Mr. Demola Lagbaja, the Head of the Lagbaja Family in Ilobu Kingdom, Osun State, expressed sorrow that the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoheed Lagbaja, was unable to experience life outside of the military.

The family leader made this statement on Monday while hosting a condolence visit from the St. Charles Grammar School, Osogbo, Old Boys Association, at the Lagbaja family home in Ibadan.

He mentioned that the family had hoped their late relative would retire after completing his service to enjoy the rewards of his hard work.

Lagbaja said the family had submitted to the will of God following the incident,  saying that “some tears will never dry.”

He mentioned that the late Chief of Army Staff spent his entire career in the military after finishing his A-levels at the Polytechnic.

“That was our wish, which never came. What happened has happened. We have to submit to the will of God, but we are very proud of our son, for he made us proud. All we can wish him is to rest in peace,” Lagbaja said.

The leader of the Lagbaja family expressed gratitude to the association for their visit, mentioning that their departed son had been fondly remembered since his passing.

Earlier, the delegation, headed by Mr. Sola Omopo, Chairman of the school’s Board of Trustees, on behalf of the Ibadan branch members of the association, offered a condolence letter to the bereaved family.

Omopo praised the late individual, highlighting his contributions to the school and noting that he had been a proud and active financial member until his passing.

“He was building a very standard project of about N550m for the school, which is about 80 per cent completion.

“When we heard the news, it was very shocking for all of us both in Nigeria and the diaspora, hence the decision to pay a condolences visit to the family,” he said.

Wave News reports that Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the former Chief of Army Staff, passed away on November 5 at the age of 56.

Newcastle United have entered the race to secure the services of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen in 2025, with the club’s owners, the Public Investment Fund, reportedly prepared to activate his £113 million release clause.

This is according to PUNCH Sports Extra and further reports by Chronicle Live’s Lee Ryder.

The Magpies are among several top European clubs poised to explore the possibility of signing the 25-year-old forward, who is currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray from Napoli.

Osimhen has been in sensational form since his September move to Galatasaray, scoring eight goals in nine matches across all competitions. Six of those goals have come in six Turkish Super Lig appearances, solidifying his reputation as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers.

The Nigerian international’s latest heroics came in Galatasaray’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Samsunspor on Sunday.

Osimhen netted twice in the match, extending his team’s unbeaten run and helping them maintain a six-point lead at the top of the Turkish Super Lig table.

Having previously excelled at Lille and Napoli, where he won the Serie A title and earned the league’s top scorer accolade, Osimhen’s consistent goal-scoring exploits have drawn the attention of Europe’s elite clubs.

Newcastle’s interest signals their ambition to strengthen their attacking options as they aim to compete at the highest levels of European football.Osimhen’s potential move to Newcastle would mark a significant investment, reflecting the club’s owners’ commitment to bolstering the squad with world-class talent.

However, with other top teams reportedly monitoring his situation, the Magpies may face stiff competition for the Nigerian’s signature.As the 2025 transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Osimhen to see where his next chapter unfolds.

For now, his focus remains on maintaining his remarkable form and helping Galatasaray achieve their domestic and European ambitions.

Josephine Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, a former Big Brother Naija reality TV star, has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding DNA tests in Nigeria.

This comes amidst a growing national discourse over paternity fraud, which has left many divided on whether DNA tests should become a standard practice.Using her X (formerly Twitter) handle, Phyna voiced her support for music executive Don Jazzy’s recent suggestion that DNA tests should take precedence over naming ceremonies. She firmly advocated for making DNA testing mandatory immediately after childbirth as a means to address paternity disputes and ensure clarity from the onset.In her post, Phyna stated, “I support DNA test over naming ceremony.

It should be passed that it is compulsory. Immediately after birth, a DNA test should be carried out.

”Her comments have sparked mixed reactions on social media, adding fuel to an already heated discussion about the necessity and implications of routine DNA testing. Advocates of the proposal argue that it would significantly reduce cases of paternity fraud and strengthen trust within families.

