According to Nivo News, Nigerian celebrity entrepreneur Okechukwu Pascal, popularly known as Cubana ChiefPriest, has described politicians who criticise Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, as malicious, vowing that such figures will be rejected by voters in the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

ChiefPriest made the remarks while reacting to criticisms from Nollywood actress Doris Ogala and former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, who had alleged that Governor Otti was merely rehabilitating old roads instead of constructing new ones.

In a strongly worded post shared on his Instagram page, the businessman accused unnamed politicians of resorting to what he termed “empty praise” of President Bola Tinubu as a strategy to shield themselves from accountability over alleged corruption. He argued that Governor Otti, alongside Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, stands out as one of the few leaders in the South-East delivering tangible development rather than recycled promises.

Drawing from personal experience, ChiefPriest said the level of infrastructural growth currently visible in Abia and Imo States was unprecedented, stressing that the progress witnessed in recent years surpassed anything he had seen growing up in Aba. He dismissed other political actors in the region as unserious, accusing them of making noise without delivering meaningful results.

The celebrity businessman further declared that Governor Otti and Governor Uzodimma represent the genuine leadership forces in the South-East, insisting that the electorate would no longer tolerate what he described as deception and underperformance. He warned that politicians who continue to attack Governor Otti would face political rejection at the polls in 2027.

ChiefPriest also praised Governor Uzodimma’s influence and leadership within the region, describing him as a stabilising force whose role has been instrumental in sustaining political cooperation and progress in the South-East. He concluded by expressing confidence that the region was on an upward trajectory under the current crop of leadership.

According to Nivo News, the Federal Government has bestowed national honours on a number of serving officers and retired personnel of the Nigerian Army, including a brigadier general who lost his life in active service, in recognition of outstanding bravery, innovation and exemplary leadership.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The honours were presented on Tuesday night during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Gala held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja. Details of the awards were disclosed in an official statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.

Among those honoured was the late Brigadier General Musa Uba, who received a posthumous Gallantry Award for his exceptional courage and frontline leadership during counter-insurgency operations in Borno State. The army noted that General Uba was killed in November 2025 after his team was ambushed by terrorists near Wajiroko along the Damboa Road while transporting military equipment.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, was decorated with the Service and Sacrifice Award in recognition of his leadership in military operations and his role in strengthening internal security strategies across various operational theatres. The same category also recognised Major General Abdulsalami Enesi Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, and Major General Faruk Mijinyawa, former General Officer Commanding of the 81 Division in Lagos, for their outstanding operational leadership and commitment to duty.

Brigadier General Usman Ahmad received the Mission Success Award for his decisive role in repelling multiple terrorist attacks under intense pressure while sustaining operational effectiveness. In the area of innovation, Colonel Ibrahim Mohammed Gero was honoured for designing a modified ballistic gunboat now deployed under Operation DELTA SAFE.

The late Colonel B. Umaru was posthumously awarded the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Excellence Award for his contributions to Operation HADIN KAI, while Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ebisingha Alari received the Fallen Heroes Award in recognition of his efforts in counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.

In the veterans’ category, former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.), was presented with the Legacy (Service and Sacrifice) Award for his military reforms between 2015 and 2021, as well as his diplomatic service as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.

Speaking at the event, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, called on members of the Armed Forces to remain disciplined, loyal and united, describing them as custodians of Nigeria’s democracy. He also announced the approval of two national initiatives, the “Thank-A-Soldier Electronic Wall” and the “My Nigerian Hero Campaign,” aimed at deepening public appreciation for military service.

The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is observed annually to honour fallen heroes, celebrate serving personnel and acknowledge the enduring contributions of veterans in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.

According to Nivo News, Super Eagles assistant captain Victor Osimhen has revealed the Nigerian football legends who continue to inspire his journey in the national team as he edges closer to a historic goalscoring landmark ahead of Nigeria’s crucial clash with Morocco.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Osimhen, who currently plays his club football with Turkish giants Galatasaray, is just two goals away from equalling the long-standing Super Eagles record of 37 goals set by the late Rashidi Yekini. Although he did not witness Yekini’s exploits firsthand, the Napoli-born striker said the legendary forward’s achievements remain a major source of motivation.

He explained that Yekini’s legacy has inspired generations of Nigerian footballers, including himself, adding that the record represents something deeply meaningful to him. Osimhen also acknowledged the influence of two other former Super Eagles strikers, Odion Ighalo and Obafemi Martins, noting that their careers and dedication have shaped his mentality and approach whenever he pulls on the national jersey.

The prolific forward described the prospect of challenging Yekini’s record as an honour he would cherish for the rest of his life, stressing that the achievement carries immense personal and national significance.

While individual milestones continue to draw attention, Osimhen’s former international teammate, William Troost-Ekong, insisted that the striker’s primary focus remains team success and winning trophies. Troost-Ekong praised Osimhen’s humility and respect for past legends, expressing confidence that the forward still has many goals ahead of him and will serve as a benchmark for the next generation of Nigerian players.

Osimhen’s influence within the Super Eagles camp has also been widely acknowledged, with respected football journalist Oluwashina Okeleji describing him as the new face of Nigerian football. Okeleji noted that Osimhen has long been tipped for greatness since his under-17 days and now commands immense respect within the squad, even without wearing the captain’s armband. According to him, the team’s performances often revolve around Osimhen’s presence and leadership.

Meanwhile, the semi-final encounter against Morocco is set to be a memorable occasion for midfielder Alex Iwobi, who is expected to earn his 97th international cap for Nigeria. The Fulham star is closing in on becoming the third most capped player in Super Eagles history, trailing only Ahmed Musa, Vincent Enyeama and Joseph Yobo. Since making his debut in 2015, Iwobi has been one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the ongoing tournament in Morocco.