Singer Darey Art Alade and his wife Deola on Friday survived a car fire on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State.

The pair posted videos on social media on Saturday showing the car burning. 

Some of the videos showed people trying to stop the fire albeit unsuccessfully. Fire service personnel later put out the fire.

“Yesterday, around 4pm, our car caught fire on the 3rd Mainland Bridge and burnt to the ground,” the couple wrote in a joint post.

“It was a shocking and painful experience, but we’re incredibly grateful that the driver made it out safely. No lives were lost, and that’s what truly matters.”

They stressed that the incident reminded them about the irrelevance of material possessions compared to life.

“We’re not sharing this for sympathy but to remind someone that things can be replaced. Lives cannot. We’re choosing to remain thankful to God for protection, for perspective, and for the quiet strength to keep going,” they added.

“If you’re navigating a sudden loss of any kind, we hope this reminds you: we can rebuild. We can begin again and find the strength to keep going. One breath, one prayer, one step at a time. We give thanks in all things. Thank you to everyone that stopped to help.”

• Lagosians abandon freezers, pressing irons, others, cite outrageous electricity bills
• Regulatory authorities will develop appropriate tariff methodology —Govt
• We are all to blame —DisCo official

THE Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, recently beat his chest regarding the feats his ministry had achieved since he assumed office a few years ago.

One of such feats, he stated, was the additional N200 billion realised by the ministry in 2024 under his watch. But many Lagos residents, especially consumers in the power sector, do not share in the minister’s excitement. 

Of late, it has been a litany of woes from the consumers, who insist that the reforms introduced by the minister since assuming office have left them worse off. They can no longer use their freezers, pressing irons and other energy-sapping appliances.

Unfortunately, they believe the minister has abandoned them to the whims and caprices of the distribution companies (DisCos) in the state. The DisCos, they claim, have continued to rip them off under the noses of the minister and other relevant regulatory authorities in the sector.

Some of them argue that despite being placed on Band A, they have been contending with epileptic power supply in their localities.

Recently, residents of Aguda and Ayetoro CDA in Surulere expressed their displeasure over exorbitant electricity bills despite poor power supply to the supposedly Band A consumers. They allege that they receive less than 10 hours of electricity daily, instead of the over 20 hours meant for Band A consumers. Besides, they claim that N10,000 worth of electricity units last less than two hours.

They are therefore calling on the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) to return them to Band C, where they believe they truly belong based on the hours of electricity their community receives.

“What they are giving us is even more than our house rent. If you load N10,000 now, it won’t last two hours. Despite the high tariff, we are not getting electricity adequately,” Mr. Jimoh Ajala, the Aguda CDA leader, lamented in a video.

Ajala said, “I am here because of EKEDC. This is a residential area, not commercial. Like yesterday, they took the light four times for four hours each. We are requesting that the DisCo should return us to Band B or C. The tariff is for commercial users and we are not; we are residential.”

Another resident, Adeyanju from Ayetoro CDA, corroborated Ajala’s claims, saying that what they pay for electricity is more than their house rent.

“We are paying more than our house rent for light. This is killing us. They should return us to Band D,” he said.

Jimoh Ajala and other Aguda CDA residents in Surulere protested at the Ikoyi Federal High Court, demanding government action against their exorbitant electricity bills.

Interestingly, they are not alone. Many Lagos residents are finding it increasingly difficult to pay their electricity bills due to several factors, including the harsh economy, rising inflation, high transportation costs and rent, among others.

For instance, Adeniran Olorunsogo, a resident of Aboru, Iyana-Ipaja area of Lagos, expressed the belief that his landlord’s decision to install a prepaid meter in the building where he has his shop was the “best thing to have happened in recent years.” Paying estimated bills, which were always outrageous, at the end of every month was an experience he was eager to leave behind. When the meter was installed, he thought the worst was over.

The installation of the meter was seen by this Lagos-based fashion designer as a way of putting an end to his electricity ordeal. But months after the installation, it seems it is not yet uhuru for Olorunsogo, who has his shop on Akinola Road, Aboru, in Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA of Lagos, and other electricity consumers in the community.

Besides being outrageously expensive, sharing one meter in a building is becoming a nightmare and a huge burden.

