During a typical church service in Abuja, an unexpected and dramatic scene unfolded that left the congregation in disbelief.

Tensions escalated when the pastor’s wife confronted a young woman who was rumored to be involved in an affair with her husband.

The confrontation occurred in the middle of the service, catching everyone off guard. Click link to continue reading.

Gasps and whispers rippled through the crowd as witnesses tried to comprehend the gravity of the situation. The pastor’s wife, visibly upset, demanded answers, while the young woman appeared taken aback.

The emotional clash not only shocked the attendees but also overshadowed the spiritual message of the service, leaving many to speculate about the implications of the confrontation on the church community…

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Eyewitnesses recounted that the service had been progressing without incident until the pastor’s wife abruptly rose from her seat.

Her demeanor indicated a mix of anger and frustration as she approached the young woman, who was seated near the altar.

As the confrontation began, it quickly escalated into a heated exchange of words filled with accusations and accusations, drawing the attention of the entire congregation.

Within moments, tensions flared, and both women engaged in a physical altercation that shocked everyone present.

Alarmed church members swiftly intervened to separate the two women, while several individuals pulled out their smartphones to capture the chaos for social media.

The incident left many worshippers, who came to the house of God for a peaceful service, utterly bewildered. Some expressed disbelief that such a scandal could unfold within the sacred walls of their church.

This incident in Abuja is not an isolated case; rather, it reflects a troubling trend in Nigerian churches. Just a few months ago in Port Harcourt, a similar scene played out when the wife of a well-known pastor confronted a female choir member, accusing her of having an affair with her husband.

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That incident also spiraled into chaos, interrupting choir rehearsals and prompting heated discussions among church members.

In Lagos, a pastor’s marriage teetered on the brink of collapse after his wife uncovered love messages he had been exchanging with a female usher. The shocking details of the affair became public when screenshots of the messages were leaked by neighbors, igniting a scandal that reverberated throughout the community.

Additionally, in Delta State, another incident occurred during a night vigil when two women were caught in a brawl over a bishop. The disturbance escalated to the point where police had to intervene to restore order.

Reactions to the Abuja incident have been swift and varied on social media. Some users called for accountability, insisting that the pastor should bear responsibility for allowing such drama to infiltrate his ministry.

Others criticized the pastor’s wife for her public display of conflict, suggesting that she had embarrassed herself in front of the congregation.

As the dust settles, church elders are reportedly convening to address the situation discreetly, aiming to resolve the matter quietly amidst the public outcry.

However, the video footage of the altercation has already begun to circulate widely online, capturing the fascination—and concern—of many Nigerians.

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While it is commonly stated that the Biafran people predominantly originate from the Southeast region of Nigeria, their influence extends far beyond this geographic area.

Their entrepreneurial ventures span multiple industries, contributing to the overall economic boom in these regions and showcasing the resilience and resourcefulness of the Biafran people in the national landscape. Click link to continue reading.

Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, is proving to be a magnet for travelers every year during the festive period known as ‘Detty December’, with new data revealing how the city’s annual celebration contributed to the country’s economy, according to Forbes Africa.

Independent research by advisory firm MO Africa Company Limited shows that between November 19 and December 26 last year, Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) handled around 550,000 inbound passengers. Nearly 90% of these arrivals were Nigerians living abroad, flying in primarily for leisure and tourism.

Kayode Omosebi, CEO of MO Africa Company Limited, says his team surveyed hotels, airports, short-let agents, and nightclubs to compile the data.

The top five countries of origin were the United States, Canada, Italy, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, with most visitors heading to Lagos, Edo, Delta, Ondo, and Ogun states in Nigeria. Lagos alone attracted an estimated 1.2 million tourists. Of those, 60% were domestic travelers, driven by insecurity in southeastern Nigeria.

The influx of visitors brought a surge in hotel bookings and short-let apartment rentals. December hotel revenue in Lagos hit N54 billion ($36 million) from 15,000 bookings.

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Short-term apartment rentals contributed another N21 billion ($13 million), with nearly 6,000 bookings made at an average nightly rate of N120,000 ($74.7).

Lagos’ nightlife was a major winner, with the top 15 lounges and nightclubs generating N4.32 billion ($2.7 million). On average, clubs raked in N360 million ($224,000) per day, with some tables fetching as much as N1.2 million per night ($746.7).

Beaches and resorts accounted for 70% of the N4.5 billion ($2.8 million) generated from recreational activities.

Lagos’ event centers hosted 1,175 bookings, earning a combined N1.2 billion ($804,000).

