Entertainment News October 02, 2026 Phyna floors Nkechi Blessing, Carter Efe stops Speed Darlington in Lagos celebrity bouts

Reality TV star Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has made history after defeating actress Nkechi Blessing in a celebrity boxing contest held in Lagos.

Phyna secured a knockout victory over Nkechi Blessing in their four-round bout at Balmoral Promotions’ ‘Chaos in the Ring’ event, staged on October 1 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island.

The victory made the Big Brother Naija season seven winner the first female celebrity boxer to win a bout in the competition.

Following her victory, Phyna turned her attention to another celebrity, actress Etinosa Idemudia, whom she accused of repeatedly sending her direct messages.

“I stayed calm and got the job done. Now I want to fight Etinosa. Time to teach her a lesson,” Phyna said.

Etinosa, who was at the venue to watch the contest, accepted the challenge.

“We don’t run from fights in Edo. I accept fully,” she said.

The clash between Phyna and Nkechi came after the two celebrities had exchanged words online, with the actress previously criticising the reality star over what she described as her regular involvement in online confrontations.

Nkechi had alleged that Phyna “frequently engaging in online confrontations,” and further claimed that she “fights with everybody”.

Phyna later questioned the reason behind the actress’ comments.

In a separate bout on the same night, skit maker Carter Efe defeated rapper Speed Darlington by technical knockout after Darlington stopped moving during the contest.

The victory extended Carter Efe’s unbeaten record in the celebrity boxing series.

He had earlier defeated controversial singer Portable by unanimous decision in their May 1, 2026 bout.

Speed Darlington had previously faced Portable in a boxing contest that followed a dispute over performance fees.

The disagreement started after Darlington invited Portable to perform at an event and offered him N500,000. Portable turned down the offer and mocked Darlington for being “poor”.

Darlington subsequently accused Portable of insulting his mother, leading Portable to challenge him to a fight.

Portable had boasted that he would defeat Darlington in the same manner he had previously beaten actor Charles Okocha.

The fight was eventually organised after public interest in the dispute grew.

Portable won the contest by knockout following a fierce opening-round exchange, with Darlington failing to return for the second round.

His failure to answer the bell handed Portable a technical knockout (TKO) victory.

Phyna’s victory also coincided with the anniversary of her Big Brother Naija victory, a milestone she celebrated in a social media post.

She said the achievement represented another significant step in her journey from reality television to boxing.

 

(THE CABLE)

News World October 02, 2026 Germany rolls out fuel subsidy for motorists as energy crisis bites

German motorists have begun benefiting from a government-backed reduction in fuel prices as authorities move to cushion households and businesses from the sharp increase in energy costs linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The relief took effect on Thursday, with the average price of petrol falling by about 14 cents to €2.06 per litre, while diesel dropped by approximately 15 cents to €2.20 per litre, according to Germany’s automobile association, ADAC.

The measure comes as Germany, Europe’s largest economy, grapples with rising pump prices amid disruptions to fuel supplies from the Middle East.

However, the reduction has received a mixed response from motorists, with some saying the savings were too small to significantly ease the pressure on household budgets.

“It’s just a drop in the ocean,” Andrea Hoecker, a 33-year-old public relations worker, told AFP at a petrol station in Frankfurt.

“It helps in the short term, but in the long run I don’t think you can solve the problem with it,” she said.

Another motorist, Lorena Konle, a teacher, described the prevailing fuel prices as “unsatisfactory”.

“I have to be completely honest: with the prices we have, it doesn’t really make a difference,” she said.

The government has officially fixed the fuel subsidy at 17 cents per litre, although the actual reduction motorists receive at filling stations can vary depending on factors including global oil prices and foreign exchange rates.

Motoring organisations have also raised concerns over whether the entire value of the subsidy will be reflected in pump prices.

Their concerns are partly linked to an earlier fuel subsidy scheme implemented in May and June, when energy companies retained about €200 million from the €1.6 billion paid by the government, according to the Monopolies Commission, Germany’s competition watchdog.

“This new fuel discount must now finally reach consumers in full,” a spokeswoman for the Auto Club Europa association told AFP.

Part of the subsidy must not once again “get stuck with the oil industry”, she added.

Meanwhile, some economists have questioned whether the policy is sufficiently targeted at households most affected by rising living costs.

Clemens Fuest, head of the Ifo Institute, argued that the measure could disproportionately benefit motorists who drive frequently and own larger vehicles.

“The fuel discount leads to redistribution in favour of frequent drivers with large cars,” Fuest told the Augsburger Allgemeine daily.

Germany is not alone in introducing measures to shield consumers from the impact of higher fuel costs.

Several other European Union countries have adopted different interventions, including reductions in fuel taxes and direct financial support to citizens, as governments respond to the wider energy shock.