“The hurdle I thought I had scaled has suddenly resurfaced and is beginning to take its toll on the job.

“Some of the guys I share the meter with are simply unreasonable. They only want to recharge at their convenience. The arrangement has been that we all contribute to buy tokens. But most times, you don’t get their cooperation. And when you buy without them, they still want to use it. I had to leave the shop early yesterday because of this issue,” he stated.

Olorunsogo is now considering getting a separate meter, despite the financial burden it would place on his struggling business. 

This issue is not unique to Olorunsogo. Mr. Makinde, another fashion designer who lives around Olorunto Street in the same LCDA, told one of our correspondents that electricity usage has become a “big deal” in the community, especially for those in Band A, as power is no longer affordable.

“We have light now, but we intentionally switched it off because of the cost. We only use it when everybody is home. People who want to use it outside the agreed time must contribute and recharge. The talk has changed from irregular power to unaffordability,” Makinde said.

Saturday Tribune’s investigation confirmed Makinde’s assertion. Each building now has a power usage timetable. When one of our correspondents visited, power was off across the board.

“We switch it on when everyone is around to ensure fairness. Since we all paid the same, it’s only fair that no one uses more than others,” said a landlord in the area who preferred anonymity.

Asked whether this is fair to those who have paid but are still denied usage, he replied, “That’s the arrangement. If they want extra usage, they can always buy.”

In Agbado-Ijaiye Ojokoro, the situation is no different. Band A customers are unhappy not only due to the high tariffs but also because they don’t receive the promised 20 hours of power per day.

Forcefully upgraded to Band A simply because of their 33kVA connection, they say they barely receive 15 hours of supply daily.

Sadly, most residents are low-income earners: petty traders, artisans, market women and unemployed individuals.

Due to the Band A classification, some no longer bother ironing clothes or using security lights at night. Many have abandoned electric fans and fridges. Freezers are no longer in use.

In crowded homes, even watching television or listening to music during the day is becoming a luxury.

Mr. Mukaila Alatise, who lives in Jankara in Ijaiye-Ojokoro, narrated the community’s ordeal under Ikeja Electric: “We have eight rooms, six occupied by tenants, each with at least three members. We suffered for years without prepaid meters, were placed on estimated billing, and then forced into Band A. The crazy bills from before were transferred to our new meters.

“Band A is fraud. They promise 20 hours of power but deliver only 13 on average, and even that is interrupted. Sometimes, there’s no power all day. Yet, we are Band A.

“Everyone should be in the same band and pay based on actual consumption. N20,000 gives less than 90 units—it barely lasts three weeks. We’ve banned heavy equipment like irons, heaters and freezers.”

Mr. Joseph Alore, a community leader, narrated another ordeal involving new meter installations.

He said, “We have four flats, each with a separate meter. They came five weeks ago and installed new meters with 200 free units. Only two of the meters could be recharged after 10 days. The other two are still not functional.

“Because the units got exhausted after three weeks, we reverted to using generators at night. I eventually requested a reconnection to the old meter.”

For the two affected meters, each resident must first pay N45,000 (for the initial 200 units) before they can begin recharging again, an amount many cannot afford, given other pressing expenses.

They have called on the Federal Government to investigate DisCo practices and stop the exploitation of the masses.

Govt’s response

Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, responded to allegations of exploitation by DisCos: “It’s painful when they don’t deliver up to four or five hours, let alone 10 or 20, yet you’re charged Band A rates. Regulatory authorities are looking into it and will develop an appropriate tariff methodology driven by performance.”

Tariff categorisation

Electricity consumers in Nigeria are categorised into five tariff bands A to E based on their daily supply hours.

Band A customers receive a minimum of 20 hours of supply daily and pay the highest tariff, reflecting the premium service promised.

We all to blame —DisCo official

A staff member of one of the DisCos servicing Lagos said, “No service provider enjoys causing pain. Government and all stakeholders must play their part. We’re not the only ones in the value chain. Everybody is guilty.”

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has revealed that God warned him that his first born would die if he leaves the RCCG.

Adeboye disclosed this during the June edition of the Holy Ghost Service, themed “Destined for Greatness (Part 2),” on midnight of Saturday, June 7, at the Redemption City of God, Ogun State. 