Luxury car rentals also saw a boom, with N1.5 billion ($937,500) spent on 750 bookings. Daily rates ranged from N200,000 ($124.4) to N2 million ($1,244) for high-end vehicles.

Omosebi notes that Lagos’ hospitality sector is increasingly reliant on cryptocurrency platforms.

“Eighty five percent of conversion to Naira and payments were done through this exchange platform. A number of bookings were done through agents rather than through booking platforms, which speaks to trust concerns and the power-play of agents in the industry,” Omosebi says to FORBES AFRICA.

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He adds that ‘Detty December’ could bring in up to $2 billion in foreign exchange by 2026, provided the government addresses infrastructure, security, and supply chain challenges.

“The industry is evolving and we would start seeing niche focused hospitality and tourism experiences… There’s massive opportunity in bespoke event centers for concerts and shows,” Omosebi says.

Forbes Africa

Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, has said that there is an increased interest from United Kingdom (UK) investors, who are seeking to tap into opportunities in Africa’s biggest oil producer, as reported by BusinessDay.

He said Nigeria’s reform agenda, although challenging, is producing measurable results that are attracting long-term capital.

Nigeria is fast becoming a focal point for British investors as sweeping economic reforms take root and bilateral trade between the two countries hits a record £7.9 billion (N16 trillion).

Montgomery told BusinessDay that the growing investor confidence across sectors like technology, finance, energy, agriculture and creative industries reflects a fundamental shift in UK-Nigeria relations—from aid dependency to a strategic, growth-oriented partnership.

“Nigeria does not want a donor; it wants a partner. That is precisely the role the UK seeks to play,” Montgomery said in an exclusive interview with BusinessDay in Abuja.

This optimism follows a landmark visit by David Lammy, the then UK foreign secretary and now deputy prime minister last November, who made Nigeria his first stop on the continent. That trip culminated in a strategic partnership agreement signed by President Bola Tinubu and Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, formalising cooperation on trade, defence, migration, and foreign policy.

Central to this partnership is the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), which Montgomery described as a key vehicle to “unlock jobs and investment in both countries.” The agreement targets several high-potential sectors, including financial services, technology, creative industries, higher education, agriculture, clean energy, and health. Through ETIP, both countries aim to align regulations, streamline institutional collaboration, and deepen trade ties.

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Montgomery acknowledged Nigeria’s economic difficulties, including persistent inflation and weak currency, but stressed that reforms are crucial to bridging the gulf between population growth of and sluggish GDP growth.

“Reform is essential to close that gap,” he said, crediting President Tinubu, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and Central Bank Governor Yemi Cardoso for steering the turnaround.

Key indicators back this up, as inflation has eased from above 30 percent to near 20 percent. Foreign reserves have climbed to $42 billion, and fiscal allocations to Nigerian states have increased, enhancing fiscal stability.

Investor sentiment has shifted from short-term speculative trading to more sustainable equity investments and longer-term loans, driven by clearer economic policies and a more predictable business environment. The UK’s development finance institution -British International Investment (BII) – is playing a leading role, managing a Nigerian portfolio nearing £700 million, focused on agribusiness, small businesses, and clean energy projects.

According to Montgomery, UK’s strategy has moved beyond traditional aid, now accounting for just one percent – two percent of Nigeria’s GDP, towards reform-backed investment that fosters health and education improvements, boosts civil service efficiency, and raises agricultural productivity. To this end, the UK has committed $7.5 million specifically to Nigerian agribusiness, aiming to increase productivity and meet export standards.

He noted that more than 3,000 Nigerian products already benefit from tariff-free access under the UK’s Developing Country Trading Scheme. However, he cautioned that non-tariff barriers—such as stringent packaging requirements and certification hurdles—still limit Nigeria’s export potential and called for enhanced standards to expand market access.

Technology and the creative economy are new frontiers for UK investment. Recent UK-led tech missions, including one by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, have established partnerships with Nigerian startups, opening channels for innovation and entrepreneurship.

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“UK universities are equally exploring joint campuses in Nigeria to reduce outbound student migration,” Montgomery noted, pointing to education as another pillar of deepening bilateral ties.

He also lauded Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for adopting reforms inspired by the UK’s HM Revenue and Customs, which have improved tax collection efficiency without raising rates—a vital step for sustainable government revenues.

On immigration, Montgomery addressed concerns about the UK’s visa restrictions, noting that recent changes, such as limits on dependents for international students, apply globally rather than targeting Nigerian applicants specifically.

