President Bola Tinubu on Thursday sparked laughter at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner in Abuja after playfully referring to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as “Iya Alakara” (Mama Akara Seller).   According to Punch Newspapers, the remark came during the President’s speech at the State House as he acknowledged dignitaries in attendance. “Good evening, gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen, my dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara,” Tinubu said, drawing laughter and reactions from guests. The light-hearted comment appears to reference the recent controversy surrounding remarks made by the First Lady during the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme. Earlier, Oluremi Tinubu had encouraged Nigerian women to consider small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli, noting that such ventures require little startup capital. Her comments triggered mixed reactions on social media, with critics arguing that the remarks appeared insensitive amid Nigeria’s economic hardship. In response to the backlash, the First Lady later clarified that the Federal Government’s empowerment initiative goes beyond akara sellers and includes support for traders dealing in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, roasted plantain and other petty businesses. Speaking during the inauguration of the newly constructed Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State, she disclosed that the Federal Government had donated N100 million to empower 2,000 petty traders in the state. She stressed that the programme is aimed at helping small traders grow sustainable businesses and improve their livelihoods. The playful exchange at the State House has since generated fresh reactions online, with many Nigerians viewing it as a humorous nod to the earlier debate.

The Oba Ewuare II has directed traditional worshippers in Edo State to perform ancestral rites and invoke curses against kidnappers, bandits and other violent criminals as part of efforts to tackle rising insecurity.   According to a report by Channels Television, the spiritual exercise took place in Benin City on Wednesday, following a directive from the Benin monarch. The ceremony began with a procession from the Oba’s Palace and ended at the palace’s main entrance, where traditional priests, priestesses and traditional physicians known as Ewaise performed libations, propitiatory rites and spiritual fortification rituals. Participants, dressed in ceremonial regalia and carrying sacred objects, invoked ancestral spirits to expose and punish those involved in kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes, including their collaborators. Chief Osemwonta Iguezigbon, head of the Ewaise Palace group, said the monarch ordered the spiritual intervention in response to worsening insecurity in Edo and across Nigeria. He said the Oba believed urgent action was necessary to confront the growing wave of criminal activities threatening lives and property. Chief Clement Edegbe, Chief Priest of the Ayelala deity, expressed confidence that the traditional rites would help expose criminals and curb violent crimes. He noted that increasing cases of kidnapping and lawlessness had become a major concern in the state. The Oyeoba of Benin, Chief Isaac Oghafua Ogiemwense, said the ritual was aimed at spiritually strengthening the land against insecurity, while priestess Constance Eguavoen praised the monarch for reviving traditional methods to support efforts against crime. The Benin Palace stressed that the rites are not intended to replace conventional security operations but to complement efforts by government and security agencies to restore peace and safeguard lives and property in Edo State and across Nigeria.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has defended his administration’s economic reforms, insisting they are beginning to deliver positive results across key sectors of Nigeria’s economy.   Speaking at the maiden State House Media Dinner in Abuja on Thursday, President Tinubu said the difficult reforms introduced by his government were already strengthening public finances and restoring investor confidence. According to Channels Television, Tinubu said the reforms, though challenging, were necessary to stabilise the economy and lay the foundation for long-term growth. “The difficult but necessary reforms undertaken by this administration are yielding results. Our economy is stabilising. Public revenues have strengthened significantly,” the president said. He added that state governments are now receiving higher allocations to support development, while investor confidence is gradually returning. Tinubu also pointed to improvements in Nigeria’s foreign reserves, renewed investments in the oil and gas sector, and strong growth in the stock market. The president said ongoing tax reforms, fiscal reforms, infrastructure investments and efforts to improve the business environment are helping to build a more competitive and productive economy. While acknowledging that challenges remain, Tinubu said progress is being made. “The journey is not yet complete, but the direction is clear, and the foundations for long-term growth are being firmly established,” he stated. On security, Tinubu said his administration has maintained a determined and multi-dimensional strategy against insecurity. He noted that military operations have intensified, intelligence gathering has improved, and cooperation among security agencies has strengthened. According to him, thousands of criminal elements and terrorists have been neutralised, while several hostages have been rescued and communities reclaimed from armed groups. Tinubu also praised the Nigerian media for its role in strengthening democracy, describing journalists as critical partners in nation-building. He urged media practitioners to report accurately and responsibly, stressing the need to avoid inflaming tensions in society. The president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to press freedom and freedom of expression as guaranteed under Nigeria’s Constitution.

Switzerland booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 last 16 after a composed 2-0 victory over Algeria in Vancouver.   According to Channels Television, the Swiss side delivered a disciplined performance to seal progression and now await the winner of the round-of-32 clash between Colombia and Ghana. Johan Manzambi played a key role in the opening goal, making a strong run down the left flank before delivering a precise cross for Breel Embolo, who tapped home to give Switzerland the lead. Switzerland doubled their advantage immediately after the break. Dan Ndoye capitalised on a weak clearance from Rafik Belghali, controlling the ball before firing through a crowded box to make it 2-0. Luca Zidane was unable to keep out the effort as Algeria struggled to recover from the setback. The defeat ends Algeria’s World Cup campaign, with the Desert Foxes joining Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Senegal, and South Africa among African teams eliminated at the last-32 stage. Only Morocco remain as Africa’s sole representative in the tournament.