Adeboye, while speaking on the importance of divine direction and spiritual consistency, made reference to a sermon earlier delivered by his son, Pastor Leke Adeboye.

He lamented that many young Christians today frequently move from one church to another, constantly identifying as first-timers in new congregations.

Pastor Adeboye stated that when he got born again, there were three major ministries that were prominent and thriving at the time, but despite the allure of joining them, God instructed him to stay in RCCG.

“When I got born again, there were three major ministries that were making waves, and they were very good. There were different temptations to go from one to another,” he recalled. 

“But God said to me, ‘Son, I brought you here. This is where you will stay. The day you leave this denomination, your first born will die.’”

He noted that RCCG was relatively unknown at the time, and its headquarters was a small building in Ebute-Metta, Lagos. 

Despite being a university lecturer, Adeboye said God still instructed him to submit under the leadership of his spiritual father, who had no formal education.

“I was a lecturer in the university. My father in the Lord didn’t go to secondary school, not even primary. But God said this is where you will stay,” he added. 

He urged the congregation, especially the youth, to seek and remain in the place God has appointed for them.

“Discover where God wants you to stay, and stay there,” he advised.

Adeboye, however, emphasised that his statement was not a declaration of superiority over other Christian denominations.

“I am not saying we are better than any other denomination,” he clarified.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Friday, joined Muslim faithful to observe the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the Dodan Barracks prayer ground in Lagos State.

The president was accompanied by several top government officials and dignitaries, including his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Minister of State, Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle.

Also in attendance were the former Minister of Power and one-time Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; the Chairman of the BUA Group, Abdul Rabiu; the Group Chief Executive of Oando, Wale Tinubu; and Tinubu’s friend, Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo.

Speaking after the prayer, Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace unity, compassion, and generosity, especially towards the vulnerable.

He said, “As we make sacrifices, we should remember to pray and give to those who are vulnerable, we must come together to be one and another’s brothers keeper and love everyone fully. We must pray hard for our troops who are keeping us safe and making the sacrifices in the challenges of terrorism and banditry that we face.”

A statement by the president’s Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, also revealed that the Chief Imam called on worshipers to live in peace and consider the needs of their neighbours, the poor and vulnerable.

“If we are to see the Nigeria of our dreams, we must be ready to make sacrifices. We must unite as Nigerians to make progress. We must rise above tribal sentiments. Whether you are Igbo, Yoruba, or Hausa, we must live above ethnic sentiments,” the Chief Imam was quoted as saying.

PUNCH reports that in his message to mark the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Tinubu called on Nigerians to be patient with his administration’s reforms, assuring that “the toughest days are behind us.”

“We may not yet be where we aspire to be, but I urge all Nigerians not to lose hope. Let us hold on to our faith and persevere. Our reforms are gaining traction, with key economic indicators now moving in a positive direction. Soon, all will feel the benefits,” he said.

Nollywood actress, Biola Adebayo, has debunked rumours of domestic violence in her now-dissolved marriage to her estranged husband, Seyi, with whom she shares a son.

Taking to Instagram, the actress clarified that no form of physical abuse or violence occurred in their relationship.

This follows renewed public speculation about the circumstances surrounding their separation, which was first announced last week.

Recall that Biola revealed that she and Seyi formally separated in April 2024, and have since been committed to maturely co-parenting their son.

 While the news came as a surprise to many of her fans, she expressed her regrets about the marriage not working out and emphasised that it was more important to prioritise personal well-being.

She also shared that behind her public smiles and efforts to bring joy to others, she has endured personal grief in silence.

Amidst the swirling narratives, Biola returned to her original post to make a clarification, stating that no incidents of physical abuse or violence ever occurred during their relationship. 

“Please note; we never! I mean never had any physical abuse or violence issue from either of us. (Seyi has never laid a finger on me and I never did as well),” she wrote.

She also urged the public to be more compassionate when responding to people’s private lives, saying, “Let us learn to be kind to people. You have no idea what others are going through until they say it.”

Their separation came less than two years after they welcomed their child.

Recall that in 2023, after many years of waiting, Biola welcomed her first child in her 40s after several failed IVFs.