The measures come amid continuing uncertainty over fuel supplies and prices as the conflict involving Iran and the United States continues to disrupt energy flows from the Middle East.

(AFP)

News World October 02, 2026 Saudi Arabia reacts to reported suicide bombing incident at Makkah Grand Mosque

Saudi authorities have dismissed reports circulating on social media that a suicide bomber was apprehended at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, describing the incident as the arrest of a man accused of harassing passersby and triggering panic.

The Saudi General Directorate of Public Security, in a statement posted on X on Friday, October 2, said security personnel in the Holy Capital apprehended the individual following his conduct towards people in the area.

According to the authorities, the man was dealt with immediately and subsequently subjected to legal procedures before being handed over to the Public Prosecution.

The security agency also rejected claims linking the incident to a suspected suicide bombing, urging members of the public to rely on official channels for accurate information.

The clarification followed the circulation of videos on social media purporting to show security personnel arresting a suspected bomber near the Kaaba.

Posts accompanying the footage claimed that a man wearing an explosive vest had approached the Kaaba with an intention to detonate the device.

However, checks showed that the video was not from a recent incident.

The footage dates back to February 2017 and had previously been published in reports concerning an incident near the Kaaba.

A report by Arab News at the time said Saudi security personnel had intercepted a man who had poured petrol on his clothes and attempted to set himself on fire near the Kaaba.

The man was arrested before he could carry out the act.

The old footage was subsequently recirculated online and falsely presented as evidence of a recent security incident at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

Saudi authorities have therefore urged the public to verify sensitive reports through official sources rather than relying on unverified social media posts.

Crime News October 02, 2026 10 rescued as gunmen attack 2 buses, abduct NYSC members in Imo

The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of National Youth Service Corps members and other passengers following an attack on two buses along the Owerri-Onitsha expressway.

The incident occurred early Thursday near Umunoha, with police authorities saying 10 of the victims had so far been rescued while efforts continued to establish the exact number of people still in captivity.

According to the police, the affected buses were conveying NYSC corps members and other passengers travelling from Ibadan to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Bende in Abia State.

Police spokesperson in Imo, Okoye Henry, said the attack happened at about 6:30am on October 1, 2026, when suspected armed men intercepted the vehicles.

“The incident occurred at about 0630hrs on 1st October, 2026, along the Owerri-Onitsha Road, by Umunoha. Two buses conveying NYSC corps members and other passengers from Ibadan to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, respectively, were attacked by suspected armed men,” the statement reads.

Okoye said the intervention of the police and other security agencies led to the recovery of the two buses and the rescue of 10 victims.

“Following a swift response by the Police and other security agencies, both buses have been recovered and 10 victims were rescued at the scene.

“The rescued victims are in safe hands and are being attended to. The exact number of persons abducted is being verified and will be made public once confirmed.”

The development had earlier generated tension along the busy highway after reports emerged that gunmen had attacked two 18-seater buses and forced passengers into the surrounding bush.

A video circulated on social media showed the buses, reportedly bearing the Abia State Government logo, while claims accompanying the footage indicated that the passengers were travelling to Akwa Ibom and Abia states.

The police said tactical teams were continuing search-and-rescue operations, with intelligence-led efforts being deployed to locate the attackers and recover those still missing.

The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, alongside other security service commanders, has also visited the scene to assess the situation and provide operational directives.

“He assured the public that the Command will sustain the operation until all victims are safely recovered and the suspects are brought to justice,” Okoye said.

The command also said it was liaising with the NYSC directorate to establish contact with the families of affected corps members and provide updates as the operation progresses.

Meanwhile, the affected portion of the expressway has been reopened to motorists, while security personnel have been deployed to safeguard commuters and maintain normal traffic flow.

The police urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, while calling on anyone with useful information about the incident or the whereabouts of the suspects and victims to contact the nearest police station or the command through its emergency lines.

“All information will be treated in confidence,” Okoye added.

News October 01, 2026 An Open Letter to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on Nigeria’s 66th Independence

Thursday 1st October 2026.

Your Excellency,

My name is Peter Ogbudu, also known as Gana, a Nigerian citizen writing to you not as a politician, not as an opposition voice, and not as someone seeking favour, but simply as a Nigerian who is deeply concerned about the condition of our country and the suffering of our people.

As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, I believe this is a moment when we must speak honestly about the Nigeria that exists beyond official speeches, statistics and government briefings.

Mr. President, millions of Nigerians are hurting.

Families are struggling to put food on the table. Parents are losing sleep over school fees. Young people with dreams and qualifications are finding it increasingly difficult to find meaningful work. The cost of food, transportation, housing, electricity and basic necessities has placed enormous pressure on ordinary citizens.

For many Nigerians, life has become a daily struggle simply to survive.