“Nigeria remains one of Britain’s biggest migration partners, with 260,000 visas issued last year alone,” he said. “Our visa relationship with Nigeria is larger than with all 27 EU countries combined.”

Approval rates remain high, with 95 percent for study visas, 70 percent for work visas, and 60 percent for visit visas. Montgomery urged applicants to avoid fraudulent documentation, which has become a rising concern.

Security cooperation remains a cornerstone of the UK-Nigeria relationship, he also noted. Through the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership, the UK has provided critical support, including counter-IED training, intelligence sharing, and equipment deliveries such as a $500,000 package to enhance Maiduguri’s coordination cell in the North-East, a frontline against insurgency.

Read also: Nigeria ready for fresh investment as Tinubu reforms are showing results Shettima

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The UK also supports Nigeria’s anti-kidnap fusion cell under the National Security Adviser’s office, credited with several successful rescue operations.

Montgomery warned of broader regional instability, citing conflicts in Sudan, Mali, and Niger exacerbated by Russian mercenary activity that threatens to spill into the Sahel region.

Despite these challenges, he praised Nigeria’s leadership in regional diplomacy and counterterrorism efforts within the Lake Chad Basin.

“The UK will continue to support Nigeria when invited, through training, technical expertise, or intelligence sharing. But the leadership of Nigeria’s security architecture is crucial, and we have confidence in their ability to chart the right path,” he said.

This is a heartbreaking reality for Nigerians living in Canada. Poverty and economic difficulties pushed them to migrate, hoping for a brighter future, only to encounter new hardships abroad.

Having escaped difficult conditions back home, they face daily struggles and unexpected challenges in foreign lands. Click link to continue reading.

But like a flock of ducks desperately chasing bugs in a field, their survival is tied to the ease of doing business and other opportunities brokered by their attainment of legitimate resident status – a privilege many Canada-based Nigerians have been denied.

Interestingly, the number of people living in emergency shelters or on the streets surged in all regions of Quebec over the last four years but rose most sharply outside Montreal, a new report says. Commissioned by the province’s Health Department, the report found that “visible” homelessness in Quebec increased by about 44 per cent between April 2018 and October 2022, and by 33 per cent in Montreal.

The analysis by the province’s public health institute says Quebec is witnessing a “regionalization of street homelessness,” as the number of people living outside has become increasingly significant in regions such as Mauricie–Centre-du-Quebec, Estrie and the Outaouais.

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In Quebec, one of the country’s largest cities, for instance, one in two homeless people can be located in rural areas in odd places. This is explained by Julie Bourdon, the Mayor of Granby, who noted that, “visible homelessness did not exist three years ago in Granby,” adding however that “rents are very high now compared to two years ago.”

As dire as economic situation in Nigeria is at the moment, not even dollar-a-day Nigerians at home are living in the kind of places some Nigerians are said to find as homes in Canada, all in the quest for ‘better’ living condition and jobs abroad.

Due largely to the rent crisis arising from low housing supply and affordability issues which also define the housing market in Nigeria, some Nigerians who left Nigeria for Canada are now living in cemetery and streets—places that are odd and unimaginable under normal circumstances.

The streets of Canada and, in extreme cases, the cemetery have become top destinations for immigrants and refugees and it is reported that several immigrants, running into tens of thousands, are now pitching their tents in these places as their homes.

The housing situation in this North American country considered to be the second largest in the world after Russia, is such that, in January this year, the country revealed that it was considering limiting the number of international student visas, including Nigeria, as part of solutions to its housing shortages.

This was according Sean Fraser, the country‘s minister for housing, infrastructure, and communities, who noted that the sharp rise in the number of students was putting pronounced pressure on some housing markets.

It was reported that from January to June 2023, about 10,180 Nigerians moved to Canada, prompting a report by a renting agent in the country called Rentals.ca to note that “the growing number of students entering Canada has added further upward pressure on rents.”

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These are, however, to be expected from a country which, in the last few years, has become a preferred destination for international students due to its immigration-friendly policies.

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“Recently, the Canadian federal government announced an aggressive plan to take in 500,000 immigrants a year by 2025, with almost 1.5 million new immigrants coming to the country over the next three years. In 2022, the country welcomed 437,120 permanent residents, almost 8 percent increase from the total number of permanent residents in 2021,” the paper said.

It quoted Fraser as saying, “immigration levels plan will help businesses find the workers they need.”

Like Nigeria, the housing problem in Canada has no immediate solution as it is reported that the country’s 2023 budget ignores its worsening housing and homelessness crises and fails to support those in greatest need.

The Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH) lamented recently that as communities across the country experience an increase in homelessness and an explosion in housing need, the federal government’s budget failed to do anything new to address the housing crisis.

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However, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission(NiDCOM), has warned Nigerians against traveling abroad without proper documentation.

Dabiri-Erewa spoke when she visited some stranded Nigerians who violated Canada’s immigration laws.

The Nigerians, mostly youths, are currently living in a shelter for asylum seekers in Brampton.

In a video posted on NIDCOM’s X account, Dabiri-Erewa said the situation “really is not quite a pleasant sight to behold”.

“We pray and hope that they get out of this situation,” she said, describing the majority of the asylum seekers as “young vibrant Nigerians”.

The NIDCOM chairperson thanked the Nigerians who have been supporting the illegal migrants, adding that the commission donated some items and provided counselling to the stranded citizens.

“But the key thing is I hope you get out of this, but for the next person planning to do this, it’s not worth it,” Dabiri-Erewa added.

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During a counselling session, Bayo Adedosu, an immigration consultant, asked the asylum seekers to put their trust in God.

“You will need to endure, don’t have any expectations, the only expectation you should have at this point is God. Your case is in God’s hands – all of you,” Adedosu said.

He also asked the asylum seekers to refrain from painting Nigeria in a bad light while trying to process their papers.

Vivian Eruka, a pastor, who runs the Bethel food bank and works with those in shelters, informed that the mayor of Brampton has promised to make 800 more beds available and shelter.

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The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released a weather outlook, cautioning about the possibility of thunderstorms and rainfall in various regions of the country, as reported by Legit.

NiMet serves as the official meteorological organization of the Nigerian government, tasked with delivering meteorological data and forecasts to support socio-economic activities, guide weather and climate policy, and ensure the safety of lives and property. Click link to continue reading.

In its outlook released on Saturday, September 20, obtained by Legit.ng, the agency predicted isolated lightning storms with light rains in parts of Kaduna, Gombe, Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa, Bauchi, Southern Borno, and Taraba states on Sunday afternoon and evening, September 21.

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‎For the central Nigerian states, NiMet forecast isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains across most parts of the region. ‎

In the south, “thunderstorms with moderate rains” are anticipated across most parts of the region on Sunday afternoon/evening, September 21.

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‎‎NiMet stated that the predicted thunderstorms may cause temporary disruption of outdoor activities, advising motorists to drive cautiously during rainfall due to reduced visibility and slippery roads. It also counselled residents in flood-prone areas to take precautionary measures.

The states that may experience isolated thunderstorms and drizzles are listed below:

1. Kaduna
2. Gombe
3. Kebbi
4. Zamfara
5. Adamawa
6. Bauchi
7. Borno
8. Taraba

According to Legit, weather forecasts are important because they provide valuable guidance for future planning, economic benefit as well as safety of life and property. They have become an essential part of people’s daily lives, influencing their choices of clothing, travel and activities.

Efforts have been renewed to obtain the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the imprisoned leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), based on compassionate grounds.

This new initiative seeks to highlight the humanitarian aspects of his situation, advocating for his freedom amidst growing concerns for his well-being while in custody. Click link to continue reading.

This emerged on Saturday, following a plea by a former spokesman for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign in the South-East, Denge Josef Onoh to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release two eminent citizens from the South East: the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and the president general of the apex igbo organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata.

Onoh, in a statement made available to Tribune Online, called on President Tinubu to release Kanu to those leaders as part of the ongoing deliberate efforts at fostering inclusive governance, national healing, and conflict resolution.

Onoh explained that he was making the “constructive plea on behalf of the Igbo people and the broader Nigerian family,” stating that Kanu’s incarceration amid charges of terrorism and treasonable felony has worsened insecurity and allowed criminals to masquerade as separatists, fueling violence, economic sabotage.”

He further opined that the prolonged detention of the IPOB since “his extraordinary rendition from Kenya in 2021″has cast a long shadow over the South-East.

“His incarceration, amid charges of terrorism and treasonable felony, has not only exacerbated insecurity but also allowed opportunistic criminals to masquerade as separatists, fueling violence, economic sabotage, and the displacement of our people.

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Onoh commended the President for the timely diplomatic efforts of the government that led to the quick trial and conviction of the Finland-based self-acclaimed factional leader of the gang of IPOB and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Onoh lauded especially the leadership of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on the efforts that culminated in the conviction of the IPOB factional leader.

Onoh said he is aware that President Tinubu realizes that the release of Kanu is not merely a legal or humanitarian imperative but also a strategic pathway to de-escalate tensions, unmask genuine agitators from bandits, and restore investor confidence in the South-East.

