-

Nigeria @ 65 Inter-Denominational Church Service

On Sunday, September 28, 2025, Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary with a solemn and spiritually resonant Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Ecumenical Christian Centre in Abuja.

The event formed a cornerstone of the official celebrations themed “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” and was attended by a cross-section of dignitaries, religious leaders, government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Nigerian Defence Academy Passing Out Parade 2025

-Special Report-

Nigerian Defence Academy Combined Passing Out Parade 2025

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna hosted its grand Passing Out Parade and Commissioning Ceremony for cadets of the 72 Regular Course, Short Service Course 48 (Army), Direct Short Service Course 33, and Branch Commission (Air Force).

This landmark event marked the culmination of years of rigorous military and academic training for 894 cadets, now commissioned into the Nigerian Armed Forces. The breakdown included 482 cadets from the Regular Course, 255 from the Army’s Short Service Course, and 157 from the Air Force’s Direct Short Service and Branch Commission Courses.

FREE BUSINESS REGISTRATION: SMEDAN and CAC Partner to Provide Free Business Registration for 250,000 MSMEs

-Special Report-

FREE BUSINESS REGISTRATION-SMEDAN and CAC Unite to Empower 250,000 MSMEs Across Nigeria

In a landmark move aimed at transforming Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) have launched a nationwide initiative to provide free business registration for 250,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

This ambitious program, unveiled through a Memorandum of Understanding signed at the CAC headquarters in Abuja, marks a pivotal step toward formalizing Nigeria’s vast informal business sector.

The white wedding of Rotimi Amaechi's son

-SPECIAL REPORT-

A Celebration of Legacy and Love: The White Wedding of Dr. Chikamkpa Amaechi

In the heart of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, a momentous union unfolded on Saturday, September 27, 2025, as Dr. Chikamkpa Amaechi, son of the former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, exchanged vows with his beloved Anita Nwabueze in a white wedding ceremony that radiated elegance, tradition, and national significance.

The ceremony, held at the serene St. Gabriel Chaplaincy within the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, was a convergence of power, prestige, and heartfelt celebration. The guest list read like a who’s who of Nigeria’s political and social elite.

The International Day of Safe Abortion

-SEB EDITORIAL-

International Day of Safe Abortion and the Realities of Unsafe Abortions in Nigeria

Every year on September 28, the world observes the International Day of Safe Abortion, a day dedicated to affirming the right to safe, legal, and accessible abortion care. It is not merely a symbolic gesture but a global call to action, especially in countries like Nigeria where the realities of unsafe abortion are grim and deeply entrenched in systemic failures.

Inside Crisis Facing Medics: Doctors in Nigeria earn N2m, JAPA counterparts in UK N50m

-SEB EDITORIAL-

The Great Exodus: Nigeria’s Medical Brain Drain and the Price of Neglect

In the heart of Nigeria’s healthcare crisis lies a staggering disparity that has become both a symbol and a catalyst for the mass migration of medical professionals: while doctors in Nigeria earn an average of ₦2 million annually, their counterparts who have “JAPA’d” to the UK can earn upwards of ₦50 million.

This yawning gap is not merely a matter of numbers, it is a reflection of systemic neglect, broken promises, and a hemorrhaging workforce that threatens the very foundation of public health in the country.

Nigeria’s Economy Has Turned Around, Tinubu Reveals

-Special Report-

Nigeria’s Economic Turnaround - President Tinubu’s Declaration in Ibadan

In a momentous address delivered during the coronation of Oba Abdul-Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu proclaimed that Nigeria’s economy has “turned the corner for good.”

The declaration, made on Friday, September 26, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, marked a significant milestone in the administration’s economic narrative, coming two years after the introduction of sweeping reforms aimed at stabilizing and revitalizing the nation’s financial landscape.

Newland Radio series inspires youth, promotes national dialogue

-SPECIAL REPORT-

Newland Radio Series - Igniting Youth Voices and National Dialogue Across Nigeria

In a bold and timely initiative, the Newland Radio Series has emerged as a transformative force in Nigeria’s media landscape, blending entertainment with civic engagement to inspire youth and promote national dialogue.

