Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

In a smooth transition of leadership, Biola Azeez, the Kwara state correspondent of the Tribune newspapers, has emerged as the new Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council.

Azeez’s emergence by affirmation marks the end of the tenure of the Mallam AbdulHakeem Garba-led executive committee, ushering in a new leadership phase for the elite body of journalists covering the state.

Also elected by affirmation were Ibrahim Alege of TVC as Vice Chairman, Sikirat Shehu of BusinessDay as Financial Secretary, and Afusat Agunbiade of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as Treasurer. .

In the only contested positions, Mosunmola Ayobami of Western Post defeated Okufemi Akobi of AIT by 27 votes to 4 to become the new Secretary, while Oluseyi DaSilva of Arise TV triumphed over Taiye Joseph of Kogi Graphics in another closely watched race to bec the new Auditor of the Chapel.

The new leadership is expected to build on the achievements of the outgoing executive in promoting professional excellence and strengthening collaboration between the media and public institutions in Kwara State.

In his acceptance speech, Biola Azeez commended the immediate past executives of the Chapel on standard set, pledging that his administration would improve on professionalism and welfare of members.

He also said that efforts would be made to improve on relationship with government and other newsmakers in the state in order to perform more effectively and serve as watch dog of the society.

End.

Guinea-Bissau’s military authorities say they have foiled an alleged coup attempt aimed at subverting the country’s constitutional order ahead of next month’s general elections.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that several senior army officers were arrested for allegedly plotting to derail the electoral process.

The arrests were made on Oct. 30, just hours before the official commencement of campaigns for the legislative and presidential elections scheduled for Nov. 23, 2025.

Among those detained was Brig.-Gen. Daba Nawalna, also known as Dahaba Na Walna, the Director of the Cuméré Military Training Centre and a former President of the Military High Court.

Officials said he was apprehended at his residence in Bissau.

The development has heightened political tensions in the small West African nation, which has experienced several coups and attempted takeovers since independence in 1973.

The sources said that investigations were ongoing to identify other possible conspirators and ensure the safety and stability of the country ahead of the elections.

The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has a new Zonal Director. He is Commander of the EFCC, CE Anselem Ozioko, who formally assumed duty on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, following a brief handover ceremony held at the Commission’s Conference Room, GRA, Ilorin.

Ozioko takes over from Daniel Isei, who has been redeployed to the Enugu Zonal Directorate as Zonal Director.

In his remarks during the handover, Isei expressed gratitude to God and the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, for the opportunity to serve in Ilorin. He appreciated the staff of the Directorate for their dedication and cooperation throughout his tenure, urging them to extend the same level of commitment and loyalty to his successor.

“My experience in Ilorin has been fulfilling and enriching. I thank the staff for their support and the synergy we shared in advancing the mandate of the Commission. I have no doubt that the new Zonal Director will build on the progress we’ve made,” he said.

Responding, Ozioko commended his predecessor for his leadership and contributions to the growth of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate. He pledged to sustain the tempo of excellence, professionalism, and teamwork that the EFCC is known for.

“I appreciate the management of the Commission for the confidence reposed in me. I look forward to working closely with all members of staff to achieve our collective goal of combating economic and financial crimes. Together, we shall take the Ilorin Zone to greater heights,” he said.

Ozioko, a lawyer by profession with over three decades of experience, has attended several professional courses and conferences both locally and internationally, including United States, Paris, Botswana, and Ghana.

Before his posting to Ilorin, he served as the Zonal Director of the EFCC, Makurdi Office, and had previously worked in the Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Ilorin Zonal Directorates of the Commission as Head of Legal and Prosecution Department.