THENEWSCREDIT has captured the profound spiritual atmosphere that enveloped Ogbomoso on Saturday, October 17, 2026, as thousands of listeners tuned into the live broadcast of the popular program "NIWAJU-OLUWA" on BRAVE 91.1FM. The service was marked by deep emotional reverence and an unyielding commitment to God, drawing an expansive nationwide audience to a timely message aimed at reviving hope amidst personal and national adversities. Preaching with profound apostolic authority, the guest minister, Bishop Akintayo Asamu, delivered a highly powerful sermon titled, "WHEN THE ROADS HAS CLOSED" (Nigba Ti Ona Ba Pin). According to reports gathered by THENEWSCREDIT, the cleric anchored his message on the dramatic biblical accounts of the Israelites at the banks of the Red Sea in Exodus 14:1-31 and the historic journey of Prophets Elijah and Elisha at the Jordan River, demonstrating how divine intervention manifests when human capacity fails. The Bishop emphasized that when believers find themselves trapped against dead ends, fear must give way to absolute faith in God. Drawing from Exodus 14:13-14, he reminded the panic-stricken audience of Moses` charge to stand firm and witness the salvation of the Lord. He reassured listeners that just as God fought for Israel against Pharaoh`s advancing army, He remains faithful today to fight for those who trust Him, providing a way of escape in times of trial as promised in 1 Corinthians 10:13. In his scriptural exposition, Bishop Asamu explained that when a new way forward is desperately needed, believers must look to the prophetic promise in Isaiah 43:19, where God declares He will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. He admonished the congregation to adhere to Proverbs 3:5-6 by trusting the Lord with all their hearts rather than leaning on human understanding, emphasizing that when physical roads close, Jesus Christ Himself becomes the living path, as stated in John 14:6. Speaking further on the power of God to open doors that no man can shut, the cleric cited Revelation 3:8 and the miraculous deliverance of Paul and Silas in Acts 16:25-26. He noted that even with little physical strength, consistency in prayer and praises can cause immediate supernatural breakthroughs, unfastening the strongest bonds of stagnation, delay, and spiritual oppression. The sermon reached a stirring climax as Bishop Asamu broken down the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, highlighting the transition from the Israelites` initial panic to Moses stretching out his staff under divine command. He vividly described how a strong east wind turned the sea into dry land, allowing safe passage, before the same waters rushed back at dawn to sweep away Pharaoh`s chariots—a victory encapsulated in the triumphant songs of Moses and Miriam in Exodus 15. Reflecting on the prophetic transition of power at the Jordan River between Elijah and Elisha in 2 Kings 2, the Bishop challenged listeners to evaluate their personal devotion and service to God. He pointedly asked the audience to reflect on their sacrifices for their Maker and what legacy they would leave behind in the house of God and His vineyard. The cleric urged the nation not to give up when faced with seemingly impassable barriers, stating that if a road is closed, believers must possess the faith to create another route through divine backing. He declared that with perseverance and total reliance on God`s grace, every listener would safely reach their destined earthly and spiritual breakthroughs. THENEWSCREDIT observed intense emotional responses from listeners, many of whom flooded the station`s communication lines with testimonies of renewed hope, repentance, and re-dedication to God. The message was widely described by the public as a therapeutic balm for the brokenhearted and a vital blueprint for navigating current societal hardships. Bishop Asamu concluded the live broadcast with an intense session of prophetic prayers, decreeing that whatever challenges the listeners were currently passing through, victory was guaranteed. He assured the public that the same God who split the Red Sea apart, as recounted in Psalm 136, remains alive to make a supernatural way out of every humanly impossible situation.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Christian denominations across Nigeria to fiercely guard and sustain their unity, even as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) implored the Federal Government to prioritize citizen protection, uphold the Constitution, and remain transparent in managing public resources. The dual appeal was made on Saturday during CAN’s milestone 50th anniversary celebration held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja. The golden jubilee event also served as a platform to honour several prominent national figures, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who received the prestigious Christian Icon Award. Speaking as the special guest of honour, Senator Tinubu congratulated CAN on five decades of steadfast service to God and humanity. She noted that the anniversary theme, "Walking Together in Faith," perfectly mirrors the prayer of Jesus Christ for unity among believers. Quoting John 17:21–22 and Ephesians 4:4–6, the First Lady stressed that scriptural foundations underscore the necessity of a single body, Spirit, and faith. “I pray that, just as Christ prayed for the saints, all the Christian blocs and denominations will continue to remain united in Jesus’ name,” she said, wishing the association more decades of impactful service to the nation. In his anniversary address, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh declared that the association’s next 50 years must usher in a more informed, courageous, and evidence-based approach to national discourse. He emphasized that while the Church must hold political leaders accountable, its interventions must never degenerate into partisan