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

For An Oil Producer Like Nigeria, What is Needed is a Strategic Reserve With Respect to the Products - Okon Nigerians want products, not just crude. Section 181 of the PIA provides for a strategic reserve for refined products and usually this can varie between 60 - 90 days sufficiency to tide over when scarcity takes place. Dr Timothy Okon, Managing Partner, Teno Energy

President Tinubu’s Visit to the UK is Powerful and Puts Nigeria on the Map - Usanga His visit showcases the potential we have and sends a strong signal to the rest of the world that Nigeria is very much ready to play on the international scene. Amb. John Usanga, Former Ambassador to Guinea Bissau / Cape Verde

Why Is Nigeria Still Celebrating Two Functional Seaports in 2026? - Ngwu Nigeria, a country of 230 million people, has only maybe two or three functional seaports. And in 2026, we are still celebrating that the UK is helping us to come and modernise our two seaports, Tinkan and Apapa, in Lagos. While the UK, with about 70 million people, has over 120 ports, 10 of them account for 70% of the trades in the UK. Dr. Franklin Ngwu, Director, Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre

Tinubu’s State Visit: We Don’t Need New MOUs and Agreements; We Need to Harness What Has Been Done – Obiezu We need a way to really practise what has already been done for the benefit of both countries involved. Ambassador Ijeoma Obiezu, Former Nigerian Ambassador to Ireland

Chief Lai Labode discusses the fashion at Egbaliganza, and comparison to Ojude Oba on Arise 360.

The Long and Shared History Between Our Countries Is Obvious and Much Valued We have a lot of work that we already do on the economy, defence, and security, but this is an opportunity to take that to the next level. Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

The Entire World Is Currently Going Through Challenges, and Nigeria Is Not Immune We are currently challenged in being the largest country in Africa; we are challenged by terrorism and banditry, and this will be discussed in bilateral relations so we can see what Britain can do to accelerate a friendship, partnership, and collaboration. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomes President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerian delegation to 10 Downing Street.

Egbaliganza: We Are Bringing 50 Countries To Abeokuta To Honour Our Hero Lisabi And Pay Homage To Kabiyesi Egbaliganza means ‘Egba the Great’. It is a cultural heritage movement and the innovative engine of the Lisabi Festival. We created Egbaliganza to bridge the gap between tradition and young people across the world. Cultural Advocate | Founder, Egbaliganza, Chief. Lai Labode

State Visit: I Disagree With International Credit Rating of African Economies - Tinubu As I walk through this hall, I see the true spirit of Nigeria - I see a people who take the best of the world in terms of techniques and infuse them into the ancient, unbreakable rhythm of our old heritage. This is the Nigeria I know; this is what we are all hoping to build. Our administration's mantra is 'renewed hope'; it will come to renew everybody's hope. We have navigated our way out of the dark tunnel of economic uncertainty and the hopelessness of the past. Monetary challenges are not about the people surrounding the indices, but about us generating those indices. It is about our determination to say who we are and where we are headed. We must embrace what is positive about Africa, particularly Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu

Russia may ban some fuel exports if prices rise, energy ministry official Anton Rubtsov says. ow.ly/I68v106w4Tb

What happens when women create platforms designed to empower each other economically? @abisola_owo explores this question in this special feature Watch full link feature here⬇️ youtu.be/iDP1gfDrF98

European leaders reject joining US-led Iran war, citing lack of consultation, unclear goals, and strong domestic opposition ow.ly/aXp0106w4Qz

EU says alternatives exist to bypass Hungary’s veto on Ukraine loan, but leaders must show political courage to act. ow.ly/MeV5106w4Qp

Germany sets mid-April deadline for agreement with France as disputes threaten future of joint FCAS fighter programme. ow.ly/1PGW106w4Mu

Nigeria and UK deepen ties as Tinubu, Starmer discuss trade, defence agreements and £746m port financing deal ow.ly/MuWZ106w4G4

National Association of Seadogs has urged halting corps postings to high-risk states, citing banditry, kidnappings, and road safety concerns ow.ly/BkN8106w4G3

Dr Pedro Obaseki files ₦500m suit after alleged abduction, assault, public humiliation, seeks accountability and justice in Benin. ow.ly/VMRj106w4G1

What happens when women create platforms designed to empower each other economically? @abisola_owo explores this question in this special feature Watch full link feature here⬇️ youtu.be/iDP1gfDrF98

King Charles Hosts President Tinubu At State Banquet