And this is the reality I respectfully ask you to look at—not through the reports that reach your desk, but through the eyes of the market woman, the mechanic, the farmer, the teacher, the civil servant, the student, the unemployed graduate, the pensioner and the young Nigerian wondering whether there is still a future for him or her in this country.

Mr. President, please listen to Nigerians directly.

I am deeply concerned that some of the people around you may be giving you a picture of Nigeria that does not fully reflect what ordinary citizens are experiencing. Perhaps they tell you that things are improving, that Nigerians are adjusting, or that the hardship is temporary.

But Your Excellency, a hungry family cannot eat statistics. A parent cannot pay school fees with promises. A sick person cannot buy medicine with economic projections.

Government exists to serve the people, and when the people are suffering, those in government must be willing to hear that suffering—even when the truth is uncomfortable.

I am not writing this letter to condemn you. I am writing because Nigeria is bigger than any president, any political party or any government. And because you are the President today, history has placed in your hands an enormous responsibility.

Please do everything within your power to make life easier for Nigerians.

Let the success of your administration be measured not only by economic indicators, but by whether the ordinary Nigerian can afford food, find work, access healthcare, educate their children, travel safely and live with dignity.

Let us build an economy where prosperity is felt in people’s homes and not only discussed in government offices.

Let the government fight corruption wherever it is found, reduce waste, protect public resources and ensure that the sacrifices Nigerians are being asked to make are matched by sacrifices from those who govern them.

Mr. President, please do not allow the voices closest to you to become louder than the voices of the Nigerians.

Go beyond the official briefings.

Listen to Nigerians without intermediaries.

Visit ordinary communities. Speak with people whose names will never appear in government reports. Hear the stories of mothers who cannot feed their children adequately, young people who cannot find opportunities, workers whose salaries disappear before the month ends, and families who are struggling under the rising cost of living.

Their stories are also the story of Nigeria.

On this 66th Independence anniversary, Nigerians should not have to ask for luxury. They are asking for the basics of a dignified life.

They are asking for food they can afford.

They are asking for jobs.

They are asking for security.

They are asking for affordable healthcare and education.

They are asking for electricity and infrastructure that work.

They are asking for justice.

They are asking for hope.

Mr. President, please make the pain of Nigerians your personal concern.

History will not only remember the policies your government announced. It will remember how Nigerians lived while those policies were being implemented. It will remember whether people felt abandoned or heard, whether families found relief or deeper hardship, and whether the government responded when citizens cried out.

Nigeria has enormous potential. We have brilliant young people, hardworking citizens, natural resources, entrepreneurs, farmers, professionals and people who continue to believe in this country despite everything they have endured.

Please do not let their hope die.

Mr. President, hear the people. See the people. Feel the people. Serve the people.

Let the remaining months of your administration be remembered as a period when government listened more closely, acted more decisively and worked relentlessly to make life better for the ordinary Nigerian.

We are not asking for miracles.

We are asking for leadership that understands the weight people are carrying and does everything possible to help them carry it.

May Nigeria become a country where independence is not merely something we celebrate every October, but something ordinary Nigerians can actually feel in their lives—through dignity, opportunity, security and hope.

Happy 66th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria.

May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and every Nigerian, at home and abroad.

Yours faithfully,

Peter Ogbudu (Gana)

A concerned Nigerian citizen

News October 01, 2026 Nigeria records highest number of ranked universities in Sub-Saharan Africa (See list)

Nigeria has recorded a notable increase in its representation in the global university ranking system, with 29 universities featuring in the 2027 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, compared with 24 institutions in the previous edition.

The latest ranking makes Nigeria the country with the largest number of universities ranked in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to a statement issued on Thursday by Boriowo Folasade, Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education.

The ministry linked the development to ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s education sector under President Bola Tinubu and the supervision of the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, particularly initiatives focused on research, innovation, institutional performance and global competitiveness.

Of the 29 Nigerian universities included in the 2027 THE rankings, five entered the ranking for the first time, while 32 other Nigerian institutions were listed under the THE Reporter category.

The development brings the number of Nigerian tertiary institutions participating in the ranking exercise to 61.

Federal universities accounted for a significant proportion of the country’s strongest performances, with five of the seven Nigerian universities ranked within the global 1,200 bracket being federal institutions.

The University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos retained their places in the 801–1000 category, while Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Ilorin moved into the 1001–1200 bracket, joining Bayero University, which retained its position.

Covenant University recorded one of the notable upward movements, advancing from the 1001–1200 category in the 2026 ranking to 801–1000 in the 2027 edition.

Babcock University also improved significantly, moving from the 1501+ category to 1201–1400.

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Benin equally recorded upward movements, advancing into the 1401–1600 category.

Osun State University and the University of Maiduguri made their debut in the rankings, while Olabisi Onabanjo University, Kwara State University and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture were among other Nigerian institutions featured in the latest edition.

