Nigerian chef Hilda Baci has made her way back into the record books after kick-starting record fever across Africa. And this time, she’s out to win the “Jollof Wars” for her home country, Guinness World Records says.
Alongside brand Gino Nigeria, Hilda cooked up the largest serving of Nigerian style jollof rice last Friday – a whopping 8,780 kg (19,356 lb 9 oz) of the delicious dish.
Real name Hilda Bassey, the star served up the dish at an event in Victoria Island, Lagos, where thousands of people were in attendance and performers took to the stage.
Jollof rice is a staple dish in West Africa and there’s a big debate about who makes it best – Ghana or Nigeria.
The debate covers the ingredients that are used as well as the preparation methods.
Rules of the record stipulated that certain ingredients had to be used, and Hilda shared the exact measurements of everything she stirred into her record-breaking dish.
Her ingredients, cooked up in a gigantic pot, included 4,000 kg of washed basmati rice (the rice had to constitute at least 80% of the total weight), 164 kg of fresh goat meat, 220 kg of Gino Asun & peppered chicken cubes, and 600 kg of her own jollof pepper mix.
She said it took “nine hours of fire, passion and teamwork” and 1,200 kg of gas to create the 16,600 plates of rice “served with joy, love and community”.
Hilda and Gino Nigeria also had to follow strict rules when it came to the distribution of the food, with none of it allowed to be wasted.
A video posted to Hilda’s Instagram account shows the jollof rice being served up to all the hungry people who’d gathered in support and had to suffer through all those amazing smells before finally being able to dig in.
Impromptu chanting of “Hilda, we want jollof” broke out, with people in attendance simply desperate for a taste
And it went down a storm, with numerous people commenting on how nice it tasted.
Hilda said of her attempt: “I didn’t realize it would be this hard and it has been a challenge. It’s a lot of hard work but really satisfying to achieve the record.
The concerned youths of Pankshin Local Government Area have endorsed GUPAI YAKUBU EMMANUEL to contest for the Pankshin Local Government Council Chairmanship seat.
With his impressive leadership qualities and experience, GUPAI has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive positive change and development in our community.
KEY QUALITIES THAT MAKE HIM THE BEST CANDIDATE:
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
Gupai has shown a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of the youth, and has initiatives to empower them through education, skills development, and job creation. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
His experience in community development and social mobilization will enable him to effectively engage with the people, identify their needs, and develop solutions to address them.
INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Emmanuel’s commitment to transparency and accountability will ensure that our local government is managed efficiently and effectively, with resources allocated to benefit the entire community.
WHY GUPAI, YAKUBU EMMANUEL
Fresh Perspective-
As a relatively new face in politics, GUPAI will bring a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to the table, unencumbered by the baggage of traditional politics.
Strong Leadership:
His leadership style is characterized by empathy, inclusiveness, and a willingness to listen, making him an ideal candidate to unite our community and drive development.
Visionary :
GUPAI has a clear vision for Pankshin’s future, focusing on sustainable development, social justice, and economic empowerment.
Let’s support Gupai Yakubu Emmanuel to build a brighter future for Pankshin. His leadership will inspire confidence, drive growth, and improve the lives of our people. Together, we can make a difference and create a better tomorrow for ourselves and future generations. Let’s close the distance… with YAKX GUPAI!
Powered By Pankshin ConcernedYouths for Gupai 2026
Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has said it is mandatory for preachers to submit their sermons for approval.
Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, the governor clarified some aspects of the law seeking to regulate preaching in the state.
“I didn’t ban evangelism… For everyone going to sermon on Friday, he should bring his scriptures for review, and it’s normal. Even in Saudi Arabia, this is done. We cannot say because you have been given the opportunity to be a cleric, you will go out and preach the gospel that is anti-people, anti-government and you think it’s normal.”
Asked if it was out of fear of indoctrination, the governor said, “It’s in that direction. We want to be able to see what they are preaching, hear what they are saying. We are working together with security agencies; the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the military.”
The development, which first became public earlier in the month, has generated controversy.
The Director General of the Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, had said anyone interested in preaching in Niger must obtain a licence, emphasising that preachers had two months to obtain their licences.
“It is true, the State Government has banned preaching. Any preacher who wants to preach must secure a licence between now and the next two months.”
“All they need to do is to visit our office, get, and fill out the form. After which, they will have to face a panel that will screen them before they can start preaching,” Farooq had said.
Reacting to the development, the Chief Imam of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Bashir Yankuzo, had said, “My opinion is that preaching is a command. The government is not paying anyone for doing the job; people are preaching in order to earn the pleasure of God. So, the government cannot dictate who to preach to and who not to preach.
“But at the same time, if there are people who are going out of their way to cause security threats, using abusive words and so on, then government can have control over that in order to maintain peace and security.”
The secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Niger state chapter, Raphael Opawoye, had said the Christian body was not aware of the ban.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria is not aware of the ban. We shall come up with a statement when we are officially informed,” he had said.
But an Islamic scholar, Uthman Siraja, had described it as an infringement on religious rights.
“The ban on preaching is an infringement of freedom of worship and religion.
“The best thing for the government to do is to invite and penalise any preacher who incites the public in the cause of his preaching,” he had said.
The Plateau State chapter of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has reached a historic milestone with the successful election of new executives to steer the affairs of performing artists and creatives in the state.
The election, which took place on Saturday at the Bridge Hotel in Jos, saw music producer and entertainment entrepreneur Gabriel Hodus Elmore—widely known as “The Mayor of Jos”—emerge as the new Governor of PMAN Plateau. In what has been described as one of the most transparent contests in the union’s history, 82 accredited members peacefully cast their votes, affirming the credibility of the process.
Gabriel Hodus (Mayor of Jos – Elmore) as Governor
Eunice Weng Nyam as 1st Vice
Christopher Deshe (Qriztyle Deshe) as Secretary
Deborah Nanbyen Duke (Debbie Lex) as Treasurer
Amb Victor Lukas Mashat (Eski Laka) as Publicity Secretary Silas Igeh (Lex Sounds) as Provost
Rebetnan Nancy Danjuma (Cadmeal) as Welfare 1
Jugu Paul Wash (Dapper Jay) as Welfare 2
Elmore, who expressed excitement after his victory, pledged to reposition Plateau State as Nigeria’s leading entertainment hub.
“This is the beginning of a new era,” he declared. “Plateau used to be the heart of Nigerian entertainment, producing stars like M.I, Jesse Jagz, and the Choc Boys. My mission is to recreate an even bigger version of that era. I have a ten-point agenda to support artists, increase their visibility, and ensure they get the recognition and opportunities they deserve. Trust me, if they don’t ‘blow,’ hold me responsible.”
The election drew the participation of key stakeholders, representatives of government, and leading voices from the creative sector.
Barr. Ezra Jinang, Special Adviser to the Plateau State Governor on Creativity and Entertainment, monitored the process and described it as a landmark moment for the state’s creative industry.
“This is one of the biggest days for Plateau entertainment,” Jinang said. “The election shows that the industry is taking a giant leap forward. Government is paying attention, and in the coming months, we will host an all-inclusive creative summit and roll out programs to revive Plateau’s glory days.”
Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Silas Muhammad Abdulsalam, commended the peaceful and credible conduct of the polls. He highlighted that the exercise restored the right of Plateau musicians to freely choose their leadership after years of external impositions.
Observers from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment also endorsed the process. Obakiyesi Henry, Controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour, Plateau Office, noted that the peaceful outcome reflects the maturity of the state’s entertainment community, while stressing the importance of the creative sector in boosting Nigeria’s economy.
Outgoing Governor, Ambassador Comrade Humphrey Color, described his tenure as both challenging and rewarding. “It has been a hectic journey, but I am glad we united entertainers, gave visibility to PMAN Plateau, and built a strong relationship with government. I am confident the new administration will build on this foundation,” he said.
