ARISE NEWS✓

TRAGIC DEATH : SOMTOCHUKWU CHRISTELLE MADUAGWU December 26, 1995 - September 29, 2025 It is with heavy hearts that the management and staff of the ARISE News Channel announce the passing of our beloved colleague, News Anchor, Reporter and Producer, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu. Sommie tragically passed away in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025 following an armed robbery incident in her residence in Katampe area of Abuja that is being investigated by the Nigeria Police. Sommie, 29, was not only a cherished member of the ARISE News family but also a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with our viewers. Beyond the airwaves, Sommie was a lawyer who was a professional and supportive colleague and a friend to many. We extend our deepest condolences to Sommie’s parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time. Sommie’s voice is now silent but her spirit, passion and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory. We remain in shock and call for a speedy investigation, apprehension and prosecution of the culprits. Hadiza Usman-Ajayi For Management

Nigeria’s power sector loses N150bn in Q2 as government considers payment guarantees, tackles legacy debts and targets 270GW generation by 2060.

Senate advances Barau’s bill to transform NILDS into a regional university offering specialised legislative and democratic governance training across West Africa.

French Development Agency and Bank of Industry sign $30m facility, reserving 90% for creative sector MSMEs, women and youth entrepreneurs.

NISO proposes a technical working group, integrated network mapping and real-time monitoring to coordinate state electricity markets and prevent grid fragmentation.

Atiku demands daily photographic and video evidence of Tinubu’s Umrah activities as the president departs Abuja for Saudi Arabia.

Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu targets a $1tn economy by 2052, promising infrastructure expansion, investment and improved business conditions.

Nigeria and African partners demand recognition, funding and better pay for community health workers, targeting two million deployments by 2030.

CBN says 57% of financial institutions are ready for data localisation, while NITDA reveals 326 MDAs spent N3.8trn on technology.

Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake denies selling $700bn mineral assets to the US, while an embassy official discloses an AI data centre deal.

Nigeria seeks Japanese investment, technology transfer and industrial partnerships as Tokyo promises faster visa processing and deeper economic cooperation.

Senate Deputy President Jibrin Barau defends Tinubu’s reforms, cites NELFUND and highway projects, and blames global conflicts for rising living costs.

Senate committee clears Nigerian Guild of Editors President Eze Anaba and 15 nominees for NHRC board, forwarding report for plenary consideration.

RCCG premieres ‘Redeeming: The Story’, a four-part documentary on its history, faith and legacy, on YouTube November 1, with three official trailers available.

Power Minister Joseph Tegbe says over 300 containers of power equipment remain stranded at Nigerian ports, with some held for 20 years.

Nigeria approves ₦45.8 billion airport biosecurity project featuring advanced laboratories, pathogen surveillance and real-time disease monitoring.

Nigeria and four neighbouring countries will discuss African Development Bank financing for the proposed 1,028-kilometre Lagos-Abidjan coastal highway.

Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele says proposed borrowing will fund productive investments, as government outlines inflation targets.

President Tinubu directs urgent clearance of over 300 containers of stranded electricity equipment, some held at ports for 20 years.

Data Drain: The Onus Is On Telecom Providers to Show Data Consumption - Ilias There is no explanation or transparency for how data is being used, and that is the problem. If data is exhausted, let there be a summary of how it was consumed. Aliyu Ilias, Executive Director, Save the Consumer

Allowing Sowunmi’s Wife to Be the Electoral Operations Department Officer Is Rigging the Election Beforehand - Okonkwo The electoral operations department is involved in the distribution of sensitive material; they recruit, train, and deploy all ad hoc staff on election day; and they coordinate and supervise polling unit and collation unit operations and returning officers during the election. The wife of the deputy spokesperson of the APC campaign handling all these means the election has been rigged before time. Kenneth Okonkwo, Spokesperson, Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign