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

Tinubu Returns to Lagos After Successful Three-Nation Tour

The Wrap Up | May 15 2026 Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni begins a seventh term in office, the United States waives visa bonds for some World Cup fans, Ghana evacuates citizens from South Africa as President Ramaphosa faces renewed impeachment pressure and Nigeria prepares to host two major CAF events later this year. #Museveni #SouthAfrica #Ramaphosa #WorldCup #CAF

At Eko Hotels' Legacy Summit, Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema says poor infrastructure and overreliance on oil continue to hinder Nigeria’s tourism growth. ow.ly/tq1P106ywbp

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have reportedly abducted several students after attacking schools in Borno during classes on Friday. ow.ly/7lSC106ywbj

President Tinubu says painful reforms introduced by his administration were necessary to stabilise Nigeria’s economy and secure future growth. ow.ly/Om28106ywbe

Nigerian actress, producer and director Genevieve Nnaji was honoured at the 79th Cannes Film Festival during the Red Sea Film Foundation’s “Women in Cinema” gala and luncheon on May 13 She was recognized among six influential female filmmakers from Africa, Asia, and the Arab world for reshaping global cinema and expanding diverse storytelling. The award highlighted her pioneering impact on Nollywood, especially her directorial debut Lionheart, the first Nigerian film acquired by Netflix. #ARISENEWS #NEWSDAYENTERTAINMENT #WOMENINCINEMA #GENEVIEVENNAJI #CANNES2026

FIFA has officially announced that global pop icon Madonna will headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium. Global K-pop superstars BTS are also set to perform, while Colombian pop superstar Shakira will perform her new 2026 World Cup anthem “Dai Dai” alongside Nigerian Grammy-winning star Burna Boy. Other artists linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup festivities include global pop stars Katy Perry and Doja Cat, alongside award-winning rapper Future, Canadian singer Michael Bublé, Thai rapper Lisa, Colombian hitmaker J Balvin, and Brazilian superstar Anitta. And last but not the least Representing Africa on the global stage are some of the continent’s biggest music exports, including Nigerian superstars Rema and Grammy-winning singer Tems, as well as South African sensation Tyla. #ARISENEWS #NEWSDAYENTERTAINMENT #2026FIFAWORLDCUP #WORLDCUPANTHEM #WORLDCUP

Controversial Nigerian influencer Blessing Nkiruka Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has been arraigned and remanded in custody over an alleged ₦36 million fraud case. According to the EFCC, she allegedly obtained the money from a woman under the false pretense of securing the lease of a luxury duplex in Lekki, Lagos. Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to the charges. Her lawyer told the court that ₦24 million had already been refunded and requested more time to repay the outstanding balance. However, the court declined any private settlement arrangement, ordered that she be remanded pending the fulfillment of bail conditions, and adjourned the case until June 5, 2026. The development also comes amid a separate investigation tied to alleged fraudulent cancer fundraising claims. #ARISENEWS #BLESSINGCEO #NEWSDAYENTERTAINMENT

The World Bank has restricted Instagram comments after Nigerians reacted to a proposed $1.25 billion loan to Nigeria. ow.ly/w4sC106yvOz

Social media influencer Blessing CEO appeared before a Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged N36 million fraud charges. ow.ly/jigg106yvOv

Over ninety students receive treatment after suspected chemical odour spreads across schools in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. ow.ly/t2hH106yvMc

Nigeria’s inflation rises to 15.69 per cent in April 2026, NBS reports. ow.ly/H1G7106yvMb

Dangote Refinery has asked a Lagos court to cancel fuel import licences issued to marketers and NNPC. ow.ly/Ff6K106yvM9

Analyst says weak institutions, poor accountability, and systemic failures continue to fuel corruption across Nigeria’s public sector. ow.ly/3QzE106yvCw

Over 60% of Nigerians Need Orthodontic Care In Nigeria, there is one dentist for every 54,000 people. The number of orthodontists is even lower, with one orthodontist serving about 1 to 2 million people. More than 60% of people need orthodontic care. — CEO, Smile360 Dental Specialists, Dr Amy Shumbusho.

Sanwo-Olu urges stronger public-private collaboration during Eko Hotels' Legacy Summit, says tourism remains critical to Africa’s economic growth and youth development. ow.ly/WX4v106yvy0

Obafemi Awolowo University community mourns Emeritus Professor Segun Osoba following his death at his Ogun State residence. ow.ly/5ijz106yvvP

Federal High Court convicts Katsina housewife after DSS linked her to ammunition supply operation for bandits in Plateau State. ow.ly/KW5Y106yvvH

Kenya increases petrol and diesel prices sharply as Middle East tensions tighten global crude supply and raise energy costs. ow.ly/Czfm106yvvG

Morocco earmarks $2 billion to cushion households against rising energy costs and economic shocks linked to Middle East tensions. ow.ly/RFB7106yvtI