However, critics caution that such a policy might erode the foundation of family relationships and lead to privacy concerns.Phyna’s position aligns with the increasing calls for transparency in family dynamics.

Recent high-profile cases of paternity fraud in Nigeria have highlighted the emotional, legal, and financial consequences of false paternity claims.

Many believe that implementing mandatory DNA testing at birth could provide a preventive measure against such issues, offering both fathers and children certainty about their biological relationships.

Supporters of her stance point to the potential societal benefits of DNA testing, including the reduction of legal disputes over child support and inheritance, as well as fostering a culture of accountability.

On the other hand, some argue that mandatory testing could stigmatize families and create unnecessary distrust, particularly in situations where paternity is not in question.

Phyna’s statement has also reignited discussions about the role of government in personal matters.

If such a policy were to be implemented, it would require legal backing, infrastructure, and funding to ensure the accessibility and accuracy of DNA testing for all Nigerians.

The debate continues to divide public opinion, with many Nigerians sharing their perspectives on the social, moral, and financial implications of making DNA tests compulsory.

For now, Phyna’s bold advocacy has succeeded in keeping the conversation alive, sparking discussions that may shape future policies on family and paternity issues in the country.

Benin Republic head coach, Gernot Rohr, has identified the Super Eagles’ defensive frailties as a key weakness his team will look to exploit in their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying clash.

The much-anticipated matchday five encounter is set to take place at the Felix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Thursday.

The Cheetahs currently occupy second place in Group D, having amassed six points from four matches.

With just two matches left in the group stage, Benin Republic must secure a win against their West African neighbors to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the AFCON 2025 finals.

A loss or draw could leave their qualification hopes hanging by a thread, making this encounter a do-or-die affair for Rohr’s men.Gernot Rohr, who is no stranger to Nigerian football, having coached the Super Eagles in the past, has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to challenge the Nigerians.

Speaking in an interview with Mega Sports, the German tactician highlighted the defensive vulnerabilities of the Super Eagles as a potential area for his team to capitalize on.

“We are excited to have Lenny Piringuel back in the squad. With his recent performances for his new club, Rouen, he has started to regain his form and sharpness,” Rohr stated.

“His liveliness and creativity are assets that we believe can make a difference, especially against a Nigerian team that may have some defensive weaknesses.

We hope to exploit those gaps and turn them to our advantage.

”The Super Eagles, led by head coach José Peseiro, boast one of the most potent attacking lineups in African football, featuring stars like Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Samuel Chukwueze.

However, their defensive performances have been inconsistent in recent matches, often leaving spaces that opponents have exploited.

Rohr is banking on his team’s discipline and tactical awareness to counter the Super Eagles’ attacking prowess while capitalizing on any lapses in their backline.

For the Benin Republic, a win in this crucial fixture could significantly boost their morale and improve their standing in Group D.

On the other hand, the Super Eagles, who currently top the group, will aim to secure their spot in the AFCON 2025 finals with a strong performance.

The stage is set for an intense battle as both teams prepare to leave everything on the field. With Rohr’s tactical knowledge of the Super Eagles and the stakes higher than ever, Thursday’s encounter promises to be a thrilling contest between the two West African neighbors.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has set up a dedicated three-member panel to address political cases originating from Rivers State, with hearings set to start on Thursday, November 14.

This decision comes in response to the rising number of legal conflicts linked to the ongoing dispute between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The clash has triggered a wave of lawsuits from the state, causing divisions among political figures and resulting in inconsistent rulings from courts of equal authority—an issue that has faced scrutiny from judicial stakeholders and the public alike.

To streamline the handling of these cases, Court of Appeal President Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem appointed a special panel to manage all appeals connected to the political tensions in Rivers.

