Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured Nigerians that the hardship caused by President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reforms is only temporary. He emphasized that the nation has already begun its recovery journey, stressing that the most difficult phase has passed.
In a personal congratulatory message marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Akpabio urged citizens to face the current challenges with strength and optimism, noting that the reforms are now starting to produce results.
The Senate President declared, “My dear resilient and wonderful people of this great nation, I wish to heartily congratulate you for witnessing Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebration.
“At 65, we are matured and should be working for the unity of the nation and prosperity of our people. We salute your resilience, patience and endurance in the last two years. We deeply appreciate your support and understanding.”
He further stated, “In line with the theme of this year’s celebration, all hands are on deck for a greater Nigeria, I urge you to continue to bear the temporary discomfort of the ongoing reforms.
“We are not unaware of the pains occasioned by the reforms, but I want to assure you, very soon, this will be a thing of the past because the benefits of the reforms are beginning to manifest positively.
“I must tell you that Nigeria is not finished. Do not buy into the mischievous narrative that Nigeria is irredeemable. We are on the right pedestal and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is reshaping the country; we are growing and making progress.”
Akpabio Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Hails Nigerians’ Patience
10 Key Highlights From President Tinubu’s Independence Day Speech
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reflected on Nigeria’s 65-year journey, reforms under his administration, and his vision for the future in his Independence Day broadcast.
Here are 10 key highlights from his speech:
Honouring The Founding Fathers
Tinubu paid tribute to Nigeria’s independence heroes, reminding citizens of their vision:
“Our founding heroes and heroines—Herbert Macaulay, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo, Anthony Enahoro, Ladoke Akintola, Michael Okpara, Aminu Kano, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and other nationalists, believed it was Nigeria’s manifest destiny to lead the entire black race as the largest black nation on earth.”
Progress In Education
He celebrated Nigeria’s massive educational growth since 1960:
“At Independence, Nigeria had 120 secondary schools with a student population of about 130,000. Available data indicate that, as of year 2024, there were more than 23,000 secondary schools in our country. At Independence, we had only the University of Ibadan and Yaba College of Technology as the two tertiary institutions in Nigeria. By the end of last year, there were 274 universities, 183 Polytechnics, and 236 Colleges of Education in Nigeria, comprising Federal, State, and private institutions.”
Bold Economic Reforms
Tinubu justified his government’s tough decisions on fuel subsidy and forex:
“We chose the path of reform. We chose the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today. Less than three years later, the seeds of those difficult but necessary decisions are bearing fruit.”
Economic Recovery
Assuring Nigerians of progress, he declared:
“The worst is over, I say. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I salute your endurance, support, and understanding. I will continue to work for you and justify the confidence you reposed in me to steer the ship of our nation to a safe harbour.”
Record Revenues and Fiscal Health
Tinubu highlighted improved finances:
“We have attained a record-breaking increase in non-oil revenue… Our debt service-to-revenue ratio has been significantly reduced from 97% to below 50%… Our external reserves increased to $42.03 billion this September, the highest since 2019.”
Security Gains
He praised the military’s sacrifices against terrorism and banditry:
“Peace has returned to hundreds of our liberated communities in North-West and North-East, and thousands of our people have returned safely to their homes.”
Support for the Poor
On welfare, he stated:
“Under the social investment programme to support poor households and vulnerable Nigerians, N330 billion has been disbursed to eight million households, many of whom have received either one or two out of the three tranches of the N25,000 each.”
Empowering the Youth
Tinubu assured young Nigerians of his commitment:
“You are the future and the greatest assets of this blessed country…You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories in your various fields of science, technology, sports, and the art and creative sector. Our administration, through policies and funding, will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high.”
Call for Productivity and Patriotism
He urged citizens to embrace self-reliance:
“Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. I say Nigeria first.”
Message of Hope
Tinubu closed with optimism for the future:
“With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.”
Gauff Calls For Shorter Tennis Seasons Amid Rising Injury Concerns
Coco Gauff has joined calls for a reduction in the length of the tennis season, saying it is “impossible” for players to take on any more tournaments than they already do. Her comments come just a day after world number two Iga Swiatek criticized the sport’s demanding schedule.
Speaking after reaching the quarter-finals of the China Open on Tuesday, Gauff pointed to the growing strain on players’ bodies, with five competitors forced to retire injured from matches on Monday alone.
