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September 29, 2026 The Kaduna State Government has announced the immediate suspension of activities planned to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day, which was scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 2026. The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, on behalf of Governor Uba Sani. The suspension took effect from Monday, September 28 The decision comes just days after the state government had unveiled a programme of activities for the anniversary, including special prayers, an inter-denominational church service and an official Independence Day parade at Murtala Mohammed Square, Kaduna.  The state government had earlier described the anniversary as an opportunity for prayer, national reflection and renewed commitment to peace and unity. Further details on the reason for the suspension were not provided in the reports reviewed. From Spotlight African Reporters Stay connected to Spotlight Afric...

Date: September 29, 2026 By Spotlight African Reporters The Rivers State House of Assembly has unanimously endorsed the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, seeking to establish a constitutional framework for the creation and operation of State Police Services across Nigeria. The decision was reached during plenary on Monday, September 28, with all 25 members of the Assembly voting in favour of the proposed amendment after consultations with their constituents. Speaker of the Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, said the lawmakers’ decision was informed by longstanding calls for a policing system at the subnational level that would complement the Nigeria Police Force. According to him, the proposed amendment would create a constitutional pathway for establishing state police services while retaining the role of the National Assembly in prescribing minimum policing standards nationwide. The bill contains 26 clauses, including 25 proposed alterations to provisions of the 1999 ...

September 29, 2026 By Spotlight African Reporters President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ended his working vacation in France and departed Paris for Nigeria, with his aircraft expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos later today. The State House confirmed on Tuesday that the President had concluded his working vacation and commenced his journey home. According to the Presidency, Tinubu is returning to Nigeria after spending several weeks in Europe, where he held official engagements, including meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. The President is expected to arrive in Lagos first, where he will participate in official engagements ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1. The State House said Tinubu chose to fly into Lagos to honour the memory of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s democratic struggle. The President’s extended stay in E...

September 29, 2026 | From Spotlight African Reporters Nigerian dancer Benjamin Daniel Gabriel, popularly known as Bendancer, is taking on an ambitious challenge in Lagos as he attempts to complete a 168-hour dance marathon in a bid to break a Guinness World Record. The dancer is seeking to showcase his endurance, talent and determination by dancing continuously for seven days — equivalent to 168 hours. The marathon has attracted attention from dance enthusiasts and supporters who have been following his record-breaking attempt and cheering him on. If successfully completed and accepted under the applicable Guinness World Records guidelines, the challenge could place Bendancer among Nigerian performers who have pursued international recognition through extraordinary endurance feats. The attempt also highlights the growing popularity of dance marathons and endurance challenges among young Nigerian creatives seeking to make their mark on the global stag...

September 29, 2026 | From Spotlight African Reporters Nollywood actress Juliana Olayode has spoken openly about her desire to get married, stressing that wanting marriage does not mean a person lacks purpose or ambition in life. The actress said she is looking forward to marrying the love of her life, making it clear that her desire for marriage is not a reflection of an absence of purpose. Juliana noted that marriage and personal purpose can coexist, challenging the perception that a woman who expresses a desire to settle down must be lacking direction or fulfilment in other areas of her life. According to her, she believes there is nothing wrong with wanting companionship and building a family while also pursuing one's goals and calling. Her comments have sparked conversations on social media, particularly around societal expectations placed on women regarding marriage, career and personal fulfilment. Juliana's statement reflects her personal perspective that desi...

September 29, 2026 | From Spotlight African Reporters Apostle Arome Osayi has responded to the controversy surrounding a viral 22-second video clip in which he spoke about Nigeria in the context of revival and prayer. The clip, which circulated widely on social media, generated reactions from some viewers who questioned the context and timing of the statement. Addressing the backlash, Apostle Arome reportedly stressed that he does not present himself as a perfect man, while maintaining that the viral clip did not fully represent the context of his original remarks. The controversy has also been accompanied by discussions over the age of the video, with some social media users pointing out that the footage was recorded earlier and was not a recent statement. The development has sparked renewed debate online about how short clips from sermons and public religious addresses can be interpreted when separated from their broader context. Arome Osayi is known for his Christian min...