The election outcome was warmly received by artists across the state. Female rapper PJ Mistic called it a “stepping stone” for creatives, while reggae artist Jah Device and hip-hop act Lyrical Dr. Smith described it as a unifying moment that could open doors of empowerment for struggling musicians.
Widely hailed as one of the fairest elections in the association’s history, the process has set a new standard for the state’s entertainment sector. The inauguration of the new executives, led by Gabriel Elmore, is expected in the coming days and will attract prominent stakeholders from across the country.
A renewed push for lasting peace and unity in Plateau State is underway as over 300 young people converge for the Generation Peace Youth Camp 2025, an initiative of the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA) in collaboration with the Plateau State Government and international partners.
The week-long camp, taking place from September 7 to 14 at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, has drawn 302 participants from all 17 local government areas of the state, with deliberate inclusion of flashpoint communities historically affected by conflict.
The program, which combines training in conflict resolution, dialogue, storytelling, sports, and community action planning, seeks to equip young people with practical tools for peacebuilding and social cohesion. Participants, aged between 18 and 30, are expected to return to their communities as ambassadors of peace, replicating the lessons learned during the camp.
At a special town hall meeting hosted at Government House, Little Rayfield, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang welcomed the participants, praising their courage and commitment to championing peace. He commended the PPBA and its partners for creating a platform that allows young people to directly engage with leadership while developing the skills to resolve conflict.
The governor acknowledged the painful history of violence that has scarred Plateau, lamenting that many youths had grown up in a climate of fear, suspicion, and hostility. He charged the participants to reject hatred and bitterness inherited from past conflicts and instead embrace a future defined by unity, compassion, and mutual respect.
“No religion or ethnicity is superior to the other,” Governor Mutfwang said. “Every human being is God’s most precious creation. We must choose peace, respect, and humanity over division and violence.”
He also decried the loss of compassion in society, where tragedies are often recorded rather than prevented, urging youths to break that culture by becoming protectors and promoters of human dignity. Beyond peacebuilding, he highlighted agriculture and innovation as key to unlocking Plateau’s prosperity, calling on participants to drive productivity and development alongside peace efforts.
“God’s plan for Plateau is one of good, not evil,” the governor emphasized. “Let us open a new chapter that will make Plateau a beacon of hope and prosperity.”
In her welcome address, Dr. Julie Sanda, Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to nurturing a generation of peace. She noted that the camp is deliberately focused on young people from conflict-prone areas, stressing that the future of Plateau lies in transforming its youths into symbols of unity and resilience.
“Our goal is to ensure that this generation, once associated with conflict, becomes the generation identified with peace, social cohesion, and progress,” she said.
Also present at the town hall was Prof. Chris Kwaja, Special Envoy on Peace and Security, who commended Governor Mutfwang for consistently uniting Plateau since assuming office in May 2023. He praised the camp participants, most of whom are in their early twenties, for taking a stand against being manipulated into violence.
“These young people have resolved never again to be used as tools of destruction,” Kwaja said. “They have pledged to invest in peace, and in doing so, they are ambassadors not only for Plateau but for Nigeria as a whole.”
He stressed that true leadership transcends religion, ethnicity, or politics, and should instead foster collective humanity and justice.
Representing the Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT), Mr. Thomas Gimba applauded the state government and PPBA for prioritizing rural youths in peacebuilding. He emphasized that removing incentives for violence and addressing the grievances of rural communities are crucial to long-term stability.
“Engaging rural youths is a bold and strategic step,” Gimba said. “They understand their communities and challenges better than anyone, and with the right support, they can transform conflict dynamics.”
He pledged IFIT’s continued partnership through the provision of frameworks, tools, and global networks that will sustain Plateau’s peacebuilding journey.
The Generation Peace Youth Camp 2025 is thus not just a training program but a movement to rewrite Plateau’s story, from one marred by violence to one defined by peace, unity, and shared progress.