attacks. “The message of the Church to those in governance must be clear," Archbishop Okoh stated. "Govern well, serve faithfully, protect the people, respect the Constitution, account for public resources, listen to citizens, protect the vulnerable, strengthen institutions, and make Nigeria great.” Okoh reviewed CAN`s five-decade legacy of defending religious freedom, justice, and good governance, but insisted that the golden jubilee should represent a renewed national mission rather than just a celebration of past milestones. He urged religious leaders to engage in "critical collaboration" with the state—cooperating where the common good is pursued, but independently challenging authorities whenever justice demands it. He specifically championed the plight of vulnerable Nigerians, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), out-of-school children, unemployed youth, and rural farmers displaced by insecurity. Receiving his Christian Icon Award, SGF Senator George Akume described the recognition as a humbling validation of integrity and service. He remarked that public office must always be treated as an avenue for sacrifice rather than a privilege for personal enjoyment. “As Secretary to the Government of the Federation, I remain profoundly conscious of the enormous responsibility entrusted to me by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and of the duty to contribute to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Akume said, dedicating his award to selfless, unsung Nigerians and the country`s youth. The historic event also witnessed the presentation of Pillar of Faith Awards to former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, and former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN. Other notable recipients of the Christian Icon Award included Governors Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo). The anniversary drew a high-profile audience of political and religious heavyweights, including the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.); Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; former SGF Boss Mustapha; and former Information Minister Prof. Jerry Gana. Founded in August 1976, CAN continues to serve as the unified umbrella body for the Nigerian Christian community.

Renowned Nigerian comedian and gospel actor, Ayo Ajewole, popularly known as Woli Agba, has strongly defended his crew member, Dele Omowoli, following online criticism over a video showing him crying uncontrollably over the death of gospel singer Toluwanisings. The video, which sparked intense debate on social media, featured Omowoli weeping over the loss of his close colleague and friend. Toluwanisings passed away in Ibadan on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, throwing the gospel and comedy community into deep mourning. Reacting to netizens who labeled Omowoli`s decision to record his grief as "foolish," Woli Agba dismissed the criticism as insensitive. Speaking in a video address on Friday, October 16, 2026, the veteran entertainer explained that the video served as a critical distress signal rather than content for social media engagement. "What people do not understand is that the video made those of us close to him realize the gravity of his emotional state," Woli Agba stated. "We immediately had to reach out to him to calm him down. Would critics prefer he grieved in isolation until something worse happened to his own health?" Woli Agba further noted that Omowoli was not merely weeping but was actively eulogizing the deceased singer’s hard work and dedication. He emphasized that the devastating loss had taken a severe toll on the entire crew`s well-being, revealing that his own blood pressure spiked significantly after returning from mourning the late singer. "My wife insisted I check my BP, and it was dangerously high," Woli Agba shared, urging the public to exercise empathy and caution when commenting on how individuals process trauma and grief. The sudden demise of Toluwanisings has triggered a massive wave of grief across the country, with Woli Agba noting that tribute posts have already garnered nearly 50,000 comments from grieving fans and colleagues.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has issued a stern warning to his incoming successor against any attempt to dismantle the critical security, economic, and law enforcement agencies established by his administration. Makinde gave the charge on Thursday during the official commissioning of the newly constructed headquarters for the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) in Ibadan. With his second term scheduled to wind down in May 2027, the Governor emphasized that the institutional frameworks put in place by his government were designed to guarantee long-term stability and sustainable development for the state. He specifically cautioned against tampering with key bodies, including the Oyo State Security Network Agency (popularly known as Amotekun), OYRLEA, the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), the Oyo State Project Performance Monitoring Agency, the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socioeconomic Development (OYMASED), and the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA). According to Makinde, these institutions were structured to institutionalize orderliness, accountability, and public safety. He warned that any attempt by the next administration to scrap them would yield severe negative consequences for the state`s progress. "At the heart of good governance is the rule of law," Governor Makinde stated. "When people know their rights and security agencies enforce the law without bias, you have order, investors come in, and the economy improves. That is what we have experienced in Oyo State." He added that any incoming administration genuinely committed to the future and prosperity of Oyo State would seek to strengthen, rather than dismantle, the legacy institutions.

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate sustained its welcome downward trajectory, dropping significantly to 14.63 per cent in September 2026. This represents a noticeable decline from the 15.39 per cent recorded in August 2026, signaling a steady cooling of overall macroeconomic price pressures across the federation. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) disclosed the latest figures on Thursday in its highly anticipated Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Inflation Report. The new data confirms that the federal government`s recent economic stabilization policies are beginning to reflect positively on broader statistical indices. However, the reality on the ground presents a stark paradox for the average Nigerian consumer, as the cost of living remains stubbornly high. The NBS report highlighted that food inflation defied the general downward trend, ticking upward slightly to 19.59 per cent in September from the 19.57 per cent recorded in August. This persistent rise in food costs continues to exert severe financial pressure on households across the country. Market analysts attribute the sticky food prices to ongoing security challenges in agricultural belts, high logistics and transportation costs, and lingering structural bottlenecks in the domestic supply chain. In a direct response to the broader easing of headline inflation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has shifted its monetary policy stance to support economic growth. At its latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, the apex bank aggressively slashed the benchmark interest rate to 23 per cent from its previous peak of 26.5 per cent. CBN Governor indicated that the sharp interest rate cut was explicitly informed by the consecutive months of declining inflation. By easing credit conditions, the monetary authority aims to stimulate investments, lower the cost of borrowing for manufacturing sectors, and bolster the country`s gross domestic product (GDP) growth. While the reduction in both headline inflation and interest rates offers a glimmer of macroeconomic hope, economic experts warn that the gains will remain muted until food inflation is decisively tackled. Stakeholders are now urging the federal and state governments to roll out targeted agricultural interventions to ensure that statistical relief translates into affordable food on the tables of ordinary Nigerians.

Tragedy has hit the Nigerian gospel music community following the sudden and untimely death of fast-rising singer, Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings. The talented artist reportedly passed away after unexpectedly slumping. The news of his sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, leaving family, friends, and thousands of fans in deep mourning. The heartbreaking incident was officially confirmed by Pelumi Olajengbesi, the Convener of the Coalition of Public Interests Lawyers and Advocates (COPA), who shared the tragic update via his social media handles. In a deeply emotional statement, Olajengbesi expressed profound grief over the loss, lamenting the recurring tragedy of young, promising Nigerians dying in their prime. He prayed for God`s intervention and mercy over the untimely deaths of vibrant youths across the nation. According to preliminary accounts monitored by THENEWSCREDIT, the singer was active and seemingly healthy before he suddenly collapsed and died on the spot. The abruptness of the incident has left his inner circle and colleagues in total disbelief, as there were no public indications of severe illness prior to his passing. Emergency efforts to revive him at the scene unfortunately proved abortive. This devastating loss comes just a few months after Toluwanisings and members of his musical crew miraculously survived a near-fatal road accident. In July 2026, the singer and his band were traveling for a gospel ministration when a fully loaded trailer nearly crushed their bus, completely wrecking the vehicle. Reflecting on the incident at the time, the singer had publicly expressed deep gratitude to God for sparing their lives from what could have been a fatal disaster. The late Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji was widely recognized for his soul-lifting melodies and energetic ministrations within the indigenous gospel music space. His songs, which blended deep spiritual themes with cultural rhythms, had earned him a dedicated following across Nigeria. Peers in the gospel industry have described his passing as a massive blow to the propagation of the gospel through music. As news of his death continues to spread, social media platforms have been flooded with tributes and expressions of condolence from fans and fellow gospel artists. Many have described Toluwanisings as a passionate minister whose life and music touched countless souls despite his relatively short time in the spotlight. His unique voice and impactful presence on stage will be sorely missed by the Christian community. At the time of filing this report, official statements from the late singer’s family and management team regarding his burial and funeral arrangements are still being awaited. In the meantime, THENEWSCREDIT joins millions of Nigerians in praying for fortitude for his family and loved ones to bear this irreplaceable loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

The Nigerian Senate has passed for a second reading a landmark bill aiming to establish a comprehensive national framework for suicide prevention, decriminalise attempted suicide, and provide structured rehabilitation for survivors. The legislative piece represents a significant shift toward viewing mental health struggles through a medical lens rather than a criminal one. However, the advancement of the bill occurred amidst intense debate and sharp opposition from the leadership of the upper legislative chamber. Sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong representing Cross River South, the bill explicitly seeks to resolve a glaring contradiction embedded within Nigeria’s current legal framework. Ekpenyong highlighted that while the National Mental Health Act legally recognises an attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency demanding immediate medical treatment, legacy statutes continue to treat the act as a felony. Specifically, Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code still dictate punitive measures for survivors. Leading the argument for reform, Senator Ekpenyong maintained that decriminalisation without establishing accessible, institutional care would be incomplete. He emphasised that suicide stems from deeply complex psychological and socio-economic causes, thereby demanding a humane, health-focused state response rather than handcuffs. According to the lawmaker, treating survivors as criminals yields highly counterproductive results for public health. The sponsor warned that the current criminalisation system discourages vulnerable individuals from seeking professional help and forces families to conceal suicide attempts out of fear of legal consequences. This culture of secrecy, he noted, heavily contributes to poor national data collection on mental health crises. Furthermore, Ekpenyong cautioned that continued punishment could dangerously pressure distressed individuals to ensure their attempts are fatal simply to avoid prosecution. To replace the threat of imprisonment, the proposed legislation outlines a supportive pathway involving mandatory psychiatric assessment, medical referral, treatment, and long-term follow-up care. Beyond individual rehabilitation, the framework provides for the establishment of national crisis helplines. It also mandates specialised suicide prevention training for police officers, teachers, and health workers, alongside public enlightenment campaigns and a unified national data system. However, the bill faced fierce resistance from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who strongly advocated for maintaining the status quo of criminal penalties. Akpabio argued that removing the threat of jail time could inadvertently lower the barrier to the act and encourage more people to attempt it. He insisted that preserving the penalty remains a necessary deterrent within the Nigerian society. The Senate President further pointed out that altering these laws involves fundamental changes to both the Criminal Code and the Penal Code. Consequently, he noted that the amendment would require extensive input and alignment from various state Houses of Assembly during public hearings to avoid severe constitutional and legal conflicts across different regions of the country. Expressing his rigid stance during the plenary debate, Akpabio questioned the core philosophy of the amendment before delivering a stark warning. “At the heart of this bill is a simple question: when a Nigerian survives a suicide attempt, should the first response of the state be prosecution or protection?" Akpabio asked, before concluding, "If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail.” Despite his opposition, the bill has been referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Health for further legislative consideration and a public hearing.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday struck out the eight-count criminal charge filed by the Federal Government against Adeniyi Adeyemi, the alleged fake Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), THENEWSCREDIT reports. Justice Mohammed Garba Umar terminated the proceedings following a formal application by the Federal Government, which indicated that the matter is being transferred to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for a fresh arraignment. At the resumption of proceedings on Monday, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, moved the application seeking to withdraw the case. Oyedepo informed the court that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice had reviewed the case file—which was initially filed by the Inspector-General of Police—and identified critical jurisdictional loopholes. According to the DPPF, the specific documents allegedly forged by Adeyemi while operating the unauthorized council constituted offences that fall squarely under the prosecution purview of the FCT High Court, rather than the Federal High Court. He further disclosed that a fresh charge has already been filed before the FCT High Court to ensure Adeyemi is arraigned afresh without delay. He subsequently urged the court to strike out the current charge in accordance with the law. Defense counsel Ibrahim Angulu, SAN, raised no objection to the prosecution`s application. Consequently, Justice Umar struck out the case. Adeyemi, 38, was being prosecuted under the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/25/2025 on counts bordering on criminal conspiracy and forgery. He was charged alongside two other defendants who remain at large, identified simply as Femi and Anu.

Human rights watchdog Amnesty International has accused the Nigeria Police Force of a "reckless violation of human rights" following the alleged blocking of a anti-government "Tinubu-Must-Go" event in Kano State. In a statement shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the organization said heavily armed police operatives sealed off all entry and exit points to the venue, stalling the peaceful political gathering. Amnesty described the deployment as an unlawful clampdown on freedom of association and peaceful assembly, stating that security agencies have a legal duty to safeguard public gatherings rather than disrupt them. "The Nigeria Police must desist from such reckless violation of human rights. It is perfectly within the rights of supporters of all candidates and all political parties to carry out peaceful political activities," the group said. The organization further characterized the Kano incident as part of an escalating pattern of state-backed intimidation directed at opposition voices and critical civil assemblies across Nigeria.

Major fuel retailers, including Dangote Refinery-backed MRS, Ranoil, and AA Rano, have increased the retail price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, across Abuja and neighboring areas over the weekend. A market survey conducted on Sunday reveals that MRS filling stations adjusted their pump prices upward by N39 per litre, moving from N1,370 to N1,409 per litre. The new pricing structure is already active at MRS outlets in Kubwa, Katampe, Gwarimpa, and other strategic locations within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In a simultaneous move, Ranoil and AA Rano raised their retail prices by N10 per litre, pushing their pump prices up to N1,410 per litre from the previous N1,400. This fresh round of price hikes hits consumers just as the Federal Government, through the Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, proposed a petrol price discount to N1,350 per litre exclusively at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) retail stations. In response, independent fuel retailers and oil marketers are mounting pressure on the Federal Government. They are urging authorities to extend the proposed fuel subsidy discount initiative to private and independent filling stations to ensure fair market competition and wider relief for Nigerians. The unexpected weekend price hike snaps a brief downward trend enjoyed by consumers during the previous week. On the global stage, energy markets remain highly pressurized, with Brent crude trading at $104 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude standing at $91 per barrel.