The Federal Ministry of Education said the latest performance reflected the impact of the Federal Government’s education reform agenda, particularly the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI).

The ministry stated that the growth in Nigeria’s representation, alongside the performance of several federal universities, was “a clear manifestation that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR Renewed Hope Agenda for Education being powered by the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal initiatives is now yielding significant results.”

It explained that NESRI was promoting evidence-based assessment of institutional performance, strengthening research capacity and encouraging healthy competition among tertiary institutions.

In another step aimed at strengthening institutional performance, Alausa has directed the Nigeria Tertiary Education Ranking Advisory Committee (NITERAC), headed by Professor Peter Okebukola, to commence the 2026 national ranking of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in Nigeria.

The proposed national ranking is expected to encourage competition among tertiary institutions, improve their visibility and enhance their capacity to compete with institutions internationally.

According to the ministry, the national ranking framework is being developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders and will evaluate tertiary institutions based on 22 indicators.

The framework is intended to provide a stronger evidence base for identifying institutional strengths while highlighting areas requiring improvement.

Despite the progress recorded in the latest global ranking, the ministry acknowledged that Nigerian universities still have areas requiring further improvement.

It identified Research Quality as the strongest performance pillar for Nigerian universities, while Research Environment and Teaching were highlighted as areas that require greater attention.

The ministry said further improvements in academic reputation, research outcomes and productivity, doctoral output, international collaboration and institutional data reporting would be important to consolidating the gains already recorded.

It added that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue implementing measures aimed at improving research excellence, teaching quality, innovation, international engagement and the competitiveness of Nigerian tertiary institutions.

The ministry further said participation in international rankings should not be viewed solely as recognition for individual institutions, but also as a mechanism for measuring performance, identifying weaknesses and promoting continuous improvement across Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

News October 01, 2026 Soldiers confirm 80% salary increase as new pay reflects in accounts

Some personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces have confirmed the commencement of payment of their newly approved salaries, with junior military personnel reporting increases of up to 80 per cent.

The soldiers, who spoke on Thursday, said the new pay began appearing in their bank accounts from Wednesday evening, in line with the Federal Government’s recently announced salary adjustment for military personnel.

According to the personnel, the increase applies to ranks from Private to Staff Sergeant, with some junior soldiers now receiving substantially higher monthly salaries than previously.

A Private who previously earned about ₦103,000 is now receiving approximately ₦190,000, while a Lance Corporal whose former salary was about ₦110,000 is now receiving about ₦202,000, according to the soldiers.

“Private soldiers ₦190k. Lance Corporal ₦202k, go on like that. It is exactly the 80 per cent as they promised,” one of the soldiers said.

The development corroborates an earlier announcement by Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, who said military personnel had started receiving the revised salaries

Olusegun disclosed this in a post on X on Thursday.

“I can categorically confirm that personnel of the Nigerian Military have now started receiving their newly increased salaries as approved by President @officialABAT in August,” he wrote.

According to him, the implementation of the new pay package is expected to improve the morale of troops engaged in military operations across the country.

“Another critical factor that is expected to boost the morale of our frontline forces as we continue to win the war against insecurity,” Olusegun added.

The salary review followed President Tinubu’s approval in August of increases ranging between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the Armed Forces.

The revised salary structure took effect from September 1, 2026.

Under the arrangement, personnel from Private to Staff Sergeant are entitled to an 80 per cent increase, while those from Warrant Officer to Colonel are to receive a 50 per cent increase.

Officers above the rank of Colonel, including Brigadier-General, Major-General, Lieutenant-General and General, are to receive a 30 per cent increase.

The new package is expected to benefit about 250,000 military personnel.

The Presidency had stated that the adjustment would raise the annual salary bill of the Armed Forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.

While announcing the approval, Tinubu said members of the Armed Forces deserved stronger support in view of their role in tackling banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other security threats across the country.

“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation,” he said in a statement issued on August 4 by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The President further said his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of military personnel while equipping the Armed Forces with the weapons and technological resources needed for their operations.

The implementation of the salary adjustment comes against the backdrop of continued military deployments in different parts of the country to combat insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges.

The latest increase also follows earlier reports highlighting concerns over the welfare and remuneration of some military personnel.

In September 2025, some Nigerian Army personnel reportedly raised concerns over unpaid allowances and what they described as inadequate salaries, urging the Tinubu administration to review their remuneration.

The soldiers had also alleged that attempts to raise complaints about their welfare were met with threats from military authorities and called for an adjustment of allowances to reflect prevailing economic conditions.

Military personnel had previously expressed concerns over the remuneration of junior ranks, arguing that improved welfare was necessary in recognition of the risks associated with their duties and their role in securing the country.

 

(SAHARA REPORTERS)