She narrated her painful journey to experience motherhood, revealing how she had a failed IVF, one cancelled surrogate circle, and three failed surrogate attempts within two years before she was blessed with her son.

Controversial Nigerian pastor and founder of the Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church (SPAC Nation), now rebranded as The Nxtion Family, Tobi Adegboyega, has revealed that he is battling cancer.

The lifestyle preacher, known for his flamboyant persona and youth-driven ministry, made the announcement during a pre-recorded sermon aired to his congregation on Thursday.

He said, “I was diagnosed with cancer. Yes, you heard me right. I’ve been dealing with cancer for the past few months or even more. I just had a major surgery, that’s why I am not there today.

“I have just fought the battle and I feel the verdict to continue to live was given to me by God for a new level, for a new stage,” the pastor said. 

Adegboyega also announced a £100,000 donation to support cancer awareness and treatment, particularly for young patients.

Adegboyega, who rose to prominence through his unconventional approach to ministry and outreach to troubled youths, has long courted both admiration and criticism for his lavish lifestyle, often flaunting designer suits, luxury cars, and celebrity friendships.

In 2022, his church, SPAC Nation, came under heavy scrutiny in the UK and was officially shut down by the British authorities over financial irregularities.

A UK High Court investigation accused the organisation of failing to account for over £1.87 million in expenses, leading to its dissolution.

Watch the video here:

In 2025, several countries are making it easier than ever for skilled professionals, digital nomads, and investors to secure permanent residency (PR) in as little as six months to two years.

Whether you’re seeking greater freedom, a better quality of life, or a clear path to citizenship, fast-track PR programs offer life-changing benefits — including access to public services, easier family reunification, and long-term stability without repeated visa renewals. 

Here are 10 countries leading the way with some of the fastest and most accessible permanent residency pathways this year. 

1. Canada

• Pathways: Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
• Processing Time: Approximately 5–6 months for Express Entry programs; PNP via Express Entry takes about 6 months, while non-Express Entry PNP can take up to 21 months .
• Requirements: Skilled work experience, language proficiency (IELTS/TEF), educational credentials, and sometimes a job offer or provincial nomination.

2. Australia

• Pathways: Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
• Processing Time: Subclass 189 visas are processed in approximately 8–9 months, while Subclass 190 visas take about 6.5–8 months .
• Requirements: Points-based system considering age, work experience, occupation on the Skilled Occupation List, and English proficiency.

3. Portugal

• Pathways: D7 Visa (for retirees and passive income earners), Golden Visa (investment-based)
• Processing Time: Typically 2 years to qualify for permanent residency.
• Requirements: For the D7 Visa, proof of passive income; for the Golden Visa, investment in property or funds. Note that some European countries are phasing out Golden Visa programs .

4. Paraguay

• Pathway: Investment Residency through the SUACE program
• Processing Time: As little as 3 months for investors .
• Requirements: Establishing a business with a minimum investment of $70,000 over 10 years.

5. Mexico

• Pathway: Transition from Temporary to Permanent Residency
• Processing Time: After 4 years of temporary residency, one can apply for permanent residency.
• Requirements: Proof of income or employment, clean background check, and continuous legal residency.

6. New Zealand

• Pathway: Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
• Processing Time: Median processing time is approximately 57.5 workdays (about 11.5 weeks) .
• Requirements: Job offer in a shortage field, points-based selection, and meeting health and character standards.

7. Uruguay

• Pathway: Direct Residency Application
• Processing Time: Typically 1–2 years.
• Requirements: Proof of stable income and physical residence in the country.

8. Panama

• Pathway: Friendly Nations Visa
• Processing Time: Approximately 6–12 months.
• Requirements: Citizenship from one of the “friendly nations,” a local business setup, employment contract, or proof of financial means.

9. Dominican Republic

• Pathways: Investor or Pensioner Residency
• Processing Time: Around 6–12 months.
• Requirements: Retirement income or proof of investment, such as real estate.

10. Argentina

• Pathways: Rentista (for those with passive income) or Employment Residency
• Processing Time: Approximately 2 years to qualify for permanent residency.
• Requirements: Proof of income, local employment, or economic self-sufficiency. No language tests required

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on Friday in Uyo, the state capital, Eno said the decision followed three months of extensive consultations with key political stakeholders across the state.

