Former U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced strong concern over what he called the continuous persecution of Christians in Nigeria and other parts of the world, affirming America’s commitment to protecting Christian communities globally. In a post shared on the official White House Twitter page, Trump emphasized that the United States “cannot stand idly by” while such violent acts persist unchecked. In his words, “The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other Countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World!” While Trump did not specify the nature of America’s planned intervention, his statement is being interpreted in diplomatic circles as a strong message of solidarity with victims of religious persecution.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has declared the seat of Abubakar Gummi, member of the House of Representatives representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, vacant following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who delivered the judgment, ruled that lawmakers cannot transfer the people’s mandate to another political party. He subsequently ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election within 30 days to fill the vacant seat. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the court also restrained the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, from further recognising Gummi as a sitting member representing the constituency. Justice Egwuatu granted all the reliefs sought by the PDP and its Zamfara State Chairman, Jamilu Jibomagayaki, and condemned the increasing wave of defections among elected officials. He cautioned politicians against treating defection as routine, emphasizing that they must uphold the will and trust of the electorate. “Before I take my fingers off the keyboard, let me just add that politicians should respect the wishes of the electorates that elected them into office. "A situation where the electorates have made their choices between different political parties and their candidates based on the manifestos and marketability of such a political party, it is legally and morally wrong for such a politician to abandon the party under which platform he or she was elected into office and move to a rival party without relinquishing the mandate of his or her former party. “If a person must decamp, don’t decamp with the mandate of the electorates. "Don’t transfer the votes garnered on the platform of one party to another party. “A politician has no such right to transfer votes of a political party to another political party. “The law must punish such moves by taking away the benefits bestowed upon the decampee politician by the electorate. “And that is what Section 68 (1) (g) of the Constitution has done. “Political prostitution must not be rewarded." Justice Egwuatu consequently held that Gummi, having defected from the PDP to the APC “before the expiration of the period the house was elected, automatically loses his seat as a member of the House of Representatives.” The court also barred him from receiving any further salaries or allowances from October 30, 2024, and ordered him to refund all such monies collected during the period. “An order is made directing that the evidence of the refund of all monies collected as salaries, allowances or howsoever called be filed in the registry of this court within 30 days of the judgment of this court,” the judge added. The court further awarded a fine of N500,000 in favour of the plaintiffs against the defendants.

The Executive Director of Services on the board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief Favour Izoukumo, has expressed strong support for an innovative youth empowerment initiative by the Visionary Pathfinder Team, a non-governmental organization led by its President, Mr. Quinton Tekedor. During a courtesy visit to Chief Izoukumo’s office, the team presented their proposal and briefed him on their forthcoming program themed *“Living Beyond the Oil.”* The initiative seeks to reorient the mindset of Niger Delta youths by promoting creativity, innovation, and sustainable ventures beyond the oil and gas sector. Chief Izoukumo commended the group for their foresight and commitment to positive change, describing the initiative as timely and relevant. He urged the team to remain steadfast in their mission and to submit a more comprehensive proposal to facilitate meaningful support from his office. In his remarks, Mr. Quinton Tekedor expressed appreciation to Chief Izoukumo for his warm reception, encouragement, and consistent advocacy for youth development. He reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to driving transformation and empowering young people across the Niger Delta to embrace new opportunities beyond oil dependency.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the imposition of a 15 per cent ad-valorem import duty on petrol and diesel imports into Nigeria. The move, aimed at safeguarding local refineries and stabilising the downstream oil market, is expected to trigger a rise in pump prices nationwide. According to a letter dated October 21, 2025 — made public on October 30, 2025 — and addressed to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the President directed the immediate enforcement of the new tariff under what the government described as a “market-responsive import tariff framework.” The directive, conveyed through a letter signed by his Private Secretary, Damilotun Aderemi, followed a proposal submitted by the Executive Chairman of the FIRS, Zacch Adedeji. The proposal recommended a 15 per cent duty on the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value of imported petrol and diesel to reflect prevailing domestic market conditions. In his memo to the President, Adedeji noted that the initiative was part of the administration’s broader reforms to encourage local refining, promote price stability, and strengthen Nigeria’s naira-based oil economy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda for energy security and fiscal sustainability. “The core objective of this initiative is to operationalise crude transactions in local currency, strengthen local refining capacity, and ensure a stable, affordable supply of petroleum products across Nigeria,” Adedeji stated. The FIRS boss also warned that the current misalignment between locally refined products and import parity pricing has created instability in the market. “While domestic refining of petrol has begun to increase and diesel sufficiency has been achieved, price instability persists, partly due to the misalignment between local refiners and marketers,” he wrote.