The Dangote refinery is set to commence its free fuel distribution scheme on Monday, starting with Lagos, the South West, Abuja, Kwara, Delta, Rivers, and Edo, respectively.
The Dangote spokesperson said; “We are starting the free fuel distribution scheme on Monday. We will start with Lagos and the South West, Abuja, Kwara, Delta, Rivers, and Edo States. There will be a drop in price effective on Monday when the free distribution starts”.
According to the Dangote Group spokesperson, Anthony Chiejina, the scheme will bring relief to millions of Nigerians by providing fuel at reduced prices.
The refinery has dropped petrol retail prices to N841 per litre in Lagos and the South West, and N851 per litre in Abuja, Edo, Kwara, Rivers, and Delta States. This price reduction is expected to boost economic activity and reduce the financial burden on Nigerians.
ALSO READ: Suspended strike: Dangote frustrating resolutions reached, NUPENG alleges
Over 1,000 trucks have been received by the refinery to commence the programme, with more states expected to benefit from the scheme as additional trucks arrive in Nigeria.
The refinery has also embarked on a large-scale Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered truck roll-out to enhance logistic strength and reduce costs.
“Even though we recently noticed how the CNG prices doubled a week ago, that will not deter our 10,000 CNG truck roll-out this year,” the company said.
This initiative, TRIBUNE ONLINE gathered, is part of Dangote’s efforts to improve fuel distribution and reduce costs, ultimately benefiting consumers.
The free fuel distribution scheme was initially slated to start in August but was delayed due to logistics challenges in China. Despite this setback, Dangote remains committed to its goal of providing affordable fuel to Nigerians.
The Federal Government has made Tax Identification, (Tax ID) compulsory for people getting involved in banking and allied services in the country.
Consequently, all taxable Nigerians are to obtain a Taxpayer Identification when the new tax Acts come into force in January 2026.
The Tax ID is contained in the provisions of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, Part II Section 4 of the legislation which was recently signed by President Bola Tinubu.
It says, “Every Taxable person shall register with the relevant Tax Authority and obtain a Taxpayer Identification Card (Tax ID) for the purpose of compliance with tax obligations.”
“Every ministry, department or agency of the federal, State or Local government shall register and obtain a Tax ID.”
Section 6 (1) of the Act also requires Non-resident persons who supply taxable goods and services to any person in Nigeria to obtain Tax ID, as they shall be obligated to pay tax in Nigeria.
Section 7 (3) empowers the relevant tax authority to issue Tax ID to a person who should have applied for an ID but failed to do so. The relevant tax authority is also empowered to refuse to issue a Tax ID to an applicant based on information available to it. In such a case, the authority shall inform the applicant of its decision within five working days.
Section 8 (1) (c) makes Tax ID a condition for entering into any contract with the Federal and State governments.
Section 8 (2) makes Tax ID mandatory for any person to operate a bank account or get involved in insurance, stocks or allied services in the country, once the Act comes into force from January 1, 2026.
The Act, however, provides an allowance to suspend or deregister the Tax ID, if the holder ceases to undertake trade or business, either temporarily or permanently.
Sector 10 (1) provides, “Where a taxable person temporarily ceases to carry on a trade or business in Nigeria, the taxable person shall notify the relevant tax authority of its intention to suspend its registration for tax purposes within 30 days of such temporary cessation of trade or business.
(2) “The Tax authority shall classify the Tax ID as ‘dormant’ and place it on suspension.
(3) “Where a taxable person permanently ceases to carry on trade or business in Nigeria, the taxable person shall notify the relevant tax authority of its intention to deregister for tax purposes within 30 days of such cessation of trade or business.”
Revenue Service Chairman’s enormous powers.
The Act for the Establishment of the Nigeria Revenue Service, 2025, makes the Executive Chairman its Governing Board Chairman, leaving the occupant with enormous powers.
The Board shall consist of Ex-Officio members, including a representative of the Minister of finance, not lower than the rank of a Director, a representative of the Minister of National Planning; Attorney-General of the Federation; Minister of Petroleum; Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, (not less than a Deputy Governor); the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission; the Comptroller-General of Customs or his representative who shall not be below Deputy Comptroller-General; the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission; as well as Executive Directors of the Revenue Service to be appointed by the President.
The Chairman of the Service shall have a four-year term of office, which could be renewed for another four – year term.
Section 22 (a) of the Act provides that the Service shall be funded through 4 percent deduction of revenues it shall collect, except Petroleum Royalties.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the shortlist of 286,697 candidates for the second phase of its ongoing recruitment exercise, which began with a nationwide advertisement on December 27, 2024.
According to a statement by the National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, the recruitment exercise aims to fill 3,927 vacancies across the Superintendent, Inspectorate, and Customs Assistant cadres as part of efforts to strengthen manpower capacity and enhance service delivery.
The Service said it received 573,523 applications in the first phase, which underwent a rigorous documentary screening process before candidates were shortlisted for the next stage.
The statement reads: “The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is pleased to inform the general public on the progress of its ongoing recruitment exercise, which commenced with an official advertisement published in national newspapers on Friday, 27th December 2024. In line with its statutory mandate to strengthen manpower capacity and enhance service delivery, a total of 3,927 vacancies were declared across the Superintendent, Inspectorate, and Customs Assistant cadres.
“The Service received a total of 573,523 applications during the first phase of the exercise. After a rigorous documentary scrutiny, 286,697 candidates were invited to proceed to the next phase. The second stage of the exercise, scheduled to take place from September 14th to 21st, 2025, will be conducted through an online Computer-Based Test (CBT), reflecting the Service’s commitment to transparency, accessibility, and fairness in the selection process.
“Candidates shortlisted for the CBT are required to undertake the test at any location of their choice, provided there is reliable internet access. The exercise must, however, be conducted using a laptop or desktop computer equipped with a webcam and a full-screen display, as the application is not mobile phone-enabled. A facial verification process will be carried out during login; therefore, candidates are advised to maintain a neat appearance to avoid difficulties with recognition.
“The CBT application is sensitive to noise and body movement. Accordingly, candidates must remain fully focused throughout the test’s duration, as excessive movement, whispering, or background distractions may result in automatic logout by the system.
“In the same vein, candidates are advised to avoid switching between windows during the test, as such actions will be flagged as malpractice and may lead to disqualification.
“To further assist shortlisted applicants, the Service has made provisions for a mandatory pre-test exercise, which will be conducted two days before the actual CBT. This session will enable candidates to familiarise themselves with the application. In this regard, two separate links will be sent to all shortlisted applicants, one for the pre-test and another for the actual examination. Candidates who applied for the Superintendent Cadre (Level 8) should note that they will be invited for an additional CBT in the next phase of the recruitment exercise. This provision does not apply to the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres.”
The Plateau State Chapter of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) is set to hold its state elections on Saturday, September 13, 2025, with preparations now in top gear. The elections will usher in new executives to steer the affairs of the union, which serves as the umbrella body for performing artists in the state.
At a Pre-Election Stakeholders’ Congress held in Jos on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mallam Salis Abdulsalam, a veteran entertainer and peacebuilder, stressed the importance of getting the process right to strengthen the association. He noted that Plateau State, with its rich legacy in Nigerian entertainment, must set an example despite the challenges facing PMAN at the national level.
“We are committed to conducting a transparent election. All arrangements have been made in collaboration with security agencies and relevant government bodies. On Saturday, musicians will have the opportunity to choose leaders that will represent their interests,” Abdulsalam assured.
He stated that, with key stakeholders including veterans like Dorcas Bentu, Dr Panam Percy Paul and behind the state structure, accountability, fairness, and transparency would guide the electoral process, with eligibility tied to proper registration and payment of dues. Security agencies, government representatives, and independent observers will also be on ground to monitor proceedings.
