Author: Tech & Tools Desk

Israel has confirmed that the final group of 20 hostages freed by Hamas on Monday has safely returned to the country. “Welcome home,” the Israeli Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X, celebrating the return of Matan Angrest, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Elkana Bohbot, Rom Braslavski, Nimrod Cohen, David Cunio, Ariel Cunio, Evyatar David, Guy Gilboa Dalal, Maxim Herkin, Eitan Horn, Segev Kalfon, Bar Kuperstein, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, Yosef Haim Ohana, Alon Ohel, Avinatan Or, and Matan Zangauker.

US President Donald Trump arrived in Israel aboard Air Force One on Monday, coinciding with the return of the first group of Israeli hostages released from Gaza after two years in captivity. He was welcomed at Ben Gurion Airport with a red-carpet reception by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog.

The Super Eagles narrowly avoided disaster on Sunday after the aircraft transporting them from South Africa to Nigeria made an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola. According to a statement from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the ValueJet charter flight developed a cracked windscreen mid-air shortly after taking off from a scheduled refuelling stop in Luanda, en route to Uyo for Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic. “The pilot acted swiftly and professionally, returning the aircraft safely to the Luanda airport and averting potential danger,” the NFF confirmed. The same aircraft had earlier flown members of the Nigerian delegation to Polokwane, South Africa, for the match against Lesotho. It had also been used for the team’s previous World Cup qualifier against South Africa in Bloemfontein. The NFF assured supporters that a replacement aircraft is being arranged. Efforts are ongoing in collaboration with ValueJet and relevant federal authorities, including the Ministries of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Staff to the President to secure necessary overflight and landing clearances. “A replacement plane will depart Lagos for Luanda to bring the team safely to Uyo,” the NFF stated. The federation also thanked fans and stakeholders for their patience and understanding as arrangements continue to ensure the team arrives in time for Tuesday’s crucial encounter.

ARISE News has announced burial plans for its late anchor and correspondent, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who was killed in an armed robbery on September 29, 2025, at her Abuja residence. She will be laid to rest on Saturday, October 18, in Anambra State. A schedule of events honoring her memory has also been released. An evening of tributes will be held on Sunday, October 12, at the THISDAY Dome in Abuja’s Central Business District, followed by a service of songs on Wednesday, October 15, at Corpus Christi Cathedral, Kaduna Street, Port Harcourt. Her funeral mass will take place at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Agulu, Anambra State, ahead of her burial. Maduagwu, 29, was a Nigerian lawyer, model, journalist, and producer. She died alongside a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, during a violent robbery at her home. Following the attack, the FCT Police Command arrested 12 suspects linked to the crime. Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh revealed that the gang sourced their weapons including a locally made AK-47, a pump-action gun, and a pistol from a supplier operating across the Nigeria–Niger Republic border. She noted that all suspects are from Kaduna and Katsina States and have confessed to their involvement. The operation was led by a special team set up by Commissioner of Police Ajao Adewale, under the command of DCP Aliyu Abubakar and ACP Victor Godfrey.

A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State and Convener of The Alternative Movement, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for prioritising infrastructure projects like the Gateway International Airport, describing it as a major step toward boosting the state’s economic growth. In a statement issued on Friday, Showunmi said the commencement of commercial flight operations at the newly completed international airport along the Ilisan–Iperu Remo Road marked a new phase of development for Ogun State. Speaking after his maiden flight from Abuja to the state-owned facility, the PDP leader praised Abiodun’s commitment to completing the project while acknowledging former Governor Gbenga Daniel, under whose administration the airport concept was first introduced in 2005. He noted that the airport had positioned Ogun as a true hub of economic opportunity, adding that “anyone who fails to invest in Ogun is missing out.” Reflecting on the long journey of the project, Showunmi said, “I had the privilege of knowing when this idea was conceived during Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s tenure, and now, years later, it has become a reality. Sometimes, when an opportunity is delayed, it isn’t lost — what comes later is often better. The Gateway International Airport proves that.” He lauded Governor Abiodun for his vision and emphasis on infrastructure, saying it forms the foundation for sustainable growth. “Anyone who wants to transform an environment must first ensure that the right infrastructure is in place, and that’s exactly what this administration has done,” he said. Showunmi congratulated Abiodun on behalf of Ogun citizens at home and abroad for ensuring that “in our lifetime, a commercial aircraft landed in Iperu–Ilishan, Ogun State.” Governor Abiodun had earlier flagged off the airport’s first commercial flight — a ValueJet aircraft carrying 90 passengers to Abuja. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to developing a world-class transport system, adding that the airport is part of a broader vision to strengthen Ogun’s industrial and economic position.

Indomie Instant Noodles, one of Nigeria’s leading food brands, spread colour, excitement, and togetherness across the country from October 4 to 6 as it marked the 2025 edition of World Indomie Day. According to the company, the three-day nationwide celebration brought families, fans, and communities together in a vibrant tribute to the iconic brand that has become a cherished part of Nigerian homes for generations. The main celebration hub, Ikeja City Mall in Lagos, was transformed into a lively carnival filled with music, games, dance, and endless servings of Indomie. Speaking at the event, Brand Manager, Indomie Nigeria, Tope Sule, thanked consumers for their years of loyalty and support. “World Indomie Day is not just a celebration of our brand; it’s a celebration of the people who have made Indomie a part of their everyday lives,” she said. “It represents family, friendship, and shared moments of comfort and joy.” Also speaking, Regional Brand Manager (South-East), Rahmotallahi Adeniyi, noted that the celebration was designed to spotlight Indomie’s community of consumers. “We wanted to create an atmosphere where our consumers could experience the true spirit of Indomie — a day that celebrates people, not just noodles,” she explained. The event brimmed with laughter and excitement as children took part in fun competitions, families bonded over shared meals, and fans relived the nostalgic flavour of their favourite noodles. One of the highlights was the Upside-Down Indomie House, a creative photo zone where furniture appeared suspended from the ceiling, creating a whimsical illusion that drew hundreds of visitors eager to capture memorable photos and share their “Indomie moments” online. Adding star power to the celebration, media personality Tomike Adeoye thrilled guests with her lively presence — dancing, interacting with fans, and sharing heartwarming moments that reflected Indomie’s deep connection with Nigerian families. Beyond the mall festivities, Indomie extended the celebration into communities through a street outreach campaign led by content creator Asherkine. His team visited neighbourhoods and markets across Lagos, cooking and sharing Indomie meals while engaging directly with residents. Similar events took place across other Nigerian cities, including markets, schools, and public spaces, ensuring that fans nationwide joined in the celebration. World Indomie Day 2025 reaffirmed that the brand’s legacy goes beyond taste and convenience — it stands for love, creativity, and community spirit, values that have kept Indomie close to the hearts of Nigerians for decades.

President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that the Federal Government is in advanced discussions with Ogoni leaders to resolve long-standing disputes that have stalled oil production in the region for decades. Speaking on Wednesday at the official commissioning of the Otakikpo Crude Oil Export Terminal in Ikuru Town, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, the President said Nigeria’s oil and gas sector remains vital to the country’s future, despite global moves toward cleaner energy. Represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Tinubu said projections from the International Energy Agency (IEA) show that the world must invest about $540 billion annually in upstream oil and gas development over the next 25 years to prevent an energy crisis. He noted that this projection reaffirms the relevance of Nigeria’s petroleum reserves and underscores the need for continuous engagement with host communities, particularly in Ogoniland, to resume production in dormant oilfields. “Oil and gas will remain critical to global energy demand for decades,” Tinubu said. “For years, we were told to abandon our resources in the name of energy transition. But the global narrative has changed. The IEA now acknowledges the importance of sustained investment in hydrocarbons.” The President explained that renewed international interest in oil and gas makes it imperative for Nigeria to resolve all lingering issues in the Niger Delta, adding that talks with Ogoni leaders are ongoing to ensure lasting peace and the resumption of operations. “Once the issues in Ogoniland are resolved, the Otakikpo terminal will serve as the main evacuation point for crude produced from the area. This project is both timely and strategic for our production growth,” he said. Developed by Green Energy International Limited at a cost of over $400 million, the Otakikpo terminal is the first onshore crude export terminal built entirely by an indigenous company in more than 50 years. Tinubu described the facility as a landmark achievement that demonstrates the capacity of Nigerian firms to deliver world-class infrastructure. “This commissioning marks a new chapter for our oil and gas industry,” he said. “The project will ease crude evacuation challenges, support indigenous producers, and align with our government’s objective to ramp up production.” Lokpobiri added that the facility’s impact extends beyond Green Energy, as it will serve multiple operators in nearby fields, reduce bottlenecks, and strengthen Nigeria’s energy infrastructure. The President also restated his administration’s commitment to ensuring peace and collaboration in oil-producing communities, urging residents of the Niger Delta to work closely with investors. “If these resources remain untapped, no one benefits — not Ogoni, not Nigeria. We must work together to unlock our nation’s vast energy potential,” he said. Lokpobiri further announced that Nigeria has fulfilled all requirements to host the African Energy Bank, which will provide much-needed financing for energy projects across the continent. “The African Energy Bank will help mobilise local and continental capital, including pension funds, to finance key energy projects,” he explained. Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, described the Otakikpo terminal as a milestone that redefines Nigeria’s upstream landscape. He said the terminal, which currently handles 750,000 barrels of crude per day and is expandable to three million barrels, provides a critical alternative export hub and reduces reliance on ageing facilities prone to vandalism and disruption. Komolafe noted that the facility would improve efficiency for indigenous operators, lower transportation costs, and stimulate economic activity in host communities through jobs and local content participation. Chairman of Green Energy International, Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe, hailed the project as proof of Nigerian ingenuity and capacity. “For over five decades, Nigeria relied on five major onshore export terminals built by foreign oil companies. This terminal changes that story. It is fully conceived, designed, and executed by Nigerians,” he said. Adegbulugbe added that the project could unlock more than 40 stranded oilfields in the Niger Delta, estimated to hold over three billion barrels of reserves, and contribute up to 200,000 barrels per day to national production. He said, “This terminal is not just an export facility; it is a gateway to unlocking Nigeria’s full upstream potential.”

The wife of the Anambra State governor, Nonye Soludo, has emphasized that early detection remains the most effective way to treat and reduce the impact of breast cancer. Soludo, who is the founder of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, urged women to regularly perform self-breast examinations and go for routine medical checkups in certified hospitals. She made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is observed every October. According to her, “October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a period dedicated to promoting education, awareness, and prevention of this deadly disease. Beyond this annual observance, we must recognize the serious threat breast cancer poses to our generation.” Describing the disease as a “generational threat,” Soludo expressed concern over the high number of women who lose their lives to breast cancer every year. “The statistics are alarming, but we can make a difference. Everyone should learn how to perform self-examinations regularly and visit standard hospitals for screening. Early detection is the key to effective treatment and control,” she said. She further called on all stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns on breast cancer and other forms of cancer, especially at the community level. “This disease has taken too much from us. Let’s do everything possible to stop it. Spread the message this October and beyond. Living a healthy lifestyle significantly reduces the risk of cancer,” she added. The World Health Organisation (WHO) explains that breast cancer occurs when breast cells grow abnormally and multiply uncontrollably, forming lumps or tumours that can spread to other parts of the body if not treated early. Most cases begin in the milk ducts or lobules, and at the early stage — known as in situ — the disease is not life-threatening and can be managed effectively if detected in time. However, once the cancer spreads to nearby tissues or organs, it becomes much harder to treat and may prove fatal.