The panel, led by Justice Onyekachi Otisi and joined by Justices Misitura Bokaji-Yusuf and James Abundaga, is set to handle cases involving prominent political figures and factions within the state.

Among the appeals scheduled for review is one submitted by Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, along with cases featuring both the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress. These cases concern the alleged defection of 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike from the PDP to the APC.

On Monday, a court panel postponed three appeals, including one brought by the Rivers State Government against the Rivers State House of Assembly and others, which will now be addressed by the newly appointed special panel.

The presiding Justice Hamma Barka noted, “The appeal, marked CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/1211m1/2024, is among the Rivers matters for which a special panel was constituted.”

Senior lawyer Chief Paul Erokoro, representing the appellant, notified the court about plans to ensure that all respondents who had not yet been served would receive the required documents by Thursday.

He added that he had just obtained some filings from the respondents and would need time to prepare his reply.

Counsel for the first and second respondents, Ferdinand Orbih (SAN) and Dr. Joshua Musa (SAN), who also represented other respondents, concurred with the request to postpone the hearing until November 14.

Two other cases—a suit by the Accountant General of Rivers State against the Rivers State House of Assembly and one by the Action Peoples Party against the Independent National Electoral Commission and others—were also postponed to Thursday for a hearing by the special panel led by Justice Otisi.

This panel was set up to ensure a swift and decisive resolution to the political disputes, marking an essential move toward restoring stability amid Rivers State’s ongoing political challenges.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has revealed that it has halted the importation of fuel worth N24 trillion and now sources directly from the Dangote Refinery.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kyari revealed this information on Monday during the current conference hosted by the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists in Lagos.

The conference is focused on the theme ‘Addressing the Nigerian Energy Trilemma: Energy Security, Sustainable Growth, and Affordability.’

He said, “Today, NNPC does not import any product, we are taking only from domestic refineries.”

Kyari refuted the claims suggesting that the NNPC was undermining the operations of the Dangote refinery.

“The point is very far from it and I’m going to speak to it straight. We are very proud part-owners of Dangote refinery, no doubt about it.

“We saw an opportunity that there is a clear market for at least 300,000 barrels of our production; we know that as time moves on, people will start struggling to find markets for their production.

“It will happen, It’s already happening. Oil is found, as you know, in many unexpected locations across the world and people have choices.

“Therefore we saw an opportunity to log supply to the domestic refinery, not just Dangote but any other refinery that operates in the country, so it was a very informed business decision.

“Therefore, from day one, we knew that it is to our benefit to supply crude oil to the domestic refinery, so we don’t need to be persuaded; we don’t need anyone to talk to us, there is no need for any pressure from the streets for us to do this. We are already doing this.

“We should never forget that Nigerian crude is ’Lamborghini crude’, if we choose that every product that we have in this country must come from domestic production, then we must deal with pricing.

“Otherwise, out there in the global market, everybody buys Nigerian crude and blends it with dirtier crude to process, a lot of you will confirm this.

“So, no one takes Nigerian crude except one or two refineries that I know. Straight processing of Nigerian crude, nobody does this, because you do have a gap in value if you do this.

“Therefore, as a country, and I believe this strongly also, that we must process all the crude that we produce in the country to the optimum.

“You can do intermediate products and sell to the market, you are still adding value. You don’t have to sell gasoline that is coming from Nigerian production.

“You can do something different so you can process it domestically, but it’s going to be high quality. As we all know and it’s very clear in the media that we are selling high-quality products, that’s very true but you need not do this.

“You are driving a Keke-Napep and you want Lamborghini fuel, you do not need it. So, the quality issue is a relative thing, it’s by geography, by location, and we will do everything possible to make sure that we domesticate this.

“Today, NNPC does not import any product, we are taking only from domestic refineries. But I also know that we are working jointly with the government to make sure that we manage the issue around prices if we have to source all our supply from the domestic market.

“It will be an issue and we are already resolving it. I can confirm that substantial work has been done and this will no longer be an issue.”