Outgoing Chairman, Comrade Humphrey Color, expressed excitement over the transition, urging unity among artists. “My vision has always been to unite entertainers on the Plateau. PMAN is a family, and I will continue to support it even after leaving office,” he said.
Also speaking, Sak Solo, a Director at the Plateau State Ministry of Information and Communication and a former PMAN Governor, highlighted the need for mobilization. He called on members to encourage more artists to participate in the exercise, stressing that the industry must be formally recognized and adequately captured in state budgets.
Other speakers, including members of the Electoral Committee, Simon Asemoh and Amb Chris Osibo reiterated that the election would be open, transparent, and credible. They encouraged artists to take ownership of PMAN, describing the union as vital for the growth of the creative industry on the Plateau.
The elections will take place at Bridgeview, Jos, with a subsequent inauguration ceremony expected to attract government officials, industry veterans, and entertainers across the state.
For many young Africans, conversations about governance often feel like echoes of the same old story: corruption scandals, broken promises, and systems that rarely work for the people they are meant to serve. However, in Akure, Nigeria’s Southwest, inside the halls of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), something different unfolded. Students gathered not to complain about yesterday’s failures, but to imagine tomorrow’s possibilities.
This was the heartbeat of the African Students Leadership Summit (ASLS 2025), where the theme “Reimagining Governance: Shaping the Future of Leadership and Societal Systems” became more than words on a banner. It became a challenge to rethink what leadership could look like if built on values, vision, and systems designed from Africa’s own realities.
Convener Ekenedilichukwu Charles Emmanuel, Director of the Ekkolaptikos Institute of Strategic Leadership (EISL) and an alumnus of the University of Jos, Plateau State, set the tone from the very first session: leadership, he reminded participants, is not about doing what one likes, but about doing what is right. His call framed the summit as less of a conference and more of a mirror, urging Africa’s next leaders to see themselves as responsible actors, not just critics of the present order.
From there, the summit leaned heavily into ideas. Babajide Marculey, a lecturer at FUTA, urged students to view education not as a mere pursuit of academic credentials, but as a tool for transformation. His gift of books to two students, a simple gesture, reinforced the point: knowledge is not a trophy, it is a compass.
Titilayo Obileye, Communication Strategist to the Ekiti State Governor, went further. Through an imaginative exercise, she asked students to re-picture their communities. Her piercing reminder — “What you value is what you govern with” — left the room silent for a moment. The message was clear: Africa’s governance systems must be rooted in its own values, not borrowed templates.
Even goodwill moments carried weight. Mr. Chinda, Managing Director of the International Institute of Project & Safety Management, spoke less like a guest and more like a mentor, sharing how reimagining governance had reshaped his own institution. His message to the students was blunt: systems thinking is not a theory, it is a survival tool.
Panels and fireside chats, moderated by Emmanuel, turned abstract debates into practical lessons: how to manage dissent, how to align vision with people’s needs, how to measure time and decisions. Again and again, the refrain was the same: the future will belong to leaders who design with intention, not those who govern by accident.
The summit also spotlighted students who are already building futures through enterprise. A “Waste-to-Wealth” recycling initiative and a youth-driven beauty products brand stood out as proof that governance is not limited to political office, it is about solving systemic problems, from the environment to the economy.
Backed by partners such as The Homes Group Limited, International Institute of Project & Safety Management, Vimedia Africa, and PSJ Nigeria, ASLS 2025 showed the power of shared responsibility. Its Pan-African vision, One Africa, One Future, One Leadership Voice, carried through every session.
For students, ASLS was not a symbolic gathering. As one participant put it:
The summit ended with the launch of the Civic Futures Network and a communiqué to guide ongoing engagements. Organisers also revealed plans to produce a documentary film capturing the transformation journey.
In the end, ASLS 2025 was less about titles and more about mindset shifts. It was a rehearsal for Africa’s future — one where governance is foresight-driven, systems-oriented, and rooted in values.
