Today’s Headlines: Atiku’s Son Unveils Plan for Tinubu’s Re-Election; LSETF Disburses N15bn to MSMEs

Alhaji Abba Abubakar, son of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has unveiled a nationwide mobilisation plan to secure President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. Through his organisation, Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation (HBTO), he plans to organise a two-million-man mobilisation march across the six geopolitical zones, beginning in Abuja, with immediate efforts focused on the FCT and Rivers State.

Abubakar also announced plans to begin political mobilisation in Rivers in the first week of November and introduce a transportation support scheme with 10 luxury buses to ease commuting challenges. He said the organisation would establish structures across the country, engage communities and promote Tinubu’s policies, acknowledging that the administration’s reforms have caused difficulties but insisting they offer long-term benefits.

The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) has disbursed over ₦15bn to more than 20,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), contributing to the creation of over 320,000 jobs. Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Olatunbosun Alake, disclosed this during an event marking the fund’s 10th anniversary, adding that its loan repayment rate had exceeded 94 per cent.

Alake also revealed that the state was developing an innovation bill that would reserve 20 per cent of innovation grants for women- and youth-led businesses. Meanwhile, LSETF Executive Secretary, Feyishayo Alayande, said the fund had supported approximately 100,000 businesses through funding, training, mentorship and advisory services to promote sustainable business growth.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have killed 48 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters while foiling attacks on military positions in Bitta, Borno State, and Buni Yadi, Yobe State, between October 29 and 30, 2026. The military said the engagements involved coordinated ground and air operations, resulting in the recovery of 42 AK-47 rifles, machine guns, a mortar and large quantities of ammunition.

However, the operations recorded the death of one soldier, while two others sustained minor injuries and are receiving treatment. The military said the successful counter-attacks had dealt a major blow to the insurgents’ operational capabilities, adding that troops remained determined to sustain operations against terrorist groups across the North-East.

Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has knelt before a Federal High Court in Lagos and apologised for disrupting proceedings during her previous court appearance over charges of alleged cyberstalking, cyberbullying and attempted extortion involving Pastor Chris Okafor. She expressed regret over her behaviour and promised not to repeat it. However, the court reserved its ruling on her bail application until November 6, 2026, and ordered that she remain at Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the decision.

Meanwhile, her lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, said he would petition the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to withdraw the charges, describing the dispute as a private matter between former lovers. He argued that the prosecution violated Ogala’s fundamental rights and maintained that allegations of defamation should be addressed through civil proceedings rather than criminal prosecution.

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