“For some time now, the political space—particularly in this state and across the nation—has been filled with speculation about my potential defection from the PDP, the platform that facilitated my rise to the position of governor,” he stated.

“This conversation has generated diverse opinions. Today, I am here to address those lingering questions. As the Dalai Lama once said, ‘We should always be open to change, but not let go of our shared values.’”

Governor Eno confirmed that he has submitted his formal resignation from the PDP to his ward chairman, with copies also delivered to the party’s state and national leadership.

“Earlier this morning, I submitted a formal letter of resignation to the ward chairman of the PDP. Copies were also sent to both the state and national chairmen,” he said. “I want to thank the PDP for their support, their love, and the opportunity to serve Akwa Ibom under their banner over the past two years.”

He emphasized that the decision was not made lightly, but came after a series of engagements with political leaders and party stakeholders. His final consultation, he noted, took place during a Thursday evening meeting with key PDP figures.

“I believe no one in the political history of this state has consulted as widely as I have before making such a move,” he said. “I did it out of respect for all of you—as stakeholders in the Akwa Ibom project. I needed your counsel and felt it was important to explain the reasons behind this decision.”

Eno described his defection as a response to the evolving political climate, stating: “We must be able to interpret the times, flow with them, and not swim against the tide. Having completed my consultations, I have now decided to align myself with the All Progressives Congress.”

For Nigerian travellers seeking flexibility and convenience, obtaining a five-year multiple-entry visa can significantly ease international travel. Such visas allow multiple entries into a country over five years, reducing the need for frequent reapplications.

Here are five countries that offer Nigerians this privilege:

1. United States 

The United States grants Nigerian citizens a B1/B2 visa valid for up to five years. This visa permits multiple entries for business or tourism purposes, with each stay typically limited to six months. The visa’s validity and duration of stay are determined by US immigration authorities at the port of entry.

2. Schengen Area Countries

Nigerian travellers with a strong visa history may be eligible for a five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa. This visa allows visits to any of the 29 Schengen countries, provided that the traveller does not exceed 90 days within any 180 days. Eligibility often requires previous possession of a multiple-entry Schengen visa and a history of compliance with visa regulations.

3. South Africa

In a move to strengthen bilateral relations, South Africa has introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa for qualified Nigerian businesspeople and tourists. This visa aims to facilitate easier travel between the two nations and promote economic cooperation. Notably, the application process has been simplified, allowing eligible Nigerians to apply without submitting their passports.

4. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE offers a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa to citizens of all countries, including Nigeria. To qualify, applicants must provide a passport valid for at least six months, a recent passport-sized photograph, valid medical insurance for the UAE, and a bank statement showing a minimum balance of $4,000 over the last six months. This visa allows multiple entries, with each stay not exceeding 90 days. 

5. Kenya
While Kenya’s standard eVisa is short-term, it issues long-term multiple-entry visas, including five-year options, upon request and proper justification. These are often given to frequent travellers, business people, or those with family or project commitments in the country. Applications can be made through the Kenyan eVisa portal or directly through immigration services.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed speculation that President Bola Tinubu may consider dropping Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to the APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, the rumours of the replacement are baseless and distracting, affirming that the relationship between the President and his deputy remains strong.

“I’m hearing that for the first time. There’s a solid working relationship between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima,” Arodiogbu stated.

“Shettima is a key asset—intelligent, focused, and deeply involved in this administration. These rumours are likely just political noise meant to create division.”

He further noted that such speculations are not uncommon in the run-up to an election, especially as political alignments begin to shift. However, he stressed that the President and the Vice President enjoy full confidence and backing from the party leadership.

Similarly, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, denied such a plan.

“I am not aware, Sir,” he said.

The rumours emerged in the aftermath of a high-profile endorsement of President Tinubu by key APC stakeholders. At the APC National Summit held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, 22 governors, National Assembly leaders, and senior party figures threw their support behind Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

The motion for endorsement was moved by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and was seconded by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani. Their position was later reinforced by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who cited the President’s performance as justification for continuity.

The flurry of endorsements has fueled speculation that the Vice President could be replaced to balance regional interests or expand Tinubu’s electoral base in 2027.