The Chairman of Obotobo 1 Federated Community, Mr. Ebiware Owolo, has commended His Royal Majesty, King (Dr.) Joseph Timiyan (JP), Torububou I, Agbonu, the Ebenanawei of Ogulagha Kingdom and Chairman of the Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum, for his two decades of exceptional leadership and dedication to the progress of the Ogulagha Kingdom. In a congratulatory message marking the monarch’s 20th Coronation Anniversary, Mr. Ebiware described King Timiyan as “a symbol of peace, wisdom, and unity whose reign has brought stability and development to Ogulagha Kingdom and Ijaw nation.” “Your Majesty’s commitment to justice and your fatherly role in resolving communal issues have positioned Ogulagha Kingdom as a model of peace and progress,” Mr. Ebiware stated. The Obotobo 1 community leader further applauded the King’s efforts as head of the Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum, where he continues to advocate for collective development, inter-community cooperation, and the welfare of the Ijaw people. He also invited the general public to join the people of Ogulagha Kingdom in celebrating the historic 20th Coronation Anniversary. Mr. Ebiware congratulated the monarch and prayed for divine wisdom, longevity, and continued success in his reign, adding that the people of Ogulagha Kingdom remain united in their loyalty and admiration for their revered traditional ruler. “May your reign continue to usher in peace, prosperity, and greater glory for the Ogulagha Kingdom and the entire Ijaw nation,” he concluded.

Popular Nigerian comedienne and actress, Anita Asuoha, famously known as Real Warri Pikin, has set social media abuzz after sharing breathtaking maternity-themed photos to mark her birthday. The entertainer, known for her vibrant personality and inspiring sense of humour, posted the elegant photos on her verified X account with the caption, *“The Woman of the Year.” In the pictures, Real Warri Pikin dazzled in luxurious cream and champagne-toned gowns that highlighted her beauty and confidence. Fans and colleagues flooded her comment section with warm birthday wishes and words of admiration, hailing her as one of Nigeria’s most authentic entertainers. The actress expressed gratitude to God for another year, reaffirming her belief in faith, family, and positivity — values she has consistently shared with her audience. Known as the “African Queen of Standup Comedy,” Real Warri Pikin blends laughter with life lessons, often using her platform to motivate women and promote self-worth. In a humorous video accompanying her post, she jokingly warned fans to stop asking when she would give birth, a question she said she has heard countless times. “This na general warning to all of una wey dey always ask me, ‘Real Warri Pikin, when you dey born nau?’” she quipped, sparking laughter online. Her post quickly went viral, with many applauding her for handling sensitive questions with her trademark humour and grace. With her infectious energy and growing influence, Real Warri Pikin continues to prove that comedy, confidence, and faith can coexist beautifully — making her truly deserving of the title, “Woman of the Year.”

Nigerian rap icon, Olamide Adedeji, famously known as Olamide, has made it clear that he isn’t chasing international recognition, emphasizing that staying true to his roots is what defines his success. In a candid chat with BBC Radio 1Xtra, the “Local Rapper” crooner explained that understanding his audience early in his career helped him build a powerful and loyal fan base across Nigeria and Africa. Olamide stated that he is proud of being an indigenous artist and has no plans to change his sound or accent just to appeal to foreign listeners. “You have to identify your audience. Once you identify your audience, the rest of the world will catch up eventually. I have to stay true to myself, no matter what,” he said. The YBNL boss further added that he embraces his Nigerian identity wholeheartedly: “I’m comfortable in my skin. I’m a Naija guy, Yoruba boy. I have H-Factor and all that, and I’m proud about it.” Known for elevating street music and mentoring new talents, Olamide has remained a symbol of originality and pride for many young Nigerian artists. His message reinforces that true success doesn’t always come from international validation — sometimes, it’s about owning your story and staying authentic.