President Bola Tinubu has officially accepted the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the completion of his second and final term in office. The President is expected to name Yakubu’s successor after Thursday’s Council of State meeting in Abuja, where he will present a list of nominees for the position. Yakubu, who handed over on Tuesday to May Agbamuche-Mbu — a senior national commissioner and legal expert — will be temporarily replaced by her as acting chairman pending the appointment of a substantive head. In recognition of Yakubu’s decade-long service, President Tinubu conferred on him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, state governors, and other members of the Council of State are expected to advise the President on the choice of the next electoral chief. According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised Yakubu for his contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible elections. “President Tinubu thanked Professor Yakubu for his services to the nation and his efforts to sustain Nigeria’s democracy, particularly through the organisation of free and fair elections throughout his two-term tenure. In recognition of his dedicated service, the President has bestowed on him the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger,” the statement read. The President also directed Yakubu to hand over to Agbamuche-Mbu to oversee the affairs of the Commission until a new chairman is appointed. In a letter dated October 3, 2025, Yakubu expressed appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve. He highlighted INEC’s progress under his leadership, including the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the Results Viewing Portal (IReV), which enhanced transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process. Appointed in November 2015 as the 14th INEC chairman, Yakubu was reappointed in 2020, marking the first time in Nigeria’s history that an electoral chief served two consecutive terms. His tenure oversaw the 2019 and 2023 general elections, as well as several off-cycle polls. Yakubu expanded the number of polling units nationwide, implemented continuous voter registration, and introduced measures to accommodate persons with disabilities and internally displaced voters. His tenure, however, faced criticism over glitches during the 2023 general elections and allegations of delayed result transmission. Speaking at a brief handover ceremony at INEC headquarters in Abuja, Yakubu said he stepped down in line with constitutional provisions to allow a smooth transition.He thanked staff, national commissioners, civil society organisations, development partners, and Nigerians for their support, urging continued commitment to electoral reform. “As part of my farewell, I have presented two publications documenting the Commission’s work between 2015 and 2025: Election Management in Nigeria and Innovations in Electoral Technology. I pray that God continues to bless our country and our democracy,” he stated. Agbamuche-Mbu, now acting chairman, is a seasoned lawyer with over 30 years of professional experience in both the public and private sectors. A Delta State indigene born in Kano, she holds law degrees from Obafemi Awolowo University and Queen Mary University of London. She is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Meanwhile, legal experts have weighed in on the appointment process for the next INEC chairman.Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ifedayo Adedipe described the debate over presidential appointment of the INEC chair as a distraction, arguing that credible elections depend more on institutions and citizens than on who occupies the office. “Was it not Jonathan that appointed Professor Jega? Didn’t Jonathan lose the election? The real issue lies in the conduct of politicians and voters, not who appoints the chairman,” Adedipe said. Another SAN, Adedayo Adedeji, affirmed that the President has the constitutional power to appoint an INEC chairman subject to Senate confirmation, while calling for broad consultation and transparency in the selection process.Similarly, Wale Balogun, SAN, stressed the importance of a credible and rigorous screening mechanism to ensure impartiality. During the House of Representatives’ resumption on Tuesday, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to electoral reform ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act aims to strengthen transparency, ensure inclusion, and reduce disputes arising from elections. “Our goal is to make elections less contentious, enhance disability access, and ensure party primaries are more democratic and inclusive,” Abbas said. He also emphasised that the parliament would prioritise constitutional amendments, state policing, and economic reforms in the coming months, adding that Nigerians expect deliberate legislative actions that improve their quality of life.

A leopard was captured on Monday after straying into a hotel complex in Bandung, the capital of West Java, one of Indonesia’s busiest holiday destinations. The incident caused panic among guests when the big cat was spotted outside a second-floor guest room in the morning. Hotel staff quickly alerted firefighters, who contacted the local conservation agency for assistance. “We used a tranquiliser, and at around 10 a.m. the leopard was taken out of the hotel,” said Agus Arianto, head of West Java’s conservation agency. Authorities are investigating whether the animal is the same leopard that escaped from a nearby zoo in late August, located about five kilometres from the hotel. “Currently, the leopard is slowly regaining consciousness and has started to growl,” Agus added, noting that it will be transferred to a conservation facility for observation. Indonesia has recorded similar incidents in the past. In 2021, two Bengal tigers escaped from a zoo in Singkawang, West Kalimantan, after heavy rainfall damaged their enclosure. The escape left a zookeeper and several animals dead. While one tiger was killed, the other was recaptured alive. The incident has renewed attention on Indonesia’s zoos, which have long faced criticism over animal welfare concerns and weak safety measures.