Since its premiere on July 1, 2025, the programme has captivated audiences nationwide with its innovative format and socially conscious messaging.

Experts task ECOWAS Parliament on addressing AI-generated fake news

-SPECIAL REPORT-

ECOWAS Parliament Urged to Tackle AI-Generated Fake News

In a decisive move to confront the growing menace of digital disinformation, media and ICT experts have called on the ECOWAS Parliament to establish a strategic framework to combat the surge of fake news generated by Artificial Intelligence across West Africa.

This appeal was made during the ECOWAS Parliament’s 2025 Second Extraordinary Session held in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, where the sub-theme “Disinformation and Misinformation in the Era of AI: Challenges for Governance in the ECOWAS Sub-region” took center stage.

Tinubu seeks total elimination of nuclear weapons

-SPECIAL REPORT-

Special Report: Tinubu’s Global Call for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons

In a powerful diplomatic statement delivered at the United Nations headquarters in New York, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria has called for the complete eradication of nuclear weapons worldwide.

Represented by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Tinubu’s message was presented during the high-level meeting commemorating the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. His speech underscored Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to global peace and security, emphasizing the catastrophic humanitarian consequences that could result from the intentional or accidental use of nuclear weapons.

Inside Crisis Facing Medics: Doctors in Nigeria earn N2m, JAPA counterparts in UK N50m

-SPECIAL REPORT-

Inside Nigeria’s Medical Exodus: The N2m vs N50m Divide

In Nigeria’s healthcare sector, a crisis is unfolding that threatens the very soul of the system. The headline “Inside Crisis Facing Medics: Doctors in Nigeria earn N2m, JAPA counterparts in UK N50m” captures more than just a wage disparity, it encapsulates a national emergency rooted in neglect, frustration, and the relentless pursuit of dignity by medical professionals.

Obi Under Fire For Addressing Olubadan As ‘My Dear Brother’

-SEB Editorial-

Royal Protocol and Political Missteps - The Firestorm Over Peter Obi’s Salutation to the Olubadan

In the ever-sensitive terrain of Nigerian politics and traditional reverence, a single phrase can ignite a storm. Such is the case with Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, whose congratulatory message to the newly installed Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has drawn sharp criticism for what many perceive as a breach of royal etiquette.

The phrase in question, “my dear brother”, used by Obi in his public tribute, has sparked a heated debate about cultural respect, political polish, and the boundaries of familiarity in addressing traditional rulers.

Abuja–Kaduna Train Service To Resume Next Week — NRC

-SEB EDITORIAL-

Back on Track: Abuja - Kaduna Train Service Set to Resume After Suspension

In a welcome development for commuters and stakeholders, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the imminent resumption of the Abuja, Kaduna passenger train service, following a month-long suspension triggered by a derailment incident on August 26.

The derailment, which occurred near Asham shortly after departure from Abuja, raised serious safety concerns and prompted an immediate halt to operations along the vital corridor.

MORNING BRIEFING | AT THIS TIME

Morning Brief: Nigeria and the World at Dawn Sunday, September 28, 2025

As the sun rises over Nigeria and the world, the headlines reflect a mix of diplomatic resolve, economic tremors, and journalistic introspection.

In Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the nation's commitment to global peace by calling for the total elimination of nuclear weapons.

Former French President Sarkosy sentenced to five years imprisonment

From Élysée to Incarceration: Sarkozy's Stunning Fall

In a historic and dramatic turn of events, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been sentenced to five years in prison by a Paris court for criminal conspiracy linked to his 2007 presidential campaign.

The ruling, delivered on September 25, 2025, marks the first time in modern French history that a former head of state faces actual jail time rather than a suspended sentence.

Girl, 14, dies after undergoing breast and butt lift surgery without her father's knowledge

-SPECIAL REPORT-

Tragedy in Durango - The Death of Paloma Nicole Arellano Escobedo

In a deeply unsettling case that has sparked outrage across Mexico and beyond, 14-year-old Paloma Nicole Arellano Escobedo died on September 20, 2025, following a series of clandestine cosmetic surgeries that were allegedly performed without her father's knowledge or legal consent.