He said recent calls from some prominent citizens, including the Ambassador Bianca and the president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo president general Worldwide, Senator Azuta-Mbata, underscored the urgency of releasing Kanu, emphasising that his freedom would improve security and enable him to attend to his deteriorating health.

Part of the statement read: “In this spirit, I respectfully urge Mr President to exercise your constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy and release Mazi Kanu unconditionally—but with a deliberate handover into the personal custody of two exemplary figures: Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Senator John Azuta-Mbata.

“This approach would transform a potentially divisive act into a unifying gesture, ensuring that Mazi Kanu’s reintegration serves the collective good rather than narrow ambitions,” he stated.

Onoh said his choice of the two personalities was deliberate “because it’s rooted in their unassailable integrity, deep-rooted commitment to Igbo heritage, and proven track record as non-partisan stewards of peace—qualities that will shield this process from exploitation by self-serving politicians in the South-East who might otherwise leverage his release to advance individual electoral or factional interests.

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“The majority of the president’s associates from the South-East are politicians and not friends, and not up to two percent have his interest at heart but rather promote his interest to serve their personal benefits,” Onoh claimed.

“Firstly, my choice of Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu isn’t based on the fact she’s my immediate elder sister or family ties, but rather as the widow of the Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the architect of Biafran resilience and a symbol of Igbo identity.

“Bianca embodies the moral authority and diplomatic finesse needed to guide Mazi Kanu toward constructive dialogue.

“Her recent appointment as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs positions her uniquely to bridge federal and regional divides, while her public vows to ‘do whatever it takes’ to secure his release demonstrate her personal stake in South-East stability.

“Bianca has repeatedly highlighted how Mazi Kanu’s detention has enabled criminals to hijack the IPOB narrative; she has always argued that his freedom would ‘separate genuine freedom fighters from those causing mayhem’ and reclaim Igboland from existential threats.

“So, handing him over to her ensures oversight by a figure of national stature, insulated from local politicking, and aligned with your administration’s vision for national healing,” Onoh added.

“Secondly, my nomination of Senator John Azuta-Mbata isn’t only based on the fact that we share a long bond and personal grief when we lost a close friend in the early 2000s, whom we both shared a strong bond of brotherhood Emmanuel Ibegbu of blessed memory, but rather as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Mbata represents the authentic voice of Ndigbo; he has consistently advocated not for division but for equity within Nigeria’s federation.

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“His recent appeals for Mazi Kanu’s release—framed as essential for medical treatment and a “political solution” with “no serious advantage” to the government in prolonged detention—reflect a statesmanlike focus on welfare and reconciliation.

“Unlike partisan actors, Senator Mbata’s role transcends electoral cycles, allowing him to facilitate community reintegration without the taint of personal ambition.

“He is one of the few distinguished Nigerians I can vouch for with certainty and confidence.

“His leadership in mobilising Ndigbo for civic duties, such as voter registration, further proves his dedication to democratic participation over separatist extremes.

“By entrusting Mazi Kanu to these custodians, Mr. President, you would preempt any risk of his release being politicised by South-East politicians eyeing 2027 polls or internal rivalries. “I live amongst these southeast politicians, I can boldly tell you Mr. President, I know them more than you do; I know their history and antecedents.

“They are my Igbo brothers and sisters, and we speak the same language, so most of them will hate me for this statement to you because they thrive on the chaos to promote their political ambitions.

“Both nominees lack the baggage of active partisanship—Bianca as a federal appointee and Mbata as a cultural apex leader—and possess the gravitas to enforce conditions like renouncing violence, engaging in dialogue, and supporting your administration’s peace initiatives.

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“This handover would signal your commitment to inclusive federalism, honour the South-East contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, and align with global best practices for resolving separatist tensions through trusted mediators.

“Each governor of the South-East state shall nominate the chairman of the traditional rulers council of their respective states, which will be led by the Obi of Onitsha, to sign the undertaking with the NSA and heads of all security agencies present.

“Finally, Mr. President, the confidence you had in me to be your voice in the South-East has been my greatest honour and that confidence is greater than any political office, it signifies trust, capability and leadership.

“You have never found me wanting, and you never will. the time for bold, compassionate leadership is now.

“Releasing Mazi Kanu under these safeguards would not only quench the fires of agitation but also fortify the Renewed Hope agenda, proving that Nigeria’s unity thrives on justice, not coercion.

“I stand ready to support this process in any capacity and beseech you to act swiftly.”

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