“With more and more events stretching to two weeks, it doesn’t make sense to put that much strain on your body,” said the 21-year-old American, currently ranked world number three. “I’d like to see, during my career, a solution that makes the season shorter.”
Gauff, the defending China Open champion and a two-time Grand Slam winner, echoed Swiatek’s warning that mandatory participation in numerous tournaments risks damaging players’ health.
Since last year, the Women’s Tennis Association has required top players to compete in all four Grand Slams, 10 WTA 1000 events including Beijing and six 500-level tournaments.
“I guess from a business standpoint it makes sense, but from a player’s health standpoint I don’t agree,” Gauff said. “I’ve basically played as much tennis as I possibly can.”
Swiatek had earlier described the WTA’s rules as “pretty crazy,” hinting she may skip some mandatory events to prioritize her well-being.
Dembélé and Other PSG Stars to Miss Champions League Clash
Paris Saint-Germain have been dealt another injury setback after confirming that winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will sit out Wednesday’s Champions League group-stage trip to Barcelona with a suspected thigh injury.
The 24-year-old Georgia international was forced off during Saturday’s Ligue 1 victory over Auxerre.
PSG are already missing Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, fellow forward Désiré Doué, and centre-back Marquinhos, all sidelined through injury.
Head coach Luis Enrique has called up midfielders Vitinha third in the Ballon d’Or rankings and João Neves for the high-profile encounter against Barcelona, the club he once represented both as a player and manager.
Injuries have clouded the start of PSG’s European campaign, coming just months after they ended last season with a Club World Cup final defeat to Chelsea in mid-July. Dembélé and Doué have been unavailable since early September.
Madagascar Leader Dismisses Cabinet Amid Youth Protests
Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina has announced the dissolution of his cabinet after several days of nationwide protests led mainly by young people, angry over persistent shortages of electricity and water.
“We acknowledge and apologise if members of the government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them,” Rajoelina said in a televised address on Monday.
The rallies, known as the Gen Z protests, have drawn thousands of mostly young citizens into the streets of Madagascar’s cities since Thursday under the slogan: “We want to live, not survive”.
The UN’s human rights chief has condemned the “unnecessary force” used by security units, reporting that at least 22 people had been killed and 100 others wounded.
Madagascar’s foreign ministry rejected those figures, arguing the numbers were “based on rumours or misinformation”.
What began in the capital, Antananarivo, quickly spread to at least eight other cities.
Authorities imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the capital after incidents of looting and violence, with police firing tear gas and rubber bullets to scatter the crowds.
Volker Türk, head of the UN’s human rights body, said he was “shocked” by the heavy-handed response, alleging that protesters faced arrests, beatings, and even live rounds.
“I urge the security forces to desist from the use of unnecessary and disproportionate force and to immediately release all arbitrarily detained protesters,” Türk said on Monday.
According to UN officials, those killed “include protesters and bystanders killed by members of the security forces, but also others killed in subsequent widespread violence and looting by individuals and gangs not associated with the protesters”.
Just last week, Rajoelina dismissed the country’s energy minister over poor performance, but demonstrators have since escalated their demands, calling for the entire government and the president himself to resign.
On Monday, thousands gathered once again in the capital.
“I understand the anger, the sadness, and the difficulties caused by power cuts and water supply problems,” Rajoelina said during his speech on national television.
He declared that he had “terminated the functions of the prime minister and the government” and that applications for a new premier would be accepted within three days. He added that ministers currently in office would remain in an interim capacity until the new government is sworn in.
The president also expressed readiness to open a dialogue with young citizens.
One banner at a rally last week read: “We don’t want trouble, we just want our rights”.
Meanwhile, there were reports of damage to the homes of at least two lawmakers, possibly from arson. But the “Gen Z” organisers insist that hired thugs carried out the looting to discredit their movement.
Since independence in 1960, Madagascar has witnessed repeated political upheavals, including the 2009 mass protests that ousted then-president Marc Ravalomanana and brought Rajoelina to power.
This latest wave of demonstrations is widely seen as the strongest challenge to his leadership since he secured a third presidential term in 2023.
FG Cancels Independence Day Parade
The Federal Government has cancelled the parade earlier scheduled to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, October 1.
The announcement was made in a statement released on Monday by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
“The Federal Government wishes to announce the cancellation of the Independence Anniversary parade, previously scheduled to mark the 65th Independence on Wednesday, 1st October. The cancellation is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary,” the statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, read.
The government expressed regret for any inconvenience the decision may cause but confirmed that other planned activities will go ahead. These include the traditional presidential broadcast, cultural programmes, and the grand finale of the National Campus Debate.
“The Federal Government deeply appreciates the understanding of Nigerians, the diplomatic community, and invited guests, and urges all citizens to continue to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration,” the statement added.
At a press conference in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said Independence Day is more than a ceremonial event; it is also an opportunity for reflection and renewed patriotism.
“Independence Day is a profound opportunity for us to reflect on how far we have come as a people, celebrate our resilience, and renew our commitment to unity, peace, and progress,” Akume stated.
This year’s theme, “Nigeria at 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” he explained, highlights the importance of collective responsibility in nation-building.
Akume praised President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as “the guiding framework for transforming Nigeria.” He admitted that Nigerians are facing hardships but stressed that the government remains committed to stabilising the economy.
“The reforms are bold and sometimes difficult, but they are necessary to restore investor confidence, strengthen our fiscal position, and lay the foundation for sustainable growth,” he said, pointing to early progress such as easing inflationary pressures, renewed foreign investment, targeted job creation, and expanded social programmes for vulnerable groups.
He also called on Nigerians to rise above divisions. “At 65, Nigeria is still a work in progress. But with renewed hope, shared responsibility and collective resolve, our best days lie ahead,” Akume said.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also described the 65th Independence Anniversary as “a monumental commemoration for our dear country.”
He likened the number 65 to sapphire, which he said symbolises loyalty, truth, and wisdom.
“Just as sapphire is precious and enduring, so too is Nigeria’s journey as a sovereign nation resilient, wise, and faithful to its destiny,” Idris remarked.
He commended President Tinubu’s leadership and highlighted reforms in taxation, education, infrastructure, energy, oil and gas, solid minerals, agriculture, and healthcare. Idris also noted Nigeria’s growing role in Africa through peacekeeping efforts, regional stability, and global diplomacy.
“The theme of this 65th Anniversary, ‘All Hands on Deck,’ is a heartfelt call to all Nigerians and our partners around the world to support these landmark reforms and to work together for the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said.
Nigeria gained independence from Britain on October 1, 1960, and Independence Day has traditionally been marked with military parades, religious services, and presidential addresses.
Flood Risk Forces Closure Of Schools, Public Spaces In Spain
Authorities in Valencia, eastern Spain, have closed schools, libraries, parks, and other public spaces on Monday following heavy overnight rainfall that triggered a red alert and raised concerns of a repeat of last year’s devastating floods.
Spain’s national weather agency, AEMET, described the current conditions as a “very complicated situation” across the Mediterranean region.
The intense downpour led to localized flooding and caused a ravine to overflow in Aldaia, one of the towns worst affected by the October 2024 floods, which claimed more than 230 lives. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far.
AEMET also issued a warning of “extraordinary danger” in the provinces of Valencia and Castellón, as well as Tarragona in neighboring Catalonia.
Local officials announced that schools and universities in Valencia would remain closed on Monday, alongside other public spaces, including libraries, parks, gardens, markets, and cemeteries, as a precautionary measure.
The 2024 disaster sparked widespread public outrage over the lack of effective warning systems and inadequate emergency response. This has continued to fuel tensions between Spain’s left-leaning central government and conservative regional authorities, with residents still protesting and accusing officials of failing to provide timely alerts.
Experts note that climate change is increasing the risk and severity of flooding, as a warmer atmosphere retains more water, leading to heavier and more destructive rainfall events.
W’Cup Qualifiers: Yellow Greens Captain Reflects On Heavy Loss To Namibia
Nigeria’s men’s senior cricket team captain, Sylvester Okpe, has blamed poor bowling execution for their 117-run defeat to Namibia in Sunday’s 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier clash at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe.
The Yellow Greens, who had opened their campaign with a convincing win over Malawi on Friday, were outclassed in their second group fixture. Okpe won the toss and opted to field, but Namibia’s top order dominated from the outset.
Jan Frylinck stole the show with a blistering 134 off 65 balls, while Louren Steenkamp added 51 off 27, guiding Namibia to a formidable 235/6 in 20 overs. Despite Nigeria’s struggles, Isaac Danladi impressed with figures of 4/22 from three overs, and Isaac Okpe chipped in with two wickets.
Chasing 236, Nigeria faced disciplined bowling from the Namibians. Sulaimon Runsewe (28), Sylvester Okpe (24), and Joseph Adedeji (16) fought hard, but the Yellow Greens could only manage 118/9 in their 20 overs.
Speaking after the game, Okpe admitted Namibia’s superiority but highlighted positives for Nigeria moving forward.
“We didn’t execute our bowling the way we wanted, and that put us on the back foot,” he said.
“There were positives in the way Danladi bowled and how we tried to fight back. There was intensity in our batting as well, and we’ll take that into the next game.”
Nigeria will now face Kenya in their final group match, knowing that victory will secure a semi-final berth. The top two teams from the qualifiers will book Africa’s tickets to the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
FIFA Sanctions South African Football Association Over Ineligible Player
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has ruled that South Africa must forfeit its 21 March 2025 World Cup qualifying win over Lesotho after the national side fielded midfielder Teboho Mokoena while he was ineligible. The match — originally a 2-0 victory for South Africa, has been awarded 3-0 to Lesotho, SAFA has been fined CHF 10,000, and Mokoena has received a formal warning.
The ruling, published by FIFA, found that South Africa breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations by selecting a player who should have been suspended for the accumulation of cautions. FIFA’s decision replaces the on-field result with a 3-0 forfeit and notifies the parties that they have ten days to request a motivated decision; the finding is also subject to any potential appeal to the FIFA Appeal Committee.
What happened and why
According to reporting and the FIFA statement, Mokoena had received prior cautions in the qualifying campaign that triggered an automatic one-match suspension. He nonetheless played in the March fixture in Polokwane against Lesotho, prompting the disciplinary review. Under FIFA rules, a team that fields an ineligible player in a competitive match can be punished by forfeiture of the match and a default 3-0 scoreline unless the original result is more disadvantageous to the offending side.
Sanctions and immediate effect
- Match result: Forfeited; Lesotho awarded a 3-0 win.
- Fine: South African Football Association (SAFA) ordered to pay CHF 10,000 to FIFA.
- Player outcome: Teboho Mokoena issued with a warning by FIFA.
Competition implications
The decision alters Group C dynamics in the African qualifying section. The deduction of points from South Africa’s tally moves the table and tightens the race for the single automatic qualification slot to the 2026 World Cup in North America. Media coverage says the ruling leaves South Africa level on points with Benin (but behind on goal difference), while Nigeria and Rwanda remain close behind, raising the stakes for the final round of qualifiers later this month.
Reactions and next steps
SAFA admitted there had been an administrative error, while some commentators criticised the delay between the March match and FIFA’s decision. The federation, which said it is preparing a response, and other affected parties have the right to seek publication of a motivated decision and to lodge an appeal with the FIFA Appeal Committee within the procedural windows FIFA set out. Meanwhile, competing nations have called the ruling long overdue and said it could reshape their qualification strategies.
Background context
Similar cases have occurred in African qualifying history, where administrative or eligibility errors led to match forfeits and points deductions; the incident is a reminder to national associations of the importance of strict compliance with disciplinary and eligibility rules.
Court Rules Utomi’s Shadow Government Unconstitutional
The Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped Professor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, and his allies from executing their plan to establish a shadow government in Nigeria.
In a judgment delivered on Monday in a case filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), Justice James Omotosho ruled that creating a shadow government or cabinet is unconstitutional and incompatible with the country’s presidential system.
The ruling restrains Utomi and his team from continuing with the initiative and supports the DSS’ argument that such a move poses a threat to Nigeria’s peace and security.
The judge stated that after reviewing the Constitution, he found no provision that permits the establishment of a shadow or parallel government.
Referring to Section 1(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution, he emphasized that the Constitution is supreme and binding on every citizen regardless of political affiliation.
“The Nigerian constitution makes no room for a shadow government.
“Therefore, any participation in any government which is unknown to law will be struck down by this court.
“I hereby declare the formation as void,” the judge ruled.
He also confirmed that the court had the jurisdiction to hear and determine the case.
Because the matter involved novel issues around the concept of a “shadow government,” the court invited several distinguished legal experts to provide their professional opinions.
Justice Omotosho had earlier, on July 10, fixed today for judgment in the DSS’ case against Utomi, a Professor of Political Economy and Management Expert.
The date was set after DSS’ counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, Utomi’s lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and seven amici curiae (friends of the court) presented their arguments for and against the suit.