The procedures included breast augmentation, liposuction, and a Brazilian Butt Lift, high-risk surgeries even for adults, let alone a minor.

Unemployment Key Driver Of ‘Japa’ Syndrome In Nigeria, Says Ex-Lawmaker

-SPECIAL REPORT-

Unemployment as the Key Driver of ‘Japa’ Syndrome in Nigeria - Insights from Ex-Lawmaker Nkoyo Toyo

In a candid interview on Channels Television’s “The Morning Brief,” former House of Representatives member Nkoyo Toyo offered a sobering diagnosis of Nigeria’s escalating emigration trend, popularly known as the “Japa” syndrome.

Toyo, who once represented the Calabar-Odukpani Federal Constituency of Cross River State, attributed the phenomenon primarily to the country’s deepening unemployment crisis.

Former stripper finds solace in Church after marrying a Pastor

-SEB EDITORIAL-

Redemption in the Spotlight: A Former Stripper’s Journey to Faith and Acceptance

Amy Mevorach’s story is one of transformation, identity, and the quiet struggle for acceptance within the walls of faith.

Once a college student trying to make ends meet, Amy briefly worked as a stripper, a decision born of necessity, not desire.

Years later, she married a Presbyterian man who was training to become a pastor. Their union marked the beginning of a complex journey that would intertwine shame, silence, and spiritual awakening.

Flood disaster: States intensify action as 232 die, 121,000 displaced

-SEB EDITORIAL-

A Nation Underwater: Nigeria’s Flood Crisis Deepens as States Scramble for Relief

In a harrowing testament to the escalating climate crisis and infrastructural vulnerability, Nigeria is reeling from one of its deadliest flood disasters in recent memory.

As of September 20, 2025, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed that 232 lives have been lost and over 121,000 people displaced across the country.

2027: Ganduje Makes Political Comeback, Rallies Kano APC Leaders

Abdullahi Ganduje, Fmr. National Chairman, APC

-TOWARDS 2027-

Ganduje’s Political Resurgence and Kano APC’s 2027 Strategy

In a dramatic return to the political stage, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and two-term governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has reemerged with strategic intent ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Just three months after resigning from his role as APC National Chairman, Ganduje convened a closed-door meeting with Kano APC stakeholders in Abuja, signaling a renewed push to reclaim political dominance in the state.

Chimamanda Adichie opens up on depression, writing struggles and finding her voice again

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Reclaiming Her Voice Through Grief, Silence, and the Power of Fiction

In a candid and deeply moving revelation, celebrated Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has opened up about a decade-long creative silence marked by depression, personal loss, and the painful erosion of her writing voice.

Known for her literary masterpieces such as Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun, and Americanah, Adichie’s absence from the world of fiction was not a retreat but a battle, a quiet war waged within the confines of grief and self-doubt.

AMA EBONY | THE PROPOSAL TRAP | SECOND EDITION

I AM AMA EBONY

AMA EBONY | BY WARD9ICE

Episode 2: The Proposal Trap

Synopsis:

Ama Ebony is approached by Kunle, a charming final-year law student who believes her provocative appearance signals an easy conquest. He publicly declares his interest, but Ama quickly realizes he’s more interested in ego than connection. Through a series of confrontations and reflections, Ama dismantles Kunle’s assumptions and teaches him that love is not about appearances or dominance, but about depth and mutual respect.

Bandits storm Zamfara mosque during Friday prayers and shoot multiple worshippers dead

-SPECIAL REPORT-

Terror at Dawn - Bandits Storm Zamfara Mosque, Kill Worshippers During Prayers

In the early hours of Friday, September 26, 2025, a wave of terror swept through Yandoto village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nigeria, as armed bandits stormed a mosque during dawn prayers and opened fire on worshippers.

The attack, which occurred around 5:00 a.m., left at least five people dead and several others wounded. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and horrifying, with gunmen firing indiscriminately at the congregation before abducting an unspecified number of worshippers and